Top Fully Funded Fellowships for 2025-2026 Announced

Researchers seeking international experience and career advancement have a wealth of opportunities available through fully funded fellowship programs in 2025-2026. Scholarships Corner has compiled a list of top programs across various disciplines and locations, removing financial barriers for qualified applicants. These fellowships offer researchers the chance to collaborate with leading experts, explore innovative topics, and access state-of-the-art facilities.

Diverse Opportunities Across Disciplines and Continents

The fellowships span a diverse range of fields, including climate change, human rights, innovation, scientific computing, healthcare, journalism, global critical issues, science, engineering, and technology. Host countries include the USA, France, Australia, Switzerland, Brazil, Japan, and Austria, offering a truly global experience. These programs aim to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of cutting-edge research.

Expert Perspectives on the Value of Fellowships

"Fellowships provide a crucial stepping stone for early-career researchers, allowing them to develop their independent research skills and build international networks," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of international education at the University of Oxford. "The fully funded aspect is particularly important, as it ensures that these opportunities are accessible to talented individuals regardless of their financial background."

Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a research fellow at the University of Tokyo, emphasizes the importance of international collaboration. "Fellowships that encourage researchers to work in different countries and cultures foster innovation and accelerate the pace of discovery. Exposure to different perspectives and approaches is invaluable for tackling complex global challenges."

Featured Fellowships: A Detailed Overview

Here's a closer look at some of the featured fully funded fellowship programs:

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 for two in-person programs, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, transfers, and per diem. Duration: 5 months Deadline: August 1, 2025 For more info visit YALE Fellowship 2025

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 other living expenses. Duration: November 10 - November 28, 2025 Deadline: June 30, 2025 For more details visit: UN OHCHR Fellowship 2025

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, one-time research and travel allowance of $12,000. Duration: Up to 3 years Deadline: June 30, 2025 For details visit 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 For more info visit 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 costs, logistical support, Visa cost reimbursement, and a stipend. Duration: November 10- November 21, 2025 Deadline: July 15, 2025 For more information visit 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, research support. Duration: 1- 12 months Deadline: August 15, 2025 For more details visit JSPS Fellowship

Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship (USA)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: USA Host Institute: Harvard Radcliffe Institute Coverage: $78,000 award, 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) For details visit Harvard Fellowship

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-related expenses, and a travel/mobility allowance. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 1, 2025 More details can be found at 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, competitive pay, social security benefits, allowances for various costs, on-site daycare, and visa support. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 16, 2025 Click here for more.

Historical Context and Evolution of Fellowships

The concept of fellowships has a long history, evolving from patronage systems in academia to structured programs designed to foster research and innovation. Historically, fellowships were often limited to a select few, but the increasing emphasis on global collaboration and inclusivity has led to a significant expansion in the number and diversity of fellowship opportunities. The rise of fully funded programs is a testament to the commitment of institutions and organizations to remove financial barriers and promote equitable access to research opportunities.

Conclusion

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