Applications now open for the BBK – UNESCO Internationalization Scholarships 2026/2027

We are launching a new edition of the BBK – UNESCO Internationalization Scholarships, a programme developed in collaboration with UN Etxea (Basque Country Association for UNESCO). This initiative offers two young people from Bizkaia the opportunity to undertake a six-month training placement at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris during 2027.

The aim of the programme is to promote the international development and employability of young talent from Bizkaia by facilitating their experience within a leading international organisation.

Programme description and destination

Through this experience, the selected candidates will gain practical knowledge and develop key skills in areas such as education, sustainability, culture, human rights and digital inclusion.

For the 2027 placement period (from February to July), the two positions are assigned to two UNESCO departments in Paris:

• Youth Section (Science Sector): direct support in the implementation of international programmes aimed at empowering young people as leaders and agents of change for inclusive societies.
• Section for Universal Access to Information and Digital Inclusion: participation in projects focused on language technologies, multilingualism and digital inclusion, with particular attention to minority and low-resource languages.

Scholarship details

• Number of places: 2 individual scholarships.
• Location: UNESCO Headquarters in Paris (France).
• Duration: 6 months (from February to July 2027).
• Support: follow-up by UN Etxea and direct mentoring by UNESCO department managers.

Requirements

To take part in the selection process, applicants must meet the following general criteria:

• Be officially registered as a resident of Bizkaia.
• Be under 30 years of age.
• Hold an official university degree completed within the last 5 years (extended to 7 years for people with disabilities).
• Demonstrate an excellent level of English and/or French.
• Have advanced proficiency in office software and digital productivity tools.
• Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received a scholarship from the BBK Foundation.

Selection process

1. Registration and application submission: applications will be received and candidates’ CVs reviewed.
2. Assessment and personal interview: UN Etxea will assess the skills and language proficiency of shortlisted candidates.
3. Interview with UNESCO: final online interview with the teams responsible for each area at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Application process

The deadline for submitting CVs is 14 October 2026 (inclusive).

At BBK, we remain committed to this strategic collaboration to support the development of young people from Bizkaia with a global outlook, international experience and the ability to contribute, through their future professional careers, to sustainable development, cultural diversity, human rights and the international visibility of our region.