Top International Fellowships for 2025-2026: Fully Funded Opportunities Await

Researchers and scholars seeking international experience and funding support have numerous opportunities available through fully funded fellowship programs in 2025-2026. These programs, located in countries such as the USA, France, Australia, Switzerland, Brazil, Japan, and Austria, provide invaluable platforms for advancing research, fostering collaboration, and enhancing career development.

Diverse Opportunities for Global Researchers

These fellowships span a wide array of disciplines, including climate change, human rights, innovation, scientific computing, healthcare, journalism, global critical issues, science, engineering, and technology. Participants gain access to cutting-edge scientific techniques, advanced equipment, and collaborative networks, contributing to both personal and professional growth.

Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of international education at the University of Global Studies, emphasizes the importance of these fellowships: "International fellowships are critical for fostering global collaboration and addressing complex challenges. They provide researchers with the resources and networks necessary to make significant contributions to their fields."

Featured Fully Funded Fellowship Programs

Below is a curated list of top fully funded fellowship programs available for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship (USA & France)

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 More Info

UN OHCHR Fellowship (Switzerland)

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 Info

Forrest Foundation Fellowship (Australia)

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 More Info

McDonald Fellowships (International)

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 contribution of GBP 2,000 per year. Duration: 2 years Deadline: December 1, 2025 More Info

COP30 CCMP Reporting Fellowship Program (Brazil)

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 Info

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Japan)

Host Country: Japan Host University: Japanese universities or research centers. Coverage: Round-trip air ticket, monthly allowance of 362,000 JPY (with Ph.D.) or 200,000 JPY (without Ph.D.), settling-in allowance of 200,000 JPY, travel insurance, and research support of up to 70,000 JPY per month. Duration: 1-12 months Deadline: August 15, 2025 More Info

Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship (USA)

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, and creative arts); September 30, 2025 (science, engineering, and mathematics). More Info

ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship (Switzerland)

Host Country: Switzerland Host University: ETH Zurich Coverage: Fully covered salary, CHF 10,000 per year for research-related expenses, and an allowance for travel and mobility. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 1, 2025 More Info

ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships (Austria)

Host Country: Austria Host University: Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) Coverage: Full-time employment contract for 2 years with a competitive gross salary of minimum 72,100 Euros, social security benefits, allowances for various expenses, on-site daycare, and visa support. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 16, 2025 More Info

The Enduring Importance of Fellowships

The concept of fellowships dates back centuries, evolving from charitable support for scholars to strategic investments in research and innovation. Today, fellowships serve as crucial mechanisms for talent development, knowledge creation, and addressing global challenges.

According to Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a research fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Tokyo, "Fellowships not only provide financial support but also offer a unique opportunity for researchers to immerse themselves in new environments, collaborate with leading experts, and broaden their perspectives. This cross-cultural exchange of ideas is essential for driving innovation and progress."

Act Now on These Opportunities

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the specific requirements and application procedures for each fellowship program. These fully funded opportunities provide a pathway to advance research careers and contribute to global knowledge.