Fully Funded JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 in Japan

JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 is here, a fully funded fellowship program in Japan offered through a collaboration between the United Nations University and the Japan Society of the Promotion of Science – JSPS.

The fellowship is designed to provide support for early-career researchers with an interest in engaging in high-level research in the field of sustainability and work closely with leading researchers from the eligible universities in Japan.

The JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 offers opportunities to scholars from all over the world to gain international research experience, build international academic networks, and contribute to addressing the most pressing challenges of the day.

The JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 is a great opportunity to researchers who would like to have a valuable and well-funded academic experience in Japan, as there is no application fee, and it is fully funded.

Information about JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 in Japan.

JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 is a Fellowship program that will enable the selected fellows to serve at the United Nations University, Japan, and hosted by the approved Japanese Universities. The fellowship is related to the advanced studies involved in sustainability and global development.

Host Country: Japan
Location: United Nations University (UNU).
Duration: 2 Years
Benefits: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: 31st January 2026.

Fellows are expected to be in Japan before 30th November 2026, and to have engaged in full-time research during the Fellows’ program.

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Financial Benefits

The individuals who are chosen to participate in the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 are fully sponsored, and they are able to concentrate on their research without worrying about money.

The program covers:

Return airfares from the home country to Japan.
Maintenance allowance monthly.
One-time settling-in allowance.
Research-related expenses
Extensive health insurance.

This source of funds will guarantee a comfortable and stable stay in Japan throughout the fellowship.

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Who Can Apply?

This is an opportunity geared towards postdoctoral researchers. JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 is open for candidates having a doctoral degree or close to completion of the degree.

All applicants are welcome as long as they have the academic and eligibility requirements as listed below.

Areas of Research

Every fellow under the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 should be engaged in research in conjunction with a host researcher in one of the following areas of focus:

Biodiversity and Society
Innovation and Education
Water and Resource Management.
Governance of Climate Change and Sustainable Development.

The research will be expected to support the mission of UNU to solve global sustainability issues using evidence-based solutions.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible to the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026, the applicants must satisfy all the following requirements:

Must be the citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
Has to possess a PhD that was granted on or after 2 April 2020.
Maternity/paternity leave may be deducted from the eligibility period.
Candidates who complete PhD prior to July 2026 are also welcome.
Even people who are dual citizens are not eligible for Japanese nationals.
There are no permanent resident class eligible.

These are the requirements to carry out the selection process.

Required Documents

The applicants of JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 should prepare the following documents and submit:

Revise/resurrect the revised resume and add a publication list.
PhD degree certificate or proof of completion.
Academic transcripts
Acceptance/ confirmation letter from host researcher.
Letter of recommendation
Detailed research plan
Abstract of PhD thesis of a maximum of 500 words.
All the documents must be precise, comprehensive and professionally done.

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Do you wish to apply for the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026?

The JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 application process starts by finding a host researcher. The organization that nominates the applicant is the United Nations University, but the applicant first contacts, and is confirmed by an eligible host researcher from a Japanese institution.

On obtaining a host agreement, the applicants get to fill out the formal application form along the lines of guidelines provided on the official website of the fellowships. Verification of host support for applications will be used and only those applications will be considered.

Final Thoughts

The JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 is a unique opportunity to conduct meaningful research in Japan, be fully funded, and be internationally recognized. This fellowship represents a very powerful path ahead for academic and professional growth of Post Doctoral scholars interested in sustainability, global governance and innovation.