The DAAD – JSPS International Fellowships 2026-2027
The JSPS international fellowships 2026-2027 are a prestigious International research program offered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science in collaboration with the German Academic Exchange Service. This is a fully funded fellowship that enables researchers based in Germany to conduct short-term research in Japan at leading universities and research institutes.
This program is meant for doctoral candidates and early-career postdoctoral researchers seeking international collaboration, advanced research exposure, and access to Japanese laboratories.
The Degree Level Targeted
- Postdoctoral Researchers
- Doctoral Research Fellowship
- Non-degree research program
The Available Specializations
The DAAD -JSPS Fellowship is open to a wide range of disciplines including:
- Natural sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Life Sciences and Medicine
- Environmental studies
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
- Materials Science
- Seismology
- Social science
Fellowship Duration
- Doctoral candidates 1 to 12 months
- Postdoctoral researchers 1 to 6 months
The Expected Benefits
The JSPS short-term fellowship 2026 offers a competitive funding package
Monthly Stipend
- Doctoral students will receive 200,000 Yen per month
- Postdoctoral Researcher fellows will collect 362,000 Yen monthly
Addendum Benefits
- They will get a round-trip airfare
- Travel health insurance
- setting in allowance (about 200,000 Yen for stays of 3 months)
- Access to advanced Japanese research facilities
Eligible Nationalities
It is open to international students from Germany, including African students in Germany who have a permanent residence permit
The Qualification Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a German citizen or an African scholar with a permanent residency permit in Germany
- Be affiliated with a German academic or research institution
- Have a confirmed Japanese host institution
- Submit a detailed research proposal
For Doctoral Candidates
- Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program
- Expected to complete their doctoral studies within 2 years
For Postdoctoral Researchers
- Must have obtained a PhD within the last 6 years
Restrictions
- The Japanese nationals, including those of dual citizenship, do not qualify
- Applicants who benefited from the JSPS Fellowship are not eligible
The Selection Criteria
Applications to the scholarship are examined based on
- Academic performance
- Originality of the submitted research proposal
- Compatibility with the applicant’s career plan
The Application Process
The applications are submitted through the DAAD, which in turn nominates qualified applicants to JSPS
The Necessary Application Documents
- The research proposal
- Academic CV
- Proof of host acceptance letter from Japan
- The academic transcripts and certificates
The Application Steps
- The first step is to secure a Japanese host academic institution
- The second step is to prepare the application documents
- The third step is to submit an application to DAAD
- The fourth step is to wait for nomination and final selection by JSPS
The Application Deadlines
The deadlines depend on the commencement of the programme:
- Those who start in July -September 2026 should apply by 31 October 2025
- Those who start in October – December 2026 should apply by 31 January 2026
- Those starting in January – March 2027 should apply by 30 April 2026
Why the JSPS International Fellowship 2026-2027 Matters?
The Fellowship is attractive because:
- It has a flexible duration of one to twelve months
- It has a high monthly stipend compared to similar programs
- It has strong academic collaboration between the two countries of Germany and Japan
- It gives individuals access to cutting-edge research infrastructure
Moreover, the fellowship is more valuable for researchers who want to:
- Get involved with leading Japanese scientists
- Access unique datasets, labs or technologies
- Build international research networks
Frequently Asked Questions on the JSPS International Fellowships 2026-2027
What is the JSPS Short-term Fellowship 2026?
This is a fully funded research program that allows Germany-based PhD students and postdoctoral fellows to conduct short-term research in Japan. This opportunity is specific; it does not welcome all researchers; it has its specific target.
How much stipend does the JSPS Fellowship provide?
The program is prestigious, as doctoral students receive about 200,000 Yen per month, whereas postdoctoral fellows receive 362,000 Yen per month. We encourage you to apply for the fellowship if you meet the required qualifications.
Who can apply for the JSPS Fellowship in Japan?
The Fellowship is open to German citizens or those with a permanent residence permit, including those from Africa, affiliated with German academic institutions, with a confirmed Japanese host.
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Application Portal
- https://www2.daad.de/ausland/studieren/stipendium/de/70-stipendien-finden-und-bewerben/
- https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-bottom/02_f_apply.html