The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the globe. The Pathfinder Grant supports graduate, post-graduate, and early-career scientists conducting field-based research in disciplines such as anthropology, ecology, geoscience, marine biology, and conservation. Awards typically range from $2,500 to $5,000. The application deadline is 08 October 2025. Pathfinder Grant
early-career
Explorers Club — Rising Explorer Grant
The Explorers Club supports the scientific fieldwork of groundbreaking explorers around the world. The Rising Explore Grant supports the fieldwork of serious researchers and offers exploration grants to High School Students and College Undergraduates as a way to help get their expedition science career off the ground. Awards typically range from $1,500 to $3,000. The deadline to submit applications is 08 October 2025. Rising Explorer Grant
Neotropical Birding and Conservation — Conservation and Research in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Neotropical Birding and Conservation (formerly Neotropical Bird Club) offers research grants for conservation work, or for research that may be of conservation benefit. Awards of US$1,500 and US$3,000 are for projects carried out by nationals and/or residents of countries in the Neotropics (i.e. the Caribbean, Central America, and South America). The Juan Mazar Barnett Award (up to US$5,000) is to encourage early-career neotropical bird conservationists and researchers. Application guidelines are available in English and Spanish. The deadlines are 01 January and 01 July of each year. Know more
U.S. National Science Foundation — International Research Experiences for U.S. University Students 2026
Through the program IRES, the National Science Foundation supports U.S. university students (graduate and undergraduate) to engage in international research. Past fellowships include several in developing countries in subject areas such as ecology, renewable energy, climate change, and others. Full proposals are due 26 October 2026. More information
Africa Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders — Applications
Africa Energy Fellowship for Young Energy Leaders (AFYEL) is a capacitation program for early-career energy leaders working on sustainable access to energy and ultimately a zero-carbon Africa. The fellowship includes expert training sessions to enable participants to get empowered and gain clarity to create solutions in the area. The program is open to The ambition of the Program is to recent graduates of Physics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building / Construction Engineering, Physics, Economics, Mathematics, Accounting, Finance and Solar Energy. The application deadline is 04 September 2025. Details here
Global Changemaker Collective — Fellowship
The Global Changemaker Collective (GCC) is a collaborative network that unites youth, organizations, and governments to drive global change through local solutions. The Global Changemaker Fellowship is a six‑month virtual advancement program that supports social change leaders (aged 13–35) as they scale their community initiatives through workshops, mentorship, and access to a global peer network. Applications for the 2025 cohort have to be submitted by 15 September 2025. Global Changemaker Fellowship
African Development Bank — Japan–Africa Dream Scholarship
The Japan–Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program supports African nationals (aged 35 or younger) to pursue two-year master’s degrees in fields like energy, agriculture, health, environmental sustainability, and engineering. To be eligible, candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in relevant disciplines. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend (approximately ¥150,000 JPY, including housing), round‑trip airfare, health insurance, and may include additional support—such as research grants, internship allowances, and preparatory courses. The deadlines for enrollment applications for April 2026 are 16 September 2025, and for September 2026 enrollment, 12 November 2025 or 9 January 2026. Link
Harvard University — Environmental Fellowships 2026
Harvard University’s Center for the Environment awards environmental fellowships. The fellowships enable recent doctorate recipients to use Harvard’s resources to tackle complex environmental problems. Eligibility for funding extends to candidates with a doctorate or equivalent in any subject area from any university in the world. Candidates may propose research projects in any discipline. The fellowship includes a salary of US$90 thousand per year, plus reimbursement for relocation expenses, annual allowance for travel and other professional expenses. The deadline for applications is 01 December 2025. HUCE Environmental Fellowships
Nagao Natural Environment Foundation — Support for Young Scientists from Asia-Pacific
The Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF) aims to build the capacity of young scientists in developing countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Young researchers (under 40 years old) can submit fieldwork-based projects in the areas of biology; biodiversity; wildlife and restoration of ecosystems; and relationships between nature and humans. The maximum grant size is 1.5 million Japanese yen per project. The next application deadline is 30 January 2026. Find out more
Aspire Institute — Leaders Program for First-generation University Students
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 17 September 2025. Aspire Leaders Program