UNICEF LEADING MINDS FELLOWSHIP ON CLIMATE EDUCATION

Application Deadline: December 31, 2025

LOCATION: USA

The UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education is an 18-month initiative (February 2026 – July 2027) that empowers young people to drive systemic transformation in climate education. They frame climate education as both a fundamental right and a catalyst for intergenerational justice, supporting youth-led research, foresight, and advocacy to influence education policy and climate strategy globally. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Young people ages 10–30 who are: 

Leading or representing a climate education initiative; 

Passionate about climate action, climate education, and creating positive change; 

Ready to dedicate four to five hours a week from February 2026 to July 2027; and

Comfortable working in English (other UN languages are an asset). 

To learn more about eligibility and who can apply, download FAQs here or join our information session

UNICEF is selecting up to 12 young climate leaders (ages 10–30) who are strengthening climate education in their schools, communities, and countries in both formal and informal settings.  

A youth-led climate education initiative can include, for example:  

School system integration: curriculum development, educational networks, or school-based climate clubs; 

Government partnerships: collaborative models working with education authorities or policymakers; 

Rights-based and justice frameworks: initiatives linking climate education to equity, justice, and human rights; 

Community resilience and informal education: local projects, campaigns, or community-led learning; and 

Digital campaigns and media: online platforms, storytelling, or awareness-raising initiatives. 

If you’re helping others learn, adapt, engage, or act on the climate crisis—this fellowship is for you. 

BENEFIT:

Stipend for work and contributions during the fellowship period;  

Technical mentorship and collaboration with research partners;  

Visibility and speaking opportunities;  

Hands-on experience in child rights, foresight, youth engagement, and advocacy; and 

Leadership development and access to a global network of youth advocates and leaders. 

Each selected fellow will be eligible for up to $20,000 in grant support. 

APPLY

IFP/IFY JANUARY 2026 COUNTRY-SPECIFIC UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP

LOCATION: United Kingdom

New for 2026/27 entry is our Reading Excellence Scholarship for IFP and IFY students.

For January 2026 entry students, the Country Specific Scholarships are still available.

Once students are preparing to join their first year of undergraduate study, they can apply for the University of Reading Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship, if eligible.

ELIGIBILITY:

If you are paying international tuition fees and applying from one of the following countries, you are eligible for a discount on your International Foundation Pathways foundation year tuition fees.

Middle Eastern countries: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia

Nigeria

Indonesia

Thailand

Vietnam

Malaysia

Singapore

USA

Brazil

The scholarship is automatically applied as a discount to the international tuition fees of eligible students for the foundation year only.

To receive the scholarship discount, you must accept your International Foundation Pathways offer and enroll in your chosen International Foundation Pathways course.

If you are a sponsored student and a separate discount on tuition fees has been agreed between the sponsor and the University of Reading, then only one discount or scholarship will apply, and this will be whichever discount is of the highest value.

BENEFIT:

A discount of £2,000 on your International Foundation Pathways foundation year tuition fees.

APPLY