The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science offers the Postdoctoral Fellowship (Standard) to outstanding early-career researchers from around the world. This programme enables international scholars to conduct collaborative research in Japan under the guidance of leading host institutions. The fellowship is designed to strengthen global research collaboration while advancing scientific knowledge across disciplines. Programme Overview The fellowship provides an opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to engage in high-level research within Japanese universities and research institutions. Key features include: Duration: 12 to 24 months Full-time research residency in Japan Collaboration with leading academic institutions Flexible start dates depending on selection cycle Fellows are expected to reside continuously in Japan throughout the duration of the programme. Fellowship Cycles and Deadlines Applications are submitted through host institutions, which may have internal deadlines earlier than the official ones. Main cycles include: Second Call Deadline: April 28, 2026 Result Announcement: Early August 2026 Arrival Period: September 1 – November 30, 2026 Estimated Awards: Approximately 120 fellowships Applicants are encouraged to coordinate closely with their host institutions to ensure timely submission. Eligibility Criteria Host Researcher (Applicant) The host researcher must: Be affiliated with an eligible Japanese research institution Be qualified to apply for national research grants (KAKENHI) Be a full-time researcher or equivalent Provide a suitable research environment, including facilities and mentorship Eligible institutions include: Universities and inter-university research institutes Government-affiliated research institutions Colleges of technology Other institutions designated by the Ministry of Education Candidate (Invited Researcher) Applicants must meet the following requirements: Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan Hold a PhD obtained on or after 2 April 2020 Demonstrate strong academic and research potential Additional considerations: Applicants may reside outside or within Japan (with restrictions) Previous recipients of the same JSPS fellowship are not eligible Japanese citizens or permanent residents are not eligible Financial Support The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including: Round-trip airfare (economy class) Monthly stipend: JPY 362,000 Settling-in allowance: JPY 200,000 Overseas travel insurance Additional funding opportunities: A Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research may be available to cover research-related expenses Note: Some benefits may not apply to candidates already residing in Japan before the fellowship begins. Application Process Applications must be submitted through the JSPS Electronic Application System in collaboration with a host researcher. Required documents include: Form 1 (Host Researcher): Research theme Collaboration objectives Hosting framework Form 2 (Candidate): CV and academic achievements Research plan Career goals Letter of Recommendation: Written by a doctoral supervisor or qualified referee Submission steps: The candidate prepares Form 2 and secures a recommendation letter The host researcher completes Form 1 and submits all documents The host institution reviews and forwards the application to JSPS Selection Process The selection process is highly competitive and consists of: Stage 1: Document review by six expert reviewers Stage 2: Panel evaluation by the JSPS International Program Committee Evaluation criteria include: Scientific merit and research impact Strength of collaboration between host and candidate Quality and feasibility of the research plan Suitability of the research environment Contribution to international research diversity Fellowship Conditions Fellows are expected to: Reside in Japan throughout the fellowship period Obtain approval for any temporary absence Maintain high academic and professional standards Failure to comply with programme conditions may result in termination of the fellowship and reimbursement of funds. Why Apply? The JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship offers: Access to world-class research facilities in Japan Opportunities to collaborate with leading scholars Competitive financial support Exposure to international research networks A strong platform for advancing academic careers This programme is ideal for early-career researchers seeking to expand their global research experience and contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements. VIEW THE TERMS OF REFERENCE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.