Fully Funded Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentship 2026 at Oxford Brookes University: £15,000 per Year for MPhil/PhD in Japanese Studies

Oxford Brookes University has officially opened applications for the Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentship (MPhil/PhD) for the 2026/27 academic year. The studentship offers up to £15,000 per year to support postgraduate research with a strong focus on Japan. The deadline to apply is 5pm, 10 March 2026, with studies beginning in September 2026.

This opportunity is open to applicants of all nationalities and supports full-time research in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS).

About the Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentship

The Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentship is made possible through the support of The Nippon Foundation and the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation. It is designed to strengthen research in Japanese Studies at Oxford Brookes University.

The award provides:

• £15,000 per year (maximum)

• Funding for the 2026/27 academic year

• Renewal each year for up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress

Please note that tuition fees and bench fees are not included and must be covered separately by the student.

Who Can Apply?

The studentship is open to:

• UK students

• EU students

• International students

• Applicants of all nationalities

Candidates must meet the following academic requirements:

• A strong first degree (minimum 2:1 or above)

• A Master’s degree with merit or distinction

• Appropriate Japanese language skills in reading, writing, and speaking, depending on the proposed research

Applicants must also submit a formal application for admission to Oxford Brookes University by the studentship deadline.

Research Focus Areas

The research proposal must have a clear and strong focus on Japan. Projects that connect different academic disciplines within the Faculty are especially welcome.

While a wide range of topics is supported, the university is particularly interested in proposals related to:

• Ageing and care

• Film and cinema studies

• Literature and the arts

• Social anthropology

• Popular culture

Oxford Brookes University is home to the Europe Japan Research Centre, which brings together researchers working on Japan-related themes across disciplines.

Academic Environment

The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences offers expertise in Japanese language and culture, along with strong research support. Students benefit from access to experienced supervisors, research seminars, and an active academic community focused on Europe-Japan studies.

The studentship is structured for full-time MPhil or PhD research, beginning in September 2026.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 5pm, 10 March 2026

• Start Date: September 2026

• Funding Amount: £15,000 per year

• Duration: Up to three years (subject to progress)

How to Apply

Applicants should contact:

Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: “Sasakawa”

Candidates must apply for admission and clearly indicate their interest in the Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentship.

For project-related queries, the same contact email can be used.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Japan remains central to global discussions on culture, society, ageing, technology, and the arts. This studentship supports in-depth academic research that contributes to these conversations.

With dedicated funding and access to a strong research centre, the Sasakawa Postgraduate Studentship offers serious support for scholars committed to Japanese Studies.

The application window is open, and interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their research proposals well before the March deadline.