Top Fully Funded Fellowships for 2025-2026: A Comprehensive Guide

Researchers and academics seeking international experience and career advancement will find numerous opportunities in the upcoming 2025-2026 fellowship cycle. Scholarships Corner has compiled a list of top fully funded programs across various disciplines and locations, offering financial support and platforms for groundbreaking research. These fellowships, located in countries like the USA, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, and Austria, aim to eliminate financial barriers and foster collaboration among researchers worldwide.

Diverse Opportunities Across Disciplines and Geographies

The fellowships listed cater to a wide range of fields, including climate change, human rights, innovation, scientific computing, healthcare, journalism, and various STEM disciplines. This diversity ensures that researchers from various backgrounds can find programs aligned with their interests and career goals. The programs not only provide funding but also opportunities to work with leading researchers, access cutting-edge equipment, and experience different cultures.

Expert Perspectives on the Value of Fellowships

Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of international education at the University of Oxford, emphasizes the critical role fellowships play in fostering global collaboration. "Fellowships are more than just funding opportunities; they are catalysts for innovation and cross-cultural understanding," Dr. Vance explains. "By providing researchers with the resources and networks they need, these programs contribute significantly to addressing global challenges."

Similarly, Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a research fellow at the University of Tokyo, highlights the importance of international fellowships for career development. "Participating in a fellowship program can significantly enhance a researcher's profile and open doors to new collaborations and career opportunities," Dr. Tanaka notes. "The experience of working in a different research environment and collaborating with international peers is invaluable for professional growth."

A Historical Context of Fellowship Programs

The concept of fellowships has evolved significantly over time. Historically, fellowships were often associated with religious or philanthropic organizations, providing support for scholars and artists. In the 20th century, government agencies and private foundations began to play a larger role in funding fellowships, particularly in the sciences and engineering. Today, fellowships are a crucial component of the global research ecosystem, supporting researchers at various stages of their careers.

Featured Fellowships for 2025-2026

Here's a detailed look at some of the top fully funded fellowship programs 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 Scholarship Coverage: All costs for two in-person programs, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, transfers, and per diem. Program Duration: 5 months Deadline: August 1, 2025 More Info: YALE Fellowship 2025

UN OHCHR Fellowship (Switzerland)

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

Forrest Foundation Fellowship (Australia)

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

McDonald Fellowships (MSIF)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: A neighboring country or the participant’s home country Host Institute: Can be outside or within the participant’s home country Scholarship Coverage: €55,000 per year for two years, plus an additional contribution of GBP 2,000 per year. Program Duration: 2 years Deadline: December 1, 2025 For more info: 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 Scholarship Coverage: Air tickets, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance, ground transportation, visa cost reimbursement, and a stipend. Program Duration: November 10 - November 21, 2025 Deadline: July 15, 2025 For more information: COP30 Fellowship

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Japan)

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

Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship (USA)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: USA Host Institute: Harvard Radcliffe Institute Scholarship 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, and creative arts); September 30, 2025 (science, engineering, and mathematics) For details: Harvard Fellowship

ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship (Switzerland)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Switzerland Host University: ETH Zurich Scholarship Coverage: Salary, CHF 10,000 per year for research expenses, and an allowance for travel and mobility. Program Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 1, 2025 More details: ETH Fellowship

ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships (Austria)

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

Conclusion

These fully funded fellowships represent a significant investment in the future of research and innovation. By providing financial support and fostering collaboration, these programs empower researchers to address critical global challenges and advance knowledge in their respective fields. Aspiring fellows are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each program and submit their applications before the deadlines.