Brief Information
The Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan 2026 provide an outstanding opportunity for early-career scholars worldwide to conduct advanced research in Japan. Offered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), these programs support collaborative work between international researchers and Japanese host institutions.
Key Dates & Details
Official Website: https://www.jsps.go.jp/
Application Deadline: 9 January 2026, 5:00 p.m. JST
Programs: Standard, Short-term (PE)
Submission: Via Japanese host institutions using JSPS Electronic System
Fields: All humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences
Focus Keyword: Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan 2026
Table of Contents
Overview
The Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan 2026 are prestigious fellowships designed to facilitate international research collaboration and strengthen scientific exchange between Japan and the global research community. Administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), these fellowships allow exceptional postdoctoral researchers to engage in joint research, academic discussions, and knowledge-sharing with Japanese host researchers and institutions.
JSPS aims to promote internationalization in Japan by inviting talented overseas researchers to contribute to Japanese research environments. Through this fellowship, participants gain access to advanced laboratories, specialized research networks, and opportunities to collaborate with world-class experts.
The programs—Standard and Short-term (PE)—are open across all major fields, including humanities, social sciences, engineering, medical sciences, and natural sciences. Successful applicants receive comprehensive support from their host institutions and JSPS, ensuring that their research contributes to both scientific advancement and global academic cooperation.
The Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan 2026 serve as a gateway for early-career researchers to build international partnerships, strengthen publication output, and accelerate their academic careers.
Research Fields
Eligible research areas include all disciplines under:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
JSPS imposes no restrictions on subfields, making these fellowships suitable for researchers from diverse backgrounds.
Eligibility Requirements
1. Candidate (Invited Overseas Researcher)
- Must meet the specific eligibility criteria listed for each fellowship program
- Must collaborate with a host researcher based in Japan
- Must submit all documents through their Japanese host institution
2. Applicant (Host Researcher)
- Must belong to an eligible Japanese university or research institute
- Must obtain login credentials for the JSPS electronic system
- Must not be subject to institutional disciplinary measures
3. Institutional Requirements
- Application must be processed entirely through the host institution
- Postal submissions are not accepted
Application Process
Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility
Review eligibility criteria in the program guidelines for Standard and Short-term (PE) fellowships.
Step 2 — Coordinate with Host Researcher
Applicants must collaborate directly with their Japanese host researcher, who submits the application.
Step 3 — Use JSPS Electronic Application System
Electronic submissions only:
https://www-shinsei.jsps.go.jp/topkokusai/top_kokusai.html
Step 4 — Review Required Documents
Access the relevant guidelines:
- Standard Fellowships: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/application.html
- Short-term (PE): https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/e-oubei-s/selectionprocess.html
- Invitational Fellowships: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-inv/application/guideline.html
Step 5 — Submit Before Deadline
Applications must arrive before 9 January 2026, 5 p.m. JST.
Selection Process
Screening is conducted by the JSPS International Program Committee through:
- Document review
- Panel review
Reviewers evaluate the scientific excellence, feasibility, and collaborative potential of the research proposal.
Details:
- Standard: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-ippan/selectionprocess.html
- Short-term: https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/e-oubei-s/selectionprocess.html
Restrictions
To ensure fairness and resource allocation, the following restrictions apply:
1. Candidate Restrictions
- Only one application allowed per candidate
- Cannot apply to multiple programs ([P], [L], [S]) simultaneously
- Candidates selected in earlier rounds cannot reapply for certain categories in the same fiscal year
2. Host Researcher Restrictions
- May submit up to three applications for [P] and [PE]
- Limited to one application for [L] or [S] per recruitment cycle
Contact Information
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Overseas Fellowship Division
Kojimachi Business Center, Tokyo 102-0083
Standard Fellowships: [email protected]
Short-term (PE): [email protected]
Short-term (PA): [email protected]
(Replace ＊with @)
Can I apply directly to JSPS?
No. Applications must be submitted through Japanese host institutions.
Are all research fields eligible?
Yes. All humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences are eligible.
Can hosts reuse the same login credentials?
Yes. Returning hosts may use existing IDs for the electronic system.
Where can I find FAQs?
Official Link
https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow
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