General Information

UN/DESA fellowships are not, in principle, awarded for the pursuit of academic studies leading to degrees or diplomas. They are intended to give persons entrusted with functions important to the development of their countries the opportunity to broaden their professional knowledge and experience by acquainting themselves with advanced methods and techniques. A particular training programme may include attendance at an academic institution where a fellowship holder may be called upon to qualify for a specific professional diploma; however, the main purpose of fellowships is to enable the holders to derive from their training the knowledge and professional competence which will enable them to participate more actively in the economic and social development of their countries, and to increase their ability to help solve practical problems upon their return home.

UN/DESA fellows must:

• Conduct themselves at all times in a manner compatible with their status as holders of international fellowships and as representatives of their country;
• Carry out their studies in the manner and within the period prescribed by the United Nations;
• Refrain from engaging in political activities (disclosure of such involvement by fellows will result in termination of the award and immediate repatriation);
• Return to their home countries at the end of the fellowship, unless they are sponsored by another organization for further training.