Last revision: 2020/02/12

JSPS “Research Fellowship for Young Scientists” (Gakushin)
English Info-Session: KURA FAQ (work-in-progress)
Q: Where can I find the application forms etc. online?
A: Application forms are usually posted on the JSPS website around Mid-February. Note that
the English translations of the forms available from OIST, while useful for reference, areunofficial and cannot be submitted. You must submit the Japanese forms downloaded fromthe JSPS website.
Q: I am currently receiving a MEXT scholarship. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, but in case your application is successful you will need to choose one, since they are
not cumulative.
Q: Is there an age restriction?
A: No. Despite the name, your eligibility depends not on your age but the number of months
you are into your PhD course at the time your proposal is selected for funding (i.e. as of April
the following year after submission).
Q: I am applying for the “JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research in Japan”（外国人特別研 究 員 ） but I have two/multiple PhD advisors. Which one should write the letter ofrecommendation?
A: That is up to you and them. However, it is advisable that you include both in the decisionmaking process, to avoid communication issues. Also, keep in mind that the recommendationof a full Professor may carry greater weight than that of an Assistant Professor.
Q: Let’s say I get a DC fellowship, but graduate with a PhD before the funding period ends.
Do I still receive the funding for the remaining time?
A: Yes. If a PhD student graduates after having been accepted into the DC program, his or
her status will be changed to PD, but funding will continue as normal for the remaining timeas specified by the DC fellowship regulations.

Example: Let's say you are in a 3-year PhD course and apply successfully for the DC2
fellowship in your second year. Funding starts in your third year. You then graduate with aPhD, but have "one year of funding left", so to speak.
In this case, your status will formally be changed to PD and funding continues for anotheryear (The amount you receive is still the one specified by the DC fellowship, not the PD one).

Last revision: 2020/02/12

Q: Does the above regulation also apply to international fellowship recipients?
A: Yes. This applies to international students and Japanese students alike. I.e., even thoughinternational students without permanent resident status are not eligible to APPLY for thePD fellowship, their status can be changed in this way.
Q: Oh great, so I can’t apply for the PD category without permanent resident status. Nowwhat?
A: You might want to consider applying for one of the “Postdoctoral Fellowships for Researchin Japan” instead (likely the “standard program”):
https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-fellow/index.html
However, be aware that the application procedures differ from the “Young Researchers
Fellowship”. If you have any questions, please contact the Research Administration Office(KURA).
Q: I have worked in the industry for XY years before returning to get/finish my PhD. As aresult, I don’t have much of an academic track record (journal papers, talks etc.). Is this adisadvantage?
A: Not necessarily. Practitioners tend to have a different perspective in virtue of having
actually applied academic content “in the real world”. It depends on whether you can use thisto your advantage when writing your application.
Q: After the program I plan to leave for country XYZ and might never return to Japan. How
should I communicate this?
A: If you don’t absolutely have to communicate this, some things might better be left unsaid.
If you do, consider emphasizing that you will not be “lost” to Japanese academia but continue
to be an asset as part of an international research network.
Q: Can I sent you guys my application to get some feedback?
A: Sorry, we are currently unable to offer any feedback or brush-up services for YRF. However,
we will gladly assist you with pretty much anything else concerning the application.
Q: To apply, I need a login-ID and password. Where do I get those?
A: The ID and password are issued by your department. Please consult the chart and contact
the person responsible for your division when the JSPS announces the call for applications.

Last revision: 2020/02/12(Email addresses are on the right side of the document. Try an “F+command” search,
copypasting the Japanese name of your department into the search field. Failing that, contact
KURA)
Any open questions?
Let us know, and we’ll get back to you and add them to the FAQ:
wittfeld[at]kura.kyoto-u.ac.jp (replace [at] with @)