The 2026 JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is now open for applications. This prestigious, fully funded international fellowship provides outstanding early-career researchers with the opportunity to conduct advanced sustainability research at top Japanese universities and research institutions.
Since its launch in 1996, the programme has supported over 250 postdoctoral researchers, with more than 70% from developing countries, making it one of the most impactful global research fellowships in sustainability.
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026 (23:59 JST)
Programme Start: September – November 2026
Location: Japan
Host Organization: United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS)
Funding Partner: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
About the JSPS–UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
Jointly organized by UNU-IAS and JSPS, the fellowship enables highly qualified scholars to pursue policy-relevant, multidisciplinary research in collaboration with leading Japanese researchers. Fellows work under host supervisors at approved Japanese institutions and may also conduct part of their research at UNU-IAS in Tokyo.
Fellowship Focus Areas (Research Themes)
Applicants must align their proposals with one of the following UNU-IAS thematic areas:
- Governance for Climate Change & Sustainable Development (GCSD)
- Biodiversity & Society (BDS)
- Water & Resource Management (WRM)
- Innovation & Education (IVE)
All proposed research must be policy-relevant and integrate gender perspectives.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 JSPS–UNU Fellowship
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a PhD obtained on or after 2 April 2020 (maternity/paternity leave excluded), or complete their PhD by July 2026
- Be a citizen of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan
- Have strong research experience and publication records
- Secure a confirmed host researcher at a Japanese institution before applying
Not Eligible:
- Japanese nationals, dual citizens, and permanent residents of Japan
- Previous recipients of JSPS Standard or Pathway Fellowships
Fellowship Benefits & Financial Support
Successful fellows receive:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Monthly stipend: JPY 362,000
- Settling-in allowance: JPY 200,000
- Overseas travel insurance
- Research grant (applied for by host institution)
Note: Fellows already residing in Japan before award start will not receive airfare or settling-in allowance.
Fellowship Duration
- 24 months (full-time)
- Fellows must arrive in Japan by 30 November 2026
- Continuous residence in Japan is required for the full fellowship period
- Final award notification expected by May 2026
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Secure a host researcher at a Japanese university or research institution
- Complete the online application form in English
- Submit before 31 January 2026 (23:59 JST)
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for online interviews
- UNU-IAS will formally nominate selected candidates to JSPS
⚠️ UNU-IAS cannot assist applicants in finding host researchers.
Nomination & Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence and publication record
- Quality, originality, and relevance of research proposal
- Alignment with UNU-IAS thematic priority areas
- Potential for high-impact policy-relevant research
Research Programme Highlights
Governance for Climate Change & Sustainable Development (GCSD)
Focuses on climate governance, SDGs, carbon markets, food systems, decarbonization, and climate-security nexus.
Biodiversity & Society (BDS)
Covers biodiversity policy, ecosystem services, biocultural diversity, ecological resilience, and landscape governance.
Water & Resource Management (WRM)
Supports SDG 6 through research on water scarcity, sanitation, WASH, climate-water nexus, gender and water security.
Innovation & Education (IVE)
Explores education for sustainable development (ESD), AI in education, climate literacy, inclusive pedagogy, and lifelong learning.
Why Apply for the JSPS–UNU Fellowship?
Fully funded postdoctoral research in Japan
Global UN academic network
Access to leading Japanese institutions
Strong policy impact
International career advancement
Apply Now
🗓 Deadline: 31 January 2026 (23:59 JST)
📩 Inquiries: fellowships@unu.edu
