Japanese Studies Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 – Fully Funded Research Fellowship in Japan
The Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 is now open for applications from international scholars, researchers and doctoral candidates conducting research related to Japan in the humanities and social sciences.
The fellowship provides successful applicants with an opportunity to undertake research in Japan while receiving financial support, including round-trip airfare, a stipend and other applicable allowances.
The programme is designed to strengthen Japanese Studies outside Japan and support researchers whose work requires them to travel to Japan for research, fieldwork, gathering materials or completing doctoral research.
Deadline: 1 December 2026
About the Japanese Studies Fellowship
The Japan Foundation offers the Japanese Studies Fellowship to foreign scholars and researchers working in Japanese Studies and related fields.
Applicants may undertake research specifically focused on Japan or comparative research that includes Japan.
There are three fellowship categories:
1. Scholars and Researchers – Long-Term
Duration: 4–12 months
This category is intended for scholars and researchers who:
- Hold a PhD or have equivalent professional experience at the time of application;
- Conduct research related to Japan, including comparative research;
- Work in the humanities or social sciences;
- Need to travel to Japan to conduct research over an extended period; and
- Have a named affiliate in Japan at the time of application.
2. Scholars and Researchers – Short-Term
Duration: 21–89 days
This category is for scholars and researchers who:
- Hold a PhD or have equivalent professional experience;
- Conduct research related to Japan in the humanities or social sciences;
- Need to travel to Japan for intensive research, fieldwork or gathering research materials; and
- Have a named affiliate in Japan.
3. Doctoral Candidates
Duration: 4–12 months
This category is designed for doctoral candidates in Japanese Studies, the humanities or social sciences who are in the final stages of their PhD and need to undertake research or fieldwork in Japan to complete their dissertation or thesis.
Applicants in this category must also have a named affiliate in Japan.
Fields of Study
The fellowship supports research in the humanities and social sciences, particularly research connected to Japanese Studies.
However, professionals and researchers working in the following fields are not eligible:
- Natural sciences
- Medical sciences
- Engineering
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows receive financial assistance intended to support their research period in Japan.
The grant includes:
- Round-trip international airfare, generally using discount economy class and the most direct and economical route;
- Stipend; and
- Other applicable allowances.
The exact amount and conditions of the financial support depend on the fellowship category and applicable Japan Foundation regulations.
Eligibility
Applicants should carefully review the requirements for their specific fellowship category before applying.
In general, applicants must be foreign scholars, researchers or doctoral candidates whose research relates to Japan and who require a period of research in Japan.
A named affiliate in Japan is required for the fellowship categories described above.
Doctoral candidates must be in the closing stages of their PhD and demonstrate why research in Japan is necessary for completion of their dissertation or thesis.
Applicants are advised to contact the relevant Japan Foundation office before submitting an application to confirm their eligibility.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 1 December 2026
Applications are submitted through the Japan Foundation’s online application system.
Applicants should not wait until the final day to begin the application process, particularly because the fellowship requires a named affiliate in Japan and supporting documentation.
How to Apply
Applicants should review the official programme guidelines and application requirements before submitting an application.
The Japan Foundation provides the full application procedure, eligibility requirements, forms and supporting documentation through its programme information page.
Official Programme Information:
https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/program/intel.html#intel_5
Application Pack:
https://lo.jpf.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/pg_RJS-FW2027_e.pdf
Applicants outside the United Kingdom should contact the relevant Japan Foundation overseas office or, where no Japan Foundation office exists, the nearest Japanese diplomatic mission.
Important Date Note
The programme information supplied for this fellowship contains dates that appear inconsistent with the stated FY 2027–2028 programme.
In particular, the supplied information refers to:
- Notification of results by the end of April 2026; and
- Research trips commencing between 20 June 2026 and 20 March 2027.
Those dates appear to conflict with a 1 December 2026 application deadline and the stated FY 2027–2028 programme.
Applicants should therefore verify the final programme dates directly with the Japan Foundation before submitting an application.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This fellowship may be particularly suitable for:
- University researchers studying Japan;
- Japanese Studies scholars;
- Humanities and social sciences researchers;
- Comparative researchers whose work includes Japan;
- PhD candidates completing Japan-related research;
- Researchers requiring Japanese archives, institutions, fieldwork or other research materials; and
- International academics who need an extended research period in Japan.
Why This Fellowship Is Worth Considering
The Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship is particularly valuable for researchers whose projects cannot be completed effectively without access to Japanese institutions, archives, field sites, academic networks or research materials.
Unlike a conventional scholarship, the programme is specifically structured around research in Japan, making it particularly relevant to academics and doctoral candidates whose work requires first-hand research.
Final Thoughts
The Japan Foundation Japanese Studies Fellowship Programme 2027–2028 offers international scholars, researchers and doctoral candidates an opportunity to conduct research in Japan with financial support for travel and living expenses.
With the application deadline approaching on 1 December 2026, prospective applicants should review the eligibility requirements, identify a suitable Japanese affiliate and prepare their research proposal and supporting documents well in advance.
Deadline: 1 December 2026
