UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships Programme (Keizo Obuchi)
Verified by the editorial team 29 September 2026
Updated Deadline extended to 15 Oct 2026; clarified: individual fellowship via the UNESCO National Commission; conditions added
Summary
Up to USD 10,000 for a 3 to 9 month research stay in Japan. This is a fellowship for individuals, not a grant for organisations; Ukrainian citizens apply through the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO by 15 October 2026.
About the call
In its 2026 cycle the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers' Fellowships Programme (Keizo Obuchi fellowships) will award 10 fellowships to researchers from Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine and Türkiye. Research must relate to heritage conservation, sustainable development or artificial intelligence, including AI for climate, cities, education and ethical AI.
The fellowship is a lump sum covering travel, accommodation, medical insurance (arranged by UNESCO) and living costs in Japan. The stay must take place between February and December 2027. Tuition, equipment, publication costs and conferences are not covered.
Who can apply
- Citizens of Ukraine and other invited countries
- Aged 40 or under at the time of application
- Holding at least a Master's degree or equivalent
- With confirmed supervision at a Japanese university or institute
Who cannot apply
- Organisations as legal entities
- Candidates not nominated by their National Commission for UNESCO
What the funds are for
- International and domestic travel
- Accommodation and living costs in Japan
- Medical insurance
- Other research-related costs
What is not funded
- Tuition fees
- Equipment, including computers
- Publication costs
- Conference attendance without clear justification
Documents required
Forms and templates are on the call page
How to apply
- 1Read the Application Guide on the UNESCO website
- 2Contact the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO
- 3Submit documents to the commission at least 2 weeks before the deadline
- 4Once nominated, send the application to keizoobuchi.fellowships@unesco.org
Questions and answers
- Can I apply directly to UNESCO?
- No. A nomination by the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO is required: documents go to the commission at least 2 weeks before the deadline, and the application is sent to UNESCO once nominated.
- Which costs does the UNESCO/Japan fellowship not cover?
- Tuition fees, equipment including computers, publication costs and conference attendance without clear justification are not covered.
Change history
- Updated: Deadline extended to 15 Oct 2026; clarified: individual fellowship via the UNESCO National Commission; conditions added
Donor contacts
Email: keizoobuchi.fellowships@unesco.org
