JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity for international researchers who want to advance their academic careers in Japan. This fully funded program provides generous financial support, including a monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, research grants, and a settling-in allowance. Designed for outstanding postdoctoral scholars, the fellowship enables researchers to focus entirely on high-impact research at top Japanese universities and institutions.
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 are part of Japan’s International Fellowship Programs aimed at strengthening global academic collaboration. Open to researchers in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, the program promotes meaningful partnerships between overseas scholars and Japanese host institutions. It encourages knowledge exchange, innovation, and long-term research cooperation while supporting academic excellence at an international level.
Benefits
All categories offer comprehensive financial support, including:
- Roundtrip airfare
- Monthly stipends:
- ¥362,000 for Postdoctoral Fellows
- ¥387,600 for Long-Term Invited Fellows
- ¥18,000/day for Short-Term Invited Fellows
- Settling-in allowance: ¥200,000
- Research support grant: Up to ¥150,000 (for applicable categories)
- Overseas travel insurance
Eligibility Criteria
- Postdoctoral Fellowships [P/PE]:
Must hold a PhD or obtain one before the fellowship start date- PhD must have been obtained on or after April 2, 2020
- Must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic ties to Japan
- Not eligible: those with Japanese citizenship or permanent residency in Japan
- Invitational Fellowships [L/S]:
- Must have professor or associate professor–equivalent status
- Must be affiliated full-time with a foreign institution
- Must have a strong record of research contributions
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Postdoctoral Fellowship [P]: 12–24 months
- Postdoctoral Short-Term [PE]: 1–12 months
- Invitational Fellowship – Long-Term [L]: 2–10 months
- Invitational Fellowship – Short-Term [S]: 14–60 days
How to Apply?
- Find a host researcher at a Japanese university or research institute who is willing to support your research proposal and host you in Japan.
- Discuss your research plan with your host and prepare all required documents, including your research proposal, CV, and supporting materials.
- Carefully complete the official application forms according to the JSPS guidelines. Make sure all details are accurate and consistent.
- Your host researcher in Japan must submit the application through the JSPS Electronic Application System on your behalf. Individual applicants cannot apply directly.
- Confirm with your host institution that the application has been properly reviewed and submitted before the deadline.
- Wait for the official selection results. Successful candidates will be notified according to the announced schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 provide funded research opportunities in Japan for overseas doctoral researchers. With support covering allowances, airfare, and research costs, the program strengthens global collaboration across sciences and humanities through Japanese host institutions.
What are the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026?
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 are competitive international research programs that allow overseas researchers to conduct collaborative research in Japan with a host institution.
Who can apply for JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026?
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 are open to overseas researchers who have obtained a doctoral degree within a specified period before the fellowship begins. Applicants must arrange a host researcher in Japan who agrees to supervise and submit the application on their behalf.
What fields are covered under JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026?
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 cover a wide range of research areas, including natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The program encourages diverse academic collaboration and supports high-quality research projects conducted in partnership with Japanese host institutions.
How long is the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 program?
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 provide research opportunities in Japan for a fixed period determined under the program guidelines. Fellows carry out their approved research plan at a host institution while engaging in academic exchange and collaboration during the fellowship term.
What financial support is provided?
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 offer financial support that includes a monthly maintenance allowance, round-trip airfare, research support, and a settling-in allowance. The funding is designed to help fellows focus fully on their research activities in Japan.
How do applicants apply for JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026?
For the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026, applicants must first secure a Japanese host researcher. The host institution submits the completed application through the designated system. Individual candidates cannot apply directly without institutional endorsement.
Can applicants apply without a Japanese host?
Yes, the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 require applicants to have a host researcher at a Japanese university or research institute. The host plays a central role in preparing and submitting the application and supporting the fellow’s research in Japan.
What is the purpose of JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026?
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 aim to promote international scientific cooperation and strengthen research networks between Japan and other countries. The program encourages collaborative research that contributes to academic advancement and global knowledge exchange.
Where do fellows conduct their research?
Under the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026, selected researchers conduct their work at Japanese universities or designated research institutions. Fellows collaborate closely with their host researchers while pursuing approved research projects in Japan.
When are results announced?
The selection results for the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 are announced according to the official schedule set by the program. Successful applicants are notified through their host institutions after the review and evaluation process is completed.
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