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The UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships 2027 in Japan are now open for applications. The fellowship is funded by UNESCO and the Government of Japan and supports outstanding young researchers from eligible countries to conduct postgraduate research at Japanese universities and research institutions. Under the 2026 application cycle, 10 fellowships will be awarded for research beginning in February 2027.
The UNESCO Japan Fellowship provides a grant of up to US$10,000 to support research stays lasting between 3 and 9 months. The funding can be used for travel, accommodation, medical insurance, living expenses, and approved research costs. There is no application fee. Applications must be submitted through the applicant’s National Commission for UNESCO before the official deadline of 30 September 2026.
The fellowship was established in 2001 under the Japanese Funds-in-Trust for the Capacity-Building of Human Resources. Since then, it has supported 291 young researchers from 101 countries, helping them strengthen research skills and build international academic partnerships. Fellows will conduct research at Japanese universities under the supervision of an academic host while collaborating with Japan’s research community.
WhatsApp ChannelUNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships 2027 Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Host Organization: UNESCO and the Government of Japan
- Programme: UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme (UNESCO/Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships)
- Research Duration: 3 to 9 months
- Research Period: From February 2027 and completed by December 2027
- Number of Fellowships: 10
- Funding: Up to US$10,000
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
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Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows may receive funding of up to US$10,000 as a lump-sum grant to support their approved research stay in Japan.
The fellowship may cover:
- International airfare
- Domestic travel within Japan
- Accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Living expenses, including meals and local transportation
- Approved research-related expenses
Medical insurance is compulsory for all selected fellows and will be arranged by UNESCO. The insurance cost will be deducted from the fellowship grant before payment.
Expenses Not Covered
The fellowship does not cover:
- Tuition fees
- Purchase of computers or research equipment
- Publication costs
- Conference participation unless directly related to the approved research project
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Research Areas
Applicants must submit research proposals in one of UNESCO’s priority areas.
Eligible research fields include:
- Heritage Conservation and Management
- AI for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Climate Action
- Ethical, Inclusive and Human-Centred AI for Sustainable Development
- AI for Sustainable Cities, Infrastructure and Societal Resilience
- AI and Education
Applicants must select one primary research area and one corresponding sub-area listed in UNESCO’s official guidelines.
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships 2027, applicants must:
- Be a national of an invited UNESCO Member State or Associate Member.
- Be 40 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Demonstrate strong academic and research potential.
- Have sufficient language proficiency required by the Japanese host institution.
- Obtain an acceptance letter from an academic supervisor at a Japanese university or research institution before applying.
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Eligible Countries
The fellowship is available only to applicants from invited countries and territories in:
- Africa
- Bahrain
- Selected countries and territories in Asia and the Pacific
- Selected countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean
- Türkiye
- Ukraine
Applicants should check UNESCO’s official list of invited Member States before applying.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Research proposal
- Master’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- Acceptance letter from a Japanese academic supervisor
- UNESCO language certificate or equivalent language proof
- Other supporting documents required by UNESCO
How to Apply for UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships 2027
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Read the official Application Guide carefully.
- Contact the National Commission for UNESCO in your home country.
- Prepare all required documents.
- Submit your application to the National Commission before its national deadline.
- If nominated, submit the online application and supporting documents to UNESCO.
- The National Commission will forward nominated applications to UNESCO by 30 September 2026.
Only applications officially nominated by a National Commission for UNESCO will be considered.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated by a Selection Committee consisting of experts from UNESCO and the Government of Japan.
The evaluation is based on:
- Academic achievements
- Research potential
- Quality and originality of the research proposal
- Relevance of the proposed research to UNESCO’s priority areas
The final selection is made by the Japanese authorities after recommendations from the Selection Committee.
UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Research Fellowships 2027 Deadline
The deadline for National Commissions to submit nominated applications to UNESCO is:
30 September 2026 (Midnight Paris Time)
Applicants should contact their National Commission early because national submission deadlines may be earlier than the UNESCO deadline.
