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Empower Change: Fully Funded Gender Equality Fellowship in Iceland 2026

The GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training (GEST) Programme at the University of Iceland is now inviting nominations for its 2026 academic session. This fully funded fellowship offers an intensive five-month postgraduate-level programme (30 ECTS) for young professionals and researchers committed to promoting gender equality in their communities.


Fellowship Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a comprehensive scholarship covering:

  • Tuition fees

  • Round-trip airfare

  • Visa costs

  • On-campus accommodation

  • Daily stipend for living expenses


Key Details

  • Application Deadline: 8 March 2025

  • Host Institution: University of Iceland

  • Programme Duration: January – May 2026 (One semester, 30 ECTS)

  • Location: Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Funding: Fully covered (tuition, travel, accommodation, stipend)

  • Participants: 20-25 young professionals from eligible nations

Since its inception, 241 fellows from 38 countries have graduated from the GEST Fellowship, enhancing their ability to foster social change and gender equality worldwide.


Eligibility Criteria

1. Academic and Professional Requirements

  • Must hold at least a bachelor’s degree (BA/BS/BEd level)

  • At least two years of relevant professional experience in gender equality

  • Proficiency in spoken and written English

2. Career Level and Leadership Potential

  • Must be junior professionals or young researchers

  • Should demonstrate leadership skills and capacity to drive social change

  • Strong commitment to gender equality

3. Geographic Eligibility

  • Applicants must be nationals and residents of low- or middle-income countries or from conflict/post-conflict societies eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) as per the latest OECD DAC list

  • Priority will be given to candidates from least developed and lower-middle-income countries

4. Nomination Process

  • Candidates must be nominated by their employer or supervisor at their current organization

  • Self-nominations are not permitted


Programme Structure

The GEST Fellowship is structured into six interdisciplinary modules focusing on key aspects of gender equality and policy development:

  • Theories and Concepts of Gender

  • Project Development Tools

  • Gender, Violence, and Security

  • Gender, Labour, and Migration

  • Gender, Environment, and Climate Change

  • Final Assignment (Research or Applied Project)

Participants will take part in interactive seminars, collaborative projects, research assignments, and receive mentorship from esteemed academics and professionals in the field.


Application Process

Step 1: Nomination Submission (by 8 March 2025)

  • Candidates must be nominated by a superior at their organization

  • The nomination form is available on the GEST website

Step 2: Individual Application (March – April 2025)

  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit their personal applications, including academic and professional documents

Step 3: Selection Process

  • Successful candidates will receive official invitations to join the 2026 cohort


Important Dates

  • Call for Nominations: Ongoing

  • Nomination Deadline: 8 March 2025

  • Individual Applications: March – April 2025

  • Programme Start Date: January 2026

  • Programme End Date: May 2026


Apply Now – Elevate Your Career!

The GRÓ GEST Fellowship provides an unparalleled opportunity for young professionals to deepen their knowledge, develop leadership skills, and contribute to gender equality initiatives. This fully funded programme offers high-quality training, global networking opportunities, and practical insights into gender policies and advocacy.

Don’t miss this chance! If you meet the eligibility criteria, speak to your employer or organization today about nominating you before 8 March 2025.


How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply

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