We are pleased to announce that the JSPS Summer Program is now open for applications.
The JSPS Summer Program provides opportunities for pre- and post-doctoral researchers from the US, Canada and Europe to receive an orientation on Japanese culture and research systems and to pursue research under the guidance of host researchers at a Japanese university or research institute over a period of two months during the summer.
JSPS Summer Program latest “Voice of a Former Fellow” stories have been posted!
Please refer to the details of this program as follows:
Fields of Research
All fields of the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences are included under this program. The candidate must either be majoring or conducting research in a related field.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all the criteria below.
1) Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents;
2) Be enrolled in a university graduate program at the time the Summer Program begins or have obtained a doctoral degree on or after April 2, 2021 (employment in a full-time position is not required);
3) Have obtained prior acceptance from their host researchers;
4) Aspire to become researchers in the future; and
5) Be able to commit to arriving in Japan and departing according to the schedule designated by the Summer Program
*Individuals who have a residential address in Japan as of the application deadline, including those holding a Japanese residence card, are not eligible.
*Individuals with Japanese nationality are not eligible, even if they hold resident status in the U.S.
*Those who have previously been awarded a fellowship under the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan are not eligible.
Financial Support
- MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE (¥534,000)
- AIRFARE (AIR TICKET)
- OVERSEAS TRAVEL INSURANCE
- RESEARCH SUPPORT ALLOWANCE (¥158,500 *optional)
Required Documents for the Application
Please download and carefully read the following documents before starting your application.
Guideline
Forms to be submitted:
1) 2027 Application form for JSPS Summer Program <Please download here>
2) Letter of Acceptance/Invitation from the host researcher in Japan
*The letter should be signed by the host themselves and preferably on letterhead paper.
3) Letter of Reference/Recommendation to the JSPS Washington Office from the current or previous supervisor
*One page on letter-sized paper, in any format.
Please combine all three application documents into a single PDF file. Name the file using
your full name (e.g., John_Smith.pdf), and submit your documents through <this form>.
Application Deadline
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026 (EST)
The number of Fellowships Awarded in the US
14
Program Schedule
Monday, June 14th: Arrival in Japan
Tuesday, June 15th – Thursday, June 17th: Orientation at SOKENDAI
Friday, June 18th – Sunday, August 22nd:
– Research experience at host institutions
– Homestay program (*optional)
Monday, August 23rd: Research report presentation in Tokyo
Tuesday, August 24th: Departure from Japan
Summer Program 2027 Flyer
Voice of a Former Fellow
Read the stories of former JSPS fellows here.
