Under the 2026 cycle, UNESCO and the Government of Japan will award 10 fellowships to highly qualified young researchers from Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine and Türkiye. The fellowships will support innovative and high-quality postgraduate research related to heritage conservation and management, sustainable development and artificial intelligence, with particular attention to interdisciplinary research connecting these themes with social, ethical, governance and contextual dimensions.
Through research stays in Japanese universities and research institutions, fellows will have the opportunity to further develop their work and engage with Japan’s academic and research community.
Cycle 2026 at a glance
| Key information | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowships available | 10 |
| Fellowship grant | Up to US$10,000 |
| Duration | No less than 3 months and no more than 9 months |
| Host country | Japan |
| Fellowship period in Japan | From February 2027 onwards, to be completed no later than December 2027. |
| Application deadline | 30 September 2026, midnight Paris time |
| Submission channel | Through National Commissions for UNESCO |