My Way to Japan

The JSPS DC fellowship for PhD students
Johannes Nicolaus Wibisana Updated in JANUARY 2025

In Japan, PhD students can apply for the JSPS DC fellowship, in this fellowship, there are 2 different categories, DC1 and DC2. DC1 is for 3 years and DC2 is for 2 years. However, if you finish your PhD earlier than expected, you might be able to convert it to PD and get post-doctoral benefits (higher salary). An applicant needs to apply before they enroll to the PhD program, and therefore usually it would be easier for applicants that are staying for PhD in the same laboratory since at least master’s to apply for this fellowship.

Benefits:
Monthly stipend of 200,000 JPY for the duration of the fellowship. Not only that, but applicants will also receive a research grant up to 1.5 million JPY per year for the duration of the fellowship. This is very rewarding for those PhD students that want to have freedom of research. Using this research budget, one can do not only experiments, but also attend international conferences and other travels.

How to apply:
Applicants are required to obtain login ID and password from their respective universities. Upon getting the credentials, applicants should fill in the CV and request a recommendation letter from someone, usually their supervisors. Then, applicants need to fill in the DC application form, which includes a research plan and self-assessment. While I am still currently still in the process of application, I have heard that some applicants have good research plan but not very good self-assessment. I will try to share more tips if I get the fellowship in the near future. More information can be seen in https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-pd/.