Post-graduate Study on Nano-Satellite Technologies (PNST) Fellowship in Japan 2026
The Post-graduate Study on Nano-Satellite Technologies (PNST) Fellowship is a golden chance for international students who dream to study and research in Japan. This program is supported by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan.
The fellowship is now officially open for the 2026 academic year starting from August 20, 2025. It welcomes talented students from all over the world who want to build their future in the field of nano-satellite technologies.
The PNST Fellowship gives students a chance to complete a Master’s or PhD degree in Japan, fully supported. The program covers tuition fees, living costs, and research expenses. This makes it a fully funded opportunity, so students can focus only on learning and research without worrying about money.
One of the best parts of this fellowship is that students can work on real satellite projects. They gain hands-on training in designing, building, and testing small satellites. This experience is very valuable in today’s space technology industry.
Japan is known for its advanced science and technology, and studying at Kyutech will give students access to top professors, modern labs, and global connections.
The PNST Fellowship is not only about education. It also builds strong international cooperation. Students from many countries come together, share knowledge, and work as a team.
Fellowship Details
Country: Japan
Program Name: Post-graduate Study on Nano-Satellite Technologies (PNST) Fellowship
Type of Fellowship: Fully Free (tuition, living, and research support)
Eligible Countries: Open for all international students, including Afghanistan
Registration Opens: August 20, 2025
Registration Deadline: November 30, 2025
Interviews: December 2025
Course Start: 2026 academic year
Language of Study: English
This fellowship is a fully funded study opportunity in Japan for students from every country. It is run by the PNST program at Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan, with support from the United Nations.
PNST Fellowship 2026 – Key Rules for Participation
Who Can Apply
Must be from a developing or non-space country
Must be nominated by your institution
Must be born after 2 April 1991
For Master’s: need a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar
For PhD: need a Master’s degree in engineering or similar
Other tech fields may be accepted by Kyutech faculty
Must use the skills gained in professional work
Equal chance for men and women (3 males + 3 females selected)
What Is Not Covered
No support for family or dependents
No travel insurance or life insurance
No personal property loss coverage
No compensation for disability or death
Only the costs mentioned in the fellowship are paid
When Fellowship Can End
If the academic background is weak
If English skills are not enough
If a student shows poor behavior
If the student quits without reason
If I cannot finish my Master in 2 years or PhD in 3 years
If GPA falls below 2.30
PNST Fellowship Japan 2026 – Key Information
Theme: Training in Basic Space Technology
Program Name: Post-graduate Study on Nano-Satellite Technologies (PNST)
Host University: Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan
Organizers: United Nations (UNOOSA) & Government of Japan
Program Length:
Master’s: 2 years
Doctorate: 3 years
Start Date: 1 October 2026
Application Deadline:30 November 2025 (Japan Standard Time)
Result Announcement: March 2026
Registration Link: Candidates must register online first, then get an ID and upload documents
Language: English
Available Seats: 3 for Master’s + 3 for PhD
What You Get
Monthly Grant: ~144,000 Yen (living, food, transport)
Free Tuition & Exam Fees (paid by Kyutech)
Air Ticket: Economy class (home country to Japan, one-way and return)
What You Pay
Travel inside home country to airport
Local transport inside Japan not covered by fellowship
Insurance and personal expenses
Study Benefits
Work on real nano-satellite projects
Learn design, build, and test satellites
Teamwork with international students
Degree: Master’s or PhD after thesis defense
Who Can Apply
Bachelor in engineering (for Master’s)
Master in engineering (for PhD)
Final year students (must graduate by Sept 2026)
Must have good English
Must show how knowledge will help home country
Selection
Pre-selection by UNOOSA
Final choice by Kyutech
Only 6 students total (worldwide)
PNST Fellowship Japan 2026 – Required Documents
If you want to apply for the United Nations/Japan PNST Fellowship 2026, you must prepare and upload the following papers before 30 November 2025 (JST). All files must be in English (or officially translated).
Required Application Documents
Nomination Form – Signed and stamped by your university or institution head.
PNST Application Form – Completed by applicant.
MEXT Application Form – For Japanese Government scholarship.
Research Plan – Study and research proposal (detailed for PhD).
Degree Certificates – Bachelor/Master or proof of expected graduation (with translation).
Transcripts – Official academic records with GPA and grading details.
Transcript Guide – Official explanation of your university’s grading system.
GPA/Rank Certificate – GPA (2.30 or higher) or rank in top 30% of class.
English Proof – IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo (CEFR B2+), OR a letter stating that the degree was taught fully in English.
Education History – Explain the school system and the timeline of your studies.
CV/Resume – Signed and dated.
Referee Reports (3) – Uploaded directly by professors (one must be your last supervisor).
Extra Rules
File Size: Max 5MB, formats: PDF/DOC/JPG/PNG.
File Name: Use checklist number + name (e.g., 01_kabir khan).
Upload: All files must be submitted online before the deadline.
Originals: Final selected candidates must send some documents (diplomas, transcripts, referee report) by courier (DHL/FedEx).
How to Win PNST Fellowship Japan 2026 – Simple Guide
Winning the PNST Fellowship 2026 requires planning, careful preparation, and strong documents. Follow these easy steps to increase your chance:
1. Meet All Eligibility Rules
Must be from a developing or non-space country
Born after 2 April 1991
Have proper Bachelor or Master degree in engineering (or similar tech field)
Show you will use the knowledge in your home country
2. Start Early & Register On Time
Registration opens 20 August 2025
Deadline: 30 November 2025
Register online first, get your ID, and upload documents
3. Prepare Strong Documents
Nomination form from university head
PNST application form fully completed
MEXT scholarship application
Research plan (detailed for PhD)
Degrees and transcripts (with official English translation)
GPA or rank certificate (GPA ≥ 2.30 or top 30%)
Proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL/CEFR B2+)
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Referee reports (3, from your professors or supervisors)
4. Show Your Passion for Space Tech
Explain why you want to work in nano-satellites
Show you understand Japan and global space projects
Highlight how you will use the experience in your country
5. Follow All Instructions Carefully
Upload files in correct format (PDF/DOC/JPG/PNG) and size <5MB
Name files correctly (e.g., 01_Ahmad_Khan)
Make sure referees upload reports themselves
Submit everything before the deadline
6. Prepare for Interview
If selected, you may have an interview in December 2025
Speak clearly and confidently in English
Show knowledge, motivation, and professionalism
7. Focus on Excellence
Maintain good GPA
Follow all rules and behave professionally
Avoid any mistakes in documents or deadlines
8. Learn About Kyutech & UNOOSA
Understand the university programs, labs, and projects
Be ready to explain why PNST is perfect for you
9. Be Unique & Memorable
Highlight your special skills, achievements, or projects
Show how you can help your country join space technology
PNST Fellowship Japan 2026 – Quick FAQ
Q1: Who can apply? Students from developing or non-space countries with a Bachelor’s (for Master’s) or Master’s (for PhD) in engineering or similar tech fields.
Q2: Is it fully funded? Yes. Tuition, living costs, research, and round-trip flight are covered.
Q3: How many seats are available? Only 6 worldwide – 3 for Master’s, 3 for PhD.
Q4: What documents are needed? Nomination form, PNST & MEXT forms, research plan, degrees, transcripts, GPA/rank, English proof, CV, and 3 referee reports.
Q5: What is the deadline? All documents must be uploaded by 30 November 2025 (JST).
Q6: What skills are gained? Hands-on satellite design, build, and testing, teamwork, and global networking.
Q7: How to increase chances? Submit strong documents, show passion for space tech, follow instructions, and prepare for interview.
Q8: What if I fail requirements? Fellowship may end if GPA drops, English is weak, or professional rules are not followed.
Q9: Where is the program? Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan, in English.
Q10: When does it start? October 2026 for Master’s (2 years) and PhD (3 years).
