The Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge is an annual global initiative encouraging young individuals aged 15-26 to pitch their ideas for innovative learning programs for their dream university. Participants can pitch programs on one of the following themes: Community Engagement, Socio-emotional Development, and Sustainability (planetary health and regenerative economy). The 12 finalists will receive regular mentorship from a global network of industries with the goal of implementing their programs. The winner receives US$1000. The deadline for submissions is 15 January 2026. Youth Design Challenge
fellowships/scholarships
Beit Trust — Postgraduate Scholarships
The Beit Trust Scholarships offer postgraduate (Master’s) funding exclusively to nationals and permanent residents of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. For 2026, it will award scholarships at UK and South African partner universities. Eligible candidates must not already be enrolled in a course, and preference is given to those with strong academic records, relevant professional experience, leadership potential, and alignment of study fields with developmental needs. The scholarship covers full tuition, living allowance, travel, visa and health fees, and additional allowances. The application deadline is 13 February 2026. Postgraduate Scholarships
Rotary Foundation — Masters Studies in Water and Sanitation
The Rotary Foundation partners with UNESCO to offer funding for master’s studies in water and sanitation. Applicants for Rotary’s support must be provisionally admitted to one of the three participating degree programs at UNESCO’s Institute for Water Education (IHE). Students apply via their local Rotary club or district. Each award is approximately €34 thousand, paid directly to UNESCO-IHE. The deadline for submitting Rotary scholarship applications is 15 April 2026. Find the Application Process
Rainforest Alliance — Kleinhans Fellowship for Research in Community Forestry
The Rainforest Alliance is interested in helping communities and small- and medium-sized enterprises to harvest and manufacture forest and non-timber forest products in a sustainable manner, and market these goods to responsible businesses and consumers. The Kleinhans Fellowship provides US$20 thousand over two years for research on this topic in Latin America, with preference for sites where the Rainforest Alliance currently supports community forestry. Applicants must have at least a master’s degree in forestry, ecology, botany, environmental science, or an appropriate related field. The next deadline for applications is 31 August 2026. Know more
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
International Atomic Energy Agency — Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Program
The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Program (MSCFP) aims to help increase the number of women in the nuclear field and drive global scientific and technological innovation. Selected students receive a scholarship for Master’s programs in nuclear-related studies. They are also provided with an opportunity to pursue an internship facilitated by the IAEA for up to 12 months. Female scientists from all around the world are invited to apply. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025. More information
CIFAR — Global Scholars
The CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars program provides funding, skills training, mentorship, and opportunities for research collaboration. CIFAR invites early-career researchers pursuing the most exciting and important research questions across the natural, biomedical and social sciences and the humanities to join an interdisciplinary research program. As part of the program, scholars receive C$100 thousand in unrestricted research support over two years. To be eligible for this program, applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) and be within the first five years of starting a full-time research position at an institution of higher education or research. The deadline for applications is 05 November 2025. CIFAR Global Scholars
Dalai Lama Fellows — Mentorship for Emerging Leaders
The Dalai Lama Fellowship offers emerging leaders from all around the world mentorship and coaching to design and implement their own original field projects addressing a global challenge. Project areas include environmental sustainability, among others. The fellowship does not offer funding for projects, instead, it offers coaching and a global community. This program is open to next-generation leaders (20-35 years old). The deadline for applications is 12 November 2025. Dalai Lama Fellows
World Wildlife Fund — Fonseca Leadership Program
The Fonseca Leadership Program aims to provide financial support for researchers and practitioners in Latin America to pursue graduate-level studies geared towards education and research training. Applicants may apply for up to two (master’s) and three (PhD) years of funding and request up to US$30 thousand per year. The fellowship is open to nationals of eligible countries within WWF-US and the GEF priority areas (Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Suriname). The deadline to apply is 18 December 2025. Fonseca Leadership Program