The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan 2026 are now open for international researchers who want to conduct fully funded postdoctoral research at leading Japanese universities and research institutions. Funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), this prestigious program supports outstanding early-career researchers from around the world to collaborate with top research groups in Japan across all academic fields. If you are planning to pursue a fully funded postdoc in Japan in 2026–2027, this is one of the most competitive and respected options available. According to the official JSPS Fellowship Japan FY2026 guidelines, the fellowship supports collaborative research in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-Overview

• Host Country: Japan
• Funding Organization: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
• Program Name: JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan 2026
• Fellowship Categories: Standard (P) – 12 to 24 months and Short-term (PE) – 1 to 12 months
• Fields: All academic disciplines (Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences)
• Application Mode: Via Japanese host institution through JSPS Electronic Application System
• Application Deadline (2nd Call – Standard): April 28, 2026 (5:00 PM JST)

JSPS International Fellowship Categories

1. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Standard – P)

• Duration: 12 to 24 months
• For postdoctoral researchers from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
• Requires PhD obtained within the last 6 years (on or after 2 April 2020)
• Approx. 120 fellowships per call (subject to change)

Ideal for researchers planning long-term research collaboration in Japan.

2. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Short-term – PE)

• Duration: 1 to 12 months 2026_applicationguideline_e
• For researchers from:
  • United States
  • Canada
  • European Union countries
  • United Kingdom
  • Switzerland
  • Norway
  • Russia

Suitable for short research visits and collaborative projects.

Also Check: Ikerbasque Research Fellows 2026 (5-Year Postdoctoral Fellowships in Spain)

Available Fields for Research in Japan

JSPS covers:

• Engineering & Technology
• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Computer Science & AI
• Chemistry & Materials Science
• Medical & Biomedical Sciences
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Research

Also Check: MishMash PhD & Postdoctoral Fellowships in Norway 2026 (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria for Fully Funded Research Fellowship in Japan

For Standard (P)

You must:

• Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan 2026_applicationguideline_e
• Hold a PhD obtained within 6 years (since April 2, 2020)
• Not previously have started a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Secure a Japanese host researcher before applying

For Short-term (PE)

You must:

• Be from eligible countries (US, Canada, Europe, UK, etc.)
• Have obtained a PhD outside Japan within 6 years
  OR be enrolled in a doctoral program and expected to complete within 2 years

Also Check: Newton International Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded UK Postdoctoral Fellowship

Application Process for JSPS Japan International Fellowship

To apply for Postdoc in Japan for International Researchers, follow the steps below;

Step 1: Visit the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship webpage and review the Japan Research Grants 2026 call for Funded Postdoctoral Positions in Asia.

Click Here to Visit the Call for proposals for FY2026 Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan

Step 2: Identify a Japanese Host Researcher from the Japanese institution (any institution and research lab is ok)

Click Here to Check the Japanese Universities List for Potential JSPS Postdoc Host Researcher

Step 3: Contact the host and secure agreement

Step 4: Prepare required documents for JSPS International Postdoctoral Program in Japan

Click Here to Review the JSPS FY2026 Application Guidelines for Postdoc Research Jobs in Japan

Step 5: Applicants will submit required documents to host researcher and institution

Important: Applications must be submitted through a Japanese host institution. Direct individual applications are not accepted.

Also Check: Click Here to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Japan 2026

JSPS Fellowship Benefits – Fully Funded

Standard (P)

• Roundtrip Airfare (Economy class)
• Monthly Stipend: JPY 362,000 2026_applicationguideline_e
  (~ USD 2,400–2,500 depending on exchange rate)
• Settling-in Allowance: JPY 200,000
• Overseas Travel Insurance
• Research Grant (applied separately via host)

Short-term (PE)

• Roundtrip Airfare
• Monthly Stipend:
  • JPY 362,000 (PhD holders)
  • JPY 200,000 (non-PhD holders)
• Settling-in Allowance (for 3+ months stay)
• Research Support Allowance (up to JPY 70,000 × months)
• Overseas Travel Insurance

This makes JSPS one of the most generous postdoctoral funding schemes in Asia.

Apply Now – Study and Research in Japan

The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan 2026 (Standard & Short-term) provide a rare opportunity to conduct fully funded research in Japan at world-class institutions. With generous financial support, open research fields, and strong academic reputation, this fellowship is ideal for early-career researchers ready to expand their global research footprint and academic jobs in Japan.

Click Here for Official Call for proposals for FY2026 Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan

Also Check: List of Open International Research and Postdoc Fellowships Worldwide 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. It covers airfare, monthly stipend, settling allowance, and insurance.

Can I apply without IELTS?

Yes. IELTS is not required. Language requirements depend on the host institution.

Do I need admission to a Japanese university first?

You need a confirmed Japanese host researcher before applying.

Is it competitive?

Yes. JSPS is highly competitive and globally recognized.

Can I apply if I studied in Japan?

Yes, but certain residency restrictions apply depending on the category.

Also Check Latest Scholarships Below:

• HEC Scholarship
• International Scholarships Worldwide
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Master Scholarships
• PhD Scholarships
• Postdoc Fellowships

Stay connected with Careers Help Desk for the latest international fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities to empower your future!