JST SPRING doctoral student support 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇯🇵 Japan · Offered by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) · For PhD applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇯🇵 Japan
Provider: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Degree levels: PhD
Funding: From FY2027 international students receive research funds only (living-expense stipends were stopped after FY2026); some universities pay RA salaries instead.
Deadline: Each university recruits for April and October starts; check the university's FY2027 SPRING guidelines.
Expected opening: University notices around Jan–Feb and Jul–Aug
Duration: Up to 3 years of the doctoral programme.
Professor contact: Required: you need a professor's acceptance before or during the application.

Official website

About the JST SPRING doctoral student support in Japan

Support for doctoral students, offered through participating Japanese universities. Applied for at the university after admission.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Doctoral students at participating Japanese universities; international students must show commitment to Japan's science and innovation.

Academic requirements

Enrolled in (or admitted to) a doctoral programme at a participating university; selected by the university's SPRING committee.

Language requirements

Set by the doctoral programme.

What the scholarship covers

From FY2027 international students receive research funds only (living-expense stipends were stopped after FY2026); some universities pay RA salaries instead.

Tuition: Not covered.
Stipend and benefits: Research expenses of about JPY 0.5–0.9 million per year (e.g. Waseda JPY 0.5M, Kyutech up to JPY 0.9M). No living stipend for international students from FY2027.
Duration: Up to 3 years of the doctoral programme.

Deadline and opening date

Each university recruits for April and October starts; check the university's FY2027 SPRING guidelines.

Expected opening: University notices around Jan–Feb and Jul–Aug.

Required documents

University SPRING application form
Research plan
Supervisor recommendation
Transcripts

How to apply

Apply through your Japanese university's SPRING programme after admission to a doctoral course.

Find a professor for the JST SPRING doctoral student support in Japan

A professor's acceptance can decide this application. ScholarReach finds professors in Japan whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the JST SPRING doctoral student support in Japan?

Doctoral students at participating Japanese universities; international students must show commitment to Japan's science and innovation. Enrolled in (or admitted to) a doctoral programme at a participating university; selected by the university's SPRING committee.

What does the JST SPRING doctoral student support in Japan cover?

From FY2027 international students receive research funds only (living-expense stipends were stopped after FY2026); some universities pay RA salaries instead. Research expenses of about JPY 0.5–0.9 million per year (e.g. Waseda JPY 0.5M, Kyutech up to JPY 0.9M). No living stipend for international students from FY2027.

What is the JST SPRING doctoral student support in Japan deadline?

Each university recruits for April and October starts; check the university's FY2027 SPRING guidelines. Expected opening: University notices around Jan–Feb and Jul–Aug.

Is IELTS required for the JST SPRING doctoral student support in Japan?

Set by the doctoral programme.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the JST SPRING doctoral student support in Japan?

Required: you need a professor's acceptance before or during the application.

How do I apply for the JST SPRING doctoral student support in Japan?