About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Standard Fellowship is intended for researchers seeking a longer period of collaborative postdoctoral research in Japan. It supports independent research activities conducted jointly with a host researcher at a Japanese institution.
Short-term Programme (PE)
The Short-term (PE) Fellowship is designed for researchers from eligible countries who wish to undertake shorter collaborative research projects in Japan. It provides an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and accelerate research collaboration through focused academic exchanges.
Applicants should carefully consult the official programme guidelines to determine which fellowship category best matches their eligibility and research objectives.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to foreign postdoctoral researchers who have secured the support of a qualified host researcher based at an eligible Japanese university or research institution.
Applying For Grants
Competitive applicants typically demonstrate:
A strong academic and research record.
A doctoral degree or equivalent research qualification.
A well-developed collaborative research proposal.
Support from a Japanese host researcher and institution.
The ability to contribute to international scientific collaboration.
Applications are submitted by the Japanese host institution on behalf of the candidate, making early communication with prospective supervisors essential.
Research Fields
JSPS welcomes applications across a broad range of academic disciplines, including but not limited to:
Research methodology course
Natural Sciences
Engineering and Technology
Medical and Health Sciences
Agricultural Sciences
Social Sciences
Humanities
Interdisciplinary Research
Researchers are encouraged to develop proposals that align with the expertise of their prospective host laboratory while addressing significant scientific or societal challenges.
Application Process
Unlike many international fellowship programmes, applicants cannot submit proposals directly to JSPS. Instead, applications must be prepared collaboratively with a host researcher and submitted electronically through the applicant’s Japanese host institution.
Comparing College Programs
The application process generally involves:
Identifying a suitable host researcher in Japan.
Developing a joint research proposal.
Completing the required application forms.
Obtaining institutional approval from the host university or research institute.
Submission through the JSPS Electronic Application System by the host institution.
Applicants should note that many Japanese universities establish internal deadlines that may be more than one month earlier than the official JSPS deadline.
Required Application Documents
Applicants and host researchers will prepare several documents as part of the application package, including:
Form 1 completed by the Japanese host researcher.
Form 2 completed by the foreign candidate.
Letter of Recommendation from the applicant’s recommender.
Supporting institutional documentation submitted through the electronic system.
All application materials should follow the official JSPS instructions for the relevant fellowship category.
Important Deadline
The current FY2027 Short-term (PE) First Call has the following deadline:
Application Deadline: 25 September 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (Japan Standard Time)
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential host researchers well before institutional deadlines, as universities may require additional time for internal review and approval.
Why Apply?
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship provides far more than financial support. Fellows gain the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research within Japan’s internationally recognised academic environment while building long-term collaborations with leading researchers and institutions.
The programme is particularly valuable for early-career scientists and scholars seeking to expand their international research profile, publish collaboratively, access advanced research infrastructure and establish lasting academic partnerships across disciplines.
Applying For Grants
Researchers with ambitious research ideas and a commitment to international collaboration are encouraged to begin discussions with prospective Japanese supervisors as early as possible to prepare competitive applications for the FY2027 call.
How to apply