The Slavic-Eurasian Research Center (SRC) of Hokkaido University runs this visiting fellowship, now in its 49th round. It brings foreign specialists on the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe to research at the SRC in Sapporo.
Fellows stay two to three months between May 2027 and March 2028 and build collaborations with SRC staff.
Benefits & funding
- Salary of about JPY 380,000–500,000 a month (subject to change; Japanese tax depends on treaties).
- One economy return flight from your place of work, if you travel directly.
- A flat on or off campus, but rent and utilities are yours; an office with a computer.
- Duties: at least two talks in Japan and an article for Acta Slavica Iaponica.
- Money transfers from Japan to Russia and Belarus are currently not possible.
Eligibility
- Foreign specialists in studies of the former Soviet and East European countries; the page does not define “foreign”.
- A PhD or equivalent is required.
- The stay must last two to three months; shorter is not allowed.
- Preference goes to applicants with permanent academic positions; the SRC also seeks a mix of topics, disciplines, regions, genders and seniority.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
“Foreign specialists in studies of the former Soviet and East European countries, who are interested in undertaking research at the SRC during the academic year of 2027-2028 as well as initiating and continuing international collaborations with our staff, may submit applications for this program.” Eligibility
Education required
PhD
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Application process
- 1Complete the 2027–2028 form, with a project and collaboration plan of up to 1,000 words, and email it to FVFP@slav.hokudai.ac.jp by 7 August 2026.
- 2Have two reference letters emailed directly by the deadline: one from your institution confirming you are free for the stay, one confidential from a specialist in your field.
- 3Results arrive by January 2027.
Program timeline
6 July 2026
2027–2028 call announced
Application deadline (passed)
7 August 2026
Results
By January 2027
Window for the two-to-three-month stay
6 May 2027 – 17 March 2028