In 2026, the Canon Foundation Fellowship will continue to support collaborative research between Germany (and wider Europe) and Japan by offering up to 15 fellowships for early-career researchers. Recipients—who hold at least a Master’s or PhD and come from Europe or Japan—can pursue 3 to 12-month research projects across any academic discipline at host institutions in the partner region. The fellowship provides generous funding (up to approximately €30 000 per year, prorated) and emphasizes flexibility in choosing host and project plans
Benefits that Let You Focus on Discovery:
Fellows who are successful are permitted to establish their own budgets and may receive up to €30,000 for a twelve-month residency (pro-rata for lesser projects). Due to the grant’s complete flexibility, you have the discretion to determine the amount to designate for flights, accommodation, family expenses, insurance, bench fees, archival access, books, or language courses.
There are no pre-determined universities or additional concealed costs; accommodation and host-institution arrangements are negotiated freely between you and your selected host.
Who Is Eligible?
European citizens (including those from the United Kingdom, Turkey, the Balkans, and the Baltics) are eligible to apply for research opportunities in Japan, while Japanese citizens are eligible to apply for entry into Europe. You must have obtained a Master’s or PhD within the past ten years.
You are still eligible for consideration if you graduated earlier; simply submit a brief note that elucidates your career trajectory. First-time commuters are given priority; the Foundation particularly promotes researchers who are making their first professional visit to Japan or Europe.
Program Tracks on Offer:
- Core Research Fellowships (Europe → Japan or Japan → Europe).
- Co-sponsored research fellowships are placements that are jointly funded and coordinated with partner institutions.
- Japan-Africa Programme (projects that enhance collaboration between Europe, Japan, and Africa by incorporating a tri-continental perspective).
All tracks share the same application portal and funding envelope; simply outline your preferred host lab or department and upload the agreed research plan.
Check Also: Cheapest Countries to Study Abroad
Application Timeline & Selection:
Apply: https://www.eu-japan.eu/news/canon-foundation-research-fellowships
15 September 2025 is the deadline for applications to the Canon Foundation Research Fellowships. Applications for financial assistance for the Canon Foundation Research Fellowships are also due by September 15, 2025. The funding is essential to each award, so no separate form is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Canon Foundation Research Fellowship?
The Canon Foundation in Europe offers up to 15 annual fellowships to support scientific, cultural, and academic exchange between Europe (including Germany) and Japan. Fellowships enable researchers to spend 3–12 months in their host region—Europeans in Japan or Japanese in Europe
Who is eligible to apply?
Nationality: European or Japanese citizens only. European eligibility extends to countries like Germany, UK, Turkey, and Israel .
Academic Qualification: Minimum of a Master’s or PhD, generally earned within the past 10 years. Exceptionally, older qualifications may be considered with extra justification
First-time Applicants Preferred: Priority is given to individuals who haven’t previously received a Canon FellowshipWhat research fields are supported?
Every academic discipline is supported—from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and engineering. There’s no field restriction
