Environment and climate scholarships, fellowships and awards open now
If you are searching for environment and climate opportunities, this list brings together fellowships, awards and contests that are open now or opening soon. Deadlines run from 31 July to 30 November 2026, so this is a good time to prepare your application and nominations.
You will find options for students, young professionals, researchers and conservation practitioners, from land restoration and Earth system modelling to sustainability awards and a youth contest with global visibility. Check the eligibility carefully, because some programmes are for specific regions or audiences.
1. UNESCO AfriMAB GRÓ-LRT Land Restoration Fellowships 2027
This fellowship is a strong option if you work in or with an African biosphere reserve and want practical training in land restoration. It combines six months at the Agricultural University of Iceland with coursework, an individual restoration project, postgraduate diploma credits and full funding, which makes it especially valuable for professionals ready to build real expertise.
2. FAO Global Youth Contest 2027
This contest is worth entering if you are a young learner or professional who has used FAO e-Learning Academy in your studies or work. The top three winners get a fully funded trip to Rome for the World Food Forum in October 2026, plus the chance to share their story across FAO media, which gives excellent international visibility.
3. International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling (IMPRS-ESM) PhD Program
This PhD programme is ideal for applicants who want serious training in Earth system and climate research. It offers structured supervision, access to modelling facilities, professional development and a monthly stipend for three years, all in Hamburg, Germany. For students aiming at research careers, the combination of funding and strong academic support is a major advantage.
4. GLF/YIL Restoration Stewards Program 2027
The Restoration Stewards Program is a good fit for young experts and practitioners who are already working on landscape restoration with their communities. It lasts one year and offers mentorship, capacity development, a grant and a global peer network, which can help you strengthen both your project and your profile while sharing your work publicly.
5. World Sustainability Award 2027
This award is highly attractive for senior researchers working on sustainability. It is nomination-based, open worldwide and includes USD 100,000, which makes it one of the most visible recognitions in the field. If your work has delivered transformative contributions to sustainability research, this is a major career milestone to aim for.
6. Volvo Environment Prize 2027
The Volvo Environment Prize is a respected global honour for outstanding scientific achievements in environmental stewardship and sustainability. Since it is nomination-based and open worldwide, it is especially important for researchers whose work has already made a clear scientific impact. The prize also brings a cash award, a diploma and a glass sculpture.
7. Future for Nature Awards 2027
These awards are especially valuable for young nature conservationists who have delivered long-term impact for wild species. Each of the three winners receives €50,000, plus mentoring, networking, public recognition, and travel and accommodation for the award week. If your conservation work has real results, this is a major opportunity to be seen globally.
8. UN FAO elearning Academy Global Youth Contest 2026
This contest is a practical choice for registered FAO e-learning learners who can write about how their learning changed their work or studies. Winners receive a fully funded trip to Rome for the World Food Forum, plus a video interview and global visibility. It is a strong way to turn learning into recognition.
9. UNESCO Japan Young Researchers Fellowships Programme 2026
This UNESCO fellowship is a strong research opportunity for young researchers who want to study in Japan. It supports postgraduate research at leading universities and research institutions, with focus areas including heritage conservation, AI for sustainable development and climate action. For applicants who want international research experience, it offers clear academic value.
10. Gotoh Tokyu Group Scholarship 2027
This scholarship is a strong route for outstanding international students who want to build an advanced academic path in Japan. It supports a Master's degree followed by a PhD at Tokyo City University, which is a rare chance for long-term study support. If you have excellent academic records and research potential, this is well worth considering.
If you work in environment, climate, conservation or sustainability, these opportunities can help you build skills, funding and international recognition. Start with the ones that match your profile best, then prepare your documents early, especially for nominations and research-based programmes. Always check the deadline and eligibility before you apply, because some calls close much sooner than they seem.