Applications are now open for the Young Public Diplomacy Summit (YPDS) 2026, a fully funded international youth leadership programme that will bring together students, young professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from around the world in Indonesia's capital city.

Organised by the Centre for Strategy and Cultural Diplomacy, the summit will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from August 13 to 16, 2026. The programme aims to strengthen youth leadership, promote global cooperation, and encourage innovative solutions to international challenges. The application deadline is July 5, 2026.

International Platform for Future Leaders

The Young Public Diplomacy Summit has emerged as a prominent global platform for emerging leaders to engage in discussions on diplomacy, international relations, public policy, and global governance. Following successful editions in Baku, Istanbul, and Tashkent, the 2026 edition marks its expansion into Southeast Asia.

The summit will offer participants opportunities to interact with policymakers, academics, diplomats, and professionals while developing skills in leadership, negotiation, strategic thinking, and public speaking.

Fully Funded Benefits

Selected candidates under the fully funded category will receive:

  • Invitation letter from CSCD
  • International airfare and travel support
  • Three nights of accommodation
  • Meals during the summit
  • Access to workshops and training sessions
  • Field visits and mentorship opportunities
  • Certificate of participation
  • Virtual course qualification

Notably, IELTS or other English proficiency tests are not required for participation.

Focus on Diplomacy, Leadership and Global Challenges

The programme seeks to equip participants with knowledge of international affairs, global security, economic strategies, and policy innovation. Organisers say the summit will also encourage cultural exchange and help young leaders build international networks with organizations, embassies, and think tanks.

Eligibility Criteria

The summit is open to applicants from all countries aged 16 to 40 years, including:

  • University students
  • Young professionals
  • Researchers
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Community leaders

Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to social impact, and willingness to actively participate in summit activities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must complete the online application form, select their participation category (fully funded, partially funded, or self-funded), upload the required documents, and submit their applications before July 5, 2026.

In a major relief for students seeking financial assistance, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) has removed the requirement of submitting a domicile certificate for availing scholarships under key welfare schemes for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Other Backward Class (OBC) students.

The reform is expected to simplify the scholarship application process for nearly 1.2 crore students who benefit annually from the government's Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC and OBC students.

According to the department, the decision aims to reduce paperwork, lower compliance burdens, and improve access to educational support, especially for students pursuing studies outside their home states. Previously, applicants were required to submit a domicile certificate as part of the scholarship verification process, often leading to delays and additional administrative hurdles.

Officials said the removal of this requirement will make the application process more student-friendly and ensure that eligible students can access financial aid with greater ease.

SETU Portal Launched for Scholarship Services

Alongside the policy reform, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has also launched SETU (Scholarship for Educational Transformation and Upliftment) on the UMANG platform. The digital initiative has been developed as a single-window system to streamline scholarship-related services for students and educational institutions.

The SETU platform will provide a common interface for applicants, Institutional Nodal Officers, District Nodal Officers, and State authorities. Students will be able to register applications, track their scholarship status, and access validation services through a unified portal.

Education experts believe that such technology-driven initiatives can significantly improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the distribution of scholarship benefits.

Boosting Access to Higher Education

The latest reforms align with the government's broader objective of promoting inclusive education and ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent students from continuing their studies. By reducing documentation requirements and digitising services, the government aims to make scholarship schemes more accessible to economically and socially disadvantaged learners.

The department reiterated that digital governance and administrative reforms will continue to play a key role in strengthening educational support systems and expanding opportunities for SC and OBC students across India.

The United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (OLA), in partnership with the Government of Thailand and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), has invited applications for the United Nations Regional Course in International Law 2026, a prestigious fully funded professional training programme for legal professionals across the Asia-Pacific region.

The course will be conducted at ESCAP headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 23 to December 16, 2026, and aims to strengthen participants' understanding of international law while fostering regional cooperation and professional networking. Applications are open until June 29, 2026.

A total of 26 participants will be selected for the programme, with a limited number receiving fully funded fellowships covering international travel, accommodation, medical insurance, training materials, and a living allowance during the course.

Advanced Training in International Law

The United Nations Regional Course in International Law is regarded as one of the most respected legal training programmes in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants will receive instruction from leading scholars, diplomats, legal practitioners and international law experts.

The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, including the law of treaties, state responsibility, diplomatic and consular law, international peace and security, human rights law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, environmental law, international trade law, investment law, and the law of the sea.

The programme will also explore emerging legal challenges and contemporary issues affecting the international community, providing participants with practical insights into global governance and international relations.

Eligibility and Career Benefits

The course is open to nationals of countries in the Asia-Pacific region who possess a legal background and relevant professional experience. Government officials, diplomats, legal advisors, university lecturers, researchers, legal practitioners, NGO representatives and professionals working in international organisations are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and professional achievements, possess fluency in English, and commit to attending the entire programme.

Beyond academic learning, the course offers valuable networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with legal professionals and policymakers from across the region. The experience can significantly enhance career prospects in international law, diplomacy, public policy and global affairs.

Aspiring researchers, students and professionals interested in shaping the future of artificial intelligence governance now have an opportunity to gain international experience through the GovAI Winter Fellowship 2027 in London, United Kingdom.

Applications are currently open for the fully funded three-month fellowship, which will run from January 18 to April 9, 2027. Hosted at the Government AI (GovAI) office in London, the programme is designed for individuals who are new to the field of AI governance and wish to develop expertise in one of the most rapidly evolving policy domains globally.

The fellowship aims to bring together talented participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to conduct independent research on AI governance while receiving mentorship from leading experts in the field.

AI governance refers to the frameworks, policies and ethical principles that guide the responsible development, deployment and regulation of artificial intelligence technologies. As governments and industries worldwide grapple with the opportunities and risks posed by AI, the demand for professionals with expertise in this area is growing rapidly.

Selected fellows will receive a stipend of £12,000, along with travel support, meals, office space and sponsorship for a three-month temporary UK work visa. The programme does not charge any application fee.

According to the fellowship guidelines, participants will spend the first two weeks refining a research proposal before undertaking an independent project on a topic of their choice. The fellowship culminates in a tangible output, such as a policy report, research paper or analytical article.

Beyond research, fellows will have opportunities to engage with AI governance experts through workshops, networking events, question-and-answer sessions and social gatherings. The programme also offers career development support and exposure to emerging opportunities in the AI policy ecosystem.

The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries and welcomes candidates from government, academia, industry and civil society organisations. Students, graduates and professionals with backgrounds in fields such as political science, computer science, economics, history and law are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of previous work, relevant expertise, judgment and overall team fit.

Notably, several GovAI fellowship alumni have gone on to secure positions at leading AI organisations, including OpenAI, DeepMind and Anthropic, highlighting the programme’s growing influence in the global AI governance landscape.

The application process is entirely online, and submissions will remain open until the end of June 2026.

The Council of Europe has invited applications for its Traineeship Programme 2026–27, offering students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain hands-on experience within one of Europe's leading institutions promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

The paid international traineeship programme will place selected candidates across various departments and institutions of the Council of Europe, primarily in Strasbourg, Brussels and Geneva.

Programme Details

  • Host Organisation: Council of Europe
  • Programme Type: Paid Traineeship/Internship
  • Locations: France, Belgium and Switzerland
  • Duration: Approximately 4 to 8 months (typically around 6 months)
  • Session: October 2026 – March 2027
  • Number of Positions: Around 80
  • Application Deadline: June 17, 2026

Financial Benefits

Selected trainees will receive:

  • Monthly allowance of €1,320 (gross)
  • Health insurance coverage
  • 2.5 days of leave per month worked
  • Professional mentoring and supervision
  • Exposure to international policymaking and governance
  • Opportunities to work with multicultural teams

Areas of Traineeship

The programme offers placements across a wide range of departments, including:

  • Human Rights
  • Democracy and Governance
  • International Relations
  • Legal Affairs
  • Public Policy
  • Communications and Media
  • Research and Analysis
  • Information Technology
  • Human Resources
  • Finance and Administration
  • Education and Youth
  • Social Affairs and Inclusion

Roles and Responsibilities

Depending on the department, trainees may be involved in:

  • Conducting research and policy analysis
  • Drafting reports, studies and official documents
  • Supporting conferences, meetings and events
  • Assisting communication and outreach activities
  • Preparing summaries and briefing notes
  • Contributing to projects related to democracy, governance and human rights
  • Collaborating with international experts and policymakers

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have completed a minimum of three years of university education
  • Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle university qualification
  • Demonstrate strong proficiency in either English or French
  • Be a citizen of a Council of Europe member state
  • Not have previously participated in a Council of Europe traineeship or study visit programme

Career Development Opportunity

The traineeship provides participants with practical experience in an international policy environment and exposure to issues related to governance, law, democracy and human rights. It is particularly valuable for those interested in careers with international organisations, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, research institutions and academia.

Participants also gain opportunities to build professional networks and develop skills in research, communication, public policy and international cooperation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the official Council of Europe careers portal:

Council of Europe Careers Portal

Applicants may select up to two preferred departments or teams and must complete the online application form before the deadline.

The programme is regarded as one of the most sought-after internship opportunities in Europe for graduates seeking international exposure and experience in the fields of human rights, democracy and public policy.

Applications are now open for the Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027–28, a prestigious fully funded programme that brings accomplished scholars, scientists, artists, journalists and practitioners from around the world to Harvard Radcliffe Institute in the United States for a year of independent research and creative work.

Hosted at Harvard University, the fellowship supports approximately 50 fellows annually, providing them with time, resources and an interdisciplinary environment to pursue ambitious projects and develop new ideas, methods and collaborations.

Fellowship at a Glance

  • Host Country: United States
  • Institution: Harvard Radcliffe Institute
  • Duration: One year
  • Number of Fellows: Approximately 50
  • Funding: Fully Funded
  • Application Deadline: October 1, 2026

Financial Support

Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive support package that includes:

  • Annual stipend of $78,000
  • Up to $5,000 for project expenses
  • Relocation assistance to and from the United States
  • Housing support
  • Childcare assistance
  • Healthcare options
  • Dedicated office or studio space at Radcliffe Yard
  • Visiting fellow appointment at Harvard University
  • Access to Harvard libraries, archives and research facilities
  • Funding support to hire research partners
  • Professional development and networking opportunities

Interdisciplinary Community

The fellowship is designed to bring together experts from diverse disciplines, creating opportunities for collaboration and intellectual exchange. Fellows become part of a global network of researchers, artists and thought leaders while benefiting from Harvard's academic ecosystem.

Areas of Work

The fellowship welcomes applications across a broad range of disciplines:

Humanities and Social Sciences

Fields include:

  • Anthropology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Environmental Studies
  • History
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy
  • Public Health
  • Sociology
  • Urban Planning
  • Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
  • African-American Studies
  • American Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Religion and many others

Creative Arts

Applications are invited from:

  • Fiction and nonfiction writers
  • Journalists
  • Poets
  • Filmmakers
  • Video artists
  • Playwrights
  • Music composers
  • Visual artists

Science, Engineering and Mathematics

Eligible fields include:

  • Biology and Medical Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Materials Science
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Statistics

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities.

Key requirements include:

  • Demonstrated record of significant independent work, research, publications, exhibitions or performances
  • Applicants should be established professionals in their respective fields
  • Current master's or doctoral students are generally not eligible, except under specific conditions where dissertation requirements have been completed and field-specific criteria are met

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • Online application form
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Project proposal with bibliography
  • Writing sample or portfolio of work
  • Letters of recommendation

Application Process

Interested candidates must first create an account through the fellowship application portal and then select the appropriate application category:

  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Creative Arts (including Journalism and Nonfiction)
  • Science, Engineering and Mathematics

For complete eligibility requirements and application guidelines, visit:

Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship Program Official Page

The fellowship is regarded as one of the world's most competitive interdisciplinary residential programmes, offering participants the opportunity to pursue transformative work while engaging with Harvard's global academic community.

Applications have opened for the Spring 2027 OIST Research Internship Programme, a fully funded research opportunity offered by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. The programme is open to international students and recent graduates from around the world and will run between April 1 and September 30, 2027.

The internship provides participants with an opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of OIST faculty members while gaining exposure to a globally recognised scientific research environment in Japan.

Key Details

  • Host Country: Japan
  • Host Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
  • Duration: 3 to 6 months
  • Internship Period: April 1, 2027 – September 30, 2027
  • Funding: Fully Funded
  • Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

Financial Benefits

Selected interns will receive comprehensive support, including:

  • Internship allowance of 2,400 Japanese Yen per day
  • OIST community support, including a shuttle bus pass
  • One direct round-trip airfare
  • Furnished accommodation, either on-campus or off-campus
  • Administrative assistance, including visa-related support

Research Areas

The OIST Research Internship Programme is available across a wide range of STEM disciplines, including:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Mathematics
  • Computational Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Ecological Science
  • Marine Science
  • Engineering
  • Medical and Life Sciences

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants from all nationalities are eligible to apply. The programme is open to:

  • Undergraduate students currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree programme
  • Graduate students enrolled in a master's programme
  • Recent graduates holding a bachelor's or master's degree

Notably, IELTS and TOEFL scores are not mandatory for the application process.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following through the online application portal:

  • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Statement of Interest
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Academic Transcript
  • Passport-style ID Photograph

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official OIST internship portal.

For complete programme details and the application process, visit:

OIST Research Internship Programme Official Page

The internship is considered one of Asia's leading research opportunities for undergraduate and master's students seeking international laboratory experience and exposure to cutting-edge scientific research.

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