Frequently Asked Questions

 
 
 
Q) How do I apply for one of the JSPS programmes?
A) Firstly, the JSPS Fellowship programmes require applicants to establish contact with a Japanese researcher in their field.
 
Once you have located a Japanese researcher , the next step is to send him/her a letter with detailed information on your proposed research activity.
 

Thirdly, application forms are available from the Swedish counterpart institution or by contacting the departmental office at the host researchers' university as appropriate. Please note that the JSPS Stockholm Office does not provide these forms.



Q)  How do I find a Japanese researcher?
A) The first point of contact should be your departmental colleagues or supervisor. For those wishing to make initial enquiries you may also wish to visit the Ministry of Education, Science, Sport and Culture (MEXT) web site at http://www.mext.go.jp .Most of the Japanese national universities are linked to this site. A comprehensive list of Japanese academic institutions is also available from JSPS Stockholm to assist you in finding a suitable counterpart/host researcher in Japan.
 
Furthermore, the JSPS Alumni Club in Sweden might be able to provide information. Search the Alumni contactlist on this webbpage for researchers within your field.
 

Q) Who do I apply to?
A) Each Programme has its own application procedure.
 
For the Postdoctoral Fellowship there are two independent application channels:
 
1. Through counterpart institutions;
The Royal Swedish Academy of Science (KVA), Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA), Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF), Danish Rectors's Conference (DRC), Academy of Finland (SA), Research Council of Norway (RCN) and Estonia Science Foundation (ESTSF). See Links for their webbpages.
 
JSPS has asked these institutions to nominate certain numbers of excellent researchers to secure constant scientific exchange between these countries and Japan. It is easy to make initial inquiries on the procedure before going to Japan.
 
2. Through the Japanese host researcher to the JSPS head office in Tokyo
 
For the Invitation Fellowship:
 
1. Through the Japanese host researcher. They arrange the submission of an application to JSPS Tokyo.
 

2. JSPS also recieve applicants through nominating institutions such as VINNOVA in Sweden, Academy of Finland and Research Council of Norway.



Q) Is it permitted to apply for a Postdoctoral Fellowship through these two channels at the same time?
A) Yes, however please note that you will have to decline one of your applications in a case where both are accepted.

Q) Where do I get the application form?
A) For the Postdoctoral Fellowship programme :
a) from the nominating institutions
b) from the departmental office at Japanese researcher's university
c) go to "Forms to download" on this webpage (beneath "Fellowship & Funding").

For the Invitation Fellowship Programme :
a) from the departmental office at the Japanese researcher's university
b) from the nominating institutions (Finland and Norway)
c) Go to: JSPS head office's webpage for Invitation fellowships (application through host)



Q) When do I apply?
A) For the Postdoctoral Fellowship: in May and September for long-term fellowships, when applying through your host researcher. The short-term fellowships are more flexible with regard to application periods. See the webpage for Postdoctoral fellowships or contact nominating authorities, which have different application periods.
 
For the Invitation Fellowship: in September for long-term fellowships, when applying through your host researcher, and in May and September for short-term fellowships. Contact the nominating authority if you apply through them.


Q) How long does it take for a decision to be made once the application has been made?
A) Notification of selection results is normally three months after the closing date.

Q) What happens once I am selected?
A) You will receive a copy of the Program Guidelines/ Provisions with the following :
-an invitation letter
-a letter of guarantee
-information on visa application, air travel and housing.
 
1. Acceptance of the Fellowship
If the terms and conditions in your invitation letter are acceptable to you, the notice of acceptance attached to your invitation letter should be signed and sent to JSPS Tokyo within 60 days from the date that your invitation letter was issued.
 
2. Necessary procedures before your departure.
a) Visas for Entering and Staying in Japan
 

Please obtain your visa at the Japanese Consular office nearest your residence at your earliest convenience. take the following documents with you:

  • A copy of the invitation letter from JSPS
  • The 'Letter of Guarantee' from JSPS enclosed with the Program Guidelines
  • Your complete curriculum vitae
  • Two identical 5cm x 5cm photographs
  • An extract from the JSPS law
 
In accordance with the Immigration Control Act of Japan, you should be given a 'Cultural Activities', 'Researcher', or 'Professor' visa status.
 

B) Application for Air ticket
Kintetsu International Express (KIE), JSPS's official travel agent, is authorised to handle JSPS Postdoctoral fellows's travel arrangements to and from Japan. You will receive an air ticket application form with your copy of the Program Guidelines. Upon receipt of your request, the travel agent will advise an airline office near your residence to issue you a prepaid ticket.
Please note that JSPS cannot reimburse you for an air ticket purchased by yourself.



Q) Am I eligible?
A) For the Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme each candidate must :
1) Be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
2) Hold a doctorate degree when the fellowship goes into effect, which must have been received within six years prior to April 1, 1999.
3) Have arranged in advance his/her research plans with his/her Japanese researcher.

For the Invitation Fellowship Programme each candidate must be a:
1) Senior scientist, university professor, or other person with substantial professional experience.
2) Be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.



Q) Is there a limit to the number of people awarded?
A) In the selection procedure, is there any preference given to any nationality or specific research field?

a)If you apply through a Japanese host researcher, there is no limit. The screening is made on academic merit alone, so there is no preference as to nationality or research field.

b) If you apply through a counterpart institution there is a limit to the number of fellows who will be admitted in any one take on the recommendations from each nominating authority.

Some of these authorities do not accept applications from all research fields, so please be sure to check this with them before submitting a final application.



Q) What kind of funding do you provide?
A) Funding is only available to those who participate in one of our programmes. We do not accept individual requests for travel bursars or to attend conferences in Japan.

Q) When my family comes to Japan, will JSPS pay me a family allowance for them?
A) No, this cost is included in your maintenance allowance.

Q) How do I order a copy of the broschure or newsletter?
A) Information brochures are available from our Stockholm office. The latest JSPS newsletter can be viewed on our web site at http://www.jsps.go.jp. Alternatively you can request a personal copy from us.