The JSPS Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan 2026, offered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), provide an exceptional opportunity for international researchers to collaborate with leading scholars at Japanese universities and research institutions. This prestigious fellowship program aims to strengthen international academic partnerships, promote collaborative research, and enhance global knowledge exchange by inviting outstanding overseas researchers to conduct research in Japan.

Through the JSPS Invitational Fellowships, internationally recognized scholars and promising researchers can undertake advanced research projects in collaboration with Japanese host researchers. The program encourages the development of long-term academic relationships, joint publications, and innovative research initiatives across a wide range of disciplines.

Applications are currently open for the FY2026 JSPS Invitational Fellowships (Short-term – Second Call), with the application deadline set for 28 April 2026 at 5:00 PM (Japan Standard Time).

This fellowship provides a unique platform for international researchers to engage with Japan’s vibrant academic community, access world-class research facilities, and contribute to cutting-edge scientific and scholarly developments.

About the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)

The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science is one of Japan’s most prominent organizations dedicated to advancing academic research and international collaboration. JSPS supports research excellence by funding fellowships, promoting partnerships between Japanese and international institutions, and fostering global knowledge exchange.

Through its various fellowship programs, JSPS has played a key role in strengthening Japan’s research ecosystem while connecting scholars across disciplines and geographic regions.

The Invitational Fellowship Program specifically focuses on inviting distinguished overseas researchers to collaborate with Japanese host institutions.

Overview of the JSPS Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan

The JSPS Invitational Fellowship Program allows Japanese host researchers to invite international scholars to Japan for collaborative research activities. The fellowship supports research visits that foster international academic exchange and strengthen partnerships between Japanese and overseas institutions.

The program supports a broad range of research disciplines, including:

Natural sciences
Engineering
Medical sciences
Social sciences
Humanities
Interdisciplinary research fields

The fellowship is structured to facilitate collaboration between international researchers and Japanese host institutions, enabling fellows to conduct research while engaging in scholarly discussions, seminars, and academic networking activities.

Applications must be submitted by a host researcher in Japan, who invites the overseas researcher and submits the application through the JSPS Electronic Application System.

Fellowship Types and Duration

The JSPS Invitational Fellowship Program offers two main categories designed to accommodate different research collaboration needs.

Short-Term Invitational Fellowship

The short-term fellowship is designed for international researchers who wish to conduct collaborative research for a limited period at a Japanese institution.

The FY2026 call currently open is the Short-Term Invitational Fellowship (Second Call).

This category supports short-term research visits focused on collaboration, academic exchange, and knowledge sharing.

Long-Term Invitational Fellowship

The long-term fellowship supports more extended research collaborations between international scholars and Japanese host researchers.

Long-term fellowships allow invited researchers to participate in sustained collaborative projects that may lead to significant academic outputs, including research publications and future grant applications.

Fellowship Objectives

The JSPS Invitational Fellowships aim to achieve several key objectives:

Strengthening international academic collaboration between Japan and global research communities
Promoting joint research initiatives between Japanese and overseas scholars
Facilitating knowledge exchange across disciplines
Enhancing the internationalization of Japanese universities and research institutions
Supporting innovative research with global impact

By bringing international researchers to Japan, the program also contributes to the development of new research networks and long-term institutional partnerships.

Benefits of the JSPS Invitational Fellowship

Selected fellows benefit from a range of academic and research opportunities during their stay in Japan.

Collaborative Research Opportunities

Fellows work closely with Japanese host researchers to develop research projects, conduct studies, and produce scholarly publications.

Access to Research Facilities

Participants gain access to the host institution’s laboratories, libraries, and research infrastructure, allowing them to advance their research projects in a highly supportive academic environment.

Academic Networking

The fellowship provides opportunities to interact with leading Japanese scholars, participate in seminars, attend conferences, and build international academic networks.

Institutional Collaboration

The program encourages the creation of long-term collaborations between Japanese and international universities, potentially leading to future joint research initiatives and institutional partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria

The JSPS Invitational Fellowship is designed for outstanding overseas researchers who can contribute significantly to collaborative research with Japanese institutions.

Candidates must be invited by a Japanese host researcher affiliated with a Japanese university or research institution.

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic credentials and a track record of research excellence in their respective fields.

The fellowship is open to researchers across multiple academic disciplines, provided their research aligns with the expertise of the Japanese host institution.

See the List of Eligible Host Institutes (as of September, 2024) (PDF/1.3MB)

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the JSPS Electronic Application System.

Unlike many fellowship programs where applicants submit their own applications, the JSPS Invitational Fellowship requires that the application be submitted by the Japanese host researcher.

The host researcher prepares and submits the application through their institution.

The application must include:

Research proposal developed jointly by the host researcher and invited overseas researcher
Curriculum Vitae of the invited researcher
Required application forms provided by JSPS

The application must also be approved by the head of the host institution before submission to JSPS.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare several documents as part of the fellowship application.

These include:

Research Proposal Document jointly prepared by the host researcher and invited overseas researcher
Curriculum Vitae of the invited researcher
Online application form completed through the JSPS Electronic Application System

Applicants should carefully follow the instructions provided in the official application guidelines to ensure their application meets all requirements.

Incomplete applications or submissions made outside the official electronic system will not be considered.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated by JSPS through a competitive review process.

Review committees assess applications based on several factors, including:

Academic excellence and research achievements of the invited researcher
Quality and feasibility of the proposed research project
Potential impact of the research collaboration
Alignment between the invited researcher and the Japanese host institution

Only highly competitive proposals demonstrating strong academic value and international collaboration potential are selected.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 28 April 2026 (5:00 PM JST)

Applicants should note that host institutions may set earlier internal deadlines for submission before forwarding applications to JSPS.

JSPS Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan 2026: Fully Funded Research Collaboration Opportunity for International Scholars

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