Top Fellowships 2025-2026: Fully Funded Opportunities for Global Researchers

Researchers seeking international experience and career advancement can explore a range of fully funded fellowship programs for 2025-2026. Scholarships Corner has compiled a list of top opportunities across various disciplines, offering scholars the chance to conduct research in prestigious institutions worldwide. These fellowships, located in countries like the USA, France, Australia, Switzerland, Brazil, Japan, and Austria, aim to eliminate financial barriers and foster international collaboration.

Diverse Fields and Global Impact

These fellowships cater to a diverse array of fields, including climate change, human rights, innovation, scientific computing, healthcare, journalism, global critical issues, science, engineering, and technology. Fellows will have access to cutting-edge scientific techniques and equipment, enabling them to push the boundaries of their research. Beyond academic benefits, these programs offer valuable career development opportunities, allowing fellows to work alongside leading researchers, collaborate with peers, and gain international recognition.

Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading researcher in international education, emphasizes the importance of these fellowships: "Fully funded fellowships are crucial for democratizing access to research opportunities. They allow talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute to solving global challenges, regardless of their financial circumstances. The collaborative environment fostered by these programs also leads to innovative solutions and lasting global networks."

Featured Fellowship Programs

Here's a selection of fully funded fellowship programs available for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship (USA and France)

Type: Fully Funded Host Countries: USA and France Host University: Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University Coverage: All costs covered for two in-person programs, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, transfers, and per diem. Duration: 5 months Deadline: August 1, 2025 More Info

UN OHCHR Fellowship (Switzerland)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Switzerland Host Organization: United Nations Coverage: Air tickets, basic health insurance, and a stipend for accommodation and living expenses. Duration: November 10 - November 28, 2025 Deadline: June 30, 2025 More Details

Forrest Foundation Fellowship (Australia)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Australia Host Organization: Forrest Research Foundation Coverage: Salary of $108,362 plus 17% superannuation, accommodation allowance of $25,116 per annum, research and travel allowance of $12,000. Duration: Up to 3 years Deadline: June 30, 2025 Forrest Fellowship 2025

McDonald Fellowships 2026 (Multiple Locations)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: A Neighboring country or the participant’s home country. Host Institute: The institute can be outside or within the participant’s home country. Coverage: Funding for two years, with €55,000 awarded each year, and an additional contribution of GBP 2,000 per year. Duration: 2 years Deadline: December 1, 2025 McDonald Fellowship

COP30 CCMP Reporting Fellowship Program (Brazil)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Brazil Host Organizations: Earth Journalism Network (EJN), and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security. Coverage: Air tickets, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance, ground transportation, visa cost reimbursement, and a stipend. Duration: November 10- 21, 2025 Deadline: July 15, 2025 COP30 Fellowship

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Japan)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Japan Host University: Japanese universities or research centers Coverage: Round-trip air ticket, monthly allowance (varying based on PhD status), settling-in allowance, travel insurance, and research support. Duration: 1-12 months Deadline: August 15, 2025 JSPS Fellowship

Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2026-27 (USA)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: USA Host Institute: Harvard Radcliffe Institute Coverage: Award of $78,000, $5,000 for project expenses, relocation fund, housing fund, childcare fund, and healthcare assistance. Deadline: September 11, 2025 (humanities, social sciences, and creative arts); September 30, 2025 (science, engineering, and mathematics) Harvard Fellowship

ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship (Switzerland)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Switzerland Host University: ETH Zurich Coverage: Fellows' salaries, CHF 10,000 per year for research expenses, and an allowance for traveling and mobility. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 1, 2025 ETH Fellowship

ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships (Austria)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Austria Host University: Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) Coverage: Full-time employment contract for 2 years with a competitive salary, social security benefits, allowances for various costs, on-site daycare, and visa support. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 16, 2025 Click here for more

The Broader Context of Fellowships

The history of fellowships is rooted in the idea of supporting scholars and researchers to pursue advanced studies and contribute to knowledge creation. Historically, fellowships were often associated with religious institutions or wealthy benefactors. Today, they are increasingly funded by government agencies, private foundations, and universities, reflecting a broader recognition of the importance of research and innovation in addressing societal challenges.

According to Professor David Lee, a historian of higher education, "The growth of fellowship programs in the 20th and 21st centuries reflects a shift towards a more meritocratic and globally interconnected research landscape. These programs not only support individual scholars but also contribute to the overall advancement of knowledge and the development of future leaders."

Application Advice

Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each fellowship program. A strong application typically includes a compelling research proposal, letters of recommendation from established scholars, and a clear demonstration of the applicant's potential to contribute to their field.