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Four Funding Opportunities in Japan for ASEAN Students and Researchers – 2026 Deadlines Four funding opportunities in Japan are currently available to eligible students, postdoctoral researchers, university faculty members and researchers from ASEAN countries. The programmes cover doctoral study, research internships, postdoctoral research and academic visits to Japanese institutions.1. JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research in Japan – Standard ProgrammeThe Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) offers the FY2027 Standard Postdoctoral Fellowship for researchers from countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Japan, including ASEAN Member States.The fellowship supports postdoctoral researchers conducting collaborative research at eligible universities and research institutions in Japan.EligibilityApplicants must:Hold citizenship of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.Have received a doctoral degree on or after 2 April 2021; orBe scheduled to receive a doctoral degree before the fellowship begins.Secure an eligible host researcher and host institution in Japan.Applicants holding Japanese citizenship or permanent residence status in Japan are not eligible under the standard overseas-candidate conditions.Fellowship duration12–24 months.Financial supportMonthly maintenance allowance: JPY 362,000.Round-trip economy-class airfare.Settling-in allowance: JPY 200,000.Overseas travel insurance.Research expenses may be available through a separate Grant-in-Aid application submitted by the host institution.Application deadline28 August 2026, 5:00 p.m. Japan Standard TimeThis is the deadline for the Japanese host institution to submit the application to JSPS. Host institutions may impose earlier internal deadlines. Individual candidates cannot submit applications directly to JSPS.Official informationJSPS FY2027 application scheduleFY2027 JSPS International Fellowships Application Guidelines2. JSPS Invitational Fellowships for Research in JapanThe JSPS Invitational Fellowships enable established researchers from overseas universities and research institutions to conduct collaborative research, deliver lectures and exchange academic knowledge with researchers in Japan.Applicants from ASEAN countries may participate through eligible Japanese host researchers and institutions.Two fellowship categories are available.Long-term FellowshipDuration: 2–10 months.Monthly maintenance allowance: JPY 387,600.Round-trip economy-class airfare.Overseas travel insurance.Research support allowance of up to JPY 150,000.Short-term FellowshipDuration: 14–60 days.Maintenance allowance: JPY 18,000 per day.Round-trip economy-class airfare.Overseas travel insurance.Research support allowance of up to JPY 150,000.EligibilityCandidates must normally be full-time researchers at overseas universities or research institutions and hold a position equivalent to an assistant professor, associate professor or professor in Japan.Researchers holding other positions may apply if they received their doctoral degree at least six years previously and have continuously conducted research at an overseas university or research institution.Application deadline28 August 2026, 5:00 p.m. Japan Standard TimeApplications must be submitted by a host researcher in Japan through the host institution. Candidates cannot apply directly to JSPS.Official informationJSPS Invitational Fellowships for Research in JapanFY2027 JSPS International Fellowships Application Guidelines3. OIST Research Internship Programme – Spring 2027The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University offers a funded research internship for students seeking practical research experience under the supervision of OIST faculty members.Research areas include physics, chemistry, mathematics, computational science, neuroscience, biological sciences, environmental science, marine science and quantum science.EligibilityApplications are open to:Students in the final two years of a bachelor’s degree.Students enrolled in any year of a master’s degree.Applicants who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree.Students at universities and eligible educational institutions in Japan or overseas.Current doctoral students and applicants who have already completed a PhD are not eligible. Students who are currently enrolled must obtain approval from their home institution.Internship periodThe internship must last between four and six months and take place between 1 April and 30 September 2027.Financial supportOne direct round-trip air ticket.Furnished accommodation funded by OIST or the host research unit.Internship allowance of JPY 2,400 per working day.OIST shuttle bus pass.Administrative support for visa and registration procedures.Application deadline15 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. Japan Standard TimeApplications and supporting documents must be submitted online in English.Official informationOIST Research Internship application and eligibilityOIST Research Internship programme and financial support4. OIST Fully Funded PhD ProgrammeOIST offers a fully funded five-year PhD programme taught in English. The programme begins with laboratory rotations before students select their thesis research area and supervisor.The programme covers a broad range of interdisciplinary research fields in science and technology.EligibilityApplicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or equivalent qualification before the enrolment date. Applicants from ASEAN countries and other international applicants are eligible.OIST does not require applicants to secure approval from a faculty supervisor before submitting the application.Financial supportFinancial support starting at approximately JPY 2.6 million in the first year.Support increasing with academic progress to approximately JPY 3.6 million.Tuition support as part of the fully funded programme.Separate funding for approved domestic and international conference travel.Subsidised on-campus accommodation.Student accident and liability insurance.Visa-document assistance for international students.Financial support is taxable under Japanese regulations.Application deadline15 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. Japan Standard TimeSuccessful applicants may enrol on 1 May 2027, 1 September 2027 or 1 January 2028, according to the admission arrangements.Official informationOIST PhD application, eligibility and scheduleOIST student and financial supportImportant Application InformationThe two JSPS programmes require applications to be submitted through host researchers and host institutions in Japan. Institutional deadlines may be earlier than the official JSPS deadlines.The OIST Research Internship and PhD Programme accept direct online applications from eligible international candidates. Applicants should prepare academic transcripts, degree or enrolment certificates, statements of purpose, curricula vitae and academic recommendation letters before the respective deadlines.

European Funding Opportunities for ASEAN Students and Researchers – October 2026 ERC Starting Grant 2027https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/starting-grantThe European Research Council Starting Grant supports researchers of any nationality who are establishing an independent research team.Applicants must:Have completed their PhD within the previous 0–10 yearsPresent an independent and competitive research proposalConduct the project at a host institution in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated CountryThe grant provides up to €1.5 million for five years. Additional funding is available for eligible project costs. Researchers relocating from a non-associated country may request up to €2 million in additional funding.Application deadline: 14 October 2026View the ERC Starting Grant 2027 callnEXt-RNA Doctoral Networkhttps://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/worldwide/india/news/europe-11-phd-positions-available-next-rna-doctoral-networkThe nEXt-RNA MSCA Doctoral Network offers 11 fully funded PhD positions at institutions in Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and France.Research areas include:RNA biologyHost–pathogen interactionsMicrobiology and immunologyCell biology and biochemistryPlant biologyBioinformatics and scientific programmingApplicants of any nationality must hold a master’s degree or equivalent, must not already hold a PhD and must comply with the MSCA mobility rule. The positions are funded for 36 months and are expected to start between May and September 2027.Application deadline: 15 October 2026 at 23:59 Europe/BerlinView the nEXt-RNA doctoral positionsMobility Scholarships in Slovakiahttps://www.scholarships.skThe National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic supports international students, PhD students, university teachers and researchers undertaking study, teaching or research stays in Slovakia.University students may receive:€620 per month for one or two semestersA travel allowance based on distanceUniversity teachers and researchers may receive:€1,025.50 per month without a PhD and with fewer than four years of experience€1,370 per month with a PhD and fewer than ten years of experience€1,470 per month with a PhD and more than ten years of experienceApplicants must obtain an admission or invitation letter from a Slovak university or research organisation.Application deadline: 31 October at 16:00 CETView the National Scholarship ProgrammeErasmus Mundus Joint Mastershttps://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-mastersErasmus Mundus Joint Masters are open to students from all countries. Students study at multiple universities in Europe and partner countries.Full scholarships may cover:Participation and tuition costsTravel expensesVisa costsLiving allowanceApplications are submitted directly to each participating master’s programme. Deadlines for the 2027 intake vary by programme, with many calls opening between October 2026 and January 2027.Search Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programmesMSCA Doctoral Networks 2026https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networksThe MSCA Doctoral Networks call supports international partnerships that develop doctoral training programmes. Consortia must include at least three organisations from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Universities and research organisations from ASEAN may join as additional partners.Individual students do not apply to this funding call. Once projects are funded, doctoral vacancies are published on EURAXESS and are open to candidates of any nationality.Institutional proposal deadline: 24 November 2026 at 17:00 CETView the MSCA Doctoral Networks call

‍‍The Franco – Thai Scholarship Program of the Embassy of France in Thailandhttps://www.francothai-science.com/franco-thai-scholarship-programDeadline: February 19, 2026In Partnership withThe Franco – Thai Scholarship Program of the Embassy of France in Thailand aims to support Thai students under aged of 35 years old who intend to study in universities or higher education institutions in France for their Master’s degree or PhD. Open to all fields of study, this program is based on a highly selective call for candidates in order to strengthen high level exchanges between France and Thailand.The Franco-Thai scholarship is granted for the period necessary to obtain the degree: one or two years for a Master’s Degree and three years for a PhD.‍In case of co-supervision, the scholarship will only be granted for the periods spent in France.‍If the curriculum requires some course works which will take place outside France, the scholarship will be suspended during that period. ‍The Franco-Thai scholarship program offers two types of scholarships:‍Full scholarship:‍The full scholarship benefits include:- A monthly allowance;- A roundtrip ticket;- Social protection;- Advantages as the French government's grant holder.‍Social Protection Scholarship/Bourse de Couverture Sociale:‍Social Protection Scholarship or “Bourse de Couverture Sociale” gives access to a specific status, enabling candidates to benefit from social protection in France and other specific advantages (exemption from visa fees, CVEC fees and tuition fees for some public higher education institutions’ program,...). The “Bourse de Couverture Sociale” can only be granted if a cost-sharing agreement insures a monthly allowance to the scholar, since it will not be provided by the Franco-Thai program for this type of scholarship.‍Cost-sharing:‍Both Master and PhD Applicants are highly encouraged to look for other sources of funding not only from his/her own local or foreign university but also from private sector. A specific attention will be given to academic applicants who have found other sources of funding for their project.Some doctoral schools ask for a higher monthly income than the monthly allowance granted by this scholarship program. Students applying to those doctoral schools have to check and coordinate with the French laboratory or doctoral school to secure additional funding.‍‍Tuition fees‍Please note that the Franco-Thai Scholarship Program does not cover tuition fees.For some Master’s taught in French at a public university and for PhD programs, being a scholar of the French Government will entail that the tuition fees will be lifted. It is the candidate’s responsibility to check the amount of the tuition fees for the program he/she is applying to.‍In order to identify grant recipients, the selection committee will consider: - The candidate’s skills and merit as borne out by his/her academic record and professional background; - The quality of the study plan. Contacts with the Master’s degree or thesis supervisors and progress of the project submitted will also be taken into account; - The strong and firm interest of the candidate in pursuing studies with regards to his/her previous studies and professional project; - The level of proficiency in foreign languages (French or English) and its adequacy with the intended curriculum; - Other sources of funding to support the project; - For PhDs applicants, the selection committee will favor PhDs under joint supervision and commitment of Thai and French supervisors will be decisive.

PhD Research Fellowship in AI, Politics and Societyhttps://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60607072?hl=enhttps://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/400168Application Deadline: 15 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)Offer DescriptionLINES & CRPD aim to launch a new research line on the broad theme of “AI, Politics and Society”. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how decisions are made in government, business, and everyday life. This development offers significant opportunities, but it also introduces new political and societal challenges and risks. It is therefore essential to better understand how AI is—or may come to be—(re)shaping power, governance, and social relations in the future, and how societies can guide these technologies in democratic, fair, and accountable ways. As part of this new research line, we are seeking a highly motivated and outstanding doctoral candidate to join our research team. We welcome applicants who are eager to connect political and social analysis with the growing importance and impact of AI on (international) politics and society.You also contribute to collective responsibilities of the research group (such as educational services, team meetings, research proposals, supervision of bachelor and master students, invigilating exams, student recruitment activities, etc.).The applicant should have completed a Master’s degree in political science, sociology, or another closely related discipline. An interdisciplinary background combining a social science degree with computer science or a closely related field is a strong assetThe applicant should have an excellent academic track record. Applicants should have obtained their Master’s degree with first-class or upper second-class honours.Excellent analytical skills and a willingness to engage with both quantitative and qualitative research methods.Demonstrated familiarity with, and strong interest in, the political and societal implications of AI and machine learning.Proficiency in English sufficient to discuss research with colleagues and report findings clearly in writing.Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team committed to developing solutions collaboratively.As part of the application process, applicants must submit a short research statement (maximum two pages) outlining their proposed research ideas. In this document, applicants should specify the context in which they wish to examine the growing impact, significance, and societal relevance of AI; explain why they consider this an important area for scholarly inquiry; and describe how they intend to investigate it (e.g., core research questions and methods).We welcome a broad range of proposals. Possible topics include, but are not limited to: how AI may (re)shape international politics; how states use AI strategies and regulation to gain geopolitical influence; the determinants of public acceptance of AI in governance and society; the use of AI in policymaking and in policy-relevant research; the distributional consequences of AI at local, national, or international levels; and how AI may affect citizens’ trust in government institutions.Your electronic application must include: Cover letterCVResearch statement (max. 2 pages)Copy of your Master’s thesisFull degree transcripts (both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.You will receive a monthly scholarship in line with KU Leuven standards for PhD scholarships. You will initially be offered a one-year contract, which can be extended up to a total of four years.The scholarship provides access to social benefits, insurance coverage, and training opportunities.You will join a dynamic, international research team and receive support in developing your academic and professional career.Support is provided for conference participation, methodological training, and knowledge valorisation initiatives.For more information please contact CRPD Director, Prof. dr. Arnim Langer, mail: arnim.langer@kuleuven.beEligibility criteriaThe applicant should have completed a Master’s degree in political science, sociology, or another closely related discipline. An interdisciplinary background combining a social science degree with computer science or a closely related field is a strong assetThe applicant should have an excellent academic track record. Applicants should have obtained their Master’s degree with first-class or upper second-class honours.Excellent analytical skills and a willingness to engage with both quantitative and qualitative research methods.Demonstrated familiarity with, and strong interest in, the political and societal implications of AI and machine learning.Proficiency in English sufficient to discuss research with colleagues and report findings clearly in writing.Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team committed to developing solutions collaboratively.