In today’s competitive academic and professional landscape, prestigious fellowships offer transformative opportunities for emerging scholars, researchers, and leaders to advance their careers, broaden their horizons, and contribute to global knowledge and development. Highlighting some of the most exciting fully funded fellowships available worldwide, this blog post provides detailed insights into 11 distinguished programs announced for 2026. From environmental research at Harvard to leadership training in the USA, and from cutting-edge postdoctoral projects in Singapore to innovative aging research in Germany, these fellowships offer generous support, rich resources, and meaningful networks across continents. Whether pursuing a doctorate, postdoctoral study, or leadership development, this guide introduces essential information, benefits, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines to help ambitious candidates secure their place at these top-tier institutions and initiatives.
1. Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026 in the USA
Basic Information:
The Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026 is a two-year, fully funded fellowship hosted by the Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE). It targets recent doctorate recipients passionate about environmental research, providing a competitive salary and professional development opportunities. The fellowship starts in September 2026 (with an earlier possible start on July 1, 2026) and awards approximately five fellowships. The application deadline is December 1, 2025, 5:00 PM EST.
Benefits:
- Annual salary of $90,000
- Health insurance eligibility
- Relocation expenses up to $2,500
- Annual allowance of $2,500 for travel and professional development
- Mentoring from Harvard faculty
- Access to Harvard’s research facilities
- Participation in co-curricular programs
- Collaborative interdisciplinary research environment
Eligibility:
- Doctorate/terminal degree awarded between May 2022 – Aug 2026
- Independent research project distinct from PhD and host’s research
- Must secure a Harvard faculty member’s mentorship
- English proficiency required
- Must reside in Cambridge, Massachusetts during fellowship
Application Deadline:
December 1, 2025, 5:00 PM EST.
2. Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026 in the UK
Basic Information:
The Chevening OCIS Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded, five-month research placement at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) in Oxford, UK. It targets mid-career academics and professionals researching Islamic culture and contemporary Muslim societies. The fellowship runs from October 2026 to March 2027. The application deadline is October 7, 2025, at 12:00 GMT.
Benefits:
- Return economy airfare
- Monthly living stipend (covers accommodation, food, transport)
- Visa and insurance allowances
- Access to exclusive cultural events and networking opportunities
Eligibility:
- Citizens/residents of eligible countries (e.g., Bangladesh, Egypt, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, etc.)
- Postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience
- Minimum 5 years of academic/professional research experience
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Commitment to return to home country
- Cannot be a British citizen or dual national
Application Deadline:
October 7, 2025, at 12:00 GMT.
3. NTU Global Connect Fellowship 2026 in Singapore (Fully Funded)
Basic Information:
The NTU Global Connect Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded two-month research program at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, for outstanding Bachelor’s and Master’s students graduating in 2026 or 2027. The fellowship runs from February 1 to March 31, 2026. The application deadline is September 30, 2025.
Benefits:
- Stipend of SGD 5,000 (~USD 3,600)
- Fully paid on-campus accommodation
- Round-trip airfare
- Visa and registration fee coverage
- Settlement allowance of SGD 2,000 for first month
- Access to research labs and faculty mentorship
- Professional development workshops and networking events
- Opportunity to present research
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s students graduating in 2026 or 2027
- Preferably in STEM, but open to all disciplines
- Eligible for a Singapore student visa
- Good academic standing
- No GRE/IELTS required
Application Deadline:
September 30, 2025.
4. Asia Research Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-27 in Singapore
Basic Information:
The Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore offers two-year postdoctoral fellowships for humanities and social sciences research focused on Asia. The fellowship starts in June/July 2026 or December 2026/January 2027. The application deadline is September 30, 2025.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend of SGD 6,000 (~USD 4,200)
- Travel support for fieldwork and conferences
- Access to NUS resources
- Participation in academic workshops and seminars
- Employment benefits for Singaporean citizens and PRs
Eligibility:
- PhD (or official confirmation of imminent completion)
- Strong publication record and research plan
- Research aligned with ARI’s research clusters
- Foreign candidates must obtain a Singapore work permit
Application Deadline:
September 30, 2025.
5. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 2026
Basic Information:
The HKPFS 2026 offers fully funded PhD fellowships at eight top universities in Hong Kong for outstanding students worldwide. Approximately 400 fellowships are awarded. The program begins in the 2026/27 academic year. The application window opens September 1, 2025, and closes December 1, 2025 (Hong Kong Time).
Benefits:
- Annual stipend of HK$340,800 (~USD 43,690)
- Conference/travel allowance of HK$14,200 (~USD 1,820) per year
- Tuition fee waiver
- Access to research facilities
- Guaranteed accommodation/hall place in first year (at some universities)
Eligibility:
- New full-time PhD applicants
- Excellent academic records and strong research potential
- English proficiency
- Can apply to up to 2 PhD programs at 1–2 universities
Application Deadline:
December 1, 2025 (Hong Kong Time).
6. AIAS-AUFF Fellowships 2026 in Denmark
Basic Information:
The AIAS-AUFF Fellowships offer 23-month fully funded research positions at the Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies in Denmark, starting September 1, 2026. Up to 10 fellowships are available for junior (2-10 years post-PhD) and senior researchers (11+ years post-PhD).
Benefits:
- Full salary based on Danish public sector agreements
- Relocation support
- Pension contributions and paid leave
- Office space and research support
- Access to workshops and conferences
- Limited research budget
Eligibility:
- PhD required by deadline
- Mobility rule: must not have resided/worked in Denmark >12 months in past 2 years
- 2–10 years post-PhD (junior) or 11+ years (senior)
- Innovative, interdisciplinary research project
Application Deadline:
October 28, 2025 (12:00 noon CET).
7. Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026 in the USA
Basic Information:
The Mandela Washington Fellowship 2026 is a six-week fully funded leadership program in the USA under the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) for young African professionals aged 25-35. The program occurs in summer 2026. The application deadline was September 10, 2024 (note: Reciprocal Exchange deadline is September 19, 2025).
Benefits:
- Fully funded tuition, housing, and meals
- Visa support
- Professional development experiences
- Continental networking
- Participation in Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit
- Reciprocal exchange grants
Eligibility:
- Citizens/residents of 49 Sub-Saharan African countries
- Age 25–35 (exceptions possible)
- English proficiency
- Proven leadership experience
- Commitment to return to Africa
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents not eligible
Application Deadline:
September 10, 2024.
8. World Bank Government Analytics Fellowship 2026 in USA
Basic Information:
This six-month fully funded fellowship in Washington, D.C. trains mid-level government professionals globally in data analytics for improving governance. The program includes two weeks of full-time in-person training and mentorship. The application deadline is September 28, 2025.
Benefits:
- Fully funded travel, accommodation, and subsistence
- Two weeks of in-person training in Washington, D.C.
- Expert mentorship
- Networking opportunities
- Support for practical project implementation
Eligibility:
- Mid-level managers or senior analysts in central government organizations
- Nominated by their agencies
- Experience in quantitative methods
- English proficiency
- Availability for two-week USA training
Application Deadline:
September 28, 2025.
9. Cologne CGA PhD Fellowship 2026 in Germany
Basic Information:
The Cologne CGA PhD Fellowship 2026 offers 12 fully funded PhD positions in ageing research across biology, medicine, and related fields at University of Cologne and Max Planck Institutes. The program lasts 3+ years, starting between July and October 2026. The application deadline is November 3, 2025.
Benefits:
- Fully funded employment contract under German public sector scales
- No tuition fees
- Access to labs and expert mentorship
- Career coaching support
- Conference travel grants
- Relocation support
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant field
- Strong motivation for ageing research
- English proficiency
- Medical degree holders with research experience eligible
- Must be ready to start between July–Oct 2026
Application Deadline:
November 3, 2025.
10. European Medicines Agency Legal Traineeship 2026 in the Netherlands
Basic Information:
A 10-month legal traineeship starting March 1, 2026, at the European Medicines Agency in Amsterdam for recent graduates or postgraduate students interested in pharmaceutical law. Part-time options available. The application deadline is September 30, 2025.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend of ~€1,942 (~USD 2,150)
- Travel contribution
- Mentorship and career development workshops
- Paid leave
- Flexible working arrangements
- Networking opportunities
Eligibility:
- EU/EEA citizens only
- Recent university graduates or current Master’s/PhD students
- C1 English proficiency + knowledge of another EU official language (B2)
- Strong motivation and relevant legal knowledge
Application Deadline:
September 30, 2025.
11. Switzerland Research Fellowship 2026 (Switzerland)
Basic Information:
The Switzerland Research Fellowship 2026 offers international researchers the opportunity to conduct research in Switzerland. The fellowship lasts up to 6 weeks and is open to all nationalities, with a start date of March 1, 2026. It is particularly suited for post-doctoral or senior scholars, especially in the humanities, who want to strengthen their research and writing at Swiss institutions.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend of approx. CHF 1,920 (~USD 2,100) for living expenses.
- Work at Swiss institutions, collaborate with scholars, and enhance academic profiles.
Eligibility:
- Open to international researchers.
- Primarily aimed at post-doctoral or senior scholars in relevant fields.
Deadline:
The exact deadline has not been clearly stated. Sources suggest that applications may open in late 2025 and are likely due by October–November 2025.
12. Royal Society Short Industry Fellowship 2025-26 (UK)
Basic Information:
The Royal Society Short Industry Fellowship allows UK-based academics or industry researchers to undertake secondments between academia and industry. The fellowship runs for 3–6 months full-time, or part-time (50%) for up to 12 months. It is designed to strengthen collaboration and innovation across sectors.
Benefits:
- Salary funding for the applicant or their postdoctoral researcher during the fellowship.
- Research-related expenses (up to £1,000).
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be based in the UK in academia or industry.
- Postdoctoral researchers cannot apply as the main applicant.
- Holders of certain Royal Society fellowships (e.g., University Research Fellowship, Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship) are not eligible.
Deadline:
The Round 2 deadline is 23 October 2025, with results expected by 31 December 2025.
13. St. John’s University Fellowship 2026 (USA)
Basic Information:
St. John’s University, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, offers 2-year Post-PharmD fellowships in collaboration with major pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Allergan, and PTC Therapeutics. The programs focus on areas like Medical Affairs, Global Market Access & HEOR, Clinical Development, and Global Regulatory Affairs, combining teaching with practical industry research.
Benefits:
- Fully funded fellowship.
- Teaching and research opportunities.
- Industry partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must hold a PharmD degree from an ACPE-accredited program.
- Must demonstrate interest in a pharmaceutical industry career.
Deadline:
- Applications open on October 1, 2025.
- Offers are made starting December 12, 2025, following AIFA guidelines.
- CV and Letter of Intent due by October 22, 2025.
- Official transcripts and three letters of recommendation due by October 29, 2025.
This overview compiles basic info, benefits, eligibility, and deadlines for the top fellowship opportunities highlighted for the week starting September 1, 2025, helping early-career to mid-career researchers and professionals worldwide to explore fully funded international fellowships targeted to various academic disciplines and leadership development.