The IIEP Visiting Researcher Programme is a prestigious international opportunity designed for researchers seeking to advance their expertise in educational planning and management. Hosted by the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP-UNESCO), this programme brings together scholars from around the world to contribute to high-impact research while strengthening their professional and academic careers.
With applications for 2026 now officially open, this programme is ideal for education researchers, policy analysts, planners, and practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of education systems while collaborating with a leading global institution under UNESCO.
About the IIEP Visiting Researcher Programme
The IIEP Visiting Researcher Programme offers selected researchers the opportunity to work closely with IIEP-UNESCO staff at its headquarters. Participants gain hands-on exposure to theoretical, methodological, and practical approaches to educational planning, education policy, and management.
Beyond learning, visiting researchers actively contribute to the Institute’s ongoing research and training activities. This dual focus—capacity building and knowledge generation—makes the programme highly valuable for professionals aiming to influence education systems at national, regional, or global levels.
What Visiting Researchers Do
Participants in the IIEP Visiting Researcher Programme are fully integrated into the Institute’s research environment. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Developing new research lines aligned with IIEP’s strategic priorities
- Strengthening ongoing research projects within the Institute
- Exploring opportunities for international research collaboration and partnerships
- Supporting the design, review, and delivery of training programmes
- Bringing an external and comparative perspective to IIEP’s work
This immersive experience allows researchers to sharpen their analytical skills while contributing meaningfully to global education discourse.
Who Should Apply?
The programme targets experienced and emerging researchers with a strong interest in education systems, policy, and planning. Ideal candidates include:
- Researchers and academics in education, public policy, development studies, or related fields
- Education planners and policymakers working in ministries, NGOs, or international organizations
- Professionals involved in education reform, monitoring, evaluation, or system strengthening
- Researchers seeking international exposure and collaboration under UNESCO
- Applicants should demonstrate strong research capacity, a clear research proposal, and alignment with IIEP’s thematic priorities.
Training and Professional Experience
Participants in the IIEP Visiting Researcher Programme benefit from:
- Direct mentorship from IIEP experts
- Access to IIEP’s global research networks and resources
- Participation in seminars, workshops, and training activities
- Opportunities to publish or disseminate research outputs
- Exposure to comparative and international education perspectives
This experience significantly strengthens academic profiles and enhances future career prospects in research, policy, and international development.
Programme Duration and Location
The programme is hosted at the IIEP-UNESCO headquarters in Paris, providing researchers with a rich academic and multicultural environment.
Programme duration may vary depending on the research focus and agreement with the Institute.
Funding and Working Conditions
Details regarding funding, administrative arrangements, and working conditions are outlined by IIEP during the admission process.
Researchers are encouraged to review all programme requirements carefully before applying.
Application Deadline for 2026
Applications for the 2026 IIEP Visiting Researcher Programme are now open
Deadline: 27 February 2026
Time: Midnight (Paris time)
Early preparation is strongly advised, as the programme is highly competitive and attracts applicants from across the globe.
Insights from Past Visiting Researchers
Former participants of the IIEP Visiting Researcher Programme have shared valuable insights and research outcomes from their experiences. For example:
- Ni Tang, from the Center for Vocational Education Development at China’s Ministry of Education, presented research outcomes linking insights from China to Mauritania.
- Jáfia Naftali Câmara shared reflective research notes highlighting professional growth and institutional learning gained through the programme.
These testimonies highlight the programme’s real-world impact and its role in shaping global education research.
Why This Opportunity Matters
In an era where education systems face complex challenges—ranging from access and equity to governance and financing—the IIEP Visiting Researcher Programme stands out as a unique opportunity to influence policy through evidence-based research. Participants not only gain advanced skills but also contribute to UNESCO’s mission of strengthening education systems worldwide.
If you are a researcher passionate about education planning, policy, and global development, the IIEP Visiting Researcher Programme 2026 is an opportunity worth pursuing. It offers professional growth, international collaboration, and the chance to make a meaningful contribution to education systems across the world.
Apply before 27 February 2026 and take the next step in your research career.
Subscribe here for more contents like this.
