JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research in Japan FY2027

Overview

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) awards postdoctoral fellowships for overseas researchers to conduct cooperative research in Japan under a Japanese host scientist. Open to all fields of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The FY2027 Standard programme runs two recruitment rounds: Round 1 closes 28 August 2026, Round 2 closes in spring 2027. Approximately 240 fellowships are awarded across both rounds. Applicants must be affiliated with a Japanese host institution before applying.

Benefits

• Monthly maintenance allowance of JPY 362,000 (approximately USD 2,400 at current rates).
• Round-trip economy-class airfare to and from Japan.
• Settling-in allowance of JPY 200,000.
• Overseas travel insurance throughout the fellowship period.
• Fellowship duration: 12 to 24 months (Standard Programme).

Eligibility

• Citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan (JSPS also treats researchers from Taiwan and Palestine equivalently).
• Hold a PhD awarded no earlier than 2 April 2021, or expect to receive a PhD before the fellowship start date.
• Have completed the PhD no more than six years before 1 April 2027.
• Must secure a Japanese host researcher and institution willing to submit the nomination on your behalf.
• Cannot currently be employed at a Japanese institution.

How to apply

1. Identify a Japanese host researcher at a Japanese university or research institute willing to supervise and nominate you.
2. Contact the host institution’s international office to confirm their internal deadline, which may be up to one month before the JSPS deadline of 28 August 2026 (Round 1).
3. Prepare application documents: research plan (up to 2,000 words in English or Japanese), two reference letters, academic transcripts, and PhD certificate or letter of expected completion.
4. The host institution submits the full application package to JSPS electronically by 28 August 2026.
5. Results for Round 1 are announced in early 2027; successful fellows begin their stay from April 2027.
6. For country-specific guidance, contact the JSPS office in your region (e.g., JSPS Nairobi for African researchers: jspsnairobi.org).