Top Fellowships 2025–2026 | ply now for Fully Funded Programs
Top International Fellowships for 2025-2026: Fully Funded Opportunities Await Researchers and academics seeking to broaden their experience and advance their careers have a wealth of opportunities available through fully funded international fellowship programs. Scholarships Corner has compiled a list of top fellowships for the 2025-2026 academic year, offering researchers unparalleled chances to gain international experience and recognition in various fields. These fellowships, located in countries such as the USA, France, Australia, Switzerland, Brazil, Japan, and Austria, eliminate financial barriers and allow fellows to focus on their research endeavors.
Benefits and Opportunities These prestigious programs not only provide financial support but also foster an environment for intellectual growth and collaboration. Fellows can delve deeper into their existing research areas or explore new and innovative topics, benefiting from access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from leading researchers. The programs also facilitate career development through networking and knowledge-sharing with peers from around the globe.
Diverse Fields of Study The fellowships span a wide array of disciplines, including climate change, human rights, innovation, scientific computing, healthcare, journalism, global critical issues, science, engineering, and technology. This diversity ensures that researchers from various backgrounds can find a program that aligns with their interests and expertise.
Featured Fellowships for 2025-2026 Below are some of the top fully funded fellowship programs available for the upcoming academic year:
Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship (USA and France): This 5-month program, hosted by the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, covers all expenses for two in-person sessions in the USA and France, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, transfers, and a per-diem. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2025. UN OHCHR Fellowship (Switzerland): Offered by the United Nations, this fellowship covers air tickets, basic health insurance, and provides a stipend for accommodation and living expenses during the program from November 10-28, 2025. The application deadline is June 30, 2025. Forrest Foundation Fellowship (Australia): Hosted by the Forrest Research Foundation, this fellowship provides a generous salary of $108,362 plus 17% superannuation, an accommodation allowance of $25,116 per annum, and a one-time research and travel allowance of $12,000. The program duration is up to 3 years, and the deadline is June 30, 2025. McDonald Fellowships (Multiple Locations): Funded by MSIF, these fellowships offer €55,000 per year for two years, plus an additional contribution of GBP 2,000 per year. Researchers can conduct their work in a neighboring country or their home country. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2025. COP30 CCMP Reporting Fellowship Program (Brazil): A collaboration between the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, this fellowship covers air tickets, accommodation, meals, travel medical insurance, ground transportation, visa costs, and a stipend. The program runs from November 10-21, 2025, with a deadline of July 15, 2025. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Japan): This fellowship, hosted by Japanese universities or research centers, provides a round-trip air ticket to Japan, a monthly allowance (362,000 JPY for Ph.D. holders, 200,000 JPY for non-Ph.D. holders initially), a settling-in allowance, travel insurance, and research support. The program duration ranges from 1-12 months, and the deadline is August 15, 2025. Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship (USA): Hosted by Harvard Radcliffe Institute, this fellowship offers an award of $78,000, $5,000 for project expenses, a relocation fund, a housing fund, a childcare fund, and healthcare assistance. The deadline is September 11, 2025, for humanities, social sciences, and creative arts, and September 30, 2025, for science, engineering, and mathematics. ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship (Switzerland): This fellowship at ETH Zurich covers fellows' salaries, provides CHF 10,000 per year for research-related expenses, and offers a travel and mobility allowance. The program lasts for 2 years, and the deadline is September 1, 2025. ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships (Austria): Offered by the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), this fellowship provides a full-time employment contract for 2 years with a competitive salary (minimum 72,100 Euros gross), social security benefits, an allowance for costs, on-site daycare, and visa support. The deadline is September 16, 2025.
The Broader Context of Fellowships Fellowships have a long and rich history in academia and research. They serve as vital mechanisms for fostering innovation, promoting international collaboration, and developing the next generation of leaders. Historically, fellowships were often endowed by wealthy philanthropists or organizations to support scholars in specific fields. Today, governments, universities, and private foundations offer a wide range of fellowships, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of investing in research and development.
Expert Perspective Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of international education and a former Fulbright scholar, emphasizes the transformative impact of fellowships. "Fellowships are not just about financial support; they are about creating opportunities for researchers to immerse themselves in new environments, collaborate with diverse perspectives, and push the boundaries of knowledge," she explains. "The experiences gained during a fellowship can significantly enhance a researcher's career trajectory and contribute to solving global challenges."
The Competitive Landscape While fellowships offer significant benefits, the application process can be highly competitive. "Applicants need to demonstrate a strong track record of research, a clear vision for their proposed project, and a compelling rationale for why they need to conduct their research in the specific host country or institution," notes Dr. Sharma. She advises prospective applicants to carefully research the fellowship requirements, seek mentorship from experienced researchers, and craft a well-written and persuasive application.
Conclusion These fully funded fellowship programs represent a significant investment in the future of research and innovation. By providing financial support and fostering international collaboration, they empower researchers to pursue their passions, advance knowledge, and make a positive impact on the world. Aspiring fellows are encouraged to explore these opportunities and submit their applications before the deadlines.
Originally sourced from: Scholarships Corner