“JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026″ For young scholars seeking a fully funded research opportunity abroad, the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 is one of the most prestigious options you can apply for. The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), in collaboration with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), has officially opened applications for this highly competitive fellowship.
This international program allows outstanding researchers from around the world to conduct advanced studies in sustainability at leading Japanese universities and research centres. The fellowship lasts 2 years and will begin between September and November 2026.
Funded entirely by the Government of Japan, the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 provides a generous monthly allowance, travel support, research grants, insurance, and other benefits. There is no application fee, and UNU-IAS will act as the nominating authority for applicants.
Table of Contents
Objective of the Fellowship
The main goal of the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 is to promote international research collaboration and support projects that contribute directly to global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Programme Overview
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Japan |
| Funded By | Government of Japan |
| Managed By | UNU-IAS |
| Fellowship Type | Fully Funded |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Expected Start | Nov 2026 |
| Deadline | Jan 31, 2026 |
LPI Summer Internship 2026 Fully Funded Program in the United States
Research Areas
Applicants may pursue research in one of these thematic areas:
- Biodiversity & Society
- Innovation & Education
- Water & Resource Management
- Governance for Climate Change & Sustainable Development
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026, candidates must
- Be citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan
- Hold a PhD in a sustainability-related field
- Have earned their PhD on or after April 2, 2020
- PhD students graduating by July 2026 may apply
- Secure acceptance from a Japanese host researcher before applying
- Submit a proposal aligned with thematic research areas
- Be proficient in English (written and spoken)
Not Eligible
- Japanese nationals
- Applicants who completed a previous JSPS fellowship
- Candidates without a completed PhD at application time
- Those failing to secure a host researcher
- Proposals unrelated to approved research themes
Fellowship Coverage (Fully Funded)
Selected scholars under the JSPS-UNU Fellowship 2026 will receive:
- JPY 362,000 per month allowance
- Round-trip airfare
- JPY 200,000 relocation/settling allowance
- Full health insurance
- Research grants covering project costs
Benefits of the Fellowship
- Opportunity to conduct research in top Japanese institutions
- Work under internationally recognized scientists
- Build a strong academic and research network
- Enhance publication record and research output
- Experience Japan’s research culture and innovation ecosystem
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following in English or Japanese:
- Updated CV + list of publications
- PhD degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Acceptance letter from host researcher
- Recommendation letter
- Research plan
- PhD thesis abstract (max 500 words)
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted online by January 31, 2026.
Note:
- Must confirm the host researcher before starting the application.
- Find out the eligible host institutions and the list of researchers
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an online interview