The CSEAS Fellowship at Kyoto University 2026

The Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) at Kyoto University, Japan, has been offering visiting fellowship programs since 1975. To date, over 450 distinguished scholars – many of them leading researchers in their fields – have used the Center’s scholarly resources to engage in path‑breaking, multidisciplinary research on Southeast Asia. If you are an accomplished scholar, researcher, librarian, or professional looking to spend time in the historic city of Kyoto, this fully funded fellowship could be your opportunity. For students exploring other fully funded opportunities in Japan, you can browse fully funded scholarships in Japan  to discover additional programs.

Fellowship Slots and Periods

Five fellowships (including one librarian position) are available for 2027, with start dates on:

• March 1, 2027

• April 1, 2027

• May 1, 2027

• June 1, 2027

Note: CSEAS may offer a different period than you propose due to slot availability. You may begin your fellowship on days other than the 1st day of the indicated month. Fellowships are awarded for a period of three to six months. A total of fourteen fellowships are awarded annually on a competitive basis.

For students also considering study options in other Asian countries, you can explore latest scholarships in Korea  to compare opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CSEAS Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an accomplished scholar of high standing

• Be under 65 years of age at the time of fellowship appointment (applicants over 65 may be considered only in exceptional cases)

• Hold a PhD – unless, prior to submitting an application, you have obtained approval from a CSEAS faculty member to serve as your counterpart

• Not be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program or engaged in postdoctoral studies

• Experienced librarians only – for the library position

• Previous CSEAS fellows may reapply only after six years have passed since completing their fellowship

Who can apply? Applicants are not limited to scholars. CSEAS has hosted government officials, journalists, public intellectuals, librarians, NGO workers, IT specialists, and other professionals on short‑term visits.

Fellowship Benefits – What Is Covered

Successful applicants receive:

• An appropriate stipend to cover international travel and living expenses in Kyoto

• Research funds to facilitate work

• Domestic travel funds (subject to government regulations)

Visiting Research Scholars are considered employees of Kyoto University and are therefore subject to some of the University’s regulations.

For researchers seeking financial aid options across Asia, you can review  aids for students in Asia to find other programs.

Expectations During the Fellowship

While in Kyoto, fellows are encouraged to:

• Participate in CSEAS conferences, seminars, and workshops

• Submit articles to the Center’s flagship journal Southeast Asian Studies, The Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia, and the CSEAS Newsletter

• Reside in Kyoto for the duration of the fellowship

• Deliver a public lecture during their term

• Consider submitting manuscripts to one of the Center’s book series

Why Choose CSEAS at Kyoto University

• World‑class research environment – considerable scholarly resources and multidisciplinary faculty

• Historic location – Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital and the main repository of the country’s cultural treasures

• Ideal for exchange and collaboration – the Center’s diverse research interests offer an ideal opportunity for cultivating comparative perspectives on Southeast Asia

• Long legacy – established in 1975, with over 450 distinguished alumni

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following via the online form and email:

• Completed online application form

• Curriculum vitae (max 5 pages, including list of all major publications) – send PDF to grants@cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp

• Research plan for the fellowship term (max 2 pages, double spaced, using the provided form)

• Two recommendation letters – referees must send letters directly to CSEAS via email, written on their institution’s letterhead

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2027 fellowships must reach CSEAS no later than April 30, 2026.

Notification: Applicants will be notified of their application status by the end of July 2026.

Important: CSEAS regrets that they cannot entertain individual queries or follow‑ups about results by email, fax, or telephone.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare your CV (max 5 pages), research plan (using the downloaded form, double spaced), and arrange for two recommendation letters.

Step 2: Complete the online application form.

Step 3: Send your CV and research plan as PDF files to grants@cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp.

Step 4: Request your referees to send their recommendation letters to CSEAS via email on their institution’s letterhead.

Step 5: Submit everything before April 30, 2026.

Final Thoughts

The CSEAS Fellowship at Kyoto University is a prestigious opportunity for accomplished scholars, researchers, and professionals working on Southeast Asian studies. With full stipends covering travel and living expenses, research funds, and access to world‑class resources in the beautiful historic city of Kyoto, this fellowship offers an ideal environment for path‑breaking research.

The deadline is April 30, 2026, for fellowships starting between March and June 2027. If you hold a PhD (or have secured a counterpart at CSEAS), are under 65, and are not currently enrolled in a graduate program, do not miss this chance to join over 450 distinguished CSEAS alumni.

Apply Now for CSEAS Fellowship