Hiroshima University has officially opened applications for the fully-funded Global Doctoral Fellowship 2026, inviting exceptional international students from around the world to pursue doctoral research in Japan. This highly selective fellowship provides a fully supported research environment designed to nurture the next generation of global leaders in science, technology, and innovation.
With support beginning in April 2026 and only up to 10 fellowship positions available, this is one of the most competitive doctoral opportunities in Japan. Global applicants aiming to build a research career in Japan’s innovation ecosystem are encouraged to prepare early and apply before the strict deadline.
What This Hiroshima Fellowship Offers?
The Hiroshima University Global Doctoral Fellowship is designed to empower international PhD students by providing financial stability, research funding, and career development opportunities. The program selects individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, a broad perspective, strong judgment, and a clear intention to contribute to Japan’s future research and innovation landscape.
The Benefits for Selected Fellows
1# Paid Researcher Position: This fellowship hires selected PhD students as university researchers, allowing them to earn a stable monthly income while focusing on their studies. Fellows are paid 1,500 JPY per hour, with the possibility of earning up to 144,000 JPY per month depending on their working hours. The support continues for up to 3 years in standard doctoral programs and up to 4 years in 4-year PhD programs. Employment officially begins once the fellow arrives in Japan and is able to begin research activities, ensuring financial stability from the start of their academic journey.
2# Annual Research Funding: Fellows also receive generous research support of up to 400,000 JPY per year, which can be used for essential academic expenses such as experiments, materials, software, conference participation, and other research-related needs. If the support duration is shorter than a full year, the funding amount is adjusted proportionally. This dedicated research budget helps students carry out high-impact work without financial barriers.
3# Full Research Support Environment: Beyond salary and research funds, the fellowship provides a rich academic environment that includes access to office facilities, computing resources, and university IT support. Fellows also benefit from structured training programs that build advanced research skills and academic professionalism.
Career development activities through HIRAKU-PF help students prepare for global research careers, while mandatory ethics training strengthens their research integrity. In addition, fellows can participate in university-led competitions and development events that enhance visibility and academic confidence, making this fellowship a complete professional-growth platform for emerging researchers.
Eligibility Criteria for New Applicants
To be considered for this Hiroshima University fully-funded fellowship, candidates must meet the following conditions:
1# Academic Enrollment Requirement: Applicants must be international students enrolling in a doctoral course or 4-year PhD program at Hiroshima University in April 2026.
2# Advisor Approval Needed: A prospective academic advisor must formally approve the applicant’s intention to apply. Without advisor approval, the application will not be considered.
3# Income Eligibility: Applicants must not have stable income exceeding 2.4 million JPY in 2026. This excludes earnings from part-time jobs, RA/TA positions, or paid internships.
4# No Overlapping Major Scholarships: Applicants must not be receiving any of the following:
- JSPS Research Fellowship
- MEXT Scholarship
- FOREST Program RA funding
- Scholarships from their home country
Concurrent application to the university’s separate Next-Generation AI Researchers program is allowed, but applicants cannot hold both fellowships at the same time.
Responsibilities of Selected Fellows
Selected fellows must fulfill important academic and professional obligations to maintain their fellowship status:
- Create an annual research plan
- Engage in full-time research activities under their advisor
- Submit progress reports regularly
- Participate in university-led skill-building programs
- Complete required research ethics training
- Join career development and internship initiatives
- Cooperate with long-term career surveys for up to 10 years
Failure to meet these expectations may result in suspension or cancellation of fellowship support.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit all required documents through the official online application form provided by Hiroshima University.
The last date to apply for the Hiroshima University Global PhD Fellowship is Monday, January 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM (Japan Standard Time).