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About the UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships Program
Launched to promote international exchange and support the human resource development of developing countries, the UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships in Engineering provide an exceptional opportunity for young professionals to deepen their technical expertise in engineering and related STEM fields. The program aims to:
- Facilitate academic and scientific cooperation between Poland and partner developing countries;
- Build local capacities through advanced training and practical experience;
- Promote the transfer of knowledge and research skills to developing regions;
- Support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in education, innovation, and infrastructure.
The 2025 edition offers 28 fellowship slots, giving successful applicants the chance to pursue a research stay in Poland for 6 months, under the supervision of experienced scholars at renowned Polish institutions.
If you’re a young engineer or STEM graduate from a developing country, this is your golden opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your global outlook, and immerse yourself in advanced scientific research in one of Europe’s most innovative academic environments. The UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships in Engineering 2025 offers selected candidates a fully funded chance to conduct research and receive specialized training in Poland—one of Central Europe’s most prominent education and innovation hubs.
This prestigious program is co-sponsored by UNESCO and the Government of Poland, through the Polish National Commission for UNESCO and the AGH University of Krakow (home of the UNESCO Chair in Science, Technology and Engineering Education). It is designed to foster capacity building, encourage international collaboration, and boost technical competencies in developing countries.
Eligible Fields
The fellowship is mainly targeted at the field of engineering, but it also includes a wide array of STEM disciplines. Accepted research areas may include (but are not limited to):
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Mining and Metallurgical Engineering
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Materials Science
- Robotics and Automation
- Applied Physics and Mathematics
- Chemical and Process Engineering
Each fellow will be matched with a research supervisor and institution in Poland aligned with their area of interest.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UNESCO/Poland Fellowships in Engineering 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of one of the 57 eligible developing countries recognized by UNESCO (see full list under “Eligible Countries”).
- Academic Background: Candidates should hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) or Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in engineering or a closely related STEM discipline. Academic excellence is essential.
- Age: While there is no strict age limit, preference is given to applicants under the age of 35.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required, as it is the primary language of instruction and research in most host institutions. Knowledge of Polish is an added advantage but not mandatory.
- Health Condition: Applicants must be in good physical and mental health. A health certificate may be requested prior to final confirmation.
Note: Female applicants and individuals from underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply, in line with UNESCO’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive development.
Selection Criteria
The selection process for this fellowship is highly competitive and based on merit. The following factors are taken into account:
- Academic Excellence: Strong academic record and technical proficiency in your chosen field of study.
- Research Potential: A well-structured and relevant research proposal that aligns with Poland’s academic resources and the host institution’s expertise.
- Motivation and Commitment: Clear professional goals, a demonstrated interest in capacity building, and a commitment to applying acquired knowledge in your home country.
- Language Ability: Good command of the English language (both written and spoken).
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt to a new academic and cultural environment, and to function effectively within a research team.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for virtual interviews or asked to provide additional documentation.
Eligible Countries
Citizens from the following 57 developing countries are eligible to apply. These countries span Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe. Some examples include:
- Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Senegal, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia
- Asia: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Bolivia, Haiti, Guatemala, El Salvador, Dominican Republic
- Eastern Europe & Central Asia: Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Moldova
Benefits of the UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships Program
Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive financial and academic support package, including:
- Monthly Stipend: Fellows will receive a monthly allowance to cover personal expenses during the stay in Poland.
- Travel and Accommodation Support: Up to $2,000 reimbursement for international travel and accommodation.
- Health Insurance: Full health coverage provided by the University of Krakow for the duration of the fellowship.
- Tuition Waiver: All academic and research supervision costs are fully covered.
- Research Facilities: Access to laboratories, libraries, computing resources, and research networks.
- Certificate of Completion: Issued by the host institution upon successful conclusion of the fellowship.
Note: While the fellowship is fully funded, applicants are encouraged to secure partial financial support from their home institutions to complement the monthly allowance.
How to Apply
The application process is conducted entirely online. Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Download and Complete the Application Form: Available on the official UNESCO Fellowships webpage.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and diplomas
- Letter of Motivation
- Research proposal aligned with a chosen engineering field
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or university-issued documentation)
- Health certificate (may be required later)
- Submit Your Application via Email:
- Send your completed application and attachments to: agh.poland@unesco.org
- Also CC the following addresses: uniune25@agh.edu.pl and fellowships.Engineering@unesco.pl
- Deadline: Submit all materials by Monday, May 12, 2025
Note: The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, May 12, 2025. Early application is strongly recommended due to the competitive nature of the program and the time needed for processing and visa arrangements.
Early submission is encouraged to allow time for application review and visa arrangements.
This fellowship is a rare opportunity for talented STEM professionals in developing countries to gain global exposure and specialized research experience. Alumni of the program have gone on to play critical roles in academia, government, and industry across the globe.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
