JSPS International Fellowships for Research in Japan 2026 | Fully Funded Research Opportunities for Postdoctoral and Senior Scholars
- Omran Aburayya
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 22 hours ago
If you are an early-to-mid career researcher looking to deepen your international collaboration and explore research in one of Asia’s leading scientific environments, we are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) International Fellowships for Research in Japan (FY 2026). This opportunity invites researchers from across the globe to spend a period of their research career at a Japanese institution, collaborating closely with local hosts in any field of the humanities, social sciences or natural sciences. It’s a chance to experience Japan’s research ecosystem, engage with top-level teams, expand your network and generate enduring research impact.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Research institutions across Japan (host institutions must be eligible under JSPS guidelines).
Host institution: Japanese university or research institute affiliated and recognised by JSPS.
Research Level: Post-doctoral / established researcher (depending on category).
Target Group: Overseas researchers (not currently resident in Japan in many cases), with varying eligibility by category; categories include postdoctoral “Standard”, “Short-term (PE/PA)”, and “Invitational” for established researchers.
Fields of Focus: All fields of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences are eligible; specific themes to be agreed with the Japanese host researcher.
Duration: Varies by category:
For the Invitational Fellowship: Short-term (14–60 days) or Long-term (2–10 months) in Japan.
For Postdoctoral Standard: typically 12–24 months.
For short-term postdoctoral categories: 1–12 months (depending on region and scheme).
Application Deadline: Varies by category:
For Invitational Fellowships: 29 August 2025 (via host institution in Japan) for start between 1 April 2026–31 March 2027.
For Postdoctoral Standard and Short-term: e-g, a specific guideline states deadline by 5 pm (JST) on 9 January 2026 for one open call.
📚 Fellowship Overview
The JSPS International Fellowships aim to strengthen Japan’s international research collaboration by inviting overseas researchers to Japanese institutions. They provide full-time research opportunities under the mentorship of a Japanese host researcher, engaging in high-quality research, academic exchange and collaboration. The individual research plan, objectives and deliverables are agreed with the host researcher/institution.
In the Invitational category, the programme is designed for established researchers to spend 14 days to 10 months conducting collaborative research, lectures, discussions and exchanges with Japanese counterparts.
🧩 Fellowships Types and Duration
Invitational Fellowship: Short-term (14–60 days) or Long-term (2–10 months) in Japan.
Postdoctoral Standard: typically 12–24 months.
Short-term postdoctoral categories: 1–12 months (depending on region and scheme).
🎁 Benefits
The fellowship covers full-time research in Japan under the host institution.
Standard benefits typically include: round-trip airfare, a monthly living allowance (amount depending on category), settling-in allowance in some cases, overseas travel insurance, and research support funds (via host institution) for research expenses.
Access to Japan’s high-quality research environment, advanced labs, strong networks, international collaborations.
Opportunity to build long-term relationships with Japanese institutions and researchers, enhancing future research collaborations and profile.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicant must hold a doctoral degree (in many categories no more than 6 years have passed since award) OR be expected to obtain a PhD within a specified period, depending on the scheme.
Applicant must have secured in advance an invitation/letter of acceptance from a Japanese host researcher at an eligible Japanese institution.
Applicant must meet nationality/residency requirements of the particular category (for example in some regional schemes, nationals of certain regions or countries).
Applicant must be able to relocate and stay continuously in Japan during the fellowship period (for categories requiring full‐time stay).
Host researcher must be affiliated to a Japanese institution eligible to apply for Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI) and be able to support the fellow.
📝 Application Procedure
Identify a Japanese host researcher and institution willing to invite you and collaborate on a research plan.
Download the Application Guidelines and Forms for the relevant category from the JSPS website.
Coordinate with your host in Japan: the host researcher completes the host portion of the application (sometimes labelled Form 1), you (the candidate) complete your portion (Form 2) including research plan, list of publications, etc.
The host institution submits the completed application via the JSPS Electronic Application System by the deadline. Note: internal host‐institution deadlines may be earlier than the JSPS official deadline.
Await selection, begin the fellowship period in Japan within the allowable start window.
🗂️ Documents Typically Required
Application form(s) (host researcher + candidate)
Research plan (often ~2 pages) outlining background, purpose, proposed plan, expected results and impact.
Curriculum vitae / academic background, including degree(s) awarded and award dates.
List of major publications.
Letter of invitation/acceptance from the host researcher in Japan.
Official doctorate diploma (or certificate) or expected award date letter if applicable.
If documents are not in English or Japanese, include English translation (may be done by applicant or host).
Other documents as specified in the relevant programme guideline (e.g., host institution approval, budget for research support if applicable).
🗂️ Resources
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Start contacting a host researcher early: Since the host must submit the application and sometimes the JSPS system opens only two months prior to deadline, begin outreach several months in advance. Internal deadlines at the institution may be significantly earlier.
Tailor the research proposal: Emphasize how your research will benefit from the Japanese host environment, what specific collaboration you anticipate, and the expected outcomes.
Demonstrate capacity for collaboration: Show how you will engage with the host research group, network, and contribute to Japan–international research ties.
Confirm all eligibility details: Each category has specific criteria regarding degree completion date, nationality/residency, prior fellowships, etc. Make sure you fulfil the correct category’s conditions.
Check timelines carefully: Ensure your fellowship period falls within the permitted start and end dates for the scheme you are applying to.
Get documentation in order: Ensure your diploma, publications list, translation of documents (if needed), and letter of invitation are ready well ahead of submission.
Coordinate with host institution’s internal process: Many Japanese institutions require internal approval before submitting to JSPS—understand their internal timeline and compliance requirements.
🚀 Conclusion
This is a highly prestigious opportunity for international researchers to immerse themselves in Japan’s vibrant research environment, build international collaboration, and generate impactful research outcomes. If you are eligible and motivated, this fellowship could significantly boost your academic trajectory.
