UNESCO mentorship programme 2026-27: Who can apply and how

The programme is based on mentorship, online education and collaborative project work. It is open to women under the age of 30 who are currently enrolled full-time in higher education and are either in the final year of an undergraduate programme or pursuing postgraduate studies.

The programme is structured around mentorship, online education and collaborative project work. It is open to women under the age of 30 who are currently enrolled full-time in higher education and are either in the final year of an undergraduate programme or pursuing postgraduate studies (Image via womenatdior.com)

UNESCO and Women@Dior have started the application for its international mentoring and education initiative designed for young women in higher education. The program, which started in 2017, has supported over 2,800 participants selected from various academic disciplines including business, engineering, art, fashion, hospitality, communication, and international relations.

The programme is based on mentorship, online education and collaborative project work. It is open to women under the age of 30 who are currently enrolled full-time in higher education and are either in the final year of an undergraduate programme or pursuing postgraduate studies.

Applicants must not have participated in the programme earlier and are required to show proficiency in English, which is the working language of the programme.

Programme structure and mentorship

Participants selected as mentees are paired with mentors from Dior through a matching process based on stated interests and professional goals. According to the official statement, mentors provide guidance during the early stages of the mentees’ professional journeys, including career planning and network-building. Each mentoring relationship runs alongside the other components of the programme and is mandatory for completion.

In addition to one-on-one mentorship, participants are required to engage with a series of interviews featuring leaders associated with Dior, UNESCO and partner institutions. These sessions focus on themes related to equity, diversity, inclusion and leadership, and form part of the programme’s core learning requirements.

Courses and learning components

The education component is delivered through an online platform where participants complete more than 16 courses. According to an official statement, these courses cover areas such as self-awareness, autonomy, creativity, inclusion and sustainable development. The curriculum is designed to be completed alongside mentorship activities and project work, and participation in all modules is compulsory.

Following the coursework and interview series, mentees work in small groups on the “Dream for Change” project. This involves developing a project proposal aimed at addressing a real-world issue related to the empowerment of women and girls. The project component is evaluated as part of the overall programme engagement.

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Eligibility and application process

The programme is open to students from all fields of study, provided they demonstrate an interest in issues related to women’s empowerment and gender equality. Selection criteria include demonstrated social impact, leadership skills, collaborative ability, commitment to personal development, initiative in community or social projects, and the ability to commit time to all programme components.

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation of up to 600 words, and proof of enrolment where applicable. The letter of motivation must address the applicant’s reasons for applying, areas of interest related to women’s empowerment, and details of any relevant projects previously undertaken.

According to the official statement, the programme does not offer internships or employment opportunities with Dior or UNESCO. Participants who do not complete all required components, including courses, mentorship activities and the group project, are not eligible to receive the programme certificate.