The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). Its purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedom proclaimed in the United Nations Charter.

About the Fellowship

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization invites applications for up to 20 available UNESCO Fellowships to undertake postgraduate research in one of the four areas of development of particular interest to UNESCO. Research must be carried out under the auspices of an academic supervisor in a host institution. Candidates must be no more than 40 years of age and must be persons of high intellectual promise who may be expected to make significant contributions to their country on return. Priority attention will be given to women candidatures, candidates from least developed countries (LDCs) and African researchers. Selected beneficiaries will be required to submit an interim and a final report describing the results of the research undertaken.

 Eligibility:

Applicants, a maximum of TWO from each applying National Commission, must meet the following general criteria:

Candidates under this Programme must be post-graduate researchers, already holding either an M.A. or M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) and wishing to pursue research work abroad (preferably in their own region) with a view to enhancing knowledge in one of the four specific fields mentioned in paragraph D.1 below. Thus, those who are in the process of completing their Master’s degree must have completed it PRIOR to taking up their Fellowship. Candidates must be no more than 40 years of age. Thus, applicants born before 1 January 1975 will not be considered under the Programme. The selected Fellow must carry out the research under the auspices of an academic supervisor in a host institution. Confirmation of acceptance from the academic supervisor is imperative.

 Monetary Support

A maximum amount between US$6,000 to US$10,000 will be awarded to selected candidates. The amount, to be paid in two or three instalments, is intended to cover research costs only, and will not be negotiable. • No other costs will be considered and grants will be neither extended nor renewed.

Selected candidates will receive a Letter of Award.

 Duration: 3 – 9 Months

 Website: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/fellowships/programmes/unescokeizo-obuchi-japan-young-researchers-fellowships-programme-unescokeizo-obuchi-research-fellowships-programme/