Apply Now: JF-JSA-ASEAN Fellowship Program

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The JF-JSA-ASEAN Fellowship Program invites doctoral candidates and researchers in Japanese studies from Southeast Asia to apply for fellowship support to conduct research, gather academic materials, and participate in academic exchange activities in Japan. Established with the support of the Japanese Studies Association of Southeast Asia (JSA-ASEAN), the programme aims to develop the next generation of Japanese studies scholars while strengthening academic and research connections between Southeast Asia and Japan. The fellowship supports doctoral candidates whose dissertation research requires a period of research in Japan, as well as researchers affiliated with institutions in Southeast Asia whose projects require travel to Japan for research, material collection, or academic exchange. Depending on the applicant category and research requirements, fellowship periods range from 21 days to 12 months. Selected fellows receive a round-trip international airline ticket, stipend, and other allowances to support their research and living expenses in Japan.

About the JF-JSA-ASEAN Fellowship Program

The JF-JSA-ASEAN Fellowship Program is designed to promote academic exchange and research collaboration between Southeast Asian scholars and Japan. The programme focuses specifically on the field of Japanese studies within the humanities and social sciences. By providing opportunities for researchers to spend time in Japan, the fellowship enables participants to access research materials, conduct fieldwork or other research activities, and engage in academic exchange that may not be possible in their home countries. The programme also contributes to the development of emerging scholars and the broader strengthening of Japanese studies in Southeast Asia. Who Is the Fellowship Designed For? The programme has two main applicant categories: - Doctoral candidates enrolled at graduate schools in Southeast Asia who are conducting research related to Japan. - Researchers affiliated with institutions in Southeast Asia who hold a Ph.D. or have equivalent professional experience. Both categories must demonstrate that a stay in Japan is necessary for their proposed research or academic activities. Fellowship for Doctoral Candidates Doctoral candidates enrolled at graduate schools in Southeast Asia can apply when their research is related to Japan and falls within the humanities or social sciences. The fellowship is particularly relevant to doctoral candidates whose dissertation research requires them to travel to Japan to: - Conduct research. - Gather research materials. - Access resources required for their dissertation. - Undertake other research activities necessary for completing their doctoral work. Doctoral candidates may apply for a fellowship period of 4 to 12 months. Fellowship for Researchers Researchers affiliated with Southeast Asian institutions can also apply. Applicants in this category must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience and propose research or academic exchange activities that require a stay in Japan.

Researcher applicants can choose between:

- Short-term fellowship: 21 to 89 days.

- Long-term fellowship: 4 to 12 months.

The appropriate duration should correspond to the requirements of the proposed research or academic exchange project. Research Areas Covered by the Fellowship The fellowship is intended for research in Japanese studies within the humanities and social sciences. Eligible research may address different aspects of Japan, depending on the applicant’s academic discipline and research project. The programme is therefore particularly relevant to scholars whose work requires direct engagement with Japan, Japanese sources, institutions, culture, society, history, politics, literature, or other humanities and social science subjects. Why a Research Stay in Japan Is Important A central requirement of the fellowship is that the applicant’s project should require a stay in Japan. For doctoral candidates, the Japan-based research period should contribute directly to their dissertation. For researchers, the proposed stay may be necessary for activities such as: - Research. - Gathering academic materials. - Accessing Japan-based resources. - Academic exchange. - Other project-related activities requiring a physical stay in Japan. Applicants should clearly explain why these activities cannot be adequately completed without travelling to Japan. Fellowship Duration The fellowship duration depends on the applicant category. Doctoral Candidates Doctoral candidates may undertake a fellowship lasting: - 4 to 12 months Researchers

Researchers may choose between:

- 21 to 89 days for short-term research. - 4 to 12 months for long-term research. Applicants should select a duration that is appropriate for their research plan and clearly justified by their proposed activities. What Funding and Benefits Are Provided? Selected fellows receive financial support to help them undertake their research and academic activities in Japan.

The fellowship benefits include:

- Round-trip international airline ticket in discount economy class. - Stipend. - Other allowances supporting research and living expenses in Japan. These benefits are intended to help fellows meet essential costs associated with their research stay.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the relevant academic and programme requirements.

Applicants are expected to:

- Be doctoral candidates or researchers meeting the programme’s applicable category requirements. - Be connected with an eligible Southeast Asian graduate school or institution. - Conduct research related to Japan. - Work in the humanities or social sciences. - Demonstrate the need for a stay in Japan. - Secure all necessary affiliation arrangements by the application deadline. - Be in good health. - Have proficiency in Japanese or English. Applicants should ensure that all required institutional arrangements are completed by the specifi