66 Open Grants, Fellowships & Scholarships 2026 – Deadlines in May

Are you searching for fresh grants, study abroad programs, trainings, or professional development opportunities? On Saturday, May 9, 2026, a total of 66 options stand open for applications worldwide. These cover fields like research, leadership, climate action, and education, with deadlines ranging from immediate to later this year.

1. Eco Champions Programme 2026
The Eco Champions Programme supports young people aged 16-26 who care deeply about climate action. It helps them create real-world ideas to bring environmental change to their local communities. Applications close on May 20.

2. TWAS-CUI Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026
The TWAS-CUI Fellowship lets postdoctoral researchers from developing countries carry out advanced research. They work at COMSATS University Islamabad in Pakistan. The deadline to apply is June 15.

3. Cecil Renaud Overseas Scholarship 2027 for Studies in the United Kingdom
This scholarship aids top South African students in pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK. It covers costs for high-achieving learners. Applications are due by September 30.

4. TWAS-CUI Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026
The fellowship helps postgraduate students from developing countries with research and study. They join COMSATS University Islamabad. Submit by June 15.

5. TWAS-Mohammad A. Hamdan Award 2026
This award honors top scientific achievements and new ideas. Winners receive $5,000 in prize money. The deadline is June 30.

6. Fulbright South African Research Scholar Program 2027-2028
The program funds South African scholars and researchers for work at US academic institutions. It builds knowledge exchange. Apply by August 30.

7. iHatch Startups Incubation Programme 2026 – Cohort 5
iHatch aids early-stage startups in Nigeria through incubation and mentorship. It offers business development, product support, and growth advice. Deadline is May 27, 2026.

8. British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh 2027
This postdoctoral fellowship brings early-career researchers from abroad to the University of Edinburgh. They focus on topics tied to British Council goals. Applications close July 31, 2026.

9. Women in Global Health Leadership Fellowship 2026-2027
The fellowship strengthens African women in global health roles. It boosts leadership, policy work, visibility, and gender equity in health systems. Deadline is May 22.

10. Commonwealth Youth Photography Competition 2026
Young people in the Commonwealth submit photos that capture community, nature, identity, and global stories. It celebrates creative storytelling. Entries due by June 8.

11. Canada Fund for Local Initiatives – Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026
This fund backs small, high-impact projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Projects match Canada’s goals in development, governance, equality, and human rights. Apply by May 22.

12. Visegrad+ Grants 2026
The grants fund projects that advance democracy, regional ties, civil society, innovation, and partnerships in eligible countries. They promote cooperation. Deadline is June 1.

13. Africa Fellows in Education Program 2026/2027
This program aids Africa-based researchers and education experts. It strengthens evidence, policy, and systems in education across the continent. Applications close June 30, 2026.

14. University of Birmingham Global South Fellowship Program 2026-2027
Early-career researchers from Global South universities build ties with the University of Birmingham. It fosters research partnerships. Deadline is May 29, 2026.

15. Association of Commonwealth Universities Fellowships 2026
The ACU Fellowships enable academic and professional exchanges, research visits, and collaborations among Commonwealth universities. They build networks. Apply by June 25, 2026.

16. Ilia Calderón Scholarship to Attend One Young World Summit 2026
This fully funded scholarship sends young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean to the One Young World Summit in Cape Town. It covers all costs. Deadline is June 15, 2026.

17. WHO/Europe Programme on Strengthening Public Health Workforce Capacity for Mental Health Promotion and Prevention 2026
The program trains public health workers in Europe on mental health promotion and prevention. It improves workforce systems. Applications due May 26, 2026.

18. University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026
This fellowship funds research linking environmental justice, sustainability, humanities, and education. It suits postdoctoral scholars. Deadline is May 30, 2026.

19. Canon Oceania Grants Program 2026
Grants up to $5,000 support community, education, environment, small business, and creative projects in Oceania. They aid local efforts. Apply by June 14, 2026.

20. TWAS-Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award 2026
The award honors scientists from least developed countries for work on sustainability, biodiversity, and innovation. It recognizes impact. Deadline is June 30, 2026.

21. TWAS-Abdool Karim Award in Biological Sciences 2026
This award celebrates scientists with key contributions to biological sciences. It highlights excellence. Applications close June 30, 2026.

22. TWAS-Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award in Agricultural Sciences and Biology 2026
The award supports women scientists for strong work in agricultural sciences and biology. It promotes gender balance in science. Deadline is June 30, 2026.

23. University of Zurich Predoctoral Research Fellowship in Economics Chair of Macroeconomics and Labor Markets 2026
Predoctoral researchers gain experience in macroeconomics and labor markets at the University of Zurich. It builds skills. Deadline is unspecified.

24. Think Visegrad Fellowship 2026
Researchers and policy experts conduct work at think tanks in the Visegrad region. It advances ideas. Apply by May 15, 2026.

25. Google EMEA Legal Summer Institute 2026
Law students and early-career legal pros in EMEA learn about Google’s legal operations and partner firms. It offers hands-on exposure. Deadline is May 17, 2026.

26. National Institute for Health and Care Research Doctoral Award 2026
Early-career researchers pursue doctoral work to improve health, public health, or social care evidence. It funds key studies. Apply by June 23, 2026.

27. LEAP Africa Social Innovators Programme 2026
Young African changemakers develop community-based solutions to social challenges. The program provides support. Deadline is June 12, 2026.

28. Centre for Budget and Policy Studies Research Fellowship 2026-2027
Young scholars explore public policy, education, gender, governance, budgets, health, livelihoods, and social security. It offers research time. Apply by May 31, 2026.

29. Lazord Fellowship 2026-2027
Young civic leaders gain mentoring, leadership training, and professional placements. It drives social change. Deadline is June 4, 2026.

30. Urban Studies Foundation International Fellowships 2026
Early to mid-career urban scholars from select countries build global research ties and publications. It expands networks. Apply by July 6, 2026.

31. CCCU PhD Scholarship in Education 2026: Education Values and Impact
This scholarship funds PhD research on education, values, youth, civic engagement, and social impact. It supports deep study. Deadline is June 5, 2026.

32. Pulitzer Center Global Reporting Grants 2026
Journalists receive funds for in-depth stories on underreported global issues of public interest. It aids bold reporting. Applications on rolling basis.

33. UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2026
Prizes honor programs that advance literacy, learning, and inclusive education worldwide. They spotlight success. Deadline is May 18, 2026.

34. Absa L’Atelier Competition 2026
Young visual artists in Africa gain exposure, training, and career boosts. It opens art doors. Apply by May 31, 2026.

35. Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna PhD in Human Rights, Global Politics and International Studies 2026-2027
The PhD program trains in human rights, global politics, and international studies through interdisciplinary research. It prepares experts. Deadline is May 15, 2026.

36. Femmy O Foundation Grant 2026
Small businesses and new entrepreneurs in Ireland or Northern Ireland get startup or expansion funds. It fuels growth. Apply by May 17, 2026.

37. LEAP Africa Youth Leadership Development Programme 2026
Nigerian undergraduates build skills in leadership, civic engagement, community development, and advocacy. It shapes future leaders. Applications ongoing.

38. Bechem Humanitarian Network Online Academy & DataCamp 2026
This fully funded online program provides DataCamp courses in data, AI, coding, and digital skills. It boosts careers. Rolling basis deadline.

39. Young Professionals Bootcamp 2026
Nigerian young professionals receive leadership training, enterprise skills, mentorship, and seed grant access. It accelerates careers. Deadline is May 24, 2026.

40. Institute of Human Development Child and Youth Health Youth Advisory Council 2026
Young people advise on child and youth health research, policy, and programs. It gives voice to youth. Apply by May 19, 2026.

41. British Council Charles Wallace Pakistan Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026-2027
Pakistani mid-career pros and researchers visit the UK for short professional or research stays. It builds expertise. Deadline is June 5, 2026.

42. International Society for the Performing Arts Global Fellowship 2027
Emerging and mid-career performing arts leaders form networks and gain development opportunities. It connects globally. Apply by May 29, 2026.

43. Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism 2026
Awards honor freelance journalists, local reporters, and fixers for brave international work. They celebrate courage. Deadline is June 14, 2026.

44. Barbara Huber Scholarship Program 2027
Students and researchers stay at the Max Planck Institute for Crime, Security and Law studies. It funds research time. Apply by May 31, 2026.

45. Royal Academy of Engineering Policy Fellowships 2026
Policymakers learn engineering and systems thinking for tough challenges and better decisions. It blends fields. Deadline is May 20, 2026.

46. Scholars at Risk Academic Freedom Fellowships 2026-2027
Early-career researchers focus on academic freedom, higher education, and scholar protection. It safeguards knowledge. Apply by May 29, 2026.

47. IJP German-Japanese Fellowship Programme 2026
Journalists from Germany and Japan exchange reporting, gain newsroom time, and learn professionally. It fosters ties. Deadline is June 15, 2026.

48. International Journalists’ Programmes Fellowships for Journalists from the Middle East and Germany 2026
German and Middle East journalists share reporting and newsroom placements for professional growth. It builds bridges. Apply by June 15, 2026.

49. Future of Energy Conference Innovation Challenge 2026
Innovators pitch energy solutions for Africa’s low-carbon future. It spotlights ideas. Deadline is May 31, 2026.

50. Art4Change Storytelling Fellowship 2026
Storytellers create digital content, case studies, and multimedia on youth innovation and change. It amplifies voices. Apply by May 29, 2026.

51. Afreximbank-Edordu Research Competition 2026
Postgraduates submit original research on African trade, finance, integration, and development. It rewards insight. Deadline is September 30, 2026.

52. McKinsey & Company Young Leaders Program 2026 – Addis Ababa
Young pros in Addis Ababa gain consulting, leadership, and problem-solving skills at McKinsey. It offers real experience. Applications ongoing.

53. McKinsey & Company Young Leaders Program 2026 – Nairobi
Professionals in Nairobi build consulting, leadership, and client skills with McKinsey. It sharpens abilities. Ongoing deadline.

54. UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education 2026
The prize rewards innovative ICT use to improve learning, inclusion, and education systems. It highlights tech impact. Apply by May 29, 2026.

55. Trevor Noah Foundation Education Changemakers Program in East and Central Africa 2026
Young education leaders in East and Central Africa get training, mentoring, and ongoing support. It drives change. Deadline is May 13, 2026.

56. Digital Energy Challenge Call for Projects 2026
Digital projects that boost energy access and systems receive support. They improve services. Apply by June 17, 2026.

57. The World Around Young Climate Prize 2026
Young designers and innovators create solutions for climate issues. The prize backs creativity. Deadline is June 30, 2026.

58. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine CREATIVE Fellowship 2026
Fully funded work links health, equity, clinical research, and public engagement creatively. It funds bold ideas. Apply by May 29, 2026.

59. Academy of International Affairs North Rhine-Westphalia Fellowship 2027-2028
Scholars and pros research international affairs, diplomacy, governance, and policy. It deepens analysis. Deadline is May 31, 2026.

60. Rainforest Investigation Network Fellowship 2026/2027
Journalists probe rainforest loss, environmental crime, climate, and accountability. It supports watchdog work. Apply by May 22, 2026.

61. Digital Skills for Youth Program 2026
Funds help organizations train underemployed graduates in digital skills and work experience. It opens job paths. Deadline is May 22, 2026.

62. Providus Bank SME Program Cohort 6
Nigerian SMEs gain skills in growth, leadership, planning, efficiency, and sustainability. It strengthens businesses. Apply by May 31, 2026.

63. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Pan-Atlantic University 2026
Fully funded undergraduate spots go to talented African students facing financial barriers at Pan-Atlantic University. It removes obstacles. Deadline is May 22, 2026.

64. Social Science Research Council Just Tech Fellowship 2027
Researchers, artists, journalists, and pros work on technology, society, justice, and public interest. It explores intersections. Apply by June 28, 2026.

65. QUB AHSS Global Fellows Scheme 2026-2027
Scholars from outside UK and Ireland visit Queen’s University Belfast for arts, humanities, and social sciences research. It sparks collaboration. Deadline is June 26, 2026.

66. ICMM Young Leaders Scholarship to Attend the One Young World Summit 2026
Fully funded spots send young leaders in sustainability, mining, and impact to One Young World 2026. It covers attendance. Apply by June 7, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of opportunities are open for applications?

There are 66 grants, fellowships, scholarships, trainings, and programs in fields like climate action, research, education, leadership, and startups, open worldwide as of May 9, 2026.

When do most of these opportunities close?

Deadlines range from May 13 to September 30, 2026, with many due by the end of May or June, so check each one quickly.

Who can apply to these programs?

They target young leaders, researchers, students, startups, journalists, and professionals from developing countries, Africa, Global South, and other regions, depending on the program.

How can I find more details on a specific opportunity?

Review the full list in the article for names like Eco Champions Programme or TWAS fellowships, then visit their official sites for application links and requirements.