Ignite Your Research Journey: UNESCO Poland Fellowship Program 2025
Picture yourself in the historic city of Kraków, collaborating with world-class researchers, diving into cutting-edge projects, and immersing in Poland’s vibrant culture, all expenses covered. The UNESCO Poland Fellowship Program 2025-2026 is a golden opportunity for young scholars from developing countries to advance their science, technology, and engineering expertise. Co-sponsored by UNESCO and the Polish National Commission for UNESCO, this fully funded, six-month fellowship at AGH University of Science and Technology empowers 28 fellows to drive innovation and contribute to global development. At MatokeoNecta.com, we’re here to guide you through this transformative program, from eligibility to application steps. Ready to make your mark? Let’s dive in!
Why the UNESCO Poland Fellowship?
Since 2012, the UNESCO Poland Fellowship Program has bridged the gap between developing and developed nations, fostering capacity-building and international collaboration in science and engineering. Hosted by AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków—a top-tier institution ranked 601–650 globally (QS World University Rankings 2024), the program offers hands-on research experience, mentorship from leading academics, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Beyond academics, fellows engage in cultural exchanges, workshops, and conferences, enriching their global perspective and professional networks.
Program Overview
The 2025-2026 edition offers 28 fellowships for individual research projects in science, technology, and engineering, from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The program promotes sustainable development by equipping fellows with skills to address challenges in their home countries, while fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Key Details
- Host Country: Poland
- Host Institution: AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków (UNESCO AGH Chair)
- Host Organization: UNESCO and Polish National Commission for UNESCO
- Number of Awards: 28 fellowships
- Duration: 6 months (October 1, 2025–March 31, 2026)
- Target Group: Citizens of eligible developing countries (listed below)
- Application Deadline: May 12, 2025 (Midnight, Paris time)
Scholarship Benefits
The fellowship is fully funded, covering all major expenses to ensure fellows can focus on their research:
- Free Tuition: At no cost, access to AGH University’s facilities, including laboratories and libraries.
- Monthly Stipend:
- BSc students: 1,800 PLN (~USD 450, based on 1 USD ≈ 4 PLN)
- MSc/PhD students: 2,200 PLN (~USD 550)
- Covers living expenses and accommodation in Kraków.
- One-Time Arrival Allowance:
- BSc students: 1,800 PLN
- MSc/PhD students: 2,200 PLN
- Supports initial costs like medical check-ups (mandatory per university regulations).
- International Travel: Round-trip airfare (most direct, economical route) covered by UNESCO’s Regular Programme Budget.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage arranged by UNESCO for medically fit fellows.
- Special Pocket Allowance: USD 120 (one-time) for additional expenses.
- Cultural and Academic Support: Funding for cultural visits, historical tours, conferences, workshops, and seminars related to your research.
Note: Fellows must secure their own visas, and there is no additional allowance for passport or visa costs. Those from countries with Polish embassies/consulates must obtain visas before departure; others can use the nearest Polish diplomatic mission.
Available Research Fields
Fellows undertake individual research projects aligned with their expertise and the program’s focus. Available fields include:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining and Energy
- Physical Sciences
- Sociology
Refer to Annex IV’s official website for a detailed list of the 28 proposed projects. Candidates may indicate priority by selecting up to three projects.
Eligible Countries
The program is open to citizens of 71 developing Member States across Africa, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean:
- Africa (33 countries): Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, The Comoros, The Seychelles, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia
- Arab States (2 countries): Iraq, Syrian Arab Republic
- Asia and the Pacific (22 countries): Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam
- Latin America and the Caribbean (14 countries): Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru
Check Annex I to confirm your country’s eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be citizens of an eligible developing country (listed above).
- Be under 32 years old as of October 1, 2025.
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., science, engineering, technology), completed before applying, meeting European Union standards.
- Have completed at least 4 years of higher education.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English (the medium of instruction). Non-native English speakers must provide a UNESCO Certificate of Language Knowledge.
- Be in good health (medical certificate required post-selection).
- Be passionate about contributing to their home country’s development through research.
Youth and applicants from underrepresented regions are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Documents
Applications must be submitted in duplicate (two identical sets) and include:
- UNESCO Fellowships Application Form: All four pages are completed in English using capital letters (illegible forms will be rejected). Download from www.unesco.agh.edu.pl.
- Medical Certificate: Completed post-selection, only if nominated.
- Identity Photo: Two recent passport-style photos (4×6 cm).
- Certified Degree Copies: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD certificates (in English, with Apostille or legalized by the issuing country’s competent authority if not Apostille-recognized).
- UNESCO Certificate of Language Knowledge: Required for non-native English speakers, completed by a relevant authority (e.g., language institute or university).
- Two Letters of Recommendation: From academic or professional referees familiar with your work, dated 2025, confirming your qualifications.
- Degree Transcripts: Official copies of academic records (in English).
Note: All documents must be clear, certified, and in English. Incomplete or handwritten applications (except in capital letters) will be disqualified.
Application Process
Applications must be endorsed by your country’s National Commission for UNESCO. Individual submissions to UNESCO are not accepted. Follow these steps:
- Review Requirements: Read Annex I (Terms and Conditions) and Annex IV (Project List) to confirm eligibility and select up to three research projects.
- Contact Your National Commission: Contact your country’s National Commission for UNESCO for application guidance and deadlines (typically earlier than May 12, 2025).
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents, ensuring complete certifications and translations.
- Submit to National Commission: Provide two identical sets of your application to your National Commission for endorsement.
- Nomination and Submission:
- If endorsed, your National Commission will forward your application to UNESCO Paris by May 12, 2025 (Midnight, Paris time) via email to agh.poland@unesco.org, with j.markiewicz@unesco.pl and unesco24@agh.edu.pl in copy.
- Complete E-Registration: If nominated, submit your application via the Fellowship e-registration system and complete the online information sheet by May 12, 2025.
- Await Selection: Polish authorities, in collaboration with UNESCO, will select fellows, prioritizing gender equality and diversity. Only selected candidates will be notified via their National Commissions.
Important: To meet their internal deadlines, submit applications to your National Commission as early as possible (e.g., by April 2025). Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Application Deadline
The final deadline for National Commissions to submit endorsed applications to UNESCO is May 12, 2025 (Midnight, Paris time). Check with your National Commission for earlier internal deadlines.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start Early: Contact your National Commission months in advance to clarify procedures and deadlines.
- Choose Projects Wisely: Select research projects that align with your academic background and career goals (up to three, ranked by priority).
- Craft a Compelling Application: Highlight your academic achievements, research potential, and commitment to your country’s development in your recommendation letters.
- Ensure Document Accuracy: Verify that all certificates are certified, translated into English, and meet Apostille/legalization requirements.
- Prove English Proficiency: If English is not your native language, secure a UNESCO Certificate of Language Knowledge from a reputable authority.
- Seek Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who can provide detailed, evidence-based endorsements of your qualifications.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The UNESCO Poland Fellowship Program 2025-2026 is more than a research stint; it catalyzes global change. The program empowers young scholars to tackle pressing challenges in their home countries, from sustainable energy to biomedical innovation, by equipping them with advanced science, technology, and engineering skills. The six-month immersion in Poland offers:
- Academic Excellence: I work at AGH University as a leader in engineering and technology, where I have access to cutting-edge labs and mentorship.
- Cultural Enrichment: Explore Krakow’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, participate in cultural visits, and build lifelong connections with fellows from 71 countries.
- Career Advancement: Gain a competitive edge with a certificate from AGH University and UNESCO, enhancing your prospects for global opportunities.
- Global Impact: Contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by applying your research to real-world problems.
Seize Your Moment!
At MatokeoNecta.com, we’re passionate about helping you unlock your potential through transformative opportunities. The UNESCO Poland Fellowship Program 2025-2026 is your chance to shine on a global stage, fully funded, while advancing science and engineering for a better world. Don’t wait. Contact your National Commission today, prepare a stellar application, and embark on a journey that could redefine your future. Kraków is ready to welcome you—will you answer the call?
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