Top Fully Funded Fellowships for 2025-2026: A Global Opportunity for Researchers

For researchers seeking to expand their horizons and gain invaluable international experience, Scholarships Corner presents a curated list of top fully funded fellowship programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. These opportunities, spanning diverse fields and prestigious institutions across the globe, aim to remove financial barriers and empower researchers to advance their work.

Global Fellowships: A Gateway to International Research

The fellowships featured offer fully funded opportunities in countries including the USA, France, Australia, Switzerland, Brazil, Japan, and Austria. Participants will have the chance to work alongside leading researchers, access cutting-edge equipment, and collaborate with peers from around the world. The programs aim to foster innovation, facilitate career development, and provide a unique learning experience for all participants.

Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading researcher in international education at the Global Education Initiative, emphasizes the critical role fellowships play in fostering global collaboration. "These programs are not just about funding research; they are about building a global network of scholars who can address pressing global challenges," she states. "The cross-cultural exchange and collaboration that fellowships facilitate are essential for driving innovation and creating impactful solutions."

Featured Fellowship Programs

Below is a list of featured fellowship programs with key details for prospective applicants:

Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship (USA & France) Type: Fully Funded Host Countries: USA and France Host University: Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University Coverage: All costs for two in-person programs, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, transfers, and per-diem. Duration: 5 months Deadline: August 1, 2025 More Information: YALE Fellowship 2025 UN OHCHR Fellowship (Switzerland) Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Switzerland Host Organisation: 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 Information: UN OHCHR Fellowship 2025 Forrest Foundation Fellowship (Australia) Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Australia Host Organisation: Forrest Research Foundation Coverage: Salary of $108,362 AUD plus 17% superannuation, accommodation allowance of $25,116 AUD per annum, research and travel allowance of $12,000 AUD. Duration: Up to 3 years Deadline: June 30, 2025 More Information: Forrest Fellowship 2025 McDonald Fellowships (Multiple Locations) Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Neighboring country or participant’s home country. Host Institute: Can be outside or within the participant’s home country. Coverage: €55,000 per year for two years, plus an additional contribution of GBP 2,000 per year. Duration: 2 years Deadline: December 1, 2025 More Information: McDonald Fellowship COP30 CCMP Reporting Fellowship Program (Brazil) Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Brazil Host Organisations: 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 - November 21, 2025 Deadline: July 15, 2025 More Information: 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 (JPY 362,000 with Ph.D., JPY 200,000 without), settling-in allowance, travel insurance, and research support (up to JPY 70,000 per month). Duration: 1-12 months Deadline: August 15, 2025 More Information: JSPS Fellowship Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship (USA) Type: Fully Funded Host Country: USA Host Institute: Harvard Radcliffe Institute Coverage: $78,000 award, $5,000 for project expenses, relocation fund, housing fund, childcare fund, and healthcare assistance. Deadline: September 11, 2025 (humanities, social sciences, creative arts); September 30, 2025 (science, engineering, mathematics). More Information: Harvard Fellowship ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship (Switzerland) Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Switzerland Host University: ETH Zurich Coverage: Fellow's salary fully covered, CHF 10,000 per year for research-related expenses, and an allowance for traveling and mobility. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 1, 2025 More Information: 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 (minimum €72,100 gross), social security benefits, allowance for various costs, on-site daycare, and visa support. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 16, 2025 More Information: Click here for more.

The Broader Impact of Fellowships

The availability of fully funded fellowships is particularly significant in the context of increasing global disparities in access to education and research funding. "These programs play a crucial role in leveling the playing field, allowing talented researchers from diverse backgrounds to pursue their passions and contribute to global knowledge," notes Professor Kenji Tanaka, an expert in international research funding at the University of Tokyo.

Historically, fellowships have been instrumental in driving scientific breakthroughs and fostering international collaboration. From the early days of academic exchange programs to the modern era of specialized research fellowships, these initiatives have consistently proven their value in advancing knowledge and building a more interconnected world.

A Call to Action

Scholarships Corner encourages all eligible researchers to explore these opportunities and submit their applications before the respective deadlines. These fully funded fellowships represent a significant investment in the future of research and offer a unique platform for personal and professional growth.

For more information and details on other scholarship and fellowship opportunities, visit Scholarships Corner regularly.