Government of Japan - JSPS Summer Program

What the JSPS Summer Program gives you

You will receive a fully funded two-month research stay in Japan over the summer (from around 16 June to 26 August). The programme is run by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) in collaboration with the Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI). The scholarship package includes a return economy-class flight between your home country and Tokyo, a living allowance of about 3,050 EUR (534,000 JPY) for the entire duration of your stay to cover accommodation and living expenses, as well as travel and health insurance for the entire period. Your host laboratory may also apply for up to approximately 900 EUR (158,500 JPY) to cover research costs. Before your arrival, you will receive online Japanese lessons and take part in a kick-off meeting. Upon your arrival in Japan, you will attend a three-day induction programme featuring language courses and cultural activities. You will then work at a Japanese university or research institute under the supervision of a host researcher, with the option of staying with a host family at weekends.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a citizen of the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Canada or Sweden. People from other countries may only join if a nominating body in one of these countries approves their membership.
• Academic level: At the start of the programme, you must be enrolled on a master’s or doctoral programme, or have completed your doctorate within the last six years.
• Field of study: All disciplines are eligible, including the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
• Host in Japan: You have already received a written confirmation from a researcher at a Japanese university or research institute who will supervise you.
• Career goal: You want to become a researcher.
• First time: You have not yet received a JSPS postdoctoral fellowship for research stays in Japan.
• Not eligible: You are not eligible to apply if you are a Japanese national or are resident in Japan on the closing date.

How to apply

You cannot apply directly to the JSPS. Instead, you must contact the nominating body in your country: the DAAD in Germany, the CNRS in France, STINT in Sweden, the JSPS offices in Washington and London for the USA and the UK, and the Canadian Embassy in Japan for Canada. Please enquire there about the procedure and deadlines, which vary from country to country. Once the nominations have been received, the JSPS will check whether your host institution is willing to accept you and make the final selection. You can expect a response in around two months.

How realistic are your chances?

This programme has very strict eligibility criteria: only six nationalities are eligible; applicants must be early-career researchers; and, before applying, they must find a Japanese host who is willing to sponsor them. This final step accounts for the bulk of the pre-selection process, meaning that the majority of applicants already have a genuine research connection to Japan. If you fit the profile and can find a willing host early on, your prospects are good. Without a host, it is not worth applying.