by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) · Multiple institutions in member states including University of Tuscia (Italy) and various international research centers
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🔴 Active (Periodic cycles)🎓 Master's, PhD, and Post-Doctoral Research🌍 International (Varies by host institution)📌 Full Fellowship / Research Grant
Varies (Approximately $1,500 - $2,500 per month depending on host country)
Duration
12 to 24 months for Master's; up to 36 months for PhD
Deadline
Varies (Usually between April and July depending on the specific cycle)
Level
Master's, PhD, and Post-Doctoral Research
Acceptance
Check official website
Difficulty
High
Quick Summary
For students aiming to study in International (Varies by host institution), UNESCO/FAO Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme is a fully funded scholarship from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The award covers The fellowship provides a comprehensive package covering all academic fees, international travel, a monthly living allowance, health insurance, and research-related costs. and is open to master's, phd, and post-doctoral research students studying agriculture, forestry, fisheries, nutrition, natural resource management, rural development, and food security. The scholarship runs for 12 to 24 months for master's; up to 36 months for phd. Eligibility is generally based on candidates must be from a developing country, possess a high-level academic background in agricultural sciences, and receive formal nomination from their country's National Commission for UNESCO. The application deadline is Varies (Usually between April and July depending on the specific cycle), with an acceptance rate of approximately Check official website. Applicants are encouraged to review the official eligibility criteria carefully before starting their application.
✨ Should I Apply for UNESCO/FAO Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
60%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Low (Highly competitive global program)
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies (Approximately $1,500 - $2,500 per month depending on host country)
⏳
Duration
12 to 24 months for Master's; up to 36 months for PhD
📅
Deadline
Varies (Usually between April and July depending on the specific cycle)
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
📊
Acceptance
Check official website
The UNESCO/FAO Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing human resources and capacity building in developing countries. It supports advanced research and postgraduate training in disciplines that contribute to agricultural productivity, sustainable natural resource management, and the eradication of hunger.
👥 Who Should Apply
Candidates must be from a developing country, possess a high-level academic background in agricultural sciences, and receive formal nomination from their country's National Commission for UNESCO.
🏛️ Host University
Multiple institutions in member states including University of Tuscia (Italy) and various international research centers
The fellowship provides a comprehensive package covering all academic fees, international travel, a monthly living allowance, health insurance, and research-related costs.
🎯 Target Students
International students from developing/emerging economies
Varies (Approximately $1,500 - $2,500 per month depending on host country)
✈️ Travel: Yes (International round-trip airfare and internal travel for research)🏠 Accommodation: Yes (Often integrated into the monthly stipend or provided in-kind)💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Standard international UNESCO insurance policy)🔄 Renewable: No (Fixed-term based on program duration)💳 App Fee: $0 (None)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (100%)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly allowance provided)
🏡 Accommodation
Yes (Often integrated into the monthly stipend or provided in-kind)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (International round-trip airfare and internal travel for research)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Standard international UNESCO insurance policy)
🎁 Other Benefits
Book allowance, termination allowance, and visa fee reimbursement
🔄 Renewable
No (Fixed-term based on program duration)
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Citizen of a developing UNESCO/FAO member state, under age 40, holding a relevant university degree, and nominated by the National Commission.
🎓 Academic Level
Master's, PhD, and Post-Doctoral Research
📊 Minimum GPA
Equivalent to 3.5/4.0 or Second Class Upper Division
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English, French, or Spanish (depending on the host country requirements)
🍢 Age Limit
Generally under 40 years of age
💼 Work Experience
Minimum 2 years of professional experience in the field of agriculture or rural development is preferred
🏆 Leadership
Demonstrated potential for leadership in food security or agricultural policy in the home country
💰 Financial Need
Implicitly required as the program targets candidates from developing nations
🎯 Target Students
International students from developing/emerging economies
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Detailed study plan and statement of purpose regarding home country impact)
Rec Letters
Yes (Usually 3 professional and academic letters)
Interview
Check official website (Often required by the host university selection committee)
Application Fee
$0 (None)
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Usually 3 professional and academic letters) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Proficiency in English, French, or Spanish (depending on the host country requirements)
Interview: Check official website (Often required by the host university selection committee)
Min GPA: Equivalent to 3.5/4.0 or Second Class Upper Division
📋 Application Process
Begin the nomination process early with your National Commission for UNESCO as they must endorse your application before it reaches the international level.
💡 Insider Tip: Focus your research proposal on how your studies will directly address the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) in your specific region.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Varies by host country and cycle
⏰ Deadline
Varies (Usually between April and July depending on the specific cycle)
🎤 Interview
Check official website (Often required by the host university selection committee)
🎓 Study Starts
September or October annually
Varies by host country and cycle
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Varies (Usually between April and July depending on the specific cycle)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Check official website (Often required by the host university selection committee)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
September or October annually
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, relevance of research to FAO's strategic objectives, and geographical distribution of awards.
Candidates must be from a developing country, possess a high-level academic background in agricultural sciences, and receive formal nomination from their country's National Commission for UNESCO.
This scholarship covers: The fellowship provides a comprehensive package covering all academic fees, international travel, a monthly living allowance, health insurance, and research-related costs.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Varies (Usually between April and July depending on the specific cycle). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low (Highly competitive global program). Acceptance rate: Check official website. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No (Fixed-term based on program duration)
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficiency in English, French, or Spanish (depending on the host country requirements), Yes (Usually 3 professional and academic letters) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.