Are you an ambitious postdoc, seasoned scholar, or PhD candidate aiming to conduct cutting-edge research in Japan? Here’s your golden ticket!
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) has officially launched its FY 2026 International Fellowship Programs for overseas researchers. These prestigious fellowships offer full funding to conduct research at Japan’s leading universities and institutes in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Whether you’re a rising scholar or an established academic, there’s a tailored opportunity waiting for you.
What Are JSPS Fellowships?
JSPS fellowships bring top-tier international researchers to Japan for collaborative projects with Japanese hosts. The program is committed to promoting international academic exchange, cross-cultural research excellence, and the globalization of Japanese science.
Categories Offered in FY 2026
Fellowship Name | Duration | Who It’s For | Application Deadlines (to JSPS) |
---|---|---|---|
Postdoctoral Fellowship [P] | 12–24 months | Early-career postdoctoral researchers | Aug 29, 2025 & Apr 28, 2026 |
Postdoctoral Short-Term [PE] | 1–12 months | Pre/Postdocs from Europe, US, Canada | Sept 26, 2025, Jan 9, 2026, & June 5, 2026 |
Invitational Fellowship – Long-Term [L] | 2–10 months | Senior academics with substantial track record | Aug 29, 2025 |
Invitational Fellowship – Short-Term [S] | 14–60 days | Established researchers for lectures/exchanges | Aug 29, 2025 & Apr 28, 2026 |
Financial Benefits
All fellowships come with comprehensive funding, including:
- Roundtrip international airfare
- Monthly stipend:
- ¥362,000/month for Postdoctoral Fellows
- ¥387,600/month for Long-Term Invited Fellows
- ¥18,000/day for Short-Term Invited Fellows
- Settling-in Allowance: ¥200,000
- Research Support Grant (up to ¥150,000 for applicable categories)
- Overseas travel insurance.
Who Can Apply?
For Postdoctoral Fellowships [P/PE]:
-
- Must hold a PhD (or obtain one before start date).
- PhD obtained on or after April 2, 2020.
- Citizens of countries with diplomatic ties to Japan.
- Those with Japanese citizenship or permanent Japanese residency are ineligible.
For Invitational Fellowships [L/S]:
-
- Must have a professor/associate professor-equivalent status.
- Must be affiliated full-time with a foreign institution.
- Must have a strong record of research contributions.
Apply: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-inv/application/guideline.html
Application Dates for FY 2026
Fellowship | Call | Application Deadline | Result Announcement | Arrival Period |
---|---|---|---|---|
[P] | 1st | Aug 29, 2025 | Late Dec 2025 | April–Sept 2026 |
[P] | 2nd | Apr 28, 2026 | Early Aug 2026 | Sept–Nov 2026 |
[PE] | 1st | Sept 26, 2025 | Early Jan 2026 | Apr–Mar 2027 |
[PE] | 2nd | Jan 9, 2026 | Mid May 2026 | Apr–Mar 2027 |
[PE] | 3rd | June 5, 2026 | Late Sept 2026 | Dec–Mar 2027 |
[L/S] | 1st | Aug 29, 2025 | Late Dec 2025 | Apr–Mar 2027 |
[S] | 2nd | Apr 28, 2026 | Early Aug 2026 | Oct–Mar 2027 |