JFSEAP Visiting Fellowship 2026 and Japan Foundation, Tokyo

The JFSEAP Visiting Fellowship 2026 (Japan Foundation Southeast Asia Partnership Program) is a premier initiative designed to support the next generation of researchers and experts from ASEAN countries. This inbound fellowship provides scholars with the opportunity to conduct policy-oriented research in Japan, focusing on global challenges shared by Japan and the ASEAN region. Consequently, participants not only advance their individual research projects but also build robust professional networks with Japanese academic and policy institutions.

Program Highlights

Feature	Details
Program Title	JFSEAP Visiting Fellowship (Inbound) FY2026
Organizing Body	The Japan Foundation (JF)
Target Regions	ASEAN Countries & Timor-Leste
Fellowship Duration	3 to 12 Months
Research Start Date	June 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Stipend	JPY 400,000 per month

Program Overview

The JFSEAP program is part of the “WA Project 2.0,” a comprehensive exchange initiative aimed at nurturing human resources and fostering mutual trust. Specifically, the fellowship targets “global common issues” that require collaborative solutions. Eligible research topics include climate change, AI governance, economic security, public health, disaster resilience, and urbanization.

Fellows are hosted by prestigious Japanese institutions where they receive mentorship and administrative support. Furthermore, all participants are expected to engage in research exchange projects and workshops, ensuring their findings contribute to the broader Japan-ASEAN intellectual dialogue.

Host Institutions & Priority Themes

Applicants must select one host institution that aligns with their specific research focus. Multiple applications are not permitted.

Host Institution	Priority Field / Theme
CSEAS, Kyoto University	Common issues between Japan and ASEAN
IDE-JETRO	Social sciences (politics, economics, society) focused on ASEAN
GRIPS	Policy-oriented research on Japan-ASEAN cooperation
JIIA	Foreign policy, economic security, and Indo-Pacific cooperation
KGRI (Keio University)	SDGs, Sustainable Development, and Earth System Governance

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the JFSEAP Visiting Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Citizens of ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) or Timor-Leste.
• Academic Qualifications: Must hold a Ph.D. OR a Master’s degree with at least five years of professional experience in a related field.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in either English or Japanese is mandatory for research activities.
• Health & Residency: Applicants must be in good health and able to reside continuously in Japan for the fellowship duration.

Benefits and Allowances

The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support to ensure fellows can focus entirely on their research.

One-Time Benefits

• International Airfare: Round-trip discount economy-class ticket.
• Settling-in Allowance: JPY 250,000.
• Departure Allowance: JPY 50,000.
• Insurance: Overseas travel insurance provided by the Japan Foundation.

Monthly Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: JPY 400,000 (covers living and research expenses).
• Dependent Allowance: JPY 10,000 per certified person (if applicable).
• Enrollment Fees: Up to JPY 25,000 (if applicable).

Application and Selection Timeline

Event	Deadline / Date
Application Deadline	December 2, 2025 (13:00 Japan Time)
Preliminary Screening	Document review by JF and host institutions
Interview Invitation	Sent via email by January 16, 2026
Online Interviews	Late January or February 2026
Final Results	Notified by email in April 2026

Contact Information

• Secretariat: JFSEAP Fellowship Program Team, Japan Foundation
• Phone: +81-(0)3-5369-6072
• Email: jfseap_vf@jpf.go.jp
• Portal: The Japan Foundation Online Application Portal

Key Highlights

The selection policy places high emphasis on the “dissemination” of research results. Fellows are expected to play a long-term role in Japan-ASEAN relations. Additionally, the project statement must clearly explain why the selected Japanese host institution is the most appropriate venue for the proposed research, ensuring a strong fit between the scholar and the academic environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply to multiple host institutions?
No, the program strictly prohibits multiple applications. You must choose the one host institution that best matches your priority theme.

What is the minimum duration for the fellowship?
The minimum stay is 3 months, while the maximum allowable period is 12 months.

Is a Ph.D. mandatory to apply?
No. While a Ph.D. is preferred, applicants with a Master’s degree and five or more years of professional experience in a related field are also eligible.

Does the fellowship cover the travel costs of my family?
The fellowship provides a small dependent allowance (JPY 10,000/month per person), but international airfare and primary insurance are only provided for the Fellow.

How do I submit the reference letters?
You must issue a dedicated URL through the Online Application Portal to your referees. They must upload their Form D (Confidential Reference Letters) directly to that link.