JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan (2026 Call)

Are you a postdoctoral researcher looking to advance your career with international experience? The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Postdoctoral Fellowships offer a fantastic opportunity to conduct collaborative research in Japan with leading research groups. This prestigious program supports early-career researchers from around the world in all fields, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Here’s everything you need to know to apply!

What is the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship program enables young researchers to work with top Japanese universities and research institutions under the guidance of a host researcher. It aims to foster international scientific collaboration, advance your research, and contribute to Japan’s academic community. There are two main programs:

• Standard Program: For postdoctoral researchers to conduct research for 12–24 months.
• Short-term Program: For PhD students or postdoctoral researchers from the US, Canada, European Union countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway, or Russia, for 1–12 months.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship, you must meet the following criteria:

General Eligibility

• Citizenship: Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan (Taiwanese and Palestinian researchers are also eligible). Japanese citizens or permanent residents of Japan are not eligible.
• Doctoral Degree:
  • For the Standard Program: Hold a PhD received within the last 6 years (as of April 1 of the fellowship year, with maternity/parental leave subtracted).
  • For the Short-term Program: Hold a PhD received within the last 6 years or be a PhD student scheduled to receive a PhD within 2 years from the start of the fellowship.
• Host Researcher: Have a research plan agreed upon with a Japanese host researcher at an eligible institution (e.g., universities, MEXT-affiliated institutes, or colleges of technology).
• Language: Be fluent in English or Japanese.

Additional Notes

• Researchers who have previously received a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Standard or Pathway programs) are not eligible.
• For the Short-term Program, preference is given to those who have not previously conducted research in Japan.
• Full-time employment status is not a barrier, as long as the host institution provides a suitable research environment.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship provides generous support to make your research stay in Japan comfortable and productive:

• Monthly Stipend:
  • Standard Program: ¥362,000 per month.
  • Short-term Program: ¥362,000 per month (PhD holders) or ¥200,000 per month (non-PhD holders).
• Settling-in Allowance: ¥200,000 (for fellowships of 3 months or more, not applicable if already residing in Japan).
• Airfare: Round-trip air ticket (based on JSPS regulations, not provided if already living in Japan).
• Research Grant: Up to ¥1.5 million per year (Standard Program) or other research support allowances for cooperative research expenses, applied for by the host researcher.
• Travel Insurance: Overseas travel insurance coverage.

See also: EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025

Application Process

The application process differs slightly depending on the program and your country. Here’s a general overview:

Step 1: Find a Host Researcher

• You must secure a host researcher at a Japanese university or research institution before applying. Contact potential hosts directly to discuss your research plan. JSPS does not assist in finding hosts.
• Build a strong connection with your host and create a concrete research plan together.

Step 2: Application Channels

Applications are submitted through one of two channels:

• Open Call: Your Japanese host researcher submits the application through their institution to the JSPS Electronic Application System.
• Nomination: Overseas nominating authorities (e.g., Royal Society, Humboldt Foundation, or SSRC) recommend candidates to JSPS. Check with your country’s nominating body for specific deadlines and processes.

Check also: 28 Postdoctoral Opportunities at Chalmers University of Technology 2025

Step 3: Required Documents

• Application forms (in English) provided by JSPS or the nominating authority.
• Doctoral degree certificate or proof of expected PhD completion (if applicable).
• For non-US citizens applying through certain nominating authorities, proof of permanent residency may be required (e.g., US Green Card for SSRC nominations).
• A detailed research plan agreed upon with your host researcher.

Step 4: Selection Process

• Document Review: Applications are evaluated by experts based on research achievements, the quality of the research plan, and potential impact.
• Panel Review: A panel of Japanese researchers conducts a final review.
• Only about 10% of applicants are selected, so a strong publication record (e.g., papers in high-impact journals) can boost your chances.

Key Deadlines

• Standard Program (Open Call, FY2026): Applications due by August 29, 2025, 5 p.m. (JST).
• Short-term Program (Open Call, FY2025): Applications due by June 6, 2025, 5 p.m. (JST) for the third round.
• Nomination Deadlines: Vary by country and nominating authority (e.g., July 14, 2025, for JSPS Stockholm nominations). Check with your nominating body for specific dates.

Also Read: ISTA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025-26 in Austria

Tips for a Strong Application

• Start Early: Contact potential host researchers well in advance to develop a solid research plan.
• Highlight Research Impact: Emphasize how your collaboration will advance science in Japan and your home country.
• Boost Your Profile: Publications in reputable journals and conference presentations can make your application more competitive.
• Check Institutional Deadlines: Host institutions may have earlier internal deadlines than JSPS. Confirm with your host.

Additional Resources

For detailed information, refer to the following official JSPS resources:

• JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Guidelines (FY2026)
• Review Section Table (FY2026)
• Review Section Set for Standard Program (FY2026)
• Review Section Set for Short-term Program (FY2026)
• JSPS Application Information

Why Choose the JSPS Fellowship?

This fellowship is a unique opportunity to:

• Collaborate with world-class researchers in Japan.
• Gain international research experience to enhance your career.
• Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culture while advancing your academic goals.

See also: French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship Program 

For more details, visit the JSPS website or contact your country’s nominating authority.

Ready to take your research to Japan? Start connecting with a host researcher today and prepare your application for this life-changing opportunity!

Source: JSPS official website