The JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 is a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship in Japan for early-career researchers working in sustainability-related fields. Jointly organized by United Nations University and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, this prestigious programme allows outstanding postdocs to conduct advanced research at leading Japanese universities and research institutions, in close collaboration with UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), Tokyo. If you are looking for a high-value postdoctoral opportunity in Japan with a generous monthly stipend, research funding, and global exposure, this fellowship is one of the strongest options for 2026.

JSPS UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship in Japan 2026- Overview

Host Country: Japan
Host Organization: United Nations University (UNU-IAS) & JSPS
Host Institutions: Japanese universities and research institutions
Fellowship Level: Postdoctoral
Duration: 24 months
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026 (23:59 JST)
Eligible Applicants: International researchers (non-Japanese nationals)

Available Fields / Research Areas

Applicants must propose research aligned with one of the following UNU-IAS thematic programmes. All projects must be policy-relevant and incorporate gender considerations.

Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (GCSD)

Climate change mitigation, adaptation, and loss & damage
SDG governance and policy coherence
Climate law, security, and carbon markets
Decarbonization strategies and integrated assessment modeling
Food systems transformation and Paris Agreement implementation

Biodiversity & Society (BDS)

Biodiversity–human well-being linkages
Landscape and seascape governance
Sustainable food systems and circular economy
Biocultural diversity and social-ecological resilience
Biodiversity policy interfaces (CBD, IPBES)

Water & Resource Management (WRM)

Water security, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
Water and climate change, disasters, and ecosystems
Transboundary water governance
Water–food–energy nexus
Human rights to water and sanitation

Innovation & Education (IVE)

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Innovative and inclusive learning technologies
AI, higher education, and sustainability
Climate change education and teacher training
Institutional transformation in higher education

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Hold a PhD degree awarded on or after 2 April 2020
- (Maternity/paternity leave is excluded from this calculation)
Or be scheduled to receive a PhD by July 2026 after successful defense
Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
Not be a Japanese national, dual citizen, or permanent resident of Japan
Not have previously received a JSPS Standard or Pathway Postdoctoral Fellowship
Demonstrate strong research capacity and a solid publication record
Be fluent in English (Japanese is not required but is an advantage)

Application Process

Follow these steps carefully to apply successfully:

Step 1: Visit the official call for the JSPS UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship (United Nations University fellowship) 2026 for International Researchers and read job descriptions, postdoc requirements, and application procedures.

Click Here to Visit the JSPS UNU International Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

Step 2: Secure a Host Researcher in Japan: Applicants must independently contact and confirm a host researcher at an eligible Japanese institution. UNU-IAS researchers cannot act as host supervisors.

Click Here for Japanese Host Institution for Potential Postdoc Host Researcher in Japan

Step 3: Prepare required documents to support the postdoctoral research jobs in Japan.

Research proposal
Academic CV and publication list
PhD certificate or proof of expected completion
Host researcher confirmation

Step 4: Submit the JSPS fellowship Japan application online via the UNU-IAS portal.

Click Here to Apply Online for JSPS UNU High-Paying Postdoctoral Fellowship

Fellowship Benefits / Financial Coverage

The JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship is fully funded and includes:

Monthly stipend: JPY 362,000
Round-trip international airfare (according to JSPS regulations)
Settling-in allowance: JPY 200,000
Overseas travel insurance
Research funding eligibility
- Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (applied for by the host institution)

Note: If the fellow is already residing in Japan before the fellowship starts, airfare and settling-in allowance will not be provided.

Apply Now—Study and Research in Japan

The JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 offers a rare chance to pursue fully funded postdoctoral research in Japan with a generous monthly stipend, international research exposure, and strong policy impact through the United Nations system. For early-career researchers aiming to advance their academic careers while contributing to global sustainability challenges, this fellowship is a top-tier opportunity.

Click Here to Explore the Official JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026

Also Check: List of Open International Research Fellowships Worldwide 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship in Japan?
Yes. The programme covers stipend, travel support, insurance, and provides access to competitive research funding.

Do I need to secure a host researcher before applying?
Yes. A confirmed host researcher at a Japanese institution is mandatory before submitting your application.

Can research be conducted at UNU-IAS?
Yes, if mutually agreed with the host institution, but UNU-IAS staff cannot formally act as host supervisors.

Is Japanese language proficiency required?
No. Research is conducted in English. Japanese language skills are optional.

When will final results be announced?
Shortlisted candidates are interviewed after the deadline, with final outcomes expected by May 2026.

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