Apply Now: UNESCO Opens Applications for 2026 Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme
Young researchers in Ghana have the opportunity to apply for the 2026 UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme, an international fellowship funded by the Government of Japan and administered by UNESCO.
The programme supports promising early-career researchers from developing countries by providing funding to undertake research at universities and research institutions in Japan. Successful applicants will receive a fellowship of up to US$10,000 to support research projects lasting between three and nine months.
Research Areas
Applicants are encouraged to submit research proposals in one of the following priority areas:
- Heritage Conservation and Management
- AI for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Climate Action
- Ethical, Inclusive and Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development
- AI for Sustainable Cities, Infrastructure and Societal Resilience
- AI and Education
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible UNESCO Member State, including Ghana.
- Hold at least a Master’s degree (or equivalent postgraduate qualification).
- Be under 40 years of age at the time of application.
- Secure acceptance from a host institution in Japan before commencing the fellowship.
- Submit a research proposal aligned with UNESCO’s priority areas.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive:
- Funding of up to US$10,000.
- An opportunity to conduct research in Japan.
- Access to international academic networks and research institutions.
- Exposure to world-class research environments and collaboration opportunities.
Application Deadline
30 September 2026 (Midnight Paris Time).
How to Apply
Interested applicants should review the official application guidelines and submit their applications through the appropriate UNESCO National Commission.
Official UNESCO Fellowship Page:
https://www.unesco.org/en/fellowships/keizo-obuchi
For Ghanaians: Read also and follow the Ghana specific guidelines below.
https://unescoghana.gov.gh/press_release/call-for-applications-unesco-japan-young-researchers-fellowships-programme/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
