UNESCO - UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships Programme

UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships

You will receive a lump sum of up to about 8,600 EUR (US$10,000) to carry out research in Japan for a period of 3 to 9 months. This amount covers your international and local travel expenses, accommodation, health insurance (organised by UNESCO, approx. US$75 per month, which is covered by the fellowship), living costs in Japan and other research-related expenses. The programme is administered by UNESCO and funded by the Japanese Government. For the 2026 cycle, 10 fellowships will be awarded. Your research must fall within one of the following five areas: the conservation and management of cultural heritage, or artificial intelligence in relation to one of the four themes (sustainable development, cities, natural resources or education). The grant does not cover tuition fees, equipment costs or conference fees.

Who can apply

• Degree: You already hold at least one Master’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) in a subject area relevant to your proposed research project.
• Nationality: You are a national of one of the invited countries: the 47 African states, the small island developing states, Ukraine or Turkey.
• Age: At the time of your application, you must not be older than 40.
• Language: You have sufficient reading and writing skills in the language used at your host institution in Japan, as evidenced by a certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL or JLPT.
• A place in Japan: A research supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution has agreed to supervise you and support you with your research.

How to apply

You cannot apply directly to UNESCO. You must contact the National Commission for UNESCO in your home country. This commission will shortlist the candidates and submit the nominations by 30 September 2026 (midnight Paris time). Each country may nominate a maximum of two candidates, at least one of whom must be a woman. A committee comprising experts from UNESCO and Japan will then assess your background and the quality, relevance and originality of your research project.

How realistic are your chances?

As only 10 scholarships are available across dozens of eligible countries, and each country is permitted to submit just two nominations, competition is very fierce. Your chances depend largely on a convincing, original research proposal that fits one of the five specified topics, as well as on securing a Japanese supervisor at an early stage. If you clearly meet the eligibility criteria regarding age, qualification and nationality, and submit a well-founded project proposal, you have a genuine chance of success. A vague research proposal will not make it through the national pre-selection process.