JSPS Japan International Fellowships 2026 — Fully Funded Research Opportunities in Japan

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) invites outstanding international researchers to apply for its 2026–2027 International Fellowships. These fully funded fellowships enable you to conduct cutting-edge research in Japan, fostering global academic collaboration and expanding Japan’s research network worldwide.

This program is open to researchers in all academic disciplines across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Fellowship Start Period: April 2026 – March 2027
Location: Japan Universities
Open To: International Researchers (All Nationalities with diplomatic ties to Japan)
Fields: All Subjects (Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences)

Fellowship Categories & Benefits

1. Postdoctoral Fellowship – Standard [P]

• Duration: 12 to 24 months

• Eligibility: PhD obtained on or after April 2, 2020

• Financial Support:

  • Monthly stipend: ¥362,000

  • Settling-in allowance: ¥200,000

  • Roundtrip airfare

  • Overseas travel insurance

• Start Periods:

  • 1st Round: April–September 2026 (Deadline: August 29, 2025)

  • 2nd Round: September–November 2026 (Deadline: April 28, 2026)

2. Postdoctoral Fellowship – Short-term [PE]

• Duration: 1 to 12 months

• Target Regions: US, Canada, UK, EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Russia

• Eligibility: PhD obtained within last 6 years OR PhD candidate expected to graduate within 2 years

• Financial Support:

  • ¥362,000/month (PhD holders)

  • ¥200,000/month (pre-PhD)

  • Settling-in allowance (¥200,000 if stay ≥3 months)

  • Roundtrip airfare and travel insurance

• Deadlines:

  • Sept 26, 2025 | Jan 9, 2026 | June 5, 2026

3. Invitational Fellowship – Long-term [L]

• Duration: 2 to 10 months

• Eligibility: Senior researchers with rank equivalent to professor or associate professor

• Financial Support:

  • ¥387,600/month

  • Research support allowance (up to ¥150,000)

  • Roundtrip airfare and travel insurance

• Deadline: August 29, 2025

• Start Period: April 2026–March 2027

4. Invitational Fellowship – Short-term [S]

• Duration: 14 to 60 days

• Purpose: Short-term lectures, discussions, and collaborative research

• Eligibility: Senior researchers with strong academic records

• Financial Support:

  • Allowances based on duration

  • Roundtrip airfare and travel insurance

Eligibility & Application Guidelines

• Open to applicants from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan.

• Applicants cannot apply independently; all applications must be submitted by a Japanese host researcher through the JSPS Electronic Application System.

• Required documents include:

  • Host researcher’s application form

  • Candidate’s CV and detailed research plan

  • Letter of recommendation from a doctoral advisor or senior academic

Selection Criteria

• Contribution to advancing science in Japan and internationally

• Quality and feasibility of the research proposal

• Previous collaboration evidence between host and applicant

• Institutional support and readiness

• Geographic and disciplinary diversity

Important Notes

• Fellows must reside in Japan continuously throughout the fellowship period.

• Previous JSPS fellowship recipients are ineligible to reapply for the same fellowship.

• Dual submissions or false information will result in disqualification.

• Fellows must adhere to Japan’s security, ethical, and data protection guidelines, including GDPR compliance and bioethics.

Why Apply?

The JSPS International Fellowships offer a rare opportunity to work alongside Japan’s leading researchers in world-class institutions. With full financial support, professional mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research facilities, you can enhance your academic career and contribute significantly to global scientific advancement.

How to Apply

Start early by connecting with a potential Japanese host researcher. Your host institution will submit your application via the official JSPS Electronic Application System. Be sure to meet the respective deadlines for your fellowship category.