United Nations/Japan Long-term Fellowship Programme – Post-graduate Study on Nano-Satellite Technologies (PNST) 2026

Omran Aburayya
1 day ago
3 min read

If you are a graduate or soon-to-be graduate from a developing or non-space-faring nation, passionate about advancing your knowledge in space engineering, the United Nations/Japan Long-term Fellowship Programme “Post-graduate Study on Nano-Satellite Technologies (PNST)” 2026 is now open for applications.

This unique fellowship, jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the Government of Japan, and the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), offers an unparalleled opportunity to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree in nano-satellite technologies while contributing to the development of your home country’s space ecosystem.

Applications are open until 30 November 2025 (23:59 JST), with studies commencing on 1 October 2026.

🚀 Fellowship Summary

Location: Kitakyushu, Japan
Host Institution: Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech)
Executing Agencies: UNOOSA & Government of Japan
Study Level: Master’s (2 years) or Doctoral (3 years)
Target Group: Nationals of developing countries or non-space-faring nations
Fields of Study: Space Engineering, Nano-Satellite Development, related Engineering disciplines
Value & Coverage:
- 144,000 JPY/month living allowance (housing, food, local transport, other expenses)
- Economy-class airfare (home country ⇄ Japan, designated route)
- Full tuition, matriculation, and exam fees paid by Kyutech
Award Duration: 2 years (Master’s) / 3 years (Doctoral)
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025 (23:59 JST)
Start Date: 1 October 2026
Language of Instruction: English
Number of Fellowships: Up to 3 Master’s + up to 3 Doctoral

📚 Fellowship Overview

The PNST Fellowship provides hands-on, research-intensive training in nano-satellite systems at Kyutech’s advanced development and testing facilities. Participants join an international satellite development project, where they will:

Acquire technical skills in designing, developing, and testing nano-satellites.
Collaborate with an international, multicultural team of engineers and researchers.
Undertake coursework under the Space Engineering International Course (SEIC).
Conduct original research, leading to a Master’s or Doctoral thesis and degree award upon successful defense.

This fellowship is more than academic—it emphasizes the responsibility of returning knowledge and skills to participants’ home countries, thereby strengthening their national space capacity.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Monthly Stipend: Approx. 144,000 JPY to cover living expenses.
Travel Support: One round-trip economy-class airfare (designated route).
Full Fee Waiver: Tuition, matriculation, and exam fees fully covered.
Research Opportunities: Access to Kyutech’s state-of-the-art nano-satellite laboratories and testing facilities.
Degree Awarded: Master’s or Doctoral degree upon successful thesis defense.
Global Networking: Work alongside experts and peers from multiple countries, fostering international collaboration.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Citizenship: Be nationals of developing countries or non-space-faring nations.
Academic Qualification:
- For Master’s: A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering-related fields.
- For Doctoral: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering-related fields.
- Final-year students expecting graduation by September 2026 may apply (must submit proof).
English Proficiency: Strong written and spoken English.
Motivation: Demonstrate clear purpose of study and a commitment to apply acquired skills to support space technology development in their home country.

ℹ️ Note: Selected fellows are expected to return to their home country after completion of the fellowship, contributing to national capacity-building in space science and technology.

📝 Application Procedure

Step 1 – Registration

Complete the electronic registration form at: PNST Registration Link

Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing:

An ID number
Links to download editable application forms
A web address to upload completed documents

Step 2 – Document Submission

All application documents must be submitted electronically (each file < 5MB) by 30 November 2025, 23:59 JST.

📂 Required Documents:

PNST Application Form
Nomination Form & Rank Certificate
Academic Background Form
Referee Report Forms (to be uploaded by referees directly)
Application for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Field of Study & Research Plan
Proof of expected graduation (if applicable)

🔍 Step 3 – Selection

Applications will first be pre-screened by the UN.
Final selection will be conducted by Kyutech based on academic merit and motivation.
Successful applicants will be notified by March 2026.

🤔 Why Apply?

The PNST Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity to:

Receive world-class training in nano-satellite technologies.
Join the global space engineering community.
Gain a fully funded graduate education in Japan.
Contribute directly to the development of your country’s space capabilities.