The UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship Programme represents a prestigious international cooperation initiative designed to empower young researchers from developing countries. For the 2026/2027 cycle, the program continues its mission of enhancing human resource capacities and fostering global friendship through specialized academic training in Poland. This fully funded opportunity is primarily focused on two high-impact fields: Archaeology and Conservation, as well as Science and Engineering. By providing access to world-class facilities at leading Polish institutions, the fellowship bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical research application in an international setting.
Eligibility and Academic Requirements
To maintain the rigorous standards of the program, UNESCO and the Polish National Commission have established clear eligibility guidelines for all prospective applicants. Candidates must hold a national passport from one of the invited Member States across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, or the Arab States. The 2026/2027 edition specifically targets young professionals who possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field relevant to their chosen research project.
Age limits are strictly enforced to ensure the fellowship supports early-to-mid-career development. For the Archaeology and Conservation track at Adam Mickiewicz University, applicants must not be older than 40 years of age. Those applying for the Engineering track at AGH University of Science and Technology are typically required to be under the age of 32 or 45 depending on the specific project level. Proficiency in the English language is mandatory, as all research and lectures are conducted in English to facilitate a diverse international environment.
Financial Coverage and Benefits
The fellowship is highly sought after because it offers comprehensive financial support, removing the economic barriers often associated with international research. The funding responsibilities are shared between UNESCO and the Government of the Republic of Poland. UNESCO typically covers the cost of international travel, providing one economy-class return air ticket. Poland provides the academic infrastructure and monthly living allowances to ensure fellows can focus entirely on their research objectives.
| Benefit Component | Description of Coverage |
| Tuition Fees | Full waiver of all tuition and registration fees at the host university |
| Monthly Stipend | Allowance ranging from 1,800 PLN to 2,200 PLN based on academic degree |
| Travel | Round-trip international airfare covered by UNESCO |
| Accommodation | Provided student housing or an allowance to cover local lodging costs |
| Health Insurance | Comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of the fellowship |
| Special Allowance | One-time “pocket money” or arrival allowance for initial settlement |
Application Procedure and Deadlines
Applying for the UNESCO 2026/27 Poland Fellowship is a multi-step process that requires coordination with national authorities. Individual applications sent directly to UNESCO or the host universities are generally not accepted because the program operates on a government-to-government nomination basis. Applicants must first submit their documentation to their home country’s National Commission for UNESCO for internal screening and endorsement.
The required documentation includes the official UNESCO Fellowship Application Form, certified copies of academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic supervisors. A certificate of English language proficiency is also essential if the candidate’s mother tongue is not English. For the 2026/2027 cycle, the deadline for National Commissions to submit nominated candidates to UNESCO Paris is May 15, 2026. Prospective applicants are advised to contact their local commission at least several weeks before this date to comply with internal national deadlines.
Professional Impact and Research Scope
Participants in the fellowship program gain more than just financial support; they enter a network of global scholars and experts. In the field of Archaeology, fellows at Adam Mickiewicz University engage in multidisciplinary methods involving geophysical prospection and drone documentation. Meanwhile, the Engineering track at AGH University offers projects in Mining, Geology, and Environmental Science. This experience equips young professionals with advanced technical skills that they are expected to bring back to their home countries to contribute to local sustainable development and scientific progress.