The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) has long supported international academic collaboration by providing opportunities for scholars to conduct cutting-edge research in Japan. One of its most inclusive programs, the Short-term Program (PA), invites pre- and post-doctoral researchers from ASEAN and African nations to engage in collaborative research projects at Japanese universities or public research institutions. The program, which offers placements ranging from 1 to 12 months, is designed to promote the internationalization of Japan’s research environment while fostering scientific ties between Japan and emerging academic regions.
The JSPS Short-term Fellowships (PA) offers early-career researchers from ASEAN and African countries a fully funded opportunity to conduct research in Japan. Scholars can collaborate with top Japanese institutions for up to 12 months, supported with travel, stipend, and academic resources, fostering global scientific partnerships and innovation.
What Is the JSPS Short-Term Program (PA)?
The JSPS Short-term Program (PA) is a targeted research mobility scheme under the broader framework of JSPS International Fellowships. This program is structured to enable doctoral students and early-career researchers from ASEAN and African countries to spend up to one year in Japan, conducting research in collaboration with a host researcher.
Through this initiative, JSPS aims to:
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Enhance bilateral scientific cooperation
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Support career development
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Facilitate exposure to advanced research methodologies
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Cultivate academic exchange between Japan and partner countries
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Participants benefit from hands-on access to cutting-edge facilities and are integrated into Japan’s robust academic networks. The program fosters mutual learning, strengthens research capacity in partner nations, and contributes to global knowledge-sharing.
Eligible Countries and Regions
The fellowship is exclusively available to researchers from the following geographic regions:
ASEAN Member Countries:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
African Nations:
More than 50 eligible African countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and others.
Applicants must either be citizens or hold permanent residency status in one of the eligible countries. In addition, individuals with three or more continuous years of research experience at a university or recognized institution in one of these regions may qualify, even if they are not citizens.
Fellowship Duration
One of the most flexible aspects of this program is the research duration, which can be tailored according to the project’s scope and host institution’s timeline. Fellows can choose a research stay ranging from 1 to 12 months, allowing for both exploratory
This flexibility ensures compatibility with institutional priorities, lab schedules, and individual research needs, making it accessible to a wide range of scholars.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure academic quality and regional representation, JSPS has set forth specific eligibility requirements:
General Requirements
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Must be a citizen or permanent resident of an eligible ASEAN or African country, or
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Must have at least three years of continuous research experience at a recognized university or research institute within the region.
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Academic Requirements
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Applicants must either:
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Hold a Ph.D. awarded within the last six years, or
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Be enrolled in a Ph.D. program and expected to graduate within two years from the start of the fellowship.
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Restrictions
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Researchers who are residing in Japan at the time of application are not eligible.
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Scholars who have previously been awarded any JSPS fellowship (including PE, PA, PU, or Standard) are not eligible to reapply under
this specific scheme.
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Application Process
Applications for the JSPS Short-term PA Program must be submitted via official overseas nominating authorities, not directly to JSPS. The nominating institutions vary by region:
ASEAN Applicants
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Apply through the JSPS Bangkok Office, in cooperation with the ASEAN University Network (AUN).
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Application deadline to local institutions typically falls around August 15, 2025.
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Final nominations must reach JSPS by December 1, 2025.
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African Applicants
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North African countries (e.g., Egypt): Apply via JSPS Cairo Research Station.
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Sub-Saharan countries: Apply through the JSPS Nairobi Research Station.
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Specific deadlines may vary by country; applicants are encouraged to consult their local nominating body.
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After nomination, the applicant and the Japanese host must jointly prepare the final application dossier for review by JSPS.
Timeline for FY2026
The following timeline applies to ASEAN applicants. Applicants from Africa should confirm region-specific timelines with their nominating authority.
