JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 in Japan

JapanJSPS-UNU
JapanScholarshipFully FundedRolling deadlinephd
3 min readOpportunity Station

Program details

Key facts at a glance

Host country
Japan
Region
Asia
Institution
JSPS-UNU
Study level
PhD
Funding
Fully Funded

Program overview

Full description, requirements, and what to expect

This Fellowship program in Japan offers fully funded. The application deadline is 31st January 2026.

KEY DETAILS - Location: Japan - Program level: Fellowship - Funding: Fully Funded - Deadline: 31st January 2026

ELIGIBILITY - Nationality-based eligibility: Candidates must be nationals of a nation with diplomatic ties to Japan. - Candidates must possess a doctorate that was granted on or after April 2, 2020. This term might be reduced by the amount of time spent on maternity or paternity leave; four weeks is equivalent to one month. - PhD completion flexibility: Candidates may also apply if they anticipate finishing their doctorate by the end of July 2026. - Exclusion of Japanese nationals: Those who hold dual nationality or Japanese citizenship are ineligible. - Permanent residents are not eligible to apply for the fellowship.

BENEFITS - Return airfare: Financial assistance to pay for the fellow’s round-trip ticket to Japan from their home country. - Maintenance allowance: During the fellowship, a Monthly living allowance is provided to cover living expenditures such as accommodation, food, and daily essentials. - Settling-in allowance: A one-time sum of money given to help with moving and setting up a place to stay when you first arrive in Japan. - Research expenses: Funding for research-related costs, such as supplies, tools, and other project-specific requirements. - Health insurance: All-inclusive coverage for medical care, guaranteeing the fellow’s welfare during the program.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS - Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including a comprehensive list of publications and academic achievements. - PhD Degree Certificate: Proof of doctoral qualification. - Degree Transcript: Official record of academic performance during the doctoral program. - Acceptance Letter from Host Researcher: Confirmation of supervision by the host faculty member at the Japanese institution. - Letter of Recommendation: Endorsement from an academic or professional referee. - Research Plan: Detailed proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, and significance of the proposed research. - PhD Thesis Abstract: A concise summary of the doctoral thesis, not exceeding 500 words.

Official reference

Requirements & preparation

Review eligibility, benefits, and documents before you apply

Eligibility criteria

5 requirements to review

  • Nationality-based eligibility: Candidates must be nationals of a nation with diplomatic ties to Japan.
  • Candidates must possess a doctorate that was granted on or after April 2, 2020. This term might be reduced by the amount of time spent on maternity or paternity leave; four weeks is equivalent to one month.
  • PhD completion flexibility: Candidates may also apply if they anticipate finishing their doctorate by the end of July 2026.
  • Exclusion of Japanese nationals: Those who hold dual nationality or Japanese citizenship are ineligible.
  • Permanent residents are not eligible to apply for the fellowship.

Benefits & funding

5 perks included · Fully Funded

  • Return airfare: Financial assistance to pay for the fellow’s round-trip ticket to Japan from their home country.
  • Maintenance allowance: During the fellowship, a Monthly living allowance is provided to cover living expenditures such as accommodation, food, and daily essentials.
  • Settling-in allowance: A one-time sum of money given to help with moving and setting up a place to stay when you first arrive in Japan.
  • Research expenses: Funding for research-related costs, such as supplies, tools, and other project-specific requirements.
  • Health insurance: All-inclusive coverage for medical care, guaranteeing the fellow’s welfare during the program.

Required documents

Prepare these before you apply

  1. 1Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including a comprehensive list of publications and academic achievements.
  2. 2PhD Degree Certificate: Proof of doctoral qualification.
  3. 3Degree Transcript: Official record of academic performance during the doctoral program.
  4. 4Acceptance Letter from Host Researcher: Confirmation of supervision by the host faculty member at the Japanese institution.
  5. 5Letter of Recommendation: Endorsement from an academic or professional referee.
  6. 6Research Plan: Detailed proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, and significance of the proposed research.
  7. 7PhD Thesis Abstract: A concise summary of the doctoral thesis, not exceeding 500 words.

Important dates

Deadlines and listing updates

  • Application deadlineRolling — applications accepted on an ongoing basis
  • Published on Opportunity StationDec 21, 2025
  • Last updatedJul 8, 2026

Participating location

Where this opportunity takes place

Japan · Asia

scholarshipjpfully-funded
Next step

Ready to apply?

Use the official application website to submit your application directly to the program organizer. The link opens in a new tab so you can keep this guide open.

https://glorno.com/index.php/2025/12/22/jsps-unu-fellowship-2026-in-japan-fully-funded/

Apply Here