UNESCO Chair Fellowship 2026 in Italy | Fully Funded

UNESCO Chair Fellowship 2026 applications are now open, offering an excellent international opportunity for EU citizens to advance their academic and professional careers through a flexible, primarily online fellowship. Designed to remove financial and travel barriers, this paid fellowship allows participants to work remotely with only one to two short visits to the Centre for Advanced Studies in Bolzano, Italy. Fellows gain hands-on experience, strengthen professional and communication skills, and build confidence through structured virtual collaboration, making it ideal for those balancing studies or other work commitments.

This prestigious fellowship focuses on future-oriented social, political, and economic challenges using UNESCO Futures Literacy and related tools. Participants will collaborate closely with the UNESCO Chair team, contribute to ongoing research projects, attend seminars and events, and explore publication opportunities in blogs, joint works, or international journals. The program strongly encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups in academia. If you are seeking a fully funded, career-building fellowship in Italy with global impact, the UNESCO Chair Fellowship 2026 is a unique opportunity to grow, publish, and contribute to meaningful change.

Benefits

• The UNESCO Chair Fellowship 2026 will be conducted online with a possibility of 1-2 short visits to Italy.
• You will get a chance to participate in the selected meetings related to the activities conducted at the UNESCO Chair and at the Center for Advanced Studies.
• Active participation in activities organized by the UNESCO Chair is to be agreed upon based on the Fellow’s competencies and area of expertise.
• The fellows will get a chance to participate in all the events and seminars, as well as explore opportunities for publishing their work.
• During the Fellowship, the Fellow will have the opportunity to get to know the UNESCO Chair team and any ongoing projects.

Eligibility Criteria

• All applicants must possess a University degree, possibly with an interdisciplinary component.
• All applicants must have a very good knowledge of written and oral English.
• Similarly, the applicants must have Organizational skills and the ability to work autonomously.
• The fellows must have an Interest in future-related research.
• Moreover, the fellows must have an Interest in UNESCO and its global priorities.
• The Applications are limited to citizens from EU countries.

Documents Required for UNESCO Chair Fellowship 2026

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Letter of motivation.
• Provisional title and short abstract.
• University Degree.

How to Apply?

• Visit the official application portal.
• Fill out the online application form available on the website.
• Upload all required and relevant documents.
• Carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying.
• Submit your application before the deadline to take advantage of this opportunity.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The fellowship will be conducted online, with the possibility of 1–2 short visits to the Centre for Advanced Studies in Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

UNESCO Chair Fellowship 2026 is a digital, paid research opportunity for EU citizens with a degree and interest in futures research. It’s largely online with short Italy visits, requires a CV, motivation letter, and abstract, and has a deadline of 19 Dec 2025.