Top Fully Funded Fellowships for 2025-2026: A Global Opportunity for Researchers

Researchers seeking international experience and funding opportunities for advanced study and research should take note: a range of fully funded fellowships for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open for applications. These programs, compiled by Scholarships Corner, offer scholars and researchers the chance to pursue projects in diverse fields across the globe, from climate change to human rights, without financial burden.

Global Fellowships Offer Diverse Research Opportunities

These fellowships provide not only financial support but also invaluable opportunities for career development, collaboration with leading researchers, and access to cutting-edge resources. Participating fellows can expand their research areas, explore innovative topics, and contribute to advancements in their respective fields. The programs span multiple countries, including the USA, France, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil, Japan, and Austria.

Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of international education at the University of Global Studies, emphasizes the importance of such fellowships. "These fully funded programs are critical for fostering international collaboration and allowing researchers from diverse backgrounds to contribute to global challenges. They level the playing field, ensuring that talent, not financial status, determines who can participate in crucial research."

Featured Fellowships for 2025-2026

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

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 expenses covered for two in-person programs, including airfare, accommodation, 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 Organisation: United Nations Coverage: Air tickets, health insurance, and stipend for accommodation and 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 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 For details visit Forrest Fellowship 2025

McDonald Fellowships 2026 (Multiple Locations) Type: Fully Funded Host Country: Neighboring country or 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 For more info visit McDonald Fellowship

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, 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 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 For more details visit JSPS Fellowship

Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship 2026-27 (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, 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 expenses, and allowance for travel and mobility. 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 for 2 years with a competitive pay of minimum 72,100 Euros gross, social security benefits, 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 Click here for more.

The Enduring Significance of Fellowships

The tradition of fellowships dates back centuries, evolving from patronage systems to structured programs designed to cultivate expertise and innovation. Today, they play a vital role in addressing global challenges by supporting research and development across diverse disciplines.

"Fellowships are not just about funding; they're about investing in the future," notes Dr. Sharma. "By providing researchers with the resources and support they need, we empower them to make meaningful contributions to society."

A Note of Caution

Scholarships Corner advises all applicants to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each fellowship program. Direct inquiries should be made to the respective host organizations for clarification and verification of details. While Scholarships Corner strives to provide accurate information, it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the information is up-to-date and accurate before applying.