Fellowship•Japan · Tokyo

JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme

Funding

Fully Funded

Program dates

TBA

The JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is jointly offered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), which serves as the nominating authority. It places early-career doctoral researchers at universities and research institutions across Japan for 24 months to conduct policy-relevant research on sustainability. Fellows work with a host researcher they identify before applying, within one of four UNU-IAS thematic areas: Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Biodiversity & Society, Water & Resource Management, and Innovation & Education. The programme aims to advance sustainability scholarship while building long-term research ties between Japan and the world.

Benefits & funding

  • Maintenance allowance of JPY 362,000 per month
  • Settling-in allowance of JPY 200,000
  • Round-trip international airfare (per JSPS regulations)
  • Overseas travel insurance
  • Access to a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research through the host researcher
  • 24-month fellowship based in Japan

Eligibility

  • Hold a doctoral degree at the time of application (for the 2026 cycle, received on or after 2 April 2020; parental leave may extend this window)
  • Citizens of countries that have diplomatic relations with Japan
  • Japanese nationals and permanent residents of Japan are not eligible
  • Applicants who previously held a JSPS Standard or Pathway Fellowship are not eligible
  • A host researcher at an eligible Japanese institution must be confirmed before applying (UNU-IAS researchers cannot serve as hosts)
  • The application is submitted in English

Application process

  1. 1
    Identify and confirm a host researcher at an eligible Japanese university or research institution.
  2. 2
    Choose one of the four UNU-IAS research themes and prepare a policy-relevant research proposal that incorporates gender considerations.
  3. 3
    Complete and submit the online application form in English before the deadline.
  4. 4
    Shortlisted candidates are interviewed online by the UNU-IAS Fellowship Committee.
  5. 5
    UNU-IAS nominates selected candidates to JSPS, which finalises decisions within about three months.

Program timeline

  1. Application deadline (23:59 JST) for the 2026 cycle

    Jan 31, 2026

  2. Successful candidates contacted; UNU-IAS nominates to JSPS

    2026-05

  3. Latest date to start the fellowship in Japan

    Nov 30, 2026