Research Fellowships for Young Scientists
Purpose
Awarded to excellent young researchers in Japan, these fellowships offer the fellows an opportunity to focus on a freely chosen research topic based on their own innovative ideas.
Features
- (1) Core program for fostering young researchers
- (2) Values the independence of young researchers
- (3) Supplying Research-Encouragement Funding and Disbursing Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
- (4) Leave for childbirth and childcare
Framework
- (1) Target fields: Young researchers in all fields of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences are eligible to apply.
- (2) Fellowship categories: This program offers four categories of fellowships:
- Doctoral Course (DC) Research Fellowships
- Postdoctoral (PD) Research Fellowships
- Restart Postdoctoral (RPD) Research Fellowships
- Cross-border Postdoctoral (CPD) Fellowships
Fellowship Categories
| Category | Eligibility | Tenure | Monthly Stipend/Financial Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC | · Enrolled in a doctoral course in Japan | DC1: 3 years, DC2: 2 years | ￥200,000~230,000 |
| PD | · Hold a doctoral degree | 3 years | ￥362,000 |
| RPD | · Hold a doctoral degree | 3 years | ￥362,000 |
| CPD | · Researchers who are in the first year of Postdoctoral (PD) Fellowships | 5 years | ￥464,000 |
How to apply
See the application guidelines for this fellowship program.
Application Period
From early-April to June 3, 2026 at 5 p.m. (JST)
Screening Process
A fair and transparent screening process is carried out by JSPS’s Screening Committee for Young Researcher Fellowships.