CENTER FOR SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES (CSEAS), KYOTO UNIVERSITY
Kyoto University CSEAS Fellowship
full · phd
- 6 fellowship slots (2026)Flexible start dates
- 400+ scholars since 1975Programme alumni
- Round-trip airfare coveredInternational travel
- Living and research fundsMonthly support
- Open to any nationalityGlobal eligibility
- ~JPY airfare + stipend (est.)Fully funded package
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Aug 31, 2026
Deadline
Open to all nationalities
Country
Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS), Kyoto University
Provider
The CSEAS Fellowship is a fully funded visiting research fellowship at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University, in Japan, open to scholars and professionals working on Southeast Asian Studies. Established in 1975, the programme has supported more than 400 scholars worldwide and promotes interdisciplinary, comparative, and global research on the region. For the 2026 cycle there are 6 fellowship slots with flexible start dates between May and November 2026, allowing fellows to spend several months in residence in Kyoto. The award covers round-trip international airfare, living expenses during the stay, and research and domestic travel funds, alongside full access to Kyoto University resources and CSEAS events. Fellows are expected to contribute to CSEAS journals such as Southeast Asian Studies and Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia, deliver a public lecture, and engage with the centre's book series and newsletters. Eligibility is open regardless of nationality to established scholars and professionals generally under 65, who are not enrolled in graduate or postdoctoral programmes. The application deadline falls at the end of August 2026, with results notified by the end of November 2026. Because stipend amounts and travel allowances are set per cycle and depend on the length of stay, confirm the exact current-cycle figures and conditions on the official Kyoto University CSEAS fellowship page before you apply.
What's covered
- International airfare — Round-trip international airfare between the fellow's home country and Japan, paid by CSEAS (a benefit typically worth ~¥200,000 (est.) depending on origin).
- Living expenses — A living allowance covering the fellow's stay in Kyoto for the duration of the residency.
- Research and travel funds — Funding for research activities and domestic travel within Japan related to the fellow's project.
- University resources — Full access to Kyoto University libraries, archives, and research facilities, plus participation in CSEAS events and seminars.
- Publication and lecture — Opportunity to deliver a public lecture and to publish in CSEAS journals, book series, and newsletters.
How to apply
Applications and supporting documents are submitted online, with recommendation letters emailed directly by referees to CSEAS.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble the online application form, a CV of up to 5 pages including publications, and a 2-page research plan using the official double-spaced template, all in PDF.
- Submit the application online — Upload the completed form and supporting documents through the official CSEAS online submission system.
- Arrange recommendation letters — Ask two referees to email their letters on institutional letterhead directly to grants@cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp.
- Select a start date — Indicate your preferred start month from the available 2026 slots (May, June, July, August, September, or November).
- Await notification — Results are announced by the end of November 2026; selected fellows then confirm logistics with CSEAS.
Eligibility
StandingRecognised scholars or professionals of high reputation, generally under 65 years of age.
Enrolment statusNot currently enrolled in a graduate or postdoctoral programme.
NationalityOpen to applicants of any nationality.
ReapplicationPrevious CSEAS fellows must wait at least six years after their last award before applying again.
Professionals from government, NGOs, media, IT, librarianship, and similar sectors are eligible, and experienced librarians may apply for a dedicated librarian-specific position.
Eligible countries
Open to all nationalities
Deadlines
2026 cycle~31 August 2026 (est.)
Selection
A CSEAS selection committee reviews applications on the quality and relevance of the proposed research to Southeast Asian Studies, the applicant's scholarly or professional reputation, and the feasibility of the project within the residency period. Recommendation letters and the research plan are central to the assessment, and successful fellows are matched to one of the available start dates.
Verified sources
- Kyoto University CSEAS Fellowships (official)kyoto.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jpofficial
About the provider
The Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) at Kyoto University, founded in 1965, is one of Japan's principal institutions for interdisciplinary research on Southeast Asia, spanning the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Its fellowship programme has hosted hundreds of international scholars and supports comparative and area-focused scholarship.
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.
What is the CSEAS Fellowship at Kyoto University?
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It is a fully funded visiting research fellowship at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, supporting scholars and professionals conducting research on Southeast Asia.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
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Established scholars or professionals of any nationality, generally under 65 years old, who are not enrolled in a graduate or postdoctoral programme.
What expenses does the fellowship cover?
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It covers round-trip international airfare, living expenses during the stay, and research and domestic travel funds, plus access to Kyoto University resources.
How many fellowship slots are available for 2026?
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Six slots are available with flexible start dates in May, June, July, August, September, or November 2026.
Can librarians apply?
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Yes. Experienced librarians may apply for a dedicated librarian-specific position within the programme.
How long is the fellowship?
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Fellowships typically run for several months, with the exact length depending on the chosen start date and the approved research plan.
Can I apply if I held a CSEAS fellowship before?
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Yes, but you must wait at least six years after your previous CSEAS fellowship before reapplying.
Which documents are required?
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A completed online form, a CV of up to 5 pages, a 2-page research plan on the official template, and two recommendation letters.
How are recommendation letters submitted?
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Referees email their letters on institutional letterhead directly to grants@cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp.
When is the application deadline?
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The deadline is around 31 August 2026 (est.). Confirm the exact date on the official CSEAS page.
When will results be announced?
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Results are announced by the end of November 2026.
What are fellows expected to do during the residency?
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Fellows pursue their research, deliver a public lecture, contribute to CSEAS journals and publications, and take part in centre events and seminars.