Japanese Association of University Women - JAUW International Fellowship Program

What you get

You will receive a one-off grant (research grant) of about 5,300 EUR (between 600,000 and 900,000 yen, depending on the duration of your stay). This will enable you to carry out a research project at a university or research institute in Japan for 4 to 6 months. The funds will cover part of your living and research expenses. They will be paid in two instalments once you have arrived in Japan and opened a Japanese bank account. Travel expenses to the compulsory final presentation in Tokyo are also covered. The scholarship is awarded by the Japanese Association of University Women (JAUW), which supports a maximum of two non-Japanese female researchers per year.

Who can apply

• Gender: You are a woman.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, with the exception of Japanese nationals.
• Where you live now: You are living outside Japan at the time of application.
• Degree: You already hold a Master’s degree or a higher qualification. If you are still studying for your Master’s degree, this does not count.
• Age: You are at 45 on 31 March 2026.
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines.
• Your host in Japan: You have already found a university or institute in Japan, as well as a supervisor there who has agreed in writing to supervise you. You must organise this yourself; JAUW does not provide any assistance with this.
• Type of stay: This funding is intended to support a research visit, not participation in a Japanese PhD programme.

How to apply

First, please complete an online application form. You should then send your full application documents by post to the JAUW in Tokyo. All documents must be in English and must be received by 31 March 2026. Applications sent by email will not be accepted. The results will be announced by mid-July 2026; this will be followed by an online interview before payment is made.

How realistic are your chances?

Only two scholarships are awarded each year, so competition is fierce. The eligibility criteria, however, are quite narrow. You must be a non-Japanese woman who has completed a Master’s degree and has already secured a supervisor in Japan independently. This final step filters out most casual applicants. If you clearly meet all the criteria and submit a compelling research proposal along with a binding confirmation of admission, you will find yourself among a very small group of candidates.