# Postdoctoral Fellowship Japan (JSPS) 2026

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** Travel expenses (return trip) + settling-in allowance ~€1,100 + ~€2,000/month + insurance
**Duration:** 12–24 months
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage: application to FWO by email → CDP evaluation (June 2026) → FWO nomination (July 2026) → JSPS final selection (within 3 months)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/postdoctoral-researchers/postdoctoral-fellowship-japan/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For Flemish postdoctoral researchers wishing to conduct research at a JSPS-recognised Japanese institute. Applicant must have obtained PhD at a Flemish institution on or after 2 April 2020 (or before fellowship start). Japanese citizens and permanent residents of Japan are ineligible. Application form must be submitted in English. Only 1 fellowship available per call.

## Summary

The FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship Japan funds Flemish postdoctoral researchers to conduct 12-24 month placements at JSPS-recognised institutes in Japan. The award covers return travel (~€1,100), a settling-in allowance (~€2,000), a monthly living stipend (~€2,000), and insurance. This annual call is highly competitive, with only one fellowship available per year and final selection by JSPS.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers based in Flanders with a PhD obtained from a Flemish institution on or after 2 April 2020
- Non-Japanese nationals and non-permanent residents of Japan
- Researchers with a concrete host laboratory confirmed at a JSPS-recognised Japanese institute
- Applicants able to commence the fellowship before 30 November 2026

## Key dates

- Annual deadline: 5 PM on a set date in spring (verify on FWO site for next call)
- Multi-stage: FWO email submission → CDP evaluation (June) → FWO nomination (July) → JSPS final decision (within 3 months)
- Fellowship duration: 12-24 months

## Tips for applicants

- Only one fellowship awarded per call; the application must articulate a unique, host-lab-specific research contribution, not a generic Japan interest.
- JSPS makes the final selection, not FWO alone, align your proposal language and feasibility plan with JSPS evaluation criteria, which emphasise integration with the host lab and mutual benefit.
- Ensure your host supervisor and institute are confirmed and JSPS-recognised before submission; this is a gating criterion, not a negotiable detail.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship Japan pay?

The award covers return travel (~€1,100), a settling-in allowance (~€2,000), a monthly stipend (~€2,000), and insurance for 12-24 months.

### Who is eligible for the FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship Japan?

Postdoctoral researchers based in Flanders with a PhD from a Flemish institution on or after 2 April 2020, who are not Japanese nationals or permanent residents of Japan.

### How competitive is the FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship Japan?

Only one fellowship is awarded per annual call, making this a highly selective programme.

### How long does the FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship Japan last?

Between 12 and 24 months, depending on the approved project and JSPS host-lab agreement.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwo-postdoctoral-fellowship-japan-jsps-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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