Embassy of Switzerland in Japan

Science & Technology Office Tokyo

STO-CORAU

Tokyo, May 14, 2013

FELLOWSHIPS JAPAN
Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarships (Research Students)
Outline
Organization
Nationalities
Budget
Duration
Calls
Web page

MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) offers

scholarships to international students who wish to study at Japanese
universities. Based on recommendation of Embassy/ Consulate General,
University, or Authority.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Various (Country has to have diplomatic relations with Japan), but Japanese
Allowance: 150,000 JPY (depending on the year) per month
Up to two years (Master degree), up to three years (Doctoral degree)
Student recipient during Master studies may ask extension for doctoral
studies
From April
http://www.mext.go.jp/english/ highered/1303739.htm

Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarships (Japanese Studies

Students)
Outline
MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) offers
scholarships for academic study in Japan to foreign students interested in
deepening their understanding of the Japanese language, Japanese affairs and
Japanese culture. Based on recommendation of Embassy/ Consulate General.
Organization
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
Nationalities
Various (Country has to have diplomatic relations with Japan), but Japanese
Budget
Allowance: 117,000 JPY per month
Duration
One year (time necessary to complete the accepting universitys study
course), extension of the term not allowed.
Calls
Web page
http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0302e.html
Bilateral Programs
Outline
Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
Budget
Calls
Web page

Promotion of international exchanges between Japan and counterpart

countries in accordance with memorandums of understanding for joint
research projects, joint seminars and research exchanges.
All fields of humanities, social sciences and natural sciences
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Affiliation at a Japanese research institute
Up to 20m JPY
Between April and May
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-bilat/main.html

Open Partnership Program

Outline

Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities

What is funded
Calls
Web page

Gives all researchers around the world the opportunity to conduct bilateral
joint projects/seminars with funded Japanese colleagues.
All academic fields: Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences
including mathematical sciences, physical sciences, chemistry, engineering,
biology, agricultural sciences, medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Any (countries from all over the world). Funding is restricted to the Japanese
research team.
Supports the expenses of the Japanese teams, mainly travel and
accommodation costs.
Joint Project (1-2 years) : Up to JPY 2,500,000 /a year/ a project
Joint Seminar (up to 1 week): Up to JPY 2,500,000 /a year/ a project
Between April and May
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-bilat/main.html

Core to Core Program

Outline
Research Fields
Organization
What is funded
Duration
Budget
Deadline
Web page

Supports multilateral collaboration in cutting-edge fields of science between

institutions in Japan and the US, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France,
Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK,
Australia, and New Zealand.
Scientifically cutting-edge within the respective research area
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
The JSPS will provide Japanese institutions with core funding for Integrated
Action Initiatives (up to 20m JPY per year) and Strategic Research Networks,
up to 10-30m JPY.
2 years
Japanese institutions with 20m JPY to cover the project
October
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/core_to_core/call.html#02

NICT International Exchange Program

Outline

Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
Duration
Deadlines
Web page

Invitation of foreign researchers to Japanese institutes in the fields of

advanced communications/ broadcasting technologies
Information and communication technology
National Institute of Information and Communication Technology (NICT)
Overseas researchers, Japanese researchers if they have been overseas > 10
years
Up to 12 months
May/ December
http://www.nict.go.jp/en/int_affairs/int/int_prog.html

Summer Schools
Internship at University of Tokyo (for undergraduates) (UTRIP)
Outline

Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
What is funded
Duration
Deadlines
Web page

Intensive six-week summer research internship for undergraduates to attend

the Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo
Physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth & planetary science, biophysics &
biochemistry, and biological sciences
University of Tokyo
All
Round trip air tickets and accommodation
Runs between June 24 and August 5 (six weeks)
February/ March
http://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/education/programs.html

JSPS Summer Program

Outline
Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
Duration
Calls
Web page

Provides opportunities for young people pre and post-doctoral researchers

from North America and Europe to receive an orientation on Japanese
culture and research under the guidance of researchers at Japanese
institutions.
All
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Permanent residents of the US, UK, France, Germany or Canada.
2 months starting from June 15 through August 25
Only through the foreign nominating authorities
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-summer/index.html

Riken BSI Summer Program

Outline
Research Fields
Organization
Duration
Deadline
Web page

Summer program to train advanced students interested in brain science

Brain science
RIKEN
Applicants may choose either a two-month laboratory internship (plan A)
within a Riken BSI laboratory, or participate in an intensive 11-day lecture
course (Plan B).
February
http://www.brain.riken.jp/en/summer/index.html

Research Schemes

Challenging Exploratory Research

Outline

Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
What is funded
Duration
Calls
Web page

Competitive research grants for early-stage research that is based on a

unique concept, that is challenging, and that sets a high goal.
All
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Any nationality but must have affiliation at a Japanese institute.
The budget is up to 5m JPY
One to 3 years
September to early November
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-grants/index.html

Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (S/ A/ B)

Outline
Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
What is funded
Duration
Calls
Web page

Competitive research grants for young scientists:

(S) Research done by one researcher aged 42 or less
(A) (B) Research done by one researcher aged 39 or less
(Start-up) Research done by one researcher who has just started
employment at a research institution
All
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Any nationality but must have affiliation at a Japanese institute.
S: The budget ranges roughly from 30m JPY to 100m JPY
A: From 5m JPY to 30m JPY - B: 5m JPY or less
Start-up: 1.5m JPY or less per year
S: The period is 5 years - A, B: Two to four years - Start-up: two years
September to early November
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-grants/index.html

Scientific Research (S)

Outline

Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
What is funded
Duration
Calls
Web page

Competitive research grants:

(S) Creative/ pioneering research done by one researcher or a relatively
small group of researchers. (The period is five years. The budget ranges from
50m JPY to around 200m JPY per project.)
(A)(B)(C) Creative/ pioneering research done by one researcher or jointly by
multiple researchers. (The period is three to five years)
All
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Any nationality but must have affiliation at a Japanese institute.
From 50-200m JPY
Up to 5 years as a general rule
September to early November
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-grants/index.html

Specially Promoted Research (Grant-in-Aid)

Outline

Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
What is funded
Duration
Calls
Web page

Highly regarded research in the international arena that is likely to yield

highly acclaimed research achievements
All
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Any nationality but must have affiliation at a Japanese institute.
Around 500m JPY per project
Three to five years
September to early November
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-grants/index.html

Postdoctoral/ Senior Positions

ERATO Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology

Outline
Organization
Duration
Calls
Web page

Research group leaders sponsored under the ERATO scheme regularly

advertise positions for researchers. Advertisements are generally always in
Japanese, but it is possible to apply either in Japanese or in English.
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Various
Various
http://www.jst.go.jp/erato/index.html

Foreign Postdoctoral Research Program (FPR)

Outline

Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
Duration
Budget
Calls
Web page

RIKEN will invite as Foreign Postdoctoral Researchers foreign young

scientists who have demonstrated creative and innovative ideas.
Physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, engineering, and any other fields
related to research now being conducted at RIKEN.
The National Institute of Physical and Chemical Sciences (RIKEN)
Non-Japanese citizens
One year, with possibility of extension of up to 3 years
Base salary is 487,000 JPY per month. An annual research budget of 1m JPY
will be allocated to the host laboratory.
Spring
http://www.riken.go.jp/en/careers/programs/fpr/

Hakubi Project Kyoto University

Outline
Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
What is funded
Duration
Calls
Web page

Programme to foster young talented researchers (20 positions per year),

appointing them as associate professor/assistant professor (under the
annual salary system) and supporting their research activities on themes of
their own choices.
Research programs in every range of basic and applied studies in all
academic fields, from the humanities, to social and natural sciences.
Kyoto University
All
Each researcher will be provided with an annual research fund of
approximately 1 to 4 m JPY
5 years
March
http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/research/hakubi
http://www.hakubi.kyoto-u.ac.jp/eng/index.html

JSPS Award for Eminent Scientists

Outline
Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
What is funded
Duration
Calls
Web page

Invitations to Nobel laureate level scientists to come to Japan for the purpose
of associating directly with younger Japanese researchers to mentor
stimulate and inspire.
All
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Foreign researchers
Business class roundtrip air ticket(s)
A per diem allowance of 42,000 JPY
A family allowance of 10,000 JPY (when accompanied by family member(s))
In principle, one year (during which period multiple visits may be made)
June/ December
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-awards/index.html

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Foreign Researchers

Outline

Organization
Nationalities
What is funded
Duration
Budget

This Fellowship is to support promising and highly qualified young foreign

researchers wishing to conduct research in Japan.
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
Travel, monthly stipend, settling in allowance.
12 to 24 months
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Tokubetsu Kenkyuin Shorei-hi) of up to
1,500,000 JPY per year (total of 3,000,000 JPY for two years) is available to

Calls
Web page

cover cooperative research-related expenses.

August-September/ May
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/postdoctoral.html

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (Short-Term)

Outline
Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
What is funded
Duration
Budget
Deadlines
Web page

Opportunities for young pre and post-doctoral researchers from the US,
Canada and Europe to conduct and perform cooperative research with
leading research groups in universities and other Japanese institutions.
All
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
All European Union countries (as of April 1, 2008), Switzerland, Norway
Travel, daily allowance
1 to 12 months
Travel, monthly stipend, settling in allowance
Oct., Nov., Feb., Apr., May., Aug. (Application time dependent on timing of
fellowship)
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/postdoctoral.html

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)

Outline
Research Fields
Organization
What is funded
Duration
Calls
Web page

AIST annually undertakes a large scale recruitment of researchers

Life science, IT, nanotechnology and materials, environment and energy,
metrology and measurements technology, geological survey and applied
geosciences fields.
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Travel, monthly stipend, settling in allowance.
Typically with 5 years contracts or permanent
February and March
http://www.aist.go.jp/aist_e/humanres/index.html

Research Positions in Material Sciences NIMS

Outline
Research Fields
Organization
What is funded
Duration
Calls
Web page

Various research positions at postdoctoral and higher levels.

Material sciences (nanotechnology, fundamental research)
National Institute for Material Science (NIMS)
Travel, monthly stipend, settling in allowance.
Typically with 5 years contracts or permanent
Various during the year
http://www.nims.go.jp/eng/employment/index.html

RIKEN Special Postdoctoral Researchers (SPDR)

Outline
Research Fields
Organization
Nationalities
Duration
Budget
Calls
Web page

Provides young and creative scientists the opportunity to be involved in

autonomous and independent research that is in line with RIKEN objectives
and research fields.
Physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, engineering, and any other field
related to research now being conducted at RIKEN.
RIKEN
Non-Japanese applicants who are not permanent residents of Japan must
have completed a doctoral program at a Japanese graduate school.
One year, renewable
Monthly salary and annual research budget
Spring
http://www.riken.go.jp/en/careers/

Universities Programmes
Tokyo University Special Scholarship for International Students
Outline

Organization
Nationalities
Stipend
Duration
Web page

Programme to provide research grants to privately financed international

students with excellent academic record
Tokyo University
Any
200,000/ 150,000 JPY per months
Up to one year
http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/res03/i14_e.html

Waseda University - Scholarships for foreign students

Outline
Organization
Nationalities
What is funded
Duration
Calls
Web page

Many types of scholarships, varying conditions/ allowances-stipends/

durations.
Important: given to privately financed foreign students (government
sponsored students are not eligible)
Waseda University
Any
Depending on programme/ scholarship
Up to 4 years - Depending on programme/ scholarship
Before enrolment/ after enrolment many times a year
http://www.waseda.jp/sils/en/e_student/scholarship.html

Keio University - Scholarships for foreign students

Outline
Organization
Nationalities
Stipend
Duration
Calls
Web page

All of the following are for privately financed students, may apply only after
admission.
Keio University Scholarship (KUS), Keio Graduate School Scholarship (KGSS)
Keio University
Any
KUS: 150,000 JPY/ year (150 recipients) high academic achiever may
received additional amount of 300,000 JPY
KGSS: 150,000 JPY/ year (120 recipients) high academic achievers may
receive additional amount of 100,000-300,000 JPY
1 year, can be renewed every year
April/ May
http://www.ic.keio.ac.jp/en/life/scholarship/outline.html