The BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars was established in 1991, and it aims to promote international cooperation and mutual understanding in Buddhist studies, and is intended to enable researchers to engage in advanced research on Buddhism while in Japan.
BDK Fellowship holders are affiliated with Japanese universities such as Kyoto University, the University of Tokyo, Ryukoku University, Bukkyo University, etc., and focus on their studies and research for a year in Japan. Most of the past scholarship holders hold professorships at universities in North America, Europe, and other countries in the world. Their efforts contribute to the promotion of Buddhist studies in today's world.
BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars
The BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars aims to promote international cooperation and mutual understanding in Buddhist studies, and is intended to enable researchers to engage in advanced research on Buddhism while in Japan.
Who is Eligible?
- 1. Must be of non-Japanese nationality
- 2. Must be under 40 years of age at the time of application
- 3. Preferably advanced graduate students working toward a Ph.D. degree
- 4. Must be able to engage in the academic study of Buddhism for one full year
- 5. Must be affiliated with a Japanese university or research institute while in Japan
Required Documents for the 2026 BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars
- 2026 BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars
- 2026 Guidelines for Applicants
- 2026 Application
- 2026 Confidential Report on Applicant
- Applications for the 2026 BDK Fellowship for Foreign Scholars has been started.
Fellowship Award
- Monthly scholarship payments of: ¥250,000 (for a single awardee) ¥300,000 (for an awardee with his/her accompanying family)※
- Additional Award benefits: - Health insurance premium for coverage provided by a local government office in Japan(for recipient and his/her accompanying family, up to ¥30,000 per person)※
- Partial subsidy for domestic research travel and book purchases: ¥40,000 toward research travel and /40,000 toward book purchases.
- One round trip economy class air fare for the recipient(for a recipient already residing in Japan, a one-way return ticket)
- ※Please inquire with BDK about possible additional support for dependents which will be considered in special cases.
