The Aspire Leaders Program provides academic and professional development resources to students who are from backgrounds of social and financial adversity. All applicants must be between the ages of 18-26, come from a low-income background and be the first generation to attend university. Through the program, students will gain access to fully-funded HarvardX courses and participate in live seminars with Harvard University. Eligibility extends to students from all around the world as long as they are enrolled in an undergraduate program or have recently graduated (within three years). The application deadline is 21 January 2026. Aspire Leaders Program
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United Nations — Indigenous Fellowship Program
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Indigenous Fellowship Training Programme is open for applications. The aim of the program is to give Indigenous persons the opportunity to gain knowledge on the UN system and mechanisms dealing with human rights issues in general and Indigenous issues in particular. (Note: This may include land rights and biodiversity conservation issues). Participants will learn how to more effectively advocate for the rights of their communities and raise their concerns at the international level. Travel, stipend and basic expenses are covered by OHCHR. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2026. OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship
Vienna Biocenter — Summer School
The Vienna Biocenter Summer School provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to work side by side with leading researchers in a dynamic scientific environment. Each fellow will be allocated a faculty member, with whom they will work closely. The research project will focus on a current topic in the allocated lab. Selected fellows receive free student accommodation, a stipend of €1400 euros, medical insurance, and other benefits. The Vienna Biocenter welcomes applications from students from all around the world who are undergraduates/master students and have completed at least two years of university study in a Life Sciences related study. The application deadline is 11 January 2026. Vienna Biocenter Summer School
Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research — Call for Proposals 2025
The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) launches its 2025 call for proposals. The Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP) supports research on physical, biological, and human dimensions of change in the Earth’s systems. The Capacity Development Programme (CAPaBLE) focuses on training, awareness raising, and partnerships. APN lists priority research topics (climate change, disaster risk reduction, smart agriculture, water quality, and invasive species, among others) for each of South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. Applications can be submitted by researchers, academics, and practitioners working at institutions based in APN member countries and approved countries. APN encourages applications from early-career scientists. For both programs, the deadline to submit summary proposals is 30 November 2025. Link
Aspen Institute — Food Leaders Fellowship
Applications are open for the Food Leaders Fellowship. The fellowship is an 8-month program for food system leaders consisting of in-person and virtual gatherings including site visits. Candidates must be based in the United States, Mexico, or Canada. Applications are open until 05 December 2025. Food Leaders Fellowship
Obama Foundation — Leaders Program
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is a one-year training program for leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities or countries. Scholars attend courses and participate in leadership development training. Participants receive a furnished studio apartment during their stay, a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as travel and tuition fees paid. The program is open to applicants from all around the world. Applications for the 2026-2027 program have to be submitted until 12 December 2025. Applicant information
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — Botany in Action Fellowships 2026
The Botany in Action (BIA) Fellowship program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens fosters the development of the next generation of plant-based scientists. Subject areas include ethnobotany, plant diversity and conservation, landscape and brownfield restoration, and others. The program is open to Ph.D. students of any nationality who are conducting plant-based scientific research at U.S. graduate institutions. Grants are US$5 thousand for research-related expenses at sites in the U.S. or internationally, plus an all-expenses paid trip to Phipps to make a public presentation. The application deadline is 09 January 2026. Find out how to apply
Kinship Foundation — Conservation Fellows 2026
The Kinship Foundation invites fellows worldwide to participate in its month-long conservation leadership program in the USA. Kinship focuses on market-based mechanisms for conservation by strengthening the participants’ skills in leadership, communication, economics, and business and finance. Selected participants receive training and a US$6 thousand stipend to cover travel and living expenses. Applicants should be mid-career conservation practitioners with at least five years of field experience, a bachelor’s degree, and a demonstrated desire to innovate. The next application deadline is 11 January 2026. Kinship Conservation Fellows
The NGO Whisperer® — Global Fellowship Program
The NGO Whisperer® Centre For Social Impact announces its Global Fellowship Program. The fellowship program is a six-month virtual leadership program for leaders and founders of non-governmental organizations and social enterprises worldwide. Participants receive online tailored mentorship and leadership coaching as well as online masterclasses. The goal is to build the capacity of professionals who are focused on designing and implementing high-impact programs in low- and middle-income countries. Applications close 16 January 2026. Link
German Academic Exchange Service — Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a comprehensive range of scholarship programs for German and international students, graduates, and academics. DAAD offers scholarship programs that are generally open to all subjects as well as subject-specific programs. Financial support consists of a regular monthly payment over a specified period. In addition to contributing to students’ cost of living, scholarship holders may often receive subsidies for books, health insurance, or childcare. Every scholarship provider has its own selection and application procedures. DAAD scholarship database