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

For researchers and scholars seeking to expand their expertise and gain international experience, the 2025-2026 academic year presents a wealth of fully funded fellowship opportunities. Scholarships Corner has compiled a list of top-tier programs across the globe, offering unparalleled chances for professional and academic growth. These fellowships, located in countries such as the USA, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, and Brazil, eliminate financial barriers, allowing fellows to focus on advancing their research and collaborating with leading experts.

Diverse Fields and Global Impact

These prestigious fellowships span a wide array of disciplines, addressing critical global challenges and fostering innovation. From climate change and human rights to scientific computing and healthcare, the programs cater to diverse research interests. Fellows will have access to cutting-edge technology, advanced scientific techniques, and opportunities to engage with international research communities. Beyond the academic benefits, these programs also offer valuable cultural experiences, allowing fellows to explore new environments and broaden their perspectives.

Expert Perspectives on the Value of Fellowships

Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned professor of International Education at the University of Oxford, emphasizes the transformative potential of international fellowships. "Fellowships provide a unique platform for researchers to not only deepen their knowledge within their specific fields but also to cultivate cross-cultural understanding and build lasting global networks," she states. "The immersive experience of living and working in a different country fosters innovation and collaboration, leading to impactful research outcomes that address global challenges."

Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a former JSPS fellow and now a leading researcher at the University of Tokyo, echoes this sentiment. "My postdoctoral fellowship in the United States was instrumental in shaping my career trajectory," he explains. "The opportunity to work alongside world-renowned experts and access state-of-the-art facilities propelled my research forward and opened doors to international collaborations that continue to this day."

Featured Fellowships for 2025-2026

Here's a detailed look at some of the top fully funded fellowship programs available for the 2025-2026 academic year:

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 in the USA and France, 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: A 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. Duration: Up to 3 years Deadline: June 30, 2025

McDonald Fellowships (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

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 costs, logistical support, 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 to and from Japan, monthly allowance (varying based on PhD status), settling-in allowance, travel insurance, and research support. 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, and creative arts); September 30, 2025 (science, engineering, and mathematics).

ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship (Switzerland)

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Switzerland Host University: ETH Zurich Coverage: Fully covered salaries, CHF 10,000 per year for research expenses, and an allowance for traveling and mobility. 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 with a competitive salary, social security benefits, an allowance for costs including travel expenses, membership fees, SSU costs, consumables, external services expenses, and conference fees, on-site daycare facility, and visa support. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 16, 2025

A Historical Perspective on Fellowships

The concept of fellowships has a rich history, dating back to medieval universities where scholars were supported by their colleges. Today, fellowships play a crucial role in advancing research and innovation globally. They provide crucial funding and mentorship opportunities, enabling researchers to tackle complex problems and contribute to societal progress. The increasing number of fully funded international fellowships reflects a growing recognition of the importance of global collaboration in addressing shared challenges.

Don't Miss Out

These fully funded fellowship programs offer exceptional opportunities for researchers to advance their careers and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries. Aspiring fellows are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each program and submit their applications before the deadlines. Scholarships Corner wishes all applicants the best of luck in their pursuit of these transformative opportunities.