The UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship 2025 offers fully funded opportunities for international scholars, allowing selected candidates from developing Member States to conduct individual research in Science, Technology, and Engineering. To strengthen human resource capacities in developing countries and foster international cooperation, the Polish National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Chair at AGH University of Krakow are offering 28 fellowships.
The UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship will run for 6 months, from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, at AGH University of Krakow, Poland. Hosted by esteemed Polish institutions, the fellowship provides participants with academic training, cultural exchange, and professional development. Applicants must submit their applications through their respective National Commissions for UNESCO. The application deadline is May 12, 2025.
Universities/Institutions
- Program by: UNESCO
- Host University: AGH University of Krakow
- Location: Kraków, Poland
- Programs: Engineering and Applied Sciences Fellowship
- Duration: 6 months (October 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026)
- No. of Participants: 28
Study Areas
- Automation and Electronic Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining and Geoengineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Energy and Fuels
- Civil Engineering
UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship Benefits
Facilities Offered by the Polish Authorities
- Free tuition for 6 months
- Access to university facilities per local regulations
- Monthly allowance:
- 1800 PLN for BSc students
- 2200 PLN for MSc students
- One-time arrival allowance:
- 1800 PLN for BSc
- 2200 PLN for MSc
- Covers medical check-up, cultural and academic activities
Facilities Offered by UNESCO
- Round-trip international travel (economy class)
- Health insurance for medically fit fellows
- One-time pocket allowance of USD $120
Benefits Not Included
- Visa Fees: Applicants are responsible for obtaining and financing their visas
- Personal Expenses: Costs such as leisure activities, personal travel, and other non-essential expenses are not covered
Eligibilities for UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant fields
- Age Limit: Candidates’ age should not be more than 32 years.
- Language Proficiency: Proficient in English
- Health Status: Medically fit for the duration of the fellowship
- Nationality: Citizens of invited UNESCO Member States
Visa Information
- Fellows must arrange their own visa
- No funding provided for visa or passport costs
- Fellows should apply for a visa before departure
- If no Polish embassy is available, apply through the nearest country with one
Invited Member States (57 total)
Africa (21):
Angola, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Comoros, Seychelles, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia
Arab States (2):
Bahrain, Iraq
Asia & the Pacific (22):
Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, Samoa, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nauru, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Maldives, Tajikistan, Thailand, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam
Latin America & the Caribbean (12):
Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas
Required Documents
- Completed UNESCO Fellowship Application Form (4 pages, in English, capital letters)
- Copy of valid passport
- Passport-sized photograph
- Certified copies of academic degrees (with Apostille or official legalization)
- UNESCO Certificate of Language Knowledge (if English is not the mother tongue)
- Two letters of recommendation dated 2025
UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship Application Process
Before You Start:
- Check Annex II to confirm your country is eligible.
- Check Annex III for field-specific eligibility.
1: Review Documents
- Read Annex I (Terms & Conditions).
- Review Annex IV for eligible research fields/project titles.
2: Contact National Commission
- Reach out to your country’s National Commission for UNESCO for national application procedures.
- Find contact details on UNESCO’s official site.
3: Prepare Required Documents Submit the following to your National Commission:
- Completed UNESCO application form (all 4 pages, typed or handwritten in capital letters, in English).
- Copy of passport.
- Passport-sized photo.
- Certified copies of degrees (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD) with Apostille or legal authorization.
- UNESCO language certificate (if English is not your native language).
- Two letters of recommendation (dated 2025, from people familiar with your academic or professional work).
4: Submit to National Commission
- Send your full application package to the National Commission of your country as early as possible.
- National Commissions must forward selected applications to UNESCO by 12 May 2025 (Midnight Paris time).
5: Email and Online Submission (if endorsed)
- If endorsed by your National Commission, email your documents to:
- Complete and submit the online information sheet (link provided by UNESCO).
- Deadline for both: 12 May 2025, Midnight Paris time.
Important Notes:
- UNESCO does not accept individual applications. Only those endorsed by a National Commission are considered.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
- Final selection is made by Polish authorities, considering diversity and gender balance.
- Selected candidates will be notified through their National Commission.
Tips for Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
- Follow Instructions: Carefully adhere to all guidelines provided in the official documents.
- Proofread: Ensure all forms are filled out correctly and free of errors.
- Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who can provide detailed and positive insights into your qualifications.
- Highlight Relevance: Clearly demonstrate how the fellowship aligns with your career goals and academic interests.UNESCO+1Opportunities For Africans+1
Monthly Living Expenses
- Approx. 2200 PLN (~$550 USD) monthly stipend provided
- Covers accommodation, food, transport, and basic needs
- Kraków is relatively affordable for students
- Budget living may still require personal savings for extras
Why Choose This Opportunity?
Participating in the UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship offers a unique chance to gain international experience, enhance your academic and professional skills, and engage in cultural exchange. The fully funded nature of the program removes financial barriers, allowing you to focus entirely on your development and contributions to your field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q1: Who can apply for the fellowship?
Citizens from eligible developing UNESCO Member States with a relevant degree can apply. - Q2: Is knowledge of Polish required?
No, the program is conducted in English. - Q3: Can I apply directly to UNESCO?
No, applications must go through your country’s National Commission for UNESCO. - Q4: What if I have a degree in a different field?
Your degree must align with the listed study areas to be considered. - Q5: Is there an age limit?
Yes, applicants are preferably under 45 years old.
Official Link for More Details and Application
For comprehensive information and application guidelines, visit the official UNESCO fellowship page:
