Hiroshima University Global Doctoral Fellowship, Japan53 Views

style="text-align: justify;">Therefore, if you want to combine a Hiroshima University PhD with serious research training and career development in Japan, this fellowship is one of the most strategic options currently available.

Eligibility: Who Should Apply for the Hiroshima University Global Doctoral Fellowship?

Core Target Group

The fellowship is designed for international students who will enroll in a Hiroshima University doctoral program (three-year or four-year course) from April or October 2026

In practice, strong candidates usually:

• • Hold (or are completing) a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
  • Have a clear plan to join a Hiroshima University PhD program.
  • Demonstrate strong research potential through publications, theses, or project work.

International Focus

According to Hiroshima University, the scheme exists specifically to support international doctoral students who cannot access certain domestic-only funding streams.

As a result, it particularly suits:

• • International applicants planning a full PhD at Hiroshima University.
  • Early-career researchers from countries such as India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and other regions who want a long-term research pathway in Japan.

Selection Orientation

While the detailed checklist sits in the official Application Guidelines, the university emphasises a few core qualities:

• • Broad academic perspective and solid disciplinary foundations.
  • Good judgment, independence, and the ability
    to act.
  • A genuine intention to contribute to science, technology, and innovation in Japan even after graduation.

If your research plan clearly shows how you will build that kind of career, your profile fits the spirit of the program.

Funding, Duration and Key Benefits

The fellowship combines salary support and research funds. The details below are based on the official Outline of Support.

Employment as a Researcher

• • Status: You are employed as a “Researcher” at Hiroshima University.
  • Hourly wage: 1,500 JPY per hour.
  • Maximum monthly pay: Up to 96 hours per month, which means a maximum of 144,000 JPY per month before tax and social insurance.
  • Start date: Employment begins after you arrive in Japan and are able to start research activities.

The exact monthly salary depends on your working hours; the upper limit is not guaranteed every month.

Duration of Support

• • Standard support period: Up to 3 years for a standard three-year doctoral program.
  • Extended case: Up to 4 years if you join a four-year doctoral course. Support must fall within the regular enrollment period, so you cannot extend the fellowship just by staying longer in the program.

Research Funds

In addition to salary, fellows receive:

• • Research funds up to 400,000 JPY
    per year.
  • If the support period covers only half a year, the typical amount is 200,000 JPY.

You can use this budget for experiments, fieldwork, software, conference travel, or other research needs approved under university rules.

Number of Positions

For the first intake:

• • Around 3 international students in April 2026 and 7 in October 2026, linked to doctoral enrollment.
  • Overall, the university plans to support about 30 international doctoral students through the program.

Competition will therefore be strong, and a well-crafted application will be essential.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Hiroshima University Global Doctoral Fellowship

The application process runs through an online form and a structured set of documents.

Step 1: Confirm Your PhD Admission Path

Firstly, review the doctoral programs at Hiroshima University and identify the graduate school and supervisor that fit your research goals.

• • Explore doctoral programs via the HU graduate school pages.
  • Contact potential supervisors early to discuss mutual fit and possible supervision.

Step 2: Read the Official Application Guidelines

Secondly, download and study the Hiroshima University Global Doctoral Fellowship Application Guidelines from

the official news page. (See the news item “Application Deadline: January 5, 2026” on the Hiroshima University website.)

The guidelines outline:

• • Eligibility conditions in detail.
  • Documents required.
  • Screening and selection schedule.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Typically, you will need to prepare, in the specified format:

• • Application form and check sheet.
  • CV and academic transcripts.
  • Research plan (with objectives, methods, and expected impact in Japan).
  • Summary of previous research and publications.
  • Proof of, or plan for, admission to a Hiroshima University doctoral program.

Make sure everything follows the official templates and is converted to PDF.

Step 4: Submit via the Online Application Form

Next, access the online application form (Google Form) linked in the official announcement.

Log in using a Google account (not a Hiroshima University email).

• • Upload all required PDFs.
  • Complete the check sheet carefully; incomplete submissions may not be screened.

No major revisions are allowed after submission, so you should triple-check all entries before you click “submit”.

Step 5: Respect the Application Deadline

For the current call, the deadline is Monday, 5 January 2026, 5 p.m. JST. Applications received after that time will not be accepted, regardless of reason.

Because the university closes for the New Year period, you should avoid last-minute submissions and ask any questions well in advance.

Tips, Common Mistakes and Expert Advice

Align Your Research with Japan’s Innovation Agenda

You should clearly show how your proposed PhD work connects to Japanese science, technology, or innovation priorities. For example, link your research to green energy, advanced materials, health technologies, AI, or resilience studies.

Show Long-Term Commitment to Japan

The selection committee looks for candidates who plan to contribute to Japan even after they complete their doctorate. Therefore, describe how you will:

• • Continue collaborating with Japanese labs.
  • Seek academic or industry roles in Japan.
  • Contribute to joint projects or innovation ecosystems.

Avoid Overlapping Funding Conflicts

According to the outline of support, fellows cannot simultaneously hold certain major fellowships, such as JSPS DC, MEXT scholarships, or similar large schemes from their home country.

You should:

• • Clearly declare all other scholarships and income.
  • Check that your total annual income does not breach the threshold described in the cancellation conditions.

Write a Focused, Realistic Research Plan

A common mistake is to propose an overly broad project. Instead, you should:

• • Define 2–3 core research questions.
  • Outline a feasible methodology for three to four years.
  • Indicate how Hiroshima University’s facilities and supervisors make your plan realistic.

Prepare Early for Referees and Supervisor Support

Although the fellowship uses its own selection process, strong support from your prospective supervisor and academic referees will strengthen your profile. Therefore, you should secure their agreement and recommendations early.

Summary Table

Feature	Details
Program Name	Hiroshima University Global Doctoral Fellowship
Host Country	Japan
Funded By	Hiroshima University (Global Career Design Center / Postgraduate Advancement Project)
Duration	Up to 3 years (4 years for four-year doctoral programs)
Study Mode	Full-time, on-campus doctoral study with employment as a researcher
Eligibility	International students enrolling in Hiroshima University doctoral programs, with strong research potential and intention to contribute to Japan’s science and innovation ecosystem
Financial Support	Researcher salary up to 144,000 JPY/month plus research funds up to 400,000 JPY/year, within enrollment period
Fields of Study	Doctoral programs across Hiroshima University, especially in science, technology, and innovation-related areas
Deadline	05/01/2026, 5 p.m. Japan Standard Time (current call; future dates may change)
Official Website	Click here

Conclusion: Should You Apply for the Hiroshima University Global Doctoral Fellowship?

The Hiroshima University Global Doctoral Fellowship Japan offers a rare combination of salary, research funds, and structured career development for international PhD students. It is especially attractive if you want to build a long-term research career in Japan rather than simply complete a degree and leave.

You gain a stable income, dedicated funding for research activities, and access to a rich ecosystem of supervisors, laboratories, and training programs at one of Japan’s leading national universities. In return, Hiroshima University expects focus, research excellence, and a genuine commitment to contributing to Japan’s science and innovation landscape.

If that description matches your ambitions, you should now download the official guidelines, review the doctoral programs, and begin drafting a careful research plan. Finally, make sure you prepare your documents early and submit your application well before the 5 January 2026 deadline, as this will give you time to handle any technical or administrative issues calmly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)