The University of Antwerp’s Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB) offers three specializations for one-year master’s programs in development studies. Topics include poverty, climate change, conflict, good governance, sustainable development, and others. The Institute of Development Policy awards scholarships to students from many countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America for studies at Belgian universities that include Antwerp’s IOB. Candidates applying for an ICP Connect scholarship have to submit their application by 01 March 2026. Link
Asia-Pacific
Australia and Pacific Science Foundation — Research Grants 2026
The Australia and Pacific Science Foundation (APSF) makes research grants in ecology, biodiversity, and life sciences in Australia and the Southwest Pacific region. Grants are awarded to institutions within Australia or other countries of the Southwest Pacific region for activities within those countries or within the region. Most grants are up to A$20 thousand per year for up to three years. Applications are due 13 March 2026. Link
Commonwealth Secretariat — Commonwealth Youth Awards 2025
The Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognize individuals ages 15 to 29 who lead innovative development projects in themes that include agriculture, small enterprise, skills training, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and poverty reduction. The program selects regional winners from each of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Winners are awarded grants of up to a total of £5 thousand in total to advance their projects. The application deadline is 17 October 2025. Commonwealth Youth Awards
Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund — Grant Program 2026
The Keidanren Fund supports field projects in environment, biodiversity, and natural resources in developing countries worldwide, with emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region. The program is open to groups and organizations with appropriate legal status and at least three years of experience in nature conservation. Grants are for one year. The application deadline is 01 December 2025. Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund
AirAsia Foundation — Improving Communities
The AirAsia Foundation makes grants to social enterprises with projects to empower communities, enable them to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle social problems, or protect the environment. Applicants must be registered and be based in ASEAN. NGOs looking to diversify funding sources through social enterprise are welcome to submit an application. AirAsia’s priority is to support smaller social enterprises. Applications can be submitted anytime, but the review process may take up to 6 months. Link
UK Department for International Development — Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships 2026
The UK Department for International Development (DFID) funds the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, to undertake full-time study at a UK university. Scholarships are awarded annually across all subjects, with priority for applications that demonstrate strong relevance to development. The program does not accept direct applications for these scholarships, instead all applications must be made through nominating bodies (named in the announcement). Candidates must apply to one of the nominating bodies by 14 October 2025. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office makes Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for full-time doctoral studies to citizens from least developed countries and fragile states who could not afford to study in the UK without this scholarship. Scholarships are awarded annually across all subjects, with priority for applications that demonstrate strong relevance to development. The program does not accept direct applications for these scholarships. Instead, all applications must be made through nominating bodies (named in the announcement). Candidates must apply to one of the nominating bodies by 14 October 2025. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture — Seed Fund for Research and Training
The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture provides up to US$15 thousand in start-up grants to Southeast Asian researchers to support innovative, short-term research or training projects aimed at improving food security, farmers’ incomes. Proposals must include a clear plan for scaling and long-term funding, and deliverables. The application deadline is 31 October 2025. Seed Fund for Research and Training
UN Women — Climate Entrepreneurship
The UN Women Care & Climate Entrepreneurship Accelerator is a 12-month program tailored for early- and growth-stage women-led or gender-diverse, for-profit enterprises in South and Southeast Asia focusing on solutions in the care economy, the green economy, or both. Selected participants receive grants ranging from US$5,000 to US$100 thousand, along with customized support. Eligible applicants must be legally registered, operational for at least two years. The application deadline is 31 August 2025. Care & Climate Entrepreneurship Accelerator
Earth Company — Impact Hero 2026
Each year, Earth Company selects one Impact Hero that has the potential to transform the future of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Impact Heroes are visionary leaders who tackle some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges and make transformative changes to the communities they serve. Earth Company provides 3 years of support through leadership coaching, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Eligibility extends to everybody and all forms of organizations. Applications have to be received no later than 06 October 2025. Find details here