JSPS Fellowship in Japan 2026 | Fully Funded

What if your dream of studying in Japan can be made possible without spending a dime? The JSPS Fellowship in Japan might just be the golden opportunity you’ve been waiting for. This fully funded fellowship could land you in world-class Japanese labs, working alongside global experts in your field. With generous monthly stipends, travel support, and access to Japan’s top universities and research institutes, this program is every scholar’s dream. Want to know how to stand out and secure your spot in Japan? Keep reading.

Researchers who want to work in a highly competitive global setting and broaden their scholarly horizons will find this international research fellowship suitable. With the help of top-notch research facilities and infrastructure, this fellowship enables you to work independently with Japanese specialists on research projects, regardless of whether you have a Ph.D. or are a doctoral student.

The JSPS Fellowship in Japan 2026 takes the financial stress off your shoulders—covering everything from generous monthly stipends and round-trip airfare to health insurance and a settling-in allowance. With these essentials fully funded, researchers are free to immerse themselves in groundbreaking work, grow professionally, and gain rich international experience without worrying about the cost of living abroad.

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What is the JSPS Fellowship?

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) is Japan’s leading academic funding agency, established to promote international cooperation and support advanced research. The JSPS Fellowship program invites highly qualified foreign researchers to work with Japanese universities and institutions. It’s one of the most sought-after international fellowships for researchers seeking hands-on, collaborative, and culturally enriching research experiences in Japan.

Types of JSPS Fellowships:

Postdoctoral Fellowship (Standard & Short-Term): For early-career researchers holding a PhD.
Invitational Fellowships: For top researchers to work together on short-term projects.
Pathway to University Fellowship (PUF-Japan): For pre-PhD candidates.

Research Fields Supported:

Natural sciences
Engineering and technology
Medical sciences
Social sciences
Humanities

Host Institutions in Japan

Participants may be hosted at:

National universities, such as Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo
Research institutes (e.g., RIKEN, AIST)
Private universities
JSPS-designated institutions

Fellowship Duration

Postdoctoral (Standard): 12 to 24 months
Short-term Postdoc: 1 to 12 months
Invitational Fellowship: 10 weeks is the short term, while 10 months is the long term.

Advantages of JSPS Fellowship in Japan 2026:

Airfare: International round-trip airfare (per JSPS regulations)
Monthly Stipend:
- The monthly payment for Ph.D. researchers is 362,000 JPY.
- while non-Ph.D. Researchers receive 200,000 JPY.
- If you obtain a degree during the fellowship tenure, the stipend rises to 362,000 JPY.
- Accommodation of 3 months + receive one-time allowance of 200,000JPY
Health Insurance: Completely covered travel insurance abroad
Research Support: The host university may apply for up to 70,000 JPY each month to cover research costs.

Note: If you arrive in Japan prior to the start of your fellowship, you will not be eligible for travel or a settling-in payment.

Qualifications for the JSPS Fellowship in Japan 2026:

JSPS welcomes applicants from a wide range of disciplines and nationalities, but you must meet the following basic criteria:

For postdoctoral programs: A PhD degree (obtained within the past 6 years)
For invitational programs: Substantial academic experience and a relevant track record
After applying, a Ph.D. completion is expected within two years.
You must have a pre-arranged host researcher affiliated with a Japanese institution.
Accessible to citizens of ASEAN member nations
No strict Japanese language requirement, but good communication skills in English or Japanese are expected
Candidates must apply through a single nominating entity and may only apply once annually.

Required Documents:

Filled-out application (via the AUN portal)
Academic transcripts: most current bachelor’s degree
Certificate of Ph.D. or letter attesting to anticipated graduation
Letter of Recommendation (from the job or present educational institution)
The approval letter from the Japanese host researcher is expected to arrive on August 15, 2025.
A two-page research plan that covers the background, goals, methods, and anticipated impact
Publications List (one page, if available)

Deadline: August 15, 2025 is the deadline for the JSPS Fellowship in Japan 2026.

Application Procedure for the JSPS Fellowship in Japan 2026?

The application process varies slightly depending on the fellowship type, but here is a general roadmap:

Locate a Host Researcher: Speak with a Japanese researcher or professor who is ready to oversee your study.
Visit the AUN website: Visit the ASEAN University Network portal.
Get Your Documents Ready: Gather the required scholarly and corroborating documentation.
Apply online: Apply with the official nomination authority in your nation.
Await Screening: Your application will be forwarded to JSPS by December 1, 2025, if you are selected for further consideration.
Final Results: Within three months, successful applicants will receive notification.

Why You Should Apply

If you have a strong interest in research and want to expand your academic career internationally, the JSPS Fellowship in Japan 2026 is a fantastic chance. In addition to being completely financed (including monthly stipends, flights, insurance, and research support), it also puts you at the center of Japan’s world-class academic network and innovative, cutting-edge research.

You’ll work with top scientists, get visibility abroad, and create enduring connections that will help you advance your career for years to come. Whether you’re interested in social issues, health sciences, sophisticated technology, or the humanities, this program:

Enhances your global academic reputation
Opens doors to international collaboration
Provides financial stability during your research
Immerses you in one of the world’s most dynamic and safe countries

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bring my spouse or family with me during the JSPS Fellowship in Japan?

You can bring your spouse or family members with you during your fellowship stay in Japan, but it requires careful planning. While JSPS does not provide a specific family allowance, your monthly stipend is often sufficient to cover modest living expenses for a small family, especially in more affordable cities. It’s important to check with your host institution about family housing options, school enrollments for children, and health insurance extensions for dependents. Many JSPS Fellows do bring their loved ones and even use the experience as a cultural immersion opportunity for their entire family, turning a research trip into a life-changing adventure.

2. What happens if my research direction changes slightly after starting the JSPS Fellowship?

JSPS understands that research is dynamic, and slight changes to your original plan are permissible, as long as your host researcher supports the adjustment. Significant deviations, however, may require formal approval. Japan’s research culture values both discipline and innovation, so fellows are often encouraged to follow new ideas if they emerge logically from the original proposal. That said, always maintain clear communication with your host and document your research progression. Flexibility is a strength in the JSPS system, as long as it’s grounded in purpose.

3. How does the JSPS Fellowship in Japan compare to other major international research fellowships like Marie Curie or Fulbright?

The JSPS Fellowship holds its own against giants like the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions or the Fulbright Program. What sets JSPS apart is its deep integration with Japan’s robust research ecosystem and its generous, uncomplicated financial package. There’s also a strong cultural component—fellows are encouraged to experience Japan beyond the lab through language classes, cultural immersion programs, and academic symposiums. In terms of prestige, many global researchers view JSPS as a gateway into the East Asian academic scene, particularly in fields like robotics, biotechnology, materials science, and cultural studies.

4. What’s the best way to find and approach a Japanese host researcher for the JSPS Fellowship?

Start early, and do your homework. Explore academic publications, university websites, and international research collaborations where Japanese scientists are already active. Use platforms like ResearchGate, Google Scholar, or JSPS alumni networks to find a potential match. When reaching out, send a personalized, respectful email outlining your background, research goals, and why their expertise aligns with your vision. Attach a concise CV and a short research abstract. Japanese academics value clarity, professionalism, and commitment, so approach this like a mini-interview. If you secure a motivated host, your application will be significantly stronger and more likely to succeed.

Conclusion

The JSPS Fellowship in Japan 2026 is more than just a fully funded research opportunity, it’s a passport to academic growth, cultural immersion, and international collaboration. Whether you’re an emerging scholar or an experienced researcher, this prestigious program offers access to cutting-edge facilities, expert mentors, and one of the most innovative research landscapes in the world. From generous stipends and travel coverage to lifelong connections in the global research community, the benefits are both immediate and enduring.

Japan’s fusion of tradition and technology provides a truly enriching backdrop for scholars across disciplines. As competition for global fellowships continues to rise, the JSPS stands out for its vision of bridging cultures through science and innovation. If you’re ready to push the boundaries of your field and experience research on a global scale, the JSPS Fellowship in Japan might just be your next big breakthrough. Apply with purpose, your future in Japan awaits.