JSPS Japan International Fellowships 2026 (Fully Funded)
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) invites applications for its International Fellowships 2026–2027, offering outstanding researchers from around the world an opportunity to conduct fully funded research in Japan. These fellowships aim to foster international academic collaboration and strengthen Japan’s global research network.
Researchers in all fields of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences are eligible to apply.
Degree Level
JSPS Japan International Fellowships 2026 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at Japan Universities.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- All Subjects
Benefits
Fellowship Categories
1. Postdoctoral Fellowship – Standard [P]
- Duration: 12 to 24 months
- Eligibility: PhD obtained on or after April 2, 2020
- Citizenship: Any country with diplomatic relations with Japan
- Fellowship Start Periods:
- 1st Round: April–September 2026 (Deadline: August 29, 2025)
- 2nd Round: September–November 2026 (Deadline: April 28, 2026)
- Financial Support:
- Airfare (roundtrip)
- ¥362,000 monthly stipend
- ¥200,000 settling-in allowance
- Overseas travel insurance
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 6 years OR enrolled in a doctoral program with PhD expected within 2 years
- Rounds & Deadlines:
- 1st: Deadline September 26, 2025 (Start: April 2026–March 2027)
- 2nd: Deadline January 9, 2026 (Start: August 2026–March 2027)
- 3rd: Deadline June 5, 2026 (Start: December 2026–March 2027)
- Financial Support:
- ¥362,000/month (PhD holders); ¥200,000 (pre-PhD)
- ¥200,000 settling-in allowance (if staying ≥3 months)
- Roundtrip airfare, travel insurance
3. Invitational Fellowship – Long-term [L]
- Duration: 2 to 10 months
- Eligibility: Senior researchers with an equivalent rank to professor/associate professor
- Citizenship: Countries with diplomatic ties to Japan
- Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
- Start Date: April 2026–March 2027
- Financial Support:
- ¥387,600/month
- Airfare (roundtrip)
- Research support allowance (up to ¥150,000)
- Travel insurance
4. Invitational Fellowship – Short-term [S]
- Duration: 14 to 60 days
- Purpose: Short-term lectures, discussions, and collaboration
- Eligibility: Senior researchers with substantial academic records
- Financial Support:
- Short-term allowances based on duration
- Travel insurance and roundtrip airfare
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all countries that are having diplomatic ties with Japan.
Eligibility Criteria
It varies with each fellowship category.
Application Procedure
- Applications must be submitted by the Japanese host researcher through their institution using the JSPS Electronic Application System.
- Candidates cannot apply individually; they must coordinate with a Japanese host.
- Required documents include:
- Form 1: Host researcher’s application
- Form 2: Candidate’s CV and research plan
- Letter of Recommendation: From a doctoral advisor or senior academic
Selection Criteria
- Contribution to advancing science in Japan and globally
- Quality and feasibility of the research proposal
- Evidence of prior collaboration between host and candidate
- Institutional preparedness to support the fellow
- Geographic and disciplinary diversity among selected candidates
Important Notes
- Fellows must reside in Japan continuously throughout the fellowship.
- Previous recipients of the same JSPS fellowship are ineligible.
- Applications involving dual submissions or false information may be disqualified.
- Security and ethical guidelines must be followed, including bioethics, data protection (GDPR), and export control laws.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a postdoctoral researcher, senior academic, or a PhD candidate, the JSPS International Fellowships offer a transformative opportunity to immerse yourself in Japan's rich research ecosystem. With full financial support, professional mentorship, and cutting-edge facilities, this is your chance to contribute to global science and grow your academic career.
Start preparing early with your potential Japanese host and apply via the official JSPS system before the respective deadlines.
