Applications are now open for the JSPS–UNU Fellowship 2026 in Japan, a prestigious fully funded postdoctoral fellowship jointly offered by the United Nations University (UNU) and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
This global opportunity is open to qualified researchers from all countries and allows selected fellows to conduct advanced sustainability-focused research in Japan under the supervision of a host researcher at an eligible Japanese institution. The fellowship runs for two years, and successful candidates must arrive in Japan before 30 November 2026.
There is no application fee, making this an excellent fully funded pathway to gain cutting-edge research experience in Japan.
Fellowship Overview
- Host Country: Japan
- Host Institution: United Nations University (UNU) in collaboration with eligible Japanese universities
- Program Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Duration: 2 years
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
Financial Benefits
The JSPS–UNU Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Return airfare to and from Japan
- Monthly maintenance allowance
- Settling-in allowance
- Research and project-related expenses
- Health insurance coverage
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers who meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants must either:
- Hold a doctoral degree (PhD) awarded on or after 2 April 2020 (time taken for maternity or paternity leave may be deducted, with four weeks counted as one month), or
- Be expected to complete their doctoral degree by the end of July 2026
Areas of Research
Each fellow will carry out research under the guidance of a host researcher in one of the following thematic areas:
- Biodiversity and Society
- Innovation and Education
- Water and Resource Management
- Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan
- Meet the doctoral degree timeline requirement stated above
- Not be a Japanese national (including dual citizens)
- Not be a permanent resident of Japan
Required Documents
Applicants are required to prepare and submit the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of publications
- PhD degree certificate (or proof of expected completion)
- Academic degree transcripts
- Acceptance letter from the host researcher in Japan
- Letter of recommendation
- Detailed research plan
- PhD thesis abstract (maximum of 500 words)
How to Apply for the JSPS–UNU Fellowship 2026
The United Nations University (UNU) acts as the nominating agency for this fellowship. Applicants must first:
- Identify a suitable host researcher at an eligible Japanese institution
- Secure formal confirmation and acceptance from the host researcher
- Refer to the official list of eligible host institutions
- Complete the application process as outlined on the official fellowship website
Only applicants who have secured a host researcher will be considered.
APPLY FOR THE UNU–JSPS FELLOWSHIP
Check other opportunities:
FUNDED: Apply for the University of Edinburgh Earth Fellowships in Inclusive Engineering (UK)
KWI International Fellowship 2026/27 in Germany (Fully Funded)
World Press Institute Fellowship 2026 in the USA (Fully Funded)
Awaji Youth Federation Fellowship 2026 in Japan (Fully Funded)
