JF Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants 2026

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is currently accepting applications for its JF Next Gen Japan Study Tour Grants 2026. This program is an educational initiative designed to enhance academic learning through immersive international experiences in Japan.

📖 About the Program

The SSRC-JF Next Generation Japan Studies Development Program funds faculty-led study tours to Japan for US college and university students. The program aims to:

• Strengthen Japan studies by linking coursework with structured overseas learning.
• Combine classroom instruction with direct cultural and institutional engagement in Japan.

🎁 Benefits

The program provides funding of up to $32,500 per study tour, which includes:

1. Curriculum Support

• $5,000 for activities supporting the study tour curriculum, such as:
  • Honoraria for lecturers.
  • Hiring an interpreter.
  • Hiring a mini-bus for local transportation.

2. Participant Support

• A maximum of $2,500 per participant/project director (minimum 5 participants and 1 project director).
• A total of $27,500 for participants/project director, covering:
  • Round-trip international flights (economy class) between the US and Japan.
  • Accommodations in Japan.
  • Domestic transportation within Japan.
  • Overseas travel insurance.

Note: Even if the number of participants exceeds 11, the grant cannot cover additional costs.

3. Exclusions

• Expenses such as meals, entrance tickets to historical sites or museums, etc., are not covered by this grant.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Institutional Requirements

• US-based universities and colleges with 501(c)3 status or qualifying tax-exempt status.

Responsibilities of Applying Institutions

• Selection of undergraduate and/or master’s student participants.
• Preparing an appropriate course-related itinerary.
• Making reservations and managing appointments.
• Conducting the tour.
• Securing additional financial resources and insurance as needed.

Faculty Requirements

• The faculty member teaching the course must serve as the project director and:
  • Be responsible for all practical, academic, and logistical aspects of the application.
  • Preferably hold a PhD or terminal degree in their field.
  • Teach Japan-related courses.
  • Accompany students on the trip.
  • There is no nationality requirement for the project director.

Study Tour Requirements

• Minimum of 5 students led by the project director.
• Japan stay must include at least 5 days of course-related activities.
• Faculty members without prior Japan experience must consult with an educator teaching Japan-related content courses.

Funding Restrictions

• Funding support is only for travel and accommodations of individuals with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Other students may participate but must be funded through other means.

📋 Program Requirements

Educational Components

• The study tour itinerary must align with the course in which students are enrolled.
• Include at least 2 academic-oriented lectures related to the study tour curriculum.
• Visits to historical sites, museums, and other institutions to enhance understanding of Japanese culture.

Post-Tour Requirements

• Students must submit a 1,000-word essay reflecting on their experience.
• Institutions must submit:
  • A full list of participants, final itinerary, and study tour syllabus.
  • Student essays.
  • An educational module based on the study tour curriculum for inclusion in an SSRC open-access curricular repository.
• Final reporting to SSRC is due one month after the end of the Japan Study Tour.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 01 June, 2026
• Visit the official SSRC website to view details and apply.

For more information, visit the SSRC Program Page or Apply Here.

• Up to $32,500 per study tour.
• $5,000 for curriculum support activities such as hiring lecturers and transportation.
• $2,500 per student/project director (for a minimum of 5 students).
• Funding covers round trip flights, accommodations, domestic transportation, and travel insurance.