If you’ve ever dreamed of pursuing world-class research in Japan, the JSPS Doctoral Fellowship 2026/27 could be the golden opportunity you’ve been waiting for. This fellowship is offered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), which invites talented researchers from across the globe to work in leading Japanese universities and research institutes.
The fellowship is open to pre-doctoral, post-doctoral, and early-career researchers in all academic fields from the humanities and social sciences to cutting-edge natural sciences. Over a period of 1 to 12 months, fellows will engage in collaborative projects with Japanese experts, access state-of-the-art facilities, and immerse themselves in Japan’s rich cultural and academic environment.
What makes this opportunity even more remarkable is that it’s fully funded, covering airfare, a generous monthly stipend, settling-in allowance, and travel insurance. In the 2026/27 session, a total of 120 JSPS fellowships are available for students who are committed to fostering global academic collaboration, advancing research excellence, and building long-term international partnerships.
Whether you want to advance your doctoral research, gain postdoctoral experience, or strengthen your academic network, this fellowship offers the perfect platform to boost your career while experiencing Japan’s innovation-driven academic culture.
Interested candidates can apply for this scholarship before the deadline of August 29, 2025.
In this article, we explored every key detail regarding this scholarship.
About the JSPS Doctoral Fellowship 2026/27
| Host Country | Japan |
| Location | Japanese Universities / Research Institutes |
| Duration | 1–12 months |
| Number of Fellowships | 120 |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Application Fee | None |
| Deadline | August 29, 2025 |
The JSPS Doctoral Fellowship serves as a bridge between Japan and the global academic community, encouraging fresh ideas, cultural exchange, and groundbreaking research collaborations.
Why Apply for the JSPS Fellowship?
- Gain valuable international research experience in Japan – Work in world-class laboratories and academic environments while experiencing Japan’s unique culture and innovation-driven society.
- Collaborate with leading academics and researchers – Learn directly from top experts in your field, exchange ideas, and contribute to cutting-edge research projects.
- Boost your academic profile with a prestigious fellowship – Enhance your CV and stand out in future academic or professional opportunities with recognition from a respected global program.
- Build long-term global research networks – Form lasting professional relationships with researchers from Japan and around the world, opening doors for future collaborations.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to all nationalities and is ideal for:
- Pre-doctoral researchers
- Post-doctoral researchers
- Early-career researchers
Applicants must secure a Japanese host researcher who will guide their project.
Research Fields Covered
The fellowship supports research in all disciplines, including:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
From literature to life sciences, applicants from any academic background can apply.
Financial Benefits
The JSPS Fellowship 2026/27 covers all major expenses so fellows can focus entirely on their research:
- Round-trip airfare to and from Japan
- Monthly allowance: JPY 362,000
- Settling-in allowance: JPY 200,000
- Overseas travel insurance for the duration of the stay
Eligible Host Institutes
Applicants must choose their host university or institute from the official list of eligible host institutions provided by JSPS.
Required Documents
- Academic Transcripts – From a Bachelor’s degree to the latest degree.
- Ph.D. Diploma/Certificate – OR official letter confirming expected award date/enrollment.
- Recommendation Letter – From current academic institution or employer.
- Letter from Japanese Host Researcher – Confirmation to guide your research (can be submitted by August 15, 2025, if not available initially).
- Research Plan – 2 pages (background, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes).
- List of Publications – 1 page, peer-reviewed works only, with full citation details.
How to Apply for the JSPS Fellowship 2026/27
- Visit the official JSPS Doctoral Fellowship webpage.
- Read the program guidelines carefully.
- Prepare all required documents.
- Submit your application before August 29, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the JSPS Fellowship?
The fellowship can last from 1 month to 12 months, depending on the research proposal and agreement with the host institute.
Do I need to pay an application fee?
No, there is no application fee for the JSPS Fellowship
Which research fields are eligible?
All academic fields are eligible, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
How can I find a host researcher in Japan?
Applicants should review the List of Eligible Host Institutes on the official JSPS website and reach out to potential supervisors directly.