UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme for Masters and PhD/MPhil for Africa, SIDS, Ukraine, Türkiye who has secured a Japanese supervisor is still open until 20 September 2026 Deadline and successful applicants can apply will get funding from the Government of Japan.
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme (also known as the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme) is a long-standing initiative established in 2001 under the Japanese Funds-in-Trust. It supports highly qualified young researchers from selected countries to undertake postgraduate research in Japan. For Cycle 2026, 10 fellowships will be awarded, focusing on heritage conservation and management, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence, with emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches that address social, ethical, governance, and contextual dimensions.
UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Facts & Quick Verification
- Number of awards: 10
- Grant: Up to US$10,000
- Duration: 3 to 9 months
- Host country: Japan (Japanese universities or research institutions)
- Research period: From February 2027 onwards, completed by December 2027
- Eligible countries: Africa (47 Member States), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Ukraine, and Türkiye
- Age limit: Maximum 40 years at the time of application
- Application deadline: 30 September 2026 (midnight Paris time)
- Official website: unesco.org/en/fellowships/keizo-obuchi
UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Coverage & Requirements Matrix
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant | Up to US$10,000 (covers travel, accommodation, living costs, insurance, and research-related expenses) |
| Duration | 3–9 months |
| Host | Japanese university or research institution |
| Supervision | Academic mentor/supervisor in Japan required |
| Degree requirement | Master’s degree or equivalent |
| Age | No more than 40 years old at application |
| Language | Sufficient proficiency in the language of instruction/supervision at the host institution |
| Nationality | From invited Member States/Associate Members only |
Official Source & Portal Verification for UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’
All information must be verified on the official UNESCO page:
https://www.unesco.org/en/fellowships/keizo-obuchi
Download the Cycle 2026 Application Guide and related documents from the same page. Applications are processed exclusively through National Commissions for UNESCO.
The Step-by-Step Roadmap to Apply for UNESCO/Japan Young Research
- Confirm eligibility (nationality, age, degree, research theme).
- Identify and secure acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.
- Prepare the research proposal and required documents.
- Submit the complete application to your country’s National Commission for UNESCO (well before the deadline — recommended at least 2 weeks early).
- If nominated by the National Commission, ensure the endorsed package reaches UNESCO by 30 September 2026.
- Await selection results (evaluation October–November 2026; awards December 2026).
- If selected, prepare for the research stay in Japan starting from February 2027.
UNESCO Supporting Academic Collaboration
Fellows conduct research under the guidance of a Japanese academic supervisor and engage with Japan’s research community. The programme fosters international knowledge exchange and strengthens research capacity in the fellows’ home countries.
Fellowship Duration and Funding Opportunities
Duration ranges from 3 to 9 months. The grant of up to US$10,000 is intended to cover international and local travel, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and other research-related costs. It does not cover tuition fees, equipment, or conference fees.
Focus on Development Through Scientific Research
The 2026 cycle prioritises innovative postgraduate research in:
- Heritage Conservation and Management
- AI for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Climate Action
- Ethical, Inclusive and Human-Centred AI for Sustainable Development
- AI for Sustainable Cities, Infrastructure and Societal Resilience
- AI and Education
Interdisciplinary approaches that link these themes with social, ethical, governance, and contextual issues are particularly encouraged.
Growing Importance of International Research Partnerships
The programme builds bridges between researchers from Africa, SIDS, Ukraine, Türkiye and Japanese academic institutions, promoting mutual learning and long-term collaboration in areas critical to sustainable development and UNESCO’s mandate.
UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Mission
Named in honour of the late Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, the programme aims to strengthen human resource capacity, support high-quality research, and foster international cooperation in fields aligned with UNESCO’s goals.
Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities
Fellows must carry out the approved research project under a Japanese supervisor, complete the stay within the agreed timeframe, and return to their home country to apply the knowledge gained. A research report and other outputs are typically required.
Fellowship Overview and Academic Purpose
This is a research fellowship (not a taught degree programme). It enables young researchers holding at least a Master’s degree to advance their postgraduate research through a supervised stay at a Japanese institution.
What This Fellowship Offers
- Financial support of up to US$10,000
- Access to Japanese academic expertise and research environments
- Opportunity to develop high-quality, internationally relevant research
- Strengthened professional networks and capacity for contribution to home-country development
Key Features of the Fellowship
- 10 awards for Cycle 2026
- Research stay in Japan (3–9 months)
- Focus on priority themes linked to heritage, sustainable development, and AI
- Nomination required through National Commissions for UNESCO
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary and context-sensitive research
Eligible courses for UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’
There are no prescribed courses. The fellowship supports self-directed postgraduate research projects within the priority thematic areas listed above, carried out at a Japanese host institution.
Who can Apply
Highly qualified young researchers (maximum age 40) who are nationals of the invited countries (Africa, SIDS, Ukraine, Türkiye), hold at least a Master’s degree, and have secured a Japanese academic supervisor.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality of an invited Member State or Associate Member
- Age ≤ 40 years at the time of application
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
- Strong academic and research potential
- Language proficiency suitable for the Japanese host institution
- Formal acceptance from a Japanese academic supervisor
- Research proposal aligned with the 2026 priority themes
Study Period and Funding
Study period: 3–9 months between February and December 2027.
Funding: Grant of up to US$10,000.
Research Proposal Outline Guide Applicants can use for UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships
A strong proposal is clear, focused, feasible within 3–9 months, and aligned with one of the priority themes. Recommended length: 5–8 pages (excluding annexes).
Suggested Structure
1. Title
Concise, specific, and descriptive of the research focus.
2. Abstract / Summary (150–250 words)
Brief overview of the research problem, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to the selected priority theme.
3. Background and Research Problem
- Context of the issue
- Current state of knowledge
- Clear identification of the research gap
- Why this research is timely and important
4. Research Objectives
- Overall aim
- 3–5 specific, measurable objectives
5. Relevance to Priority Themes
Explicitly link the proposal to one (or more) of the Cycle 2026 themes:
- Heritage Conservation and Management
- AI for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Climate Action
- Ethical, Inclusive and Human-Centred AI for Sustainable Development
- AI for Sustainable Cities, Infrastructure and Societal Resilience
- AI and Education
Highlight interdisciplinary, social, ethical, or governance dimensions where relevant.
6. Methodology
- Research approach and design
- Data sources and collection methods
- Analytical framework
- Feasibility within the proposed timeframe and Japanese host institution resources
- Ethical considerations
7. Work Plan / Timeline
Month-by-month plan covering the 3–9 month period in Japan (and any preparatory or follow-up activities).
8. Expected Outcomes and Contribution
- Concrete research outputs (papers, reports, datasets, policy briefs, etc.)
- Contribution to knowledge, practice, or policy
- Potential impact in the home country and beyond
9. Dissemination Plan
How findings will be shared (academic publications, conferences, policy engagement, open access, capacity building in home country, etc.).
10. Justification for Host Institution in Japan
- Why the chosen Japanese university/research institution and supervisor are suitable
- Specific facilities, expertise, or collaboration opportunities that will support the research
11. Budget Outline (linked to the US$10,000 grant)
High-level breakdown of major cost categories (travel, living expenses, research costs, insurance, etc.).
12. References
Key academic and policy sources (keep selective and relevant).
Key Tips for Success
- Keep the proposal realistic and tightly focused.
- Demonstrate strong academic potential and clear research design.
- Show how the stay in Japan adds unique value.
- Ensure the topic fits the invited priority areas.
- Write clearly and avoid unnecessary jargon.
- Align closely with the official Application Guide requirements.
This outline can be adapted according to the specific instructions in the Cycle 2026 Application Guide. Always cross-check the latest official documents on the UNESCO website before finalising.
What Past Winners & Student Forums Say
Past fellows often highlight the value of immersion in Japan’s research environment, the quality of supervision, the opportunity to refine their research, and the lasting professional networks formed. Many note that the experience significantly strengthened their research skills and career trajectories upon returning home.
About the University offering the Fellowship
The fellowship is hosted by Japanese universities and research institutions (selected by the fellow with confirmation of supervision). UNESCO administers the programme in partnership with the Government of Japan. There is no single fixed host university; fellows arrange placement with a suitable academic supervisor in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply directly to UNESCO?
No. Applications must go through the National Commission for UNESCO of your country. - How many candidates can each country nominate?
Usually a maximum of two (with preference for gender balance). - Is prior contact with a Japanese supervisor mandatory?
Yes. Acceptance from a supervisor is a required eligibility condition. - Does the grant cover everything?
It covers major living and research-related costs up to US$10,000 but not tuition or major equipment.
Current Application Deadlines:
- Call launched: 6 July 2026
- Deadline for submission via National Commissions to UNESCO: 30 September 2026 (midnight Paris time)
- Selection: October–November 2026
- Awards announced: December 2026
- Research period: February–December 2027
Contact Information for Applicants
Primary contact for the programme: keizoobuchi.fellowships@unesco.org
Applicants must first contact their National Commission for UNESCO. Details of National Commissions are available on the UNESCO website.
How To Apply for UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers Fellowship
- Check the official Cycle 2026 Application Guide and list of invited countries.
- Secure a letter of acceptance from a Japanese academic supervisor.
- Prepare the research proposal and all supporting documents.
- Submit the complete dossier to your National Commission for UNESCO well in advance.
- If nominated, the National Commission forwards the endorsed application to UNESCO by 30 September 2026.
- Only complete, endorsed applications received by the deadline will be considered.
If the online form cannot be used, contact the focal point for alternative submission arrangements. All materials must be received by the deadline. There is no application fee. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted. You can take a look at How to Verify Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid Funding. You can also learn How to Avoid Scholarship Scams. Do not forget to read the Travel Handbook to China and other (Asian countries) as an International Student: It contains A-Z Roadmap for Students from Africa, Europe, America, and Australia. Bear in mind that fellows are expected to have gotten a supervisor in Japan before you can apply.
Finally, you can Apply for UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme for leaders of tomorrow.
Concluding Remarks
The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme (Cycle 2026) offers a valuable opportunity for young researchers from eligible countries to advance high-quality, policy-relevant research in Japan. With a clear focus on heritage, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence, and a grant of up to US$10,000, the programme supports capacity building and international collaboration. Prospective applicants should begin early — particularly in securing a Japanese supervisor — and work closely with their National Commission for UNESCO to meet the 30 September 2026 deadline. Always consult the official UNESCO webpage and Application Guide for the most accurate and complete information.