DAAD-JSPS Fellowships 2026, Japan (Short-Term Research Fellowship for International Scholars)
The JSPS Fellowships 2026 (Short-Term) is a prestigious international research program offered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science in collaboration with the German Academic Exchange Service. This fully funded fellowship enables researchers based in Germany to conduct short-term research in Japan at leading universities and research institutes.
This program is ideal for doctoral candidates and early-career postdoctoral researchers seeking international collaboration, advanced research exposure, and access to Japanese laboratories.
Degree Level
- Postdoctoral Fellowship (Short-Term)
- Doctoral Research Fellowship
- Non-degree research program
Available Subjects
The JSPS Fellowship is open to a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Life Sciences and Medicine
- Environmental Studies
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
- Materials Science
- Seismology
- Social Sciences (limited fields)
Fellowship Duration
- Doctoral Candidates: 1 to 12 months
- Postdoctoral Researchers: 1 to 6 months
Benefits
The JSPS Short-Term Fellowship 2026 offers a competitive funding package:
Monthly Stipend
- Doctoral Students: حوالي 200,000 yen per month
- Postdoctoral Researchers: حوالي 362,000 yen per month
Additional Benefits
- Round-trip airfare
- Travel health insurance
- Settling-in allowance (~200,000 yen for stays of 3+ months)
- Access to advanced Japanese research facilities
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international students from Germany.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a German citizen or permanent resident of Germany
- Be affiliated with a German university or research institution
- Have a confirmed Japanese host institution
- Submit a detailed research proposal
For Doctoral Candidates:
- Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program
- Expected to complete PhD within 2 years
For Postdoctoral Researchers:
- Must have obtained a PhD within the last 6 years
Restrictions:
- Japanese nationals (including dual citizens) are not eligible
- Applicants who previously received a standard JSPS fellowship are not eligible
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research proposal originality and feasibility
- Relevance of collaboration with Japanese host institution
- Alignment with applicant’s academic or career trajectory
Application Procedure
Applications are submitted through DAAD, which nominates candidates to JSPS.
Required Documents:
- Research proposal
- Academic CV
- Host acceptance letter from Japan
- Academic transcripts and certificates
Steps:
- Secure a Japanese host institution
- Prepare application documents
- Submit application to DAAD
- Await nomination and final selection by JSPS
Application Deadlines
Deadlines depend on the intended start period:
- Start (July – September 2026): Apply by 31 October 2025
- Start (October – December 2026): Apply by 31 January 2026
- Start (January – March 2027): Apply by 30 April 2026
Why Choose the JSPS Fellowship in Japan?
The JSPS Short-Term Fellowship stands out because of its:
- Flexible duration (1–12 months)
- High monthly stipend compared to similar programs
- Strong academic collaboration between Germany and Japan
- Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure
This fellowship is especially valuable for researchers who want to:
- Work with leading Japanese scientists
- Access unique datasets, labs, or technologies
- Build international research networks
