Author: Michael | Last Updated: July 26, 2026
Important Details to Know About the JSPS Research Fellowship
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science funds this fellowship program to promote international scientific cooperation. Postdoctoral researchers from around the world can conduct research projects at Japanese host institutions. The program covers living expenses and travel costs so candidates focus entirely on their work. It is open to researchers across all academic fields.
JSPS International Fellowships for Research in Japan
| Host Organization | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) |
| Fellowship Duration | 12 to 24 Months |
| Location | Japan |
| Financial Track | Fully Funded Research Grant |
| Target Cohort | Postdoctoral Researchers and Early-Career Scholars |
What to Expect in JSPS International Research Fellowship
- Monthly Living Allowance: Receive ¥362,000 JPY per month to cover housing and daily expenses in Japan.
- Relocation Support: Get a one-time settling-in payment of ¥200,000 JPY for research stays lasting three months or longer.
- Travel Coverage: Travel on a round-trip economy-class airfare provided between your home country and Japan.
- Medical Insurance: Gain full overseas travel and health insurance coverage throughout the research tenure.
- Direct Collaboration: Work directly inside Japanese university laboratories alongside local faculty members.
Financial Funding and Allowances
The grant offers full financial coverage so researchers do not need outside employment while in Japan.
- Monthly Living Stipend: JSPS pays ¥362,000 JPY each month directly to the fellow. This sum covers housing, utilities, meals, and local transit.
- Settling-In Grant: A single payment of ¥200,000 JPY helps cover initial moving expenses upon arrival.
- Flight Tickets: JSPS supplies round-trip economy airfare between your home country and Japan.
- Research Expense Grant: Japanese host professors can apply for supplementary Grant-in-Aid funds to cover lab supplies, research travel, or equipment.
Candidate Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy specific academic and administrative conditions before starting an application.
- Doctorate Degree Timing: Candidates must hold a PhD awarded on or after April 2, 2021, or be scheduled to complete their doctorate before the fellowship begins.
- Academic Disciplines: All fields qualify, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary studies.
- Nationality Status: Applicants must hold citizenship in a country that maintains formal diplomatic ties with Japan. Japanese citizens are generally ineligible unless they have lived abroad for ten or more consecutive years.
- Host Agreement: Applicants must secure formal confirmation from a Japanese faculty member willing to host the project.
Documents Required for Application
Preparing your application packet requires coordination between you and your host professor in Japan.
- Research Proposal (Form FY2027): A written project plan detailing your research objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
- Curriculum Vitae: A complete academic CV highlighting your educational background and publication record.
- Degree Verification: An official copy of your PhD diploma or a formal institutional letter stating your expected graduation date.
- Letter of Recommendation: A reference letter signed by your doctoral supervisor or current department head.
- Host Acceptance Form: A signed agreement from your proposed mentor confirming institutional support.
Selection and Evaluation Process
Peer-review panels evaluated by independent scholars assess every application. Reviewers focus on academic record, project feasibility, and mutual scientific cooperation.
- Host Institutional Screening: Japanese universities review draft applications internally before submitting them to JSPS.
- JSPS Selection Committee Review: Review panels in Tokyo evaluate all submitted proposals.
- Results Announcement: JSPS publishes official results in December for main intake submissions and in August for secondary intake submissions.
Application Deadlines
Pay close attention to submission cutoffs. University internal deadlines occur months before the final JSPS submission window.
- Host University Internal Deadlines: Typically set between June and July 2026. Check with your target host university for exact dates.
- JSPS Tokyo Main Submission Deadline (1st Round): August 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM JST for research stays starting between April 1 and September 30, 2027.
- Secondary Call Submission Deadline (2nd Round): April 23, 2027, for research stays starting between September 1 and November 30, 2027.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Follow these steps to complete your submission on time.
- Find a Host Professor: Reach out directly to researchers at Japanese universities whose work matches your field. Send your CV and project outline.
- Secure Host Commitment: Obtain written agreement from the professor confirming mentorship.
- Prepare Application Materials: Complete application form FY2027 alongside your host mentor. Write clearly.
- Submit via Host University: Your host institution uploads your final package using the JSPS online portal. Individual candidates cannot submit directly to JSPS.
How to Start Your Application
- Visit the Official JSPS Application Portal to Access guidelines, downloadable forms, and submission instructions directly at the JSPS International Fellowship Application Page.
For More Funded Opportunities; You can also see Rutherford Foundation PhD Fellowship in New Zealand, IRC Postdoctoral Fellowship and British Academic Postdoctoral Fellowships detailed guides for other Funded opportunities.
TRANSPARENCY NOTICE: This comprehensive guide contains carefully vetted insights to help you navigate global mobility opportunities. Kindly Read Our Full Editorial DISCLAIMER.