Fully Funded JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 in Japan

JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 is now open, a fully funded postdoctoral program in Japan provided in a partnership between the United Nations University and the Japan Society of the Promotion of Science.

The fellowship is intended to support early-career researchers who are interested in conducting high-level research in the area of sustainability and collaborate closely with prominent experts at the eligible universities in Japan.

The JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 allows scholars of any nationality to acquire international research experience, establish long-term academic connections, and make a contribution to the global solutions to the most pressing issues of today.

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 on JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 in Japan.

The JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 provides the selected fellows with the opportunity to serve at the United Nations University in Japan and be hosted by the approved Japanese universities. The fellowship is concerned with advanced research associated with sustainability and global development.

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

Fellows should be in Japan prior to 30th November 2026 and they should be involved in full-time research during the 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:

Home country air fare 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 that targets postdoctoral researchers. JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 is available to those who already have a doctoral degree or are near its completion.

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

Areas of Research

All fellows under the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 are required to do research in cooperation with a host researcher in one of the following areas of focus:

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

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:

Should be a citizen of a nation with diplomatic ties with Japan.
Has to possess a PhD that was granted on or after 2 April 2020.
Maternity or paternity leave can be subtracted against the eligibility period.
Applicants who finish their PhD before July 2026 are also eligible.
Japanese nationals even with dual citizenship are ineligible.
Japanese permanent residents are ineligible.

These requirements are necessary to proceed with the selection process.

Required Documents

The following documents should be prepared and submitted by the applicants of the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026:

Revised resume with publication list.
PhD degree certificate or evidence of completion.
Academic transcripts
Host researcher acceptance or confirmation letter.
Letter of recommendation
Detailed research plan
Abstract of PhD thesis of not more than 500 words.

All the documents must be precise, comprehensive and professionally done.

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Application to the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026?

The JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 application process starts by finding a host researcher. The nominating body is the United Nations University, although the applicant must initially contact and be confirmed by an eligible host researcher in a Japanese institution.

After obtaining a host agreement, the applicants are allowed to complete the formal application according to the guidelines that are given on the official fellowship site. Applications whose host support is verified will only be taken into account.

Final Thoughts

The JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 is a unique opportunity to do meaningful research in Japan and be fully funded and internationally recognized. This fellowship can be a powerful move towards academic and professional development of postdoctoral researchers who are interested in sustainability, global governance, and innovation.