Japan Opens Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships for Global Researchers Under JSPS Standard Program
International researchers seeking a fully funded postdoctoral opportunity in Asia’s most advanced research ecosystem can now explore the Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan (Standard) offered by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
This prestigious program supports early-career researchers from around the world to conduct collaborative research at leading Japanese universities and research institutions for 12 to 24 months. Covering all academic fields—from humanities and social sciences to cutting-edge natural sciences—the fellowship is designed to deepen global research partnerships while strengthening academic exchange with Japan.
Selection takes place through two channels:
- Open Call: Applications submitted by Japanese host institutions.
- Nomination Route: Candidates recommended by designated overseas nominating authorities.
The number of awards varies each fiscal year depending on budget allocation and institutional nominations.
What the Fellowship Fully Covers: Financial Framework Explained
This fellowship is structured to allow researchers to focus entirely on research without financial uncertainty. The funding package includes:
- Monthly Maintenance Allowance: JPY 362,000
- Round-trip International Airfare (as per JSPS regulations)
- Settling-in Allowance: JPY 200,000
- Overseas Travel Insurance Coverage
- Access to Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (applied by the host researcher to support joint research expenses)
Important note: Researchers already residing in Japan before the fellowship start date are not eligible for outbound airfare and settling-in allowance.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria for Global Researchers
The program is specifically designed for promising early-career scholars. Candidates must meet all conditions below:
Candidate (Invited Overseas Researcher) Requirements
- Must be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
- Must have obtained a PhD within six years of the fellowship start date
- PhD eligibility window may be extended to account for maternity or parental leave
- Must not have previously started a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (Standard or Pathway to University Positions in Japan)
- Japanese citizens and foreign nationals with permanent residency in Japan are not eligible
- Must submit doctoral degree certificate before fellowship start date
Full-time employment status does not affect eligibility.
Host Researcher Requirements
- Must be affiliated with an eligible Japanese research institution recognized under MEXT regulations
- Must be eligible to apply for KAKENHI grants
- Preferably a full-time researcher (exceptions allowed if institutional support is guaranteed)
- Each host may submit up to three applications
Eligible host institutions include universities, inter-university research institutes, MEXT-affiliated research institutions, colleges of technology, and other institutions designated by the Minister of MEXT.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Simplified Guide
If you are considering applying, here is the process in a clear sequence:
Step 1: Identify a Japanese host researcher aligned with your research field.
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility timeline based on PhD award date.
Step 3: Coordinate with your host institution regarding whether the application will be submitted via Open Call or Nomination route.
Step 4: Prepare required research proposal, CV, and supporting academic documents.
Step 5: Host researcher submits the application through the designated institutional channel https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/e-ippan/index.html.
Since applications are institution-led, early communication with a potential Japanese host is essential for a competitive submission.