Applications are currently being accepted for the UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship
The UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship 2026 in Japan is a prestigious research program funded by the Government of Japan. It supports young researchers from developing countries to conduct postgraduate research in Japan, focusing on heritage conservation, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence. This fully funded fellowship covers travel, accommodation, and living expenses for a research stay of 3 to 9 months.UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, administers this fellowship through its Japanese Funds-in-Trust. Since 2001, the program has enabled 291 researchers from 101 countries to advance their work in Japanese universities. The 2026 cycle offers 10 fellowships to candidates from Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine, and Türkiye.
Benefits of UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship
- Fellowship grant of up to US$10,000
- International and domestic travel for the approved itinerary
- Accommodation
- Meals and local transportation
- Daily living expenses
- Medical insurance (mandatory, arranged by UNESCO)
- Personal subsistence in Japan including meals, local transportation and incidental expenses
- Other research-related expenses where applicable
UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship Requirements
- Be nationals of one of the invited Member States or Associate Members listed in Annex 1
- Be no more than 40 years old at the time of application
- Hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent in a field relevant to the proposed research
- Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in reading and writing in the language of instruction or supervision at the proposed host institution in Japan
- Have obtained acceptance from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution
Application Date and Process
- Read carefully the Application Guide to understand the requirements and procedures
- Contact the National Commission for UNESCO of your home country to enquire about national application procedures
- Prepare all required documents including application form (Annex 3), academic documents, recommendation letter, host institution acceptance letter, language certificate and research proposal (Annex 4)
- Submit your application to the National Commission for UNESCO of your home country at least 2 weeks before the deadline
- Once nominated, communicate the online application form and supporting documents to [email protected]
- National Commissions must submit letters of nomination and all documents to UNESCO no later than 30 September 2026, midnight Paris time
Application Deadline
30 September, 2026
Opportunity Application
View details of
UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship
Apply for UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship
🔍
