PNST Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2026 in Japan (Fully Funded)

This fellowship, offered by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in collaboration with the Government of Japan and Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), invites applicants from developing or non–space-faring countries to pursue advanced degrees in nano-satellite technologies. The program begins on October 1, 2026, offering hands-on training, generous funding, and the experience of working in a leading space research environment in Japan.

Eligibility 

• Master’s Program (2 years)
  • Must hold, or be in final year of, a Bachelor’s degree in engineering-related fields (other technological fields may be considered).
• Ph.D. Program (3 years)
  • Must hold, or be completing, a Master’s degree in engineering-related subjects
• Nationality from a developing or non–space-faring country (lacking significant space technology capabilities).
• Must be nominated by their home institution.
• Meet the age requirement: born on or after April 2, 1990 (or similar, depending on the year).
• Strong English language skills for instruction and collaboration.
• Clear commitment to using the experience professionally to further space development in their home country

Program Dates/Location

• Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
• Start Date: October 1, 2026
• Duration:
  • Master’s: 2 years
  • Ph.D.: 3 years
• Location: Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan, Space Engineering International Course (SEIC)

Program Benefits

• Monthly stipend of approximately 144,000 JPY, covering housing, food, local transport, and other living expenses.
• Economy-class air ticket to and from Japan as designated by MEXT.
• Full coverage of matriculation, tuition, and entrance exam fees by Kyutech.

Fields of Study

• Nano-satellite system design and development, including hands-on research facility usage.
• Enrollment in the Space Engineering International Course (SEIC), working on real nano-satellite projects under faculty supervision.

Required Documents

Applicants must complete an online registration and submit documents, including:

• Electronic registration form (via provided URL; confirmation email will follow)
• Nomination Form and Rank Certificate
• Application Form
• Referee Report Form (submitted by referees)
• Academic Background documentation
• Field of Study & Research Plan
• Application form for MEXT Scholarship
• English-language versions of all documentation (submit PDFs, each under 5 MB)

For the PDF version of the required forms, please click here

Application Process

1. Register online to receive a confirmation email with access to application forms
2. Fill out and upload all required documents.
3. Ensure referees submit their reports by the deadline.
4. Deadline: November 30, 2025, at 23:59 JST. Applications must be complete in all aspects
5. Results are expected by the end of March 2026
6. Selected fellows must satisfy SEIC coursework requirements and complete a thesis defense to obtain their degree

For more detailed information, please visit the official website of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs