United Nations Chemicals Waste Scholarship 2026

UN Chemicals Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland

The UN Chemicals Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded international opportunity for young people, students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals interested in chemicals and waste management, environmental health, and related fields. The programme is organized by the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP) in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Selected participants will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, to participate in the United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme from 9 to 13 November 2026. The programme will also include additional youth engagement opportunities connected to the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference (GFC IC-1) from 14 to 20 November 2026.

Up to 8 fully funded scholarships are available for eligible participants. The funding package covers international airfare, accommodation, programme fees, meals, visa fees and transportation costs.

UN Chemicals Scholarship 2026 Overview

Category	Details
Scholarship Name	United Nations Chemicals Waste Scholarship 2026
Host Country	Switzerland
Location	Geneva
Organizers	CWYP and UNITAR
Programme Type	Study Programme
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Eligible Age	18–35 Years
Scholarships Available	Up to 8
Study Programme Dates	9–13 November 2026
Additional Activities	14–20 November 2026
Required Travel Period	8–20 November 2026
Application Deadline	11 September 2026

The programme is designed to give young participants practical exposure to international chemicals and waste governance and the work of the United Nations system in Geneva.

What Does the UN Chemicals Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support for selected participants.

Successful candidates can receive:

• Economy-class round-trip airfare
• Hotel accommodation
• Study Programme fees
• Reimbursement of meals
• Reimbursement of visa fees
• Reimbursement of transportation costs
• UNITAR Certificate of Completion
• Participation in youth activities connected to GFC IC-1

The scholarship therefore covers the major travel and participation expenses associated with attending the programme in Geneva.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is intended for young people who have an interest or experience related to chemicals and waste management, environmental health, or related areas.

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
• Come from a Low- or Middle-Income Country (LMIC), Least Developed Country (LDC), or Small Island Developing State (SIDS), or be a representative of Indigenous Peoples.
• Be available to travel to Geneva and remain there from 8 to 20 November 2026.
• Commit to participating in the full programme.
• Submit the completed application before the deadline.
• Demonstrate genuine motivation and relevant interests, work or experience in chemicals and waste management, environmental health or related fields.

Eligible Backgrounds

The programme welcomes applications from a variety of backgrounds.

Potential applicants may include:

• University students
• Recent graduates
• Young professionals
• Early-career professionals
• Youth leaders
• Environmental advocates
• Researchers
• Individuals working in chemicals and waste management
• Professionals interested in environmental health
• Youth representatives working on related environmental issues

Applicants do not necessarily need to have a degree specifically in chemistry. However, they should be able to demonstrate a genuine connection to the programme's themes through their studies, work, interests or activities.

Programme Focus

The United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme focuses on practical understanding of how chemicals and waste issues are addressed through international cooperation.

Participants will explore topics related to:

• Chemicals management
• Waste management
• Environmental health
• International environmental governance
• Multilateral policymaking
• Sustainable development
• UN chemicals and waste processes
• Youth participation in environmental policy

The programme combines expert-led learning with practical exposure to international institutions and professionals working in the field.

What Will Participants Experience?

Selected participants will have the opportunity to take part in a range of academic, professional and practical activities.

These include:

• Expert lectures
• Technical workshops
• Interactive training sessions
• Visits to Geneva-based institutions
• Visit to the Palais des Nations
• Visit to a hazardous waste management facility
• Career sessions related to UN internships and entry-level opportunities
• Pollution Solutions Lab
• Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste
• Engagement with youth delegates and country representatives
• Networking with international stakeholders

These activities are designed to provide participants with a better understanding of international environmental governance and potential career pathways.

Global Framework on Chemicals Conference

The Study Programme will be followed by additional youth engagement opportunities connected to the Global Framework on Chemicals First International Conference (GFC IC-1).

These activities are scheduled from 14 to 20 November 2026 and provide selected youth participants with an opportunity to engage with international discussions and events related to chemicals and waste management.

Required Documents

Applicants should complete the official online application form and provide the information requested by the organizers.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Personal information
• Educational background
• Professional or volunteer experience
• Information about relevant activities
• Details of their interest in chemicals and waste management
• Motivation for participating
• Information demonstrating their connection to the programme's themes
• Evidence of age or identification if requested

Applicants should make sure that their responses are genuine and clearly explain how the programme relates to their current interests and future goals.

Motivation and Selection Criteria

Motivation is an important part of the selection process.

Applicants should clearly explain:

• Why they want to participate
• How the programme connects with their current work or studies
• Their interest in chemicals and waste management
• Their interest in environmental health or related areas
• How they plan to use the knowledge gained
• How they can share what they learn with their community or network

The organizers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate meaningful engagement with the subject and a commitment to sharing knowledge and contributing to follow-up activities.

How to Apply for UN Chemicals Scholarship 2026

Eligible candidates should first review the age, nationality, or residency-related eligibility conditions and make sure they can participate in the complete programme period.

Next, applicants should prepare their personal, educational and professional information and think carefully about their motivation for joining the programme.

Applicants should explain their connection to chemicals and waste management, environmental health or related areas and describe how the experience could contribute to their future work or community.

Finally, complete the official online application form and submit it before the 11 September 2026 deadline.

Application Process

Check your eligibility: Make sure you are between 18 and 35 years old and meet the country or Indigenous Peoples eligibility requirements.

Review the programme: Understand the Study Programme, GFC IC-1 activities and required travel period.

Prepare your information: Gather your educational, professional and relevant experience details.

Write your motivation: Clearly explain your interest in chemicals and waste management, environmental health or related areas.

Explain your future contribution: Describe how you will share knowledge or use the experience within your community, organization or network.

Complete the application form: Submit the official online application with accurate and complete information.

Submit before the deadline: Make sure your application is submitted no later than 11 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the UN Chemicals Scholarship 2026 is:

11 September 2026 at 23:59 UTC

Successful applicants are expected to be contacted by 19 September 2026.

Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid technical problems or incomplete submissions.

Programme Dates

The main United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme will take place in:

Geneva, Switzerland

9–13 November 2026

Selected participants will also have additional youth engagement opportunities connected to GFC IC-1 from:

14–20 November 2026

The required travel and participation period is approximately 8–20 November 2026.

Is the UN Chemicals Scholarship Fully Funded?

Yes.

The UN Chemicals Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for selected participants.

The funding package includes:

• Round-trip economy-class airfare
• Hotel accommodation
• Study Programme fees
• Meals reimbursement
• Visa fee reimbursement
• Transportation reimbursement
• UNITAR Certificate of Completion

This makes the opportunity particularly valuable for eligible young professionals and students who may otherwise find international participation in Geneva financially difficult.

Number of Scholarships

The current 2026 programme offers up to:

8 Fully Funded Scholarships

These scholarships are intended for eligible young people, students, recent graduates and early-career professionals who meet the programme requirements and successfully pass the selection process.

Certificate of Completion

Participants who complete the Study Programme will receive a UNITAR Certificate of Completion.

The certificate can provide useful evidence of participation in an international United Nations-related learning programme and may strengthen a participant's academic or professional profile.

Career and Networking Opportunities

The programme provides more than classroom-style learning.

Participants can interact with:

• UN professionals
• Policymakers
• Country representatives
• Youth delegates
• Environmental experts
• International stakeholders
• Other young professionals

Career sessions will also introduce participants to opportunities such as UN internships and entry-level career pathways.

Why Apply for UN Chemicals Scholarship 2026?

There are several reasons why eligible young professionals and students should consider this opportunity.

Key benefits include:

• Fully funded participation
• International travel to Switzerland
• Free hotel accommodation
• Airfare support
• Programme fee coverage
• Meals reimbursement
• Visa fee reimbursement
• Transportation reimbursement
• UNITAR certificate
• Exposure to UN processes
• Environmental policy experience
• International networking
• Career development opportunities
• Access to expert-led training
• Participation in youth activities

The combination of professional development, international exposure and financial support makes this a strong opportunity for young people interested in environmental governance.

Important Points for Applicants

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements before submitting their application.

The age limit is 18 to 35 years, and applicants must meet the specified country or Indigenous Peoples criteria. They must also be available for the complete required travel period in November 2026.

Another important point is that applicants should demonstrate a genuine connection to chemicals and waste management, environmental health or related areas. A strong application should clearly explain the applicant's motivation and how they plan to use or share the knowledge gained from the programme.

Final Thoughts

The United Nations Chemicals Waste Scholarship 2026 is an excellent fully funded opportunity for young people, students, recent graduates and early-career professionals interested in chemicals and waste management, environmental health and international environmental governance.

Selected participants will travel to Geneva, Switzerland, where they will attend the United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme, participate in expert sessions and workshops, visit international institutions and engage with professionals and youth representatives.

The scholarship covers major participation costs, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, programme fees, meals, visa fees and transportation, while participants also receive a UNITAR Certificate of Completion.

With up to 8 fully funded scholarships available and the application deadline set for 11 September 2026, eligible candidates should prepare their applications early and clearly demonstrate their motivation, relevant experience and commitment to chemicals and waste-related issues. Apply Now