Top Fellowships 2025-2026: Fully Funded Opportunities for Global Researchers

Aspiring researchers seeking international experience and recognition can explore a range of fully funded fellowship programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Scholarships Corner has compiled a list of top fellowships in countries including the USA, France, Australia, Switzerland, Brazil, Japan, and Austria, offering researchers opportunities to advance their work without financial barriers.

Diverse Opportunities for Career Advancement

These fellowships cater to a wide array of fields, including climate change, human rights, innovation, scientific computing, healthcare, journalism, global critical issues, science, engineering, and technology. Fellows will have the chance to collaborate with leading researchers, learn from their expertise, and share ideas with peers. These programs not only provide access to cutting-edge scientific techniques and equipment but also offer unique cultural experiences.

Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of international education at the University of Oxford, emphasizes the importance of international fellowships. "These programs are crucial for fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange. They provide researchers with invaluable opportunities to broaden their perspectives and contribute to solving global challenges."

Featured Fellowships for 2025-2026

Here's a detailed look at some of the top fully funded fellowship programs available:

Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship in US and France

Type: Fully Funded Host Countries: USA and France Host University: Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University Coverage: All costs for 2 in-person programs in USA and France including round-trip airfare, hotels’ accommodation, transfers and per-diem. Duration: 5 months Deadline: August 1, 2025 More Info: YALE Fellowship 2025

UN OHCHR Fellowship 2025 in Switzerland

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Switzerland Host Organisation: 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 More Details: UN OHCHR Fellowship 2025

Forrest Foundation Fellowship in 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, one-time research and travel allowance of $12,000. Duration: Up to 3 years Deadline: June 30, 2025 Details: Forrest Fellowship 2025

McDonald Fellowships 2026 | MSIF’s McDonald Fellowships

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 More Info: McDonald Fellowship

COP30 CCMP Reporting Fellowship Program in Brazil 2025

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Brazil Host Organisations: Earth Journalism Network (EJN), and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security Coverage: Air tickets, accommodation, and meals, travel medical insurance and ground transportation costs, logistical support, Visa cost reimbursement, and a stipend. Duration: November 10 - November 21, 2025 Deadline: July 15, 2025 More Information: COP30 Fellowship

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Japan 2026/2027

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, and research support. Duration: 1-12 months Deadline: August 15, 2025 More details: JSPS Fellowship

Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2026-27 in USA

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: USA Host Institute: Harvard Radcliffe Institute Coverage: Award of $78,000, project expenses fund, 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) Details: Harvard Fellowship

ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Switzerland Host University: ETH Zurich Coverage: Fellows’ salaries, CHF 10,000 per year for research-related expenses, and an allowance for traveling and mobility. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 1, 2025 More details: ETH Fellowship

ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships in Austria 2025-26

Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Austria Host University: Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) Coverage: A full time employment contract for 2 years with a competitive pay, social security benefits, an allowance for costs including travel expenses, membership fees, consumables, external services expenses, and conference fees, on-site daycare facility, and visa support. Duration: 2 years Deadline: September 16, 2025 Click here for more: ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Enduring Value of Fellowships

The concept of fellowships dates back centuries, evolving from religious and academic patronage to modern, structured programs aimed at fostering innovation and leadership. Historically, fellowships were often limited to specific fields or institutions. Today, they are increasingly interdisciplinary and globally accessible, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of diverse perspectives in research and problem-solving.

According to Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a former JSPS Fellow and current research scientist at the RIKEN Institute in Japan, "Fellowships are not just about funding; they are about investing in the future. They provide researchers with the time, resources, and network to pursue ambitious projects that can have a real impact on society."

A Call to Action for Aspiring Researchers

Scholarships Corner encourages all eligible researchers to explore these fully funded fellowship opportunities and take the next step in their academic and professional journeys. Carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each program to maximize your chances of success.