Applications for the JSPS Short-Term Research Fellowship 2026 (through DAAD) are now available. The fellowship gives German doctoral candidates and early-career postdocs the chance to do research in Japan for a short time. Doctoral students can stay 1 to 12 months while postdocs can stay 1 to 6 months. You get a good monthly stipend, return air ticket, insurance and extra allowance for longer stays. You work with a Japanese host professor on your research project. Three application deadlines are open for stays in 2026 and early 2027. Also see UNESCO MGIEP Youth Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded South korea.
DAAD JSPS Short-Term Research Fellowship Overview
| Country | Japan |
| Program | JSPS Short-Term Research Fellowship (via DAAD) |
| Eligibile For | German doctoral candidates and early postdocs |
| Duration | 1–12 months (doctoral) or 1–6 months (postdocs) |
| Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | 30 April 2026 |
What is the JSPS Short-Term Research Fellowship 2026?
This program is run by DAAD in Germany and JSPS in Japan. It helps German researchers go to Japanese labs for short focused research stays. Unlike long postdoc programs this one is flexible and quick. You work with a Japanese professor on your own project. It is good for doctoral students who need special equipment, data or methods only available in Japan. The goal is to build strong research links between Germany and Japan. Many fields are welcome especially materials science, robotics, life sciences and seismology.
Fellowship Benefits
You get strong financial help.
- Monthly stipend of about 200,000 yen for doctoral students.
- Monthly stipend of about 362,000 yen for postdocs.
- Return air ticket to Japan.
- Travel health insurance.
- Starting allowance of 200,000 yen for stays of 3 months or more.
- Funding is given in full months only.
- You keep your German salary rights in many cases.
- Chance to use advanced Japanese labs and equipment.
Also See: Deakin University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (DUPRF) 2027 in Australia
Eligibility Criteria
- You must have German nationality or permanent residence in Germany.
- Japanese citizens or dual nationals cannot apply.
- For doctoral candidates you must be formally enrolled and able to finish your PhD within two years.
- For postdocs you must have completed your PhD within the last six years (as of 1 April 2026).
- You need a confirmed host professor and invitation letter from a Japanese institution.
- You should have a clear research plan that matches the Japanese lab.
- Excellent English is required Japanese is helpful but not necessary.
Required Documents
You need these papers.
- Completed DAAD application form.
- CV with academic record and publications.
- Detailed research proposal.
- Invitation letter from Japanese host professor.
- Proof of enrollment or PhD certificate.
- Recommendation letters.
- Passport copy.
- All documents in English.
How to Apply for DAAD JSPS Short-Term Research Fellowship
- Find a Japanese professor and get a written invitation letter.
- Prepare your research proposal and CV.
- Go to the DAAD website and create an account.
- Fill the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit before the deadline for your planned start date.
- DAAD reviews and nominates candidates.
- JSPS makes the final decision.
Fellowship Dates / Deadline
Three deadlines for different start periods:
- For stays July–September 2026: 31 October 2025
- For stays October–December 2026: 31 January 2026
- For stays January–March 2027: 30 April 2026 Apply as early as possible.
Official Link
