JSPS International Fellowship 2026-2027: A Great Opportunity to do Research in Japan
JSPS International Fellowship is a special fellowship offered by the very famous Japanese government organization "JSPS" (which works to promote science). It is for those who have done PhD or are doing PhD and are from Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries. The aim is to give them the opportunity to come to good universities in Japan and further their research.
This is a program that gives the opportunity to those students from ASEAN member countries (such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) who have done PhD or are doing PhD. They can do research in Japan under the supervision of a great professor (host). The aim is to support these researchers to advance their research, while also promoting science in Japan and strengthening ties with the world. You can conduct research in any field.
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Duration of JSPS International Fellowship
The fellowship can last from 1 month to 12 months (i.e. 1 year), as decided by you and the Japanese professor. You must stay in Japan continuously. The fellowship can start between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027.
JSPS International Fellowship 2026-2027 Eligibility Criteria
· Applicants:
Category 1: Citizen of an ASEAN member country and have completed a PhD. (PhD obtained outside Japan and not more than 6 years ago).
Category 2: A citizen of an ASEAN member country and pursuing a PhD (expected to complete the PhD within the next 2 years).
Category 3: A person who is not a citizen of an ASEAN member country but holds a PhD, and has been working continuously in a research lab in an ASEAN member country for at least 3 years.
Category 4: A person who is not a citizen of an ASEAN member country and pursuing a PhD (expected to complete the PhD within the next 2 years), and has been working continuously in a research lab in an ASEAN member country for at least 3 years.
· Who is not eligible?
Those who have previously received
and used another JSPS postdoctoral fellowship.
Japanese citizens who have permanent residence in an ASEAN country.
· Host Researcher:
They must be at a Japanese university or research institute that is recognized by the government. They must be permanent researchers. They are not retiring during the program.
Benefits of JSPS International Fellowship 2026-2027
This is a fully funded fellowship:
1. Airfare: You will receive a round-trip ticket from your home country to Japan.
2. Monthly stipend: If you have a PhD then 362,000 Japanese Yen (JPY) per month. If you do not have a PhD but currently pursuing a PhD then 200,000 Japanese Yen (JPY) per month.
3. Arrival assistance: If you are coming for a fellowship of 3 months or more, you will receive an additional 200,000 Japanese Yen once.
4. Insurance: Overseas travel insurance will be provided.
5. Research expenses: Your Japanese professor may receive up to 70,000 Japanese yen per month for your research.
Note: If you are already living in Japan, you will not receive airfare and arrival assistance.
How to apply for JSPS International Fellowship 2026-2027? (Application Procedure)
The application procedure is as follow:
1. Find a Japanese professor: The first and most important thing is to find a professor at your university or research institute in Japan who is interested in your research and willing to work with you.
2. Application through AUN: Once the professor is interested, you will submit your application to the ASEAN University Network (AUN) online portal.
3. Nomination: AUN will review your application and forward the names of those selected to JSPS.
4. Results: JSPS will announce the results approximately 3 months later.
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Required Documents for JSPS International Fellowship 2026-2027
· Transcripts (mark sheets) of all your previous degrees.
· PhD degree certificate or if not, letter from the university stating when you will receive it.
· Recommendation letter from your current university or place of employment.
· Letter of acceptance/invitation from your host professor in Japan (it must be sent by 15 August 2025).
· List of your major research papers (if any).
· Research plan in Japan (2 pages).
· All papers must be in English. If in another language, attach their English translation.
JSPS International Fellowship 2026-2027 Applications Deadline
Application submission deadline is 15 August 2025 and results announcement will be around February 2026.
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Summary
This JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship is a completely free opportunity to conduct research in Japan, specifically for PhD candidates (or PhD holders) from ASEAN countries (such as Indonesia, Malaysia). It provides accommodation, food, airfare, and a stipend for research. To know more information about this fellowship program visit the official link here.