Current statistics show that, unfortunately, higher education is available for only a priviledge few: only 8% of the world's population have access to it and a mere fraction of these have access to study abroad! With a view to expanding and increasing training opportunities abroad, UNESCO negotiates the terms of jointly 'sponsored' fellowships.
UNESCO has adopted a proactive policy towards the encouragement of partnerships with governments, institutions of higher education and foundations, so as to increase training opportunities to other Member States. This scheme is known as the “UNESCO Co-Sponsored Fellowships Scheme”. Under this scheme, Member States, foundations, institutions and private donors may offer fellowships (contributions-in-kind), or, may finance fellowships (cash contributions, or either through cost-sharing arrangements and through total funding) in fields within UNESCO’s competence.
The terms of reference for each programme under the Co-sponsored Fellowships Scheme are negotiated, and agreed upon, with each donor. UNESCO co-operates with the donor country or institution in administering the training scheme jointly; the Organization announces the scheme to the targeted Member States, solicits and collects applications and prepares a short-list of candidatures, which is then submitted to the donor to make the final selection. The Fellowships Section then grants the fellowships to the selected beneficiaries.
Detailed information is provided in the announcement letter concerning the deadlines and the candidates from which member states are eligible.
