IIEP-UNESCO Visiting Researcher Programme 2026 — Global Research Opportunity in Education

The IIEP-UNESCO Visiting Researcher Programme 2026 is a prestigious international opportunity for researchers, academics, and education policy experts to collaborate with the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP), a specialized institute of UNESCO. The programme supports advanced research, knowledge exchange, and professional collaboration in the field of educational planning, policy, and management.

This initiative is particularly valuable for scholars seeking to strengthen their research impact while contributing to global education systems.

About the Programme

The Visiting Researcher Programme allows selected researchers to spend a period of one to six months working closely with IIEP experts. During this time, visiting researchers conduct independent or collaborative research that aligns with IIEP’s mission of improving education systems worldwide through evidence-based planning and policy development.

The programme promotes interdisciplinary perspectives and international collaboration in education research.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

• Established researchers and academics with strong research backgrounds
• Early-career or postdoctoral researchers with clear research agendas
• Education policy professionals with proven research experience
• Researchers affiliated with universities, research institutes, or international organisations

Applicants typically hold a PhD or equivalent research experience in education, public policy, social sciences, or related fields.

Research Areas & Activities

Proposed research should align with IIEP’s core focus areas, including:

• Educational planning and policy analysis
• Education system governance and management
• Monitoring and evaluation of education reforms
• Equity, inclusion, and access to education
• Use of data and evidence in education decision-making
• Capacity building and leadership in education systems

Visiting researchers may also participate in seminars, workshops, and internal discussions, contributing to IIEP’s broader intellectual community.

Programme Location & Duration

Visiting researchers may be hosted at IIEP offices in:

• Paris, France
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Dakar, Senegal

The duration of the visit typically ranges from one to six months, depending on the research proposal and institutional agreement.

Funding & Practical Arrangements

The Visiting Researcher Programme is non-funded by IIEP-UNESCO. Participants are expected to secure their own funding for:

• Travel expenses
• Accommodation
• Living costs

Despite this, researchers benefit from access to IIEP’s research environment, academic resources, and international networks.

Application Requirements

Applicants are generally required to submit:

• A research proposal outlining objectives, methodology, and relevance
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
• Information on academic affiliation and prior research experience
• Proposed duration and preferred IIEP office location

Applications are reviewed based on research quality, alignment with IIEP priorities, and potential contribution to education policy and planning.

Why This Programme Matters

Participation in the IIEP-UNESCO Visiting Researcher Programme offers:

• Collaboration with leading experts in educational planning
• Increased international visibility and academic credibility
• Opportunities to influence education policy through research
• Access to a global network of education researchers and practitioners
• Professional growth through engagement with UNESCO-led initiatives

This experience is especially valuable for researchers working at the intersection of academia, policy, and practice.

The IIEP-UNESCO Visiting Researcher Programme 2026 is an excellent opportunity for researchers committed to advancing educational planning and policy on a global scale. While participants must arrange their own funding, the programme offers a rich intellectual environment, meaningful collaboration, and long-term professional benefits.