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.
UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship Benefits
- 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 Eligibility Criteria
- 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
Priority Research Areas
- Heritage Conservation and Management
- AI for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Climate Action
- Ethical, Inclusive and Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development
- AI for Sustainable Cities, Infrastructure and Societal Resilience
- Artificial Intelligence and Education
Required Application Documents
- Completed application form
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Recommendation letter
- Acceptance letter from a Japanese host institution
- Language proficiency certificate
- Any additional documents specified in the Application Guide
How to Apply for UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship?
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship?
The UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship, also known as the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers’ Fellowships Programme, is a fully funded research fellowship for young researchers from developing countries. It supports postgraduate research in Japan in areas like heritage conservation, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence.
Who can apply for the UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship?
Applicants must be nationals of invited Member States or Associate Members (listed in Annex 1), be no more than 40 years old, hold at least a Master’s degree, have sufficient language proficiency, and have acceptance from a Japanese academic supervisor.
What is the deadline for the 2026 cycle?
The deadline for candidate submission is 30 September 2026, midnight Paris time. Applications must be submitted through the National Commission for UNESCO of the applicant’s home country.
What does the fellowship grant cover?
The grant is up to US$10,000 and covers international and domestic travel, accommodation, medical insurance, personal subsistence in Japan, and other research-related expenses. It does not cover tuition fees, equipment, publication costs, or conference participation unless integral to the research.
How long is the research stay in Japan?
The research stay must be no less than 3 months and no more than 9 months. The fellowship period in Japan runs from February 2027 onwards and must be completed no later than December 2027.
How do I apply for the UNESCO Keizo Obuchi Fellowship?
First, read the Application Guide. Then contact your National Commission for UNESCO to learn national procedures. Prepare all required documents including the application form, research proposal, and host acceptance letter. Submit to your National Commission at least 2 weeks before the deadline.
What research areas are supported?
The 2026 cycle supports five research areas: 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, and AI and Education.
How are fellows selected?
Applications are evaluated by a Selection Committee of experts from UNESCO and the Government of Japan. The final selection is made by Japanese authorities based on the Committee’s recommendation, with consideration for gender equality and diversity.
Can I apply if I am not from an invited country?
No, only nationals of invited Member States and Associate Members listed in Annex 1 are eligible. The 2026 cycle invites candidates from Africa, Small Island Developing States, Ukraine, and Türkiye.
Is medical insurance provided?
Yes, medical insurance is mandatory for all selected fellows and will be arranged by UNESCO on their behalf. The cost of medical insurance will be deducted from the total fellowship amount before disbursement.
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