Want to take your research career to Japan and collaborate with leading universities and research institutions?
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan, offered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), provide international researchers with the opportunity to conduct collaborative research in Japan across a wide range of academic disciplines.
The programme supports researchers in fields including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. Depending on the fellowship track, placements may last from 1 month to 24 months.
The upcoming short-term application deadline is September 25, 2026.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Host Organisation: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- Location: Japan
- Research Areas: All academic disciplines
- Fields: Natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and related areas
- Duration: 1–12 months for short-term tracks; 12–24 months for standard postdoctoral tracks
- Monthly Allowance: ¥362,000
- Additional Allowance: One-time ¥200,000 settling-in and overseas research support allowance
- Benefits: Round-trip airfare, health insurance, and research support
- Application Fee: Free
- Nationality: International researchers, subject to the relevant fellowship track and application route
- Degree Requirement: Doctoral degree or equivalent research qualification
- Host Requirement: Advance agreement and sponsorship from a Japanese host researcher and institution
- Application Deadline: September 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM Japan Standard Time for the stated short-term track
- Age Limits: None
About the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan are designed to promote international scientific and academic collaboration.
Selected researchers can join Japanese universities, research institutions, and laboratories to conduct cooperative research with a Japanese host researcher.
The fellowship is suitable for researchers who want to:
- Gain international postdoctoral research experience
- Work with Japanese academic institutions
- Develop collaborative research projects
- Expand their international research network
- Access Japan’s research ecosystem
- Build long-term academic and professional connections
The programme is available across multiple disciplines rather than being limited to one specific subject area.
Fellowship Duration
JSPS offers different fellowship formats depending on the applicant’s eligibility and the relevant application route.
The supplied programme information includes:
- Short-term tracks: Approximately 1–12 months
- Standard postdoctoral tracks: Approximately 12–24 months
Applicants should check the specific call for the exact duration, eligibility conditions, and nomination procedure applicable to their fellowship category.
Financial Support
The fellowship provides financial assistance to help researchers live and conduct research in Japan.
Monthly Maintenance Allowance
Selected PhD holders may receive a monthly maintenance allowance of:
¥362,000 per month
This allowance is intended to support living expenses during the fellowship period.
Additional Financial Support
The programme also includes:
- ¥200,000 one-time settling-in and overseas research support allowance
- Round-trip international airfare
- Health insurance
- Opportunities for additional cooperative research funding through the host institution
The supplied information notes that further research funding may be accessible through JSPS KAKENHI grants, subject to the relevant rules and the involvement of the host institution.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should generally:
- Hold a doctoral degree or equivalent research qualification
- Have obtained the degree within the period specified by the relevant fellowship call, or be scheduled to obtain it before the fellowship begins
- Have a strong academic or research background
- Develop a clear and well-structured collaborative research proposal
- Secure advance agreement from a Japanese host researcher
- Obtain formal support or sponsorship from the Japanese host institution
The exact doctoral-degree date requirements may differ between fellowship tracks. Applicants should consult the current official guidelines before submitting an application.
Host Researcher Requirement
A key requirement is securing a Japanese host researcher and institution before applying.
Applicants are expected to:
- Identify a suitable Japanese research host
- Discuss the proposed research project
- Obtain the host researcher’s agreement
- Develop a collaborative research plan
- Follow the relevant institutional nomination or submission process
Applicants should begin contacting potential host researchers well before the deadline, as host confirmation may take time.
Research Areas
The JSPS fellowship is open to researchers from a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Natural sciences
- Engineering
- Computer science and technology
- Medicine and life sciences
- Environmental sciences
- Social sciences
- Economics
- Political science
- Humanities
- Other eligible academic and research fields
The proposed project must fit the requirements of the selected fellowship category and be suitable for collaborative research with the Japanese host institution.
Application Deadline
The stated upcoming deadline for the short-term track is:
September 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM JST
JSPS fellowship calls may open periodically, including additional winter and summer application windows.
Applicants should confirm:
- The correct fellowship category
- The applicable deadline
- The relevant nominating authority
- Required documents
- Host researcher requirements
- The correct submission route
Application Process
Applicants should generally follow these steps:
- Review the relevant JSPS fellowship category.
- Confirm that they meet the doctoral-degree and research requirements.
- Identify a suitable Japanese host researcher.
- Discuss the proposed collaborative research project.
- Obtain the host researcher’s agreement and institutional support.
- Prepare the research proposal and supporting documents.
- Submit the application through the appropriate application route or portal.
The exact process may vary depending on the fellowship track and the applicant’s country or nominating institution.
Important Things to Know
- The fellowship is designed for postdoctoral-level researchers and doctoral degree holders.
- A Japanese host researcher is required.
- Applicants must prepare a collaborative research proposal.
- The monthly allowance is intended for living expenses and should not be confused with a salary.
- Additional research funding is subject to separate rules and availability.
- Fellowship duration and application procedures vary by track.
- Applicants should verify the current guidelines before applying.
Apply for the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship
If you want to conduct research in Japan, collaborate with leading academics, and expand your international research network, the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan could be an excellent opportunity.
The stated short-term application deadline is September 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM JST.
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