Are you a young PhD holder aiming to boost your research career in a world-class academic setting? The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) invites you to apply for the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships (Standard) 2026, a prestigious opportunity to conduct research in Japan under the guidance of experienced Japanese researchers. This fully funded fellowship offers not just academic advancement but also a chance to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culture and leading research environment. With generous financial support, including a monthly allowance of JPY 362,000, settling-in funds, and roundtrip airfare, this is your chance to join top Japanese institutions and elevate your global academic profile.

Let’s dive into all the essential details to help you prepare and apply successfully.

About Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)

Founded in 1932, JSPS is Japan’s leading organization for supporting research and academic funding. It plays a key role in promoting academic research and international collaboration. With strong government support, JSPS funds thousands of researchers every year, helping to drive innovation in science and technology.

Japan itself is home to several globally recognized universities and institutions. Some of the top institutions are:

• University of Tokyo (QS World Rank 28)
• Kyoto University (QS World Rank 46)
• Osaka University (QS World Rank 80)
• Tohoku University (QS World Rank 113)
• Tokyo Institute of Technology (QS World Rank 91)
• Nagoya University, Hokkaido University, Kyushu University, and Keio University—all consistently ranked in the top 250 globally.

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 Overview

Feature	Details
Fellowship Name	JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Standard) 2026
Host Organization	Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Type	Fully Funded Research Fellowship
Duration	12 to 24 months
Degree Level	Postdoctoral
Eligibility	PhD holders (within 6 years), all nationalities with diplomatic ties to Japan
Application Deadlines	1st Call: August 29, 2025 2nd Call: April 28, 2026
Start Dates	Between April 1–September 30, 2026 (1st Call) Between September 1–November 30, 2026 (2nd Call)
Host Country	Japan

Benefits of JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Selected fellows will enjoy generous support to cover living, travel, and research-related expenses in Japan:

• Monthly maintenance allowance of JPY 362,000
• JPY 200,000 settling-in allowance
• Roundtrip economy-class airfare to/from Japan
• Overseas travel insurance
• Chance to apply for extra funding through the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, both the host researcher and the invited overseas researcher must meet specific requirements.

Host Researcher Eligibility:

• Must be affiliated with a research institution in Japan (e.g., universities, inter-university institutes, MEXT-affiliated institutes)
• Should be full-time researchers (exceptions made if hosting institution deems the researcher capable of hosting full-time)
• Can submit up to 3 applications
• Should not be retiring during the invited researcher’s fellowship period

Invited Researcher (Candidate) Eligibility:

1. You must be a citizen of a country that maintains diplomatic ties with Japan.
2. Must have obtained a PhD on or after April 2, 2020
3. Applicants must not have held a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship in the past.
4. Candidates with Japanese doctoral degrees or who reside in Japan (without permanent residency) are eligible
5. Time taken for maternity/parental leave is deducted from the 6-year PhD limit
6. Must not hold dual applications through different routes (Open Call and Overseas Nominating Authority)
7. Must submit a valid PhD certificate before fellowship start
8. Fellowship will be canceled if eligibility is invalidated post-selection

Application Process

To apply, coordination between the host researcher in Japan and the overseas candidate is essential. The host submits the JSPS application 2026 on behalf of the candidate.

For the Host Researcher:

• Obtain from the candidate:
  • Form 2: JSPS Application Form (PDF)
  • One-page Recommendation Letter from the candidate’s PhD supervisor (must be signed, no font-signatures allowed)
• Log into the JSPS Electronic Application System
  • Fill out Form 1, upload the documents above, and submit to your institution

For the Host Institution:

• Verify application data and candidate list
• Submit to JSPS before the official deadline

Application Deadlines:

• 1st Call Deadline: August 29, 2025 (results in December 2025)
• 2nd Call Deadline: April 28, 2026 (results in August 2026)

Review & Selection Process

The JSPS uses a two-stage process:

• Stage 1: Document review by six subject experts
• Stage 2: Panel review by JSPS International Program Committee

Key Screening Criteria Include:

• Contribution to global scientific advancement
• Impact on both host and candidate’s research development
• Prior communication and clear research plans
• Suitable research environment by host institution
• Fairness across nationalities, institutions, and disciplines

Comparison with Similar Postdoctoral Fellowships

Program	Host Country	Duration	Monthly Stipend	Airfare	Open to All Nationalities
JSPS Postdoctoral (Japan)	Japan	12–24 months	¥362,000	Yes	Yes
Marie Curie IF (EU)	EU Countries	12–24 months	~€4,800 gross	Yes	Yes
Humboldt Fellowship	Germany	6–24 months	~€2,670	Yes	Yes
NSERC PDF	Canada	12–24 months	CAD $45,000/year	No	Only Canadian Citizens/Permanent Residents
Fulbright Visiting Scholar	USA	3–12 months	Variable	Yes	Select countries

FAQs about JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

1. Can I apply if I have not yet received my PhD but will graduate before April 2026?
   Yes, but you must submit your degree certificate to JSPS before your fellowship begins.
2. Can I apply to multiple Japanese institutions?
   No, only one application through one host is permitted.
3. Do I need to submit a research proposal?
   Yes, a concrete and collaborative research plan is required and is evaluated during screening.
4. Can I choose the duration of my fellowship?
   Yes, between 12 and 24 months, in full-month units.
5. Can I reapply if rejected in the first round?
   Yes, you may apply in the second call if not selected in the first.
6. Am I required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores with my application?
   No, there is no language test requirement, but good communication with your host is essential.
7. Is there a preferred research area?
   No, all disciplines are welcome. Refer to the Review Section Table.
8. Can I stay in Japan before the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 starts?
   Yes, but your airfare and settling-in allowance will not be covered if you’re already in Japan.
9. Can I apply if I have permanent residence in Japan?
   No, applicants must not have Japanese citizenship or permanent residency.
10. Will I receive a certificate after completing the fellowship?
    Yes, fellows receive a certificate from JSPS upon successful completion.

If you are a promising early-career researcher ready to make a global impact, the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers you the ideal platform. From exceptional research infrastructure to cultural immersion in Japan, this program delivers academic growth and personal enrichment. APPLY NOW.

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