The JSPS Summer Program is a strand of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science’s Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan, run with SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies).
Each summer, young pre- and post-doctoral researchers from the US, UK, France, Germany, Canada and Sweden spend two months in Japan: an orientation on Japanese culture and language lessons, then research under a host researcher at a Japanese university or institute. Candidates apply only through their country’s nominating authority.
Benefits & funding
- Maintenance allowance of JPY 534,000 (JSPS lists its terms as tentative)
- A round-trip air ticket and overseas travel insurance
- Optional research support allowance of up to JPY 158,500, requested by the host through their institution
- Two months in summer; the 2027 program runs 14 June to 24 August (US and Canada calls)
Eligibility
- Citizen of the US, UK, France, Germany, Canada or Sweden; nationals of other countries with equivalent status may apply if a nominating authority in one of those six approves; the US and Canada calls also admit permanent residents
- Japanese nationals, and anyone with a residential address in Japan (including Japanese residence card holders) at the authority’s deadline, cannot apply
- When the program begins: enrolled in a university graduate program, or holding a doctorate obtained on or after 2 April 2021 (extended for maternity or parental leave)
- Prior acceptance from an eligible host researcher in Japan
- Past JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research in Japan awardees cannot apply
- All fields of the humanities, social and natural sciences
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.
“Have obtained a doctoral degree within the past six years (i.e., on or after April 2, 2021).” Eligibility
Eligible nationalities
USA · UK · France · Germany · Canada · Sweden
Residents of USA · UK · France · Germany · Canada · Sweden can also apply.
Residence required
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Education required
Master Enrolled · PhD Enrolled · PhD
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Application process
- 1Secure acceptance from a host researcher at an eligible Japanese institution.
- 2Apply to your country’s nominating authority: JSPS Washington (US, Canada; NRC for NRC-affiliated researchers), JSPS London (UK), CNRS (France), DAAD (Germany) or STINT (Sweden). Procedures and deadlines differ.
- 3The US and Canada calls ask for one PDF: application form, host acceptance letter and a one-page letter from a current or previous supervisor.
- 4JSPS confirms with host institutions, selects fellows and sends invitations through the authority.
Program timeline
US and Canada application deadline (EST)
Dec 2, 2026
Sweden application deadline (STINT)
Jan 3, 2027
Arrival in Japan
Jun 14, 2027
Research period
Jun 18, 2027 to Aug 22, 2027
Departure
Aug 24, 2027