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

For researchers and professionals seeking international experience and career advancement, Scholarships Corner has compiled a list of top fully funded fellowship programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. These fellowships, located in countries such as the USA, France, Australia, Switzerland, Brazil, Japan, and Austria, offer unparalleled opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with leading experts, and expand professional networks without financial constraints.

Diverse Fields and Global Impact

The fellowships cover a broad spectrum of disciplines, including climate change, human rights, innovation, scientific computing, healthcare, journalism, global critical issues, science, engineering, and technology. Participants gain access to state-of-the-art facilities and methodologies, fostering both personal and professional growth.

"Fellowships are a crucial mechanism for fostering innovation and collaboration in research," says Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading scholar in international education. "They provide a platform for emerging researchers to develop their expertise and contribute to addressing global challenges."

Featured Fellowships for 2025-2026

Here's a detailed overview of some of the highlighted fellowship programs:

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 expenses covered for two in-person programs, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, transfers, and per diem. Duration: 5 months Deadline: August 1, 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

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, and a one-time research and travel allowance of $12,000 AUD. Duration: Up to 3 years Deadline: June 30, 2025

McDonald Fellowships 2026 (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. Coverage: €55,000 per year for two years, plus an additional £2,000 per year. Duration: 2 years Deadline: December 1, 2025

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

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 a Ph.D., JPY 200,000 without), settling-in allowance of JPY 200,000, travel insurance, and research support (up to JPY 70,000 per month). Duration: 1-12 months Deadline: August 15, 2025

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)

ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship (Switzerland): Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Switzerland Host University: ETH Zurich Coverage: Full salary coverage, CHF 10,000 per year for research expenses, and a travel/mobility allowance. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 1, 2025

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 EUR 72,100 gross), social security benefits, allowance for costs including travel, membership fees, consumables, external services, and conference fees, on-site daycare, and visa support. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 16, 2025

The Enduring Value of Fellowships

The concept of fellowships dates back centuries, evolving from supporting religious scholars to fostering advancements in science, arts, and humanities. Today, fellowships play a vital role in addressing critical global challenges by empowering researchers to pursue innovative solutions.

"Investing in fellowships is an investment in the future," notes Dr. Sharma. "By providing researchers with the resources and support they need, we enable them to make groundbreaking discoveries and create positive change in the world."

Application Guidance

Scholarships Corner encourages interested candidates to review the detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines for each fellowship program on the respective organization's website. Meeting deadlines and presenting a compelling research proposal are crucial for a successful application.

These fully funded fellowship programs offer a unique opportunity for researchers to enhance their skills, expand their networks, and contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing problems. Don't miss the chance to advance your career and make a global impact.