UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowship Programme 2026

The UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships Programme (also known as the UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme) is now open for the 2026 cycle. Financed by the Government of Japan, this prestigious program supports young researchers who wish to carry out innovative postgraduate research in Japan.

Program Highlights and Funding

This fellowship provides exceptional financial support for researchers to advance global knowledge in UNESCO's priority areas.

• Fellowship Grant: Up to US$10,000 (paid as a lump-sum) to cover research and stay costs in Japan.
• Duration: 3 to 9 months of research.
• Availability: 10 exclusive fellowships are awarded per cycle.
• Research Timeline: All funded research stays in Japan must be completed by December 2027.
• Application Fee: None (Applying is completely free).

Eligible Fields of Study

Your research proposal must align closely with one of the following domains:

1. Heritage Conservation & Management
2. Sustainable Development
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
4. Interdisciplinary Research related to UNESCO's primary priorities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Keizo Obuchi Fellowship, applicants must meet all the following conditions:

• Be a national of a developing country that is an invited UNESCO Member State (check the official list for the 2026 cycle).
• Be 40 years old or younger at the time of application.
• Hold at least a Master's degree or equivalent.
• Have strong academic background and high research potential.
• Possess excellent reading and writing skills in the language of instruction/supervision at the Japanese host institution.
• Crucial Requirement: You must have already received a formal acceptance letter from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution.

Application Process & Required Documents

Applications are not submitted directly to UNESCO. They must be nominated and forwarded through your country's National Commission for UNESCO.

Documents Needed:

• Completed Official Application Form
• Detailed Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Master's Degree Certificates and Transcripts
• Acceptance Letter from Japanese Academic Supervisor
• Language Proficiency Certificate (if required by the host)
• Copy of Passport/ID

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026 (Midnight, Paris time).

Official Information Link: www.unesco.org/en/fellowships/keizo-obuchi

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I find a Japanese host institution or supervisor?

You must independently search for Japanese universities that specialize in your research field (e.g., AI or Sustainable Development), contact professors whose work aligns with yours, and request them to supervise your 3-9 month research stay.

Is the $10,000 paid monthly?

No, the UNESCO/Japan fellowship is typically paid as a lump-sum grant intended to cover your airfare, accommodation, and research-related living expenses for the entirety of your stay in Japan.