Applications are now open for the Fellowship Program for Overseas Medical Doctors and Researchers offered by the Takeda Science Foundation in Japan. This prestigious program supports medical doctors and researchers from around the world to conduct advanced clinical training or research in medical and life science fields at leading universities, research institutes, or hospitals in Japan.
It is a fully funded fellowship that covers monthly living expenses, round-trip air travel, and startup costs. There is no application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.
The program has two categories:
- Grant (I) for applicants from seven specific countries/regions
- Grant (II) for applicants from other countries through a Japanese mentor
Key Details:
- Degree Level: Fellowship for MD holders and PhD researchers in medical or life sciences.
- Host Country: Japan.
- Application Deadline:
Grant (I): Varies by country – contact your local selection committee.
Grant (II): March 2 to July 17, 2026 (documents must arrive by this date). - Open to: all Nationalities
- Application Fee: None.
- Start Date: Fellowships begin from April 2027 onwards.
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What This Scholarship Offers:
Participants receive:
- Monthly maintenance allowance of JPY 300,000 to cover living expenses in Japan.
- Round-trip economy class air ticket from their home country to Japan.
- One-time startup support of up to JPY 200,000 for initial research or training expenses.
- Administrative support from the Foundation and host institution for visa, bank account, and settlement in Japan.
- Honorarium provided to host mentors for their support work.
Also Check: PhD & Postdoc Positions at Chalmers University of Technology Sweden (Fully Funded)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Medical doctors (MD) or PhD holders in medical or life science fields.
- For Grant (I): Citizens or residents of Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, Korea, China, Indonesia, or Vietnam.
- For Grant (II): Researchers from all other countries (must have a Japan-based mentor doctor).
- Must not be staying in Japan after March 1, 2026.
- Graduate students are not eligible.
- Cannot combine with other grants that exceed JPY 200,000 per month.
- Annual income of JPY 4,000,000 or more after April 1, 2027 makes applicants ineligible.
Also Check: JYU Visiting Fellow Programme 2027 (Fully Funded)
Programs Available:
Eligible fields include:
- Basic Medicine
- Life Sciences
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Bioscience Research
- Related Medical and Health Sciences
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How to Apply:
For Grant (I): Contact the selection committee in your home country and submit documents as instructed. Contact information is available on the official website (Find the link Below).
For Grant (II):
- Find a Japan-based mentor doctor who agrees to host you.
- The mentor should contact the Foundation through the “Contact Us” link.
- Submit the required documents following the Foundation’s instructions.
Important Notes
- Extension of the fellowship period is not allowed.
- Fellows staying longer than 3 months must join Japan’s National Health Insurance.
- The Foundation provides necessary documents for the Certificate of Eligibility (visa process).
Also Check: 55 Postdoctoral and Faculty Positions at University of Georgia in United States
