JAPAN SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF SCIENCE (JSPS)
JSPS Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan
full · phd
- ¥362,000 / monthPostdoctoral stipend
- ¥387,600 / monthSenior invitational stipend
- ¥200,000Settling-in allowance
- 14 days to 24 monthsRange of durations
- All disciplinesEligible fields
- Round-trip airfare coveredTravel support
At a glance
full
Funding
€2k
Max amount
Apr 28, 2027
Deadline
Researchers from all countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Japan
Country
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Provider
The JSPS Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan, run by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, bring international researchers to Japanese universities and research institutions for collaborative research with a Japanese host. The scheme covers all academic fields across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, and is organised into several categories with different durations and benefits. The standard postdoctoral fellowship lasts 12 to 24 months and pays a monthly stipend of about JPY 362,000, a settling-in allowance of JPY 200,000, round-trip airfare, and overseas travel insurance. The long-term invitational fellowship for senior researchers lasts 2 to 10 months and pays a monthly stipend of about JPY 387,600 plus a research-support allowance of up to JPY 150,000, while a short-term invitational category runs from 14 to 60 days. Applicants cannot apply independently; a Japanese host researcher must submit the application through the JSPS Electronic Application System, and each category has its own deadlines, with start periods falling between April 2026 and March 2027. Confirm the exact stipend rates, category rules, and deadlines on the official JSPS page before applying.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — A monthly maintenance allowance of about ~¥362,000 (est.) for postdoctoral fellows and about ~¥387,600 (est.) for senior invitational fellows.
- Settling-in allowance — A one-time settling-in allowance of about ~¥200,000 (est.) for fellows on qualifying longer stays.
- Research-support allowance — For the long-term invitational category, a research-support allowance of up to ~¥150,000 (est.) toward research activities in Japan.
- International airfare — A round-trip air ticket between the fellow's home country and Japan, provided according to JSPS travel rules.
- Travel insurance — Overseas travel accident insurance covering the fellow during the fellowship period in Japan.
How to apply
All applications are host-driven: the international researcher works with a Japanese host who submits the application through the JSPS Electronic Application System.
- Find a Japanese host researcher — Identify and contact a potential host at a Japanese university or research institution who agrees to invite you and support your research plan.
- Choose the right category — Select the fellowship category (postdoctoral standard, postdoctoral short-term, or invitational long/short-term) that matches your career stage and intended stay.
- Prepare the application package — Work with your host to prepare the host application form, your CV, a detailed research plan, and a recommendation letter from a senior academic.
- Submit via the host institution — Your host institution submits the complete application through the JSPS Electronic Application System before the relevant category deadline.
- Await the result and plan your stay — Wait for the JSPS selection outcome, then coordinate with your host on the start date within the April 2026 to March 2027 window.
Eligibility
Postdoctoral (Standard)Researchers who obtained a PhD on or after April 2, 2020 (about six years before the start), for a stay of 12 to 24 months.
Postdoctoral (Short-term)Researchers from designated regions who hold a PhD obtained within the last six years, or PhD candidates expected to graduate within two years, for stays of 1 to 12 months.
Invitational (Long-term and Short-term)Senior researchers at professor or associate-professor level with strong academic records, for stays of 2 to 10 months or 14 to 60 days.
Host requirementA Japanese host researcher must submit the application; applicants cannot apply independently.
Previous JSPS fellowship recipients are generally ineligible to reapply for the same fellowship, and fellows must reside in Japan continuously throughout the award period.
Eligible countries
Researchers from all countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Japan
Deadlines
2026/2027 postdoctoral (2nd round)~28 April 2026 (est.)
2026/2027 invitational (long-term)~29 August 2026 (est.)
Selection
JSPS evaluates applications on the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the contribution the project would make to advancing science in Japan and internationally, the evidence of collaboration between the host and the applicant, the readiness and support of the host institution, and overall geographic and disciplinary diversity. Because applications are host-driven, the strength of the partnership with the Japanese host researcher is central to the assessment.
Verified sources
- JSPS International Fellowshipsjsps.go.jpofficial
- JSPS English homepagejsps.go.jpofficial
About the provider
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) is an independent administrative institution and Japan's central funding agency for scientific research. Established in its modern form in the late 1960s and tracing its roots to 1932, it funds researchers across all disciplines and runs extensive international fellowship and exchange programmes with partner countries worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who runs the Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan?
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They are administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan's main funding agency for academic research.
Can I apply directly for the fellowship?
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No. Applicants cannot apply independently; a Japanese host researcher must submit your application through the JSPS Electronic Application System.
What fields are eligible?
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All academic disciplines are eligible, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
How much is the monthly stipend?
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It is about ~¥362,000 (est.) per month for postdoctoral fellows and about ~¥387,600 (est.) per month for senior invitational fellows; confirm current rates on the official page.
How long can the fellowship last?
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Durations range from 14 days for the short-term invitational category up to 24 months for the standard postdoctoral fellowship, depending on the category.
Does the fellowship cover travel to Japan?
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Yes. JSPS provides a round-trip air ticket between your home country and Japan, along with overseas travel insurance.
Is there a settling-in allowance?
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Yes. A settling-in allowance of about ~¥200,000 (est.) is provided for qualifying longer stays.
Which category suits a senior professor?
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Senior researchers at professor or associate-professor level should apply for the invitational fellowship (long-term, 2 to 10 months, or short-term, 14 to 60 days).
Who is eligible by nationality?
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Researchers from any country that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan may be invited to apply.
Can a previous JSPS fellow reapply?
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Generally no; previous recipients are usually ineligible to reapply for the same fellowship category.
Do I have to stay in Japan the whole time?
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Yes. Fellows must reside in Japan continuously throughout the fellowship period.
Where can I confirm the official details?
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On the official JSPS international fellowships page, which lists each category, its allowances, and the binding deadlines for the cycle.