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Study in Japan | United Nations University Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

December 23, 2025 10:05 am

Study in Japan | United Nations University Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

For ambitious early-career researchers focused on global sustainability, a premier opportunity is now open. The United Nations University, in collaboration with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, invites applications for its fully funded Postdoctoral Fellowships for the 2026-2027 research cohort. This prestigious programme offers a unique 24-month immersion in Japan’s academic landscape, combining rigorous research with direct policy relevance.

A Prestigious, Fully Funded Research Pathway

This fellowship provides exceptional support for scholars to conduct high-impact, interdisciplinary research. Selected fellows receive a comprehensive financial package designed to enable complete focus on their work, including:

A Generous Monthly Stipend: A maintenance allowance of JPY 362,000 per month.
Travel and Relocation Support: Round-trip international airfare to Japan and a settling-in allowance of JPY 200,000.
Insurance and Research Funding: Comprehensive overseas travel insurance and access to a competitive research grant secured by the host researcher.

Beyond funding, the fellowship’s core value lies in its academic structure. Fellows work under the supervision of a leading professor at a Japanese university while engaging with the global policy network of the UNU Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability in Tokyo.

Thematic Focus and Research Alignment

Your proposed research must align with critical global sustainability challenges. Specifically, the fellowship prioritizes projects within these key UNU-IAS thematic programmes:

Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Biodiversity and Society
Water and Resource Management
Innovation and Education

Crucially, all research proposals must demonstrate clear policy relevance and thoughtfully integrate gender perspectives. The programme particularly encourages applications from researchers based in developing countries.

Eligibility: Are You the Ideal Candidate?

This competitive fellowship seeks applicants who meet a specific profile. To qualify, you must fulfill all the following criteria:

Hold a PhD degree awarded on or after 2 April 2020, or be scheduled to complete your doctorate by July 2026.
Be a non-Japanese citizen and not a permanent resident of Japan.
Be a national of a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Japan.
Have already secured a confirmed host researcher at an eligible Japanese university or research institution before applying.
Possess an excellent academic record and a compelling, policy-oriented research plan.
Demonstrate fluency in English.

Important Exclusion: You are not eligible if you have previously held a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Key Application Steps

A successful application requires proactive planning and networking. Follow this essential pathway:

Identify Your Research Alignment: First, refine your research idea to fit one of the four official thematic areas.
Secure a Host Researcher in Japan: Next, and most importantly, you must independently identify and contact a suitable academic host at a Japanese institution and obtain their formal agreement to supervise your work.
Prepare Your Application Dossier: Then, compile your PhD documents, a detailed research proposal, academic CV, and strong letters of recommendation.
Submit Before the Deadline: Finally, ensure your complete application is submitted through the official portal by the absolute cutoff.

Click Here to Apply

Deadline: The final application deadline is 31 January 2026 (23:59 Japan Standard Time).

Crafting a Competitive Application

Given the fellowship’s emphasis on policy impact, your research proposal must articulate not only academic rigor but also tangible pathways to influence. Start the process early to allow ample time for networking with potential hosts in Japan. Furthermore, clearly demonstrate how your work addresses a pressing sustainability challenge and contributes to the UN’s broader goals. A confirmed and supportive host researcher is arguably the most critical component of a strong application.

The JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship represents a career-defining opportunity to elevate your research within a world-class, policy-engaged framework. By submitting a meticulously prepared and host-backed application, you position yourself to join a select group of scholars driving global sustainability solutions from Japan. For complete details and to apply, visit the official UNU Postdoctoral Fellowships webpage.