YBB – International researchers now have the opportunity to advance their academic careers in Japan through the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research in Japan 2026 (3rd Call). Organized by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the program offers fully funded research opportunities for postdoctoral scholars from eligible countries around the world.
The fellowship allows researchers to collaborate with leading Japanese universities and research institutions while gaining international academic experience in one of Asia’s top research environments.
About the Program
The JSPS is designed to provide opportunities for overseas researchers to conduct collaborative research under the guidance of host researchers at Japanese universities and research institutions. The fellowship encourages international academic cooperation and supports advanced research across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary fields.
The fellowship is available through several categories, including the Standard Program and Short-term Programs. For the 2026 call highlighted here, applicants will work closely with a Japanese host researcher while conducting research projects in Japan.
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Program Overview
- Host Country: Japan
- Host Organization:
- Program Type: Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Duration: 1–12 months (Short-term) / 12–24 months (Standard)
- Eligible Fields: All research disciplines
- Application Deadline: June 5, 2026
- Result Announcement: Late September 2026
- Fellowship Start Period: December 2026 – March 2027
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly stipend of JPY 362,000 for PhD holders
- Monthly stipend of JPY 200,000 for researchers who have not completed their PhD
- Round-trip economy airfare to Japan
- Settling-in allowance of JPY 200,000
- Research support funding of up to JPY 70,000 per month
- Overseas travel insurance coverage
- Access to advanced research facilities and international collaborations
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
- Be citizens of eligible countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
- Hold a PhD degree obtained within the last six years, or expect to complete a PhD within two years
- Have a strong academic and research background
- Secure a Japanese host researcher willing to supervise the project
- Conduct research in any academic field
For the Short-term PE program, eligibility is mainly limited to researchers from the US, Canada, Europe, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, and Russia.
How to Apply
Unlike many fellowship programs, applicants cannot submit independently. Applications must be submitted through a Japanese host institution.
The process generally includes:
- Finding a Japanese host researcher whose work matches your research interests
- Preparing research documents and recommendation letters
- Completing the required JSPS application forms
- Submitting the application through the host institution via the JSPS Electronic Application System
Required Documents
Applicants may need to prepare:
- Research proposal
- Academic CV/Resume
- PhD certificate or enrollment verification
- Recommendation letter
- Passport copy
- Research achievements/publications
- JSPS application forms completed with the host researcher
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Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2026 JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship application is:
June 5, 2026
For detail information: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/
Conclusion
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 provides a gateway to international academic collaboration in one of the world’s leading research environments. With generous financial support and access to top Japanese institutions, the fellowship is an excellent opportunity for researchers who want to take their academic careers to the global stage.
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