If you’re a life sciences, engineering, humanities, or social sciences researcher, the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship is an incredible chance to conduct research in Japan. The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) offers this fully funded, 12–24 month fellowship to international scholars in prestigious Japanese universities and institutes.
Highlights of the 2025 Fellowship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | PhD awarded within 6 years (extensions for parental leave) |
| Duration | 12–24 months for full‑term fellows; 1–12 months for short‑term (Europe/NA) |
| Stipend | ¥362,000/month (~₹2.3 lakh) plus ¥200,000 settling-in allowance |
| Airfare & Insurance | Round-trip ticket and overseas travel insurance covered |
| Research Grant | Host institutions may provide additional project funding (KAKENHI) |
Who Can Apply?
-
Nationality: Citizens of countries with diplomatic ties to Japan; permanent residents of Japan or Japanese nationals are not eligible.
-
Degree: PhD must have been obtained within the last 6 years (inclusive of leave adjustments).
-
Host Support: Requires pre-arranged acceptance from a Japanese researcher affiliated with a KAKENHI-eligible institution.
-
Field: Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences—all disciplines accepted.
Selection & Application Process
-
Contact a Host Researcher in Japan: They must apply on your behalf via the JSPS portal.
-
Institution Submission: The host institute submits your application to JSPS.
-
Review & Award: Selection is done by JSPS based on scientific merit; results announced a few months after application deadlines.
-
Fellowship Duration: Successful applicants may start between April and November/September 2025, depending on the fellowship type.
Important Dates for FY2025
-
Standard fellowship
-
Cycle 1: Host submission by Aug 30, 2024, results in late Dec 2024; arrival window: April–September 2025 .
-
Cycle 2: Submission by Apr 25, 2025, results early Aug 2025; arrival Sept–Nov 2025 .
-
-
Short-term (EU/NA/EU): Multiple cycles per year; stays of 1–12 months.
Fellowship Benefits
-
Generous stipend & allowances: ¥362,000/month + settling-in support and travel compensation.
-
Research support: Access to advanced labs and equipment, plus mentorship from Japanese experts.
-
Cultural experience: Live and work in Japan, engaging in international exchange programs like HOPE Meetings and Nobel Prize Dialogues.
-
Networking & grants: Potential access to competitive Japanese research funding (KAKENHI) through host institute
Documents Required
-
PhD diploma or proof of completion
-
Letter of acceptance from Japanese host
-
Detailed research proposal
-
Two or more recommendation letters
-
Host institute endorsement
-
Travel and insurance documents will be arranged later as part of award formalities
FAQs – JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025
• Who is eligible for JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan, having a PhD within the past 6 years, and with a confirmed Japanese host
• What is the stipend amount?
¥362,000 per month (~₹2.3 lakh), plus ¥200,000 settling-in allowance and airfare/insurance
• How long is the fellowship duration?
Standard: 12–24 months; Short-term: 1–12 months
• What fields are covered?
All fields—humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering
• How do I apply?
You must connect with a Japanese host researcher/institution, who submits your application via JSPS; individual submissions are not accepted
The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship is your gateway to world-class research in Japan. With a competitive stipend, generous allowances, and access to advanced facilities, it’s perfect for early-career scientists and scholars aiming for global exposure. If you’ve already identified a Japanese host, consider applying in April 2025 for a September–November 2025 start.