UNESCO designed the project UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers Fellowship Program in the framework of the Japanese Funds-in-Trust for the Capacity-Building of Human Resources established in November 2000 by the Government of Japan. Moreover, the fellowship program enables UNESCO to give impetus to research in four areas under UNESCO’s Priority Programme Areas. The research domain includes

•  Environment (with particular emphasis on disaster risk reduction (DRR);
•  Intercultural Dialogue
•  Information and Communication Technologies
•  Peaceful Conflicts Resolution

UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers Fellowship

The Government of Japan offers 10 UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers Fellowship to deserving candidates from developing countries. Moreover, the Fellowships financed by Japan and administered by UNESCO will consist of the following:

• A Lump sum contribution of US$10,000 awarded to selected candidates. The amount is payable in two or three installments. Further, the amount will cover research costs only, and will not be negotiable.
• UNESCO will not consider other costs. Nor will it extend or renew the fellowship grant.

Who is eligible for the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers Fellowship Program?

UNESCO will accept a maximum of two applicants from each National Commission for the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers Fellowship Program. Further, the applicants 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). Further, they must be willing to pursue research work abroad (preferably in their own region) with a view to enhancing knowledge in one of the four specific fields. Thus, those who are in the process of completing their Master’s degree must have completed it prior to taking up their Fellowship.
• Further, the candidates must be persons of high intellectual promise who may contribute significantly to their country on return.
• Likewise, the candidates must be no more than 40 years of age. Thus, applicants born before 1 January 1978 will not be eligible 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.
• Moreover, priority attention will be given to:
  • Women candidatures
  • Candidates from least developed countries (LDCs) and SIDS
  • African researchers
  • Those who may wish to pursue their research studies in Japan
• Candidates must also be proficient in reading and writing the language of instruction in the proposed country of study/research

How to apply for UNESCO/Japan Fellowship Program?

The applicants may submit their application along with the required documentation on the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers Fellowship Application Form. The application(s) should reach the Section of Participation Programme and Fellowships

UNESCO, 7, Place de Fontenoy 75352 Paris 07 SP. Further, an advance copy may be sent via e-mail.

The application must include the following attachments:

• The UNESCO Fellowship application form duly completed in duplicate. Two recent photographs (obligatory) should be included with the form.
• Certified copies of degrees or diplomas (including transcripts of grades) in duplicate. Proof of having obtained a Master’s Degree must be included.
• A letter of recommendation from someone familiar with the candidate’s work.
• A host institute’s letter of acceptance

Deadline

Applicants may apply for the UNESCO/Japan Young Researchers Fellowship program until 29 November 2019. Applications arriving after the deadline are not eligible for the fellowship consideration.