Sakura Science Exchange Program
What is the Sakura Science Exchange Program?
In 2014, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) started the “Sakura Science Program”. Since then, the program has invited talented young foreign human resources for short−term visits to Japan, giving them the opportunity to experience both Japan’s cutting−edge science and technology and culture. Exchange plans prepared by Japanese receiving organizations and overseas sending organizations are publicly offered and adopted.
Host Organizations
Educational and research institutes throughout Japan, companies, local governments, various organizations, and others.
Sending Organizations
An organization that dispatches invitees and plans and implements exchange programs in cooperation with the host organization.
For further information about Sakura Science Exchange program, please visit: https://ssp.jst.go.jp/en/ or download PR Material.
Purposes of Sakura Science Exchange Program
The Sakura Science Program’s objectives include:
- To support the development of talented human resources from overseas who have the potential to contribute to innovation in science and technology.
- To Accelerate the international brain cycle.
- To promote continuous collaboration, cooperation and interaction between Japanese educational and research institutes and overseas ones.
- To strengthen good relationship between Japan and other countries and regions that will help science and technology diplomacy.
Eligible persons
Students, researchers and others engaged in science and technology who are 40 years old and under.
Open Application Program
Sakura Science Exchange Program invites aspiring youth for a short period of time and promotes the exchange in the field of science and technology.
Individual application cannot be accepted. Overseas and Japanese organizations jointly plan the program, and the Japanese organization sends applications to JST within the designated period.
Application Calendar (Updated on January 18th)
During the Application period in fiscal year 2024, there are 3 deadlines to screen the application documents.
Schedule for FY2024 is as below. Please note that this schedule is subject to change.
| Acceptance start | Deadline | Result notification | Invitation period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 25 (Thu) | February 22 (Thu) | Mid April | Late May ~ March 14, 2025 |
| 2 | February 23 (Fri) | May 16 (Thu) | Mid July | Late August ~ March 14, 2025 |
| 3 | May 17 (Fri) | September 9 (Mon) | Early November | Mid December ~ March 14, 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria for the program
1. Countries or regions for invitation
Basically, all countries and regions are eligible for invitation.
2. Requirements for invitees
The invitee must meet the following requirements when coming to Japan.
- Affiliation / Age(i) High school students, Technical college students(ii) University students, Graduate students, Postdoctoral fellows, Faculty members, and persons who are engaged in work related to science and technology at public institutions and are below 40 years old.
- Experience of staying Japan In principal, invitation by Sakura Science Exchange Program must be the first stay Japan for the invitee.
