Deadline: January 31, 2026
The JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded international research opportunity 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).
This fellowship supports outstanding early-career researchers from around the world to conduct advanced, policy-relevant research in Japan while contributing to global sustainability and development agendas.
About the JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026
The JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 is designed to strengthen international research collaboration and advance cutting-edge scholarship in sustainability-related fields. Fellows are hosted by Japanese universities or research institutions while being affiliated with UNU-IAS.
The programme places strong emphasis on:
- Policy relevance
- Interdisciplinary research
- Gender considerations
- Global sustainability challenges
Fellowship Duration and Start Date
- Duration: 24 months (2 years)
- Fellowship Start Window: Between September and November 2026
- Latest Possible Start Date: 30 November 2026
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 31 January 2026
- Time: 23:59 (Japan Standard Time)
Late applications will not be accepted.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold a doctoral degree awarded on or after 2 April 2020, or be scheduled to complete a PhD by July 2026
- Adjustments apply for maternity or paternity leave
- Be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan
- Not be a Japanese national or permanent resident
- Not be a previous recipient of a JSPS Standard or Pathway Fellowship
- Secure a confirmed host researcher at a Japanese university or research institution before applying
- UNU-IAS does not assist applicants in finding host researchers
Eligible Research Areas
Research proposals must align with at least one of the following UNU-IAS thematic areas, while demonstrating policy relevance and gender awareness:
- Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (GCSD)
- Biodiversity and Society (BDS)
- Water and Resource Management (WRM)
- Innovation and Education (IVE)
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
The JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026 offers a comprehensive funding package, including:
- Monthly maintenance allowance: JPY 362,000
- Round-trip international airfare (in accordance with JSPS regulations)
- Settling-in allowance: JPY 200,000
- Overseas travel insurance
In addition, fellows may be eligible to apply for research grants through their host institutions, subject to institutional and funding rules.
Application Process
The application process consists of the following steps:
- Identify and secure a host researcher at a Japanese university or research institution
- Prepare and submit the online application in English before the deadline
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews
- Successful candidates are nominated by UNU-IAS and submitted to JSPS for final selection
Final fellowship decisions are made by JSPS.
Why Apply for the JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026?
This fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to:
- Conduct research in Japan’s leading academic and research institutions
- Join a global network of scholars under the United Nations academic system
- Contribute to evidence-based policymaking and sustainability initiatives
- Strengthen international research collaboration and professional development
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support for proposal drafting, refining, and review to help strengthen your application and improve competitiveness.
📩 Contact us for expert assistance with:
- Research proposal development
- Proposal refinement and alignment
- Final application review
