15 International Opportunities to Explore This September

September is a month to step up our learning, growth, and career development.

We have curated fully funded scholarships, research fellowships, and academic opportunities; several programmes are available for students, researchers, and professionals looking to take the next step.

1. WBG Young Professionals Program 2026

This is a flagship leadership development programme for professionals passionate about global development.

Eligibility: 2–6 years of relevant experience, Graduate degree required, Open to nationals of WBG member countries,  Rotations across World Bank, IFC and MIGA and a 2-year programme plus a potential 5-year contract.

Deadline: September 30

Learn more and apply

2. KAUST Global Fellowship Programme 2027

The KAUST Global Fellowship supports emerging researchers with opportunities to develop their research, collaborate internationally, and build an independent academic career.

Deadline: October 1, 2026
Learn more and apply

3. 51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Fellowship

This fellowship supports early-career scientists conducting innovative research in planetary astronomy, including solar system and exoplanet science. The programme can provide up to USD $492,000 over three years.

Deadline: October 1, 2026
Learn more and apply

4. Astronova Fellowship

The Astronova Fellowship supports postdoctoral scientists developing innovative astronomical instrumentation across areas such as astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary science.

Deadline: October 2, 2026
Learn more and apply

5. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme 2027

Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars Programme supports outstanding graduate students from around the world. Scholars benefit from funding, leadership development, and a multidisciplinary community at Stanford. The 2027 cohort application closes on October 6.

Deadline: October 6, 2026
Learn more and apply

6. International Academic Opportunity for African Scholars

Are you an African scholar looking to take your research beyond borders? This opportunity provides a platform to connect with an international academic network, collaborate across disciplines, and strengthen your research career.

Deadline: October 15, 2026
Learn more and apply

7. PNNL Linus Pauling Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027

This fellowship is designed for outstanding scientists and engineers pursuing innovative research. It offers an opportunity to advance scientific discoveries while developing your research career.

Funding: Up to USD $118,000
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Learn more and apply

8. Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Programme 2027

The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Programme provides research opportunities for graduate students, predoctoral researchers, and postdoctoral researchers across a range of disciplines.

Deadline: October 15, 2026
Learn more and apply

9. University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Programme

The UMAPS programme supports early career faculty from African universities through a research residency at the University of Michigan. It provides opportunities for research, collaboration, mentorship and academic networking. Applications close October 15.

Deadline: October 15, 2026
Learn more and apply

10. ESO Fellowship Programme 2026/2027

The European Southern Observatory Fellowship offers early career scientists an opportunity to develop independent research programmes and grow their careers in an international scientific environment.

Deadline: October 15, 2026
Learn more and apply

11. WomHub Africa Innovation Fellowship

This fellowship supports African women founders and co-founders working on STEM-based innovations. Participants can gain access to mentorship, venture support and connections within the innovation ecosystem.

Deadline: October 15, 2026
Learn more and apply

12. National Gallery of Art Fellowships

The National Gallery of Art offers fellowships supporting scholars conducting research in areas related to the history, theory and criticism of visual arts.

Deadline: October 15, 2026
Learn more and apply

13. NTU AI-for-X Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 (SGD 250,000 research grant

This fellowship supports outstanding scientists who harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate breakthroughs across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, including medicine (STEM). 

Deadline: October 30 

Learn more and apply

14. Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship 2026

Are you ready to take your research further? Gain access to world-class research resources, collaborate with leading scholars, and deepen your academic work through the Smithsonian’s rich collections and expertise.

Deadline: October 15

Learn more and apply

15. Princeton in Africa Fellowship 2027-2028

Princeton in Africa (PiAf) is a nonprofit organization that offers year-long paid post-graduate fellowship opportunities with a variety of organizations working across the African continent. Fellowships are open to graduates of U.S.-accredited colleges & universities as well as colleges & universities based on the African continent.

Deadline: October 26

Learn more and apply

Make Your Move This September and Step Up!