Doctoral Fellowships give doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences, including comparative research projects, the opportunity to conduct research in Japan for periods ranging from 4 to 12 months. Applicants must have completed all academic requirements except the dissertation when they begin the fellowship and are expected to have sufficient proficiency in the Japanese language to pursue their research in Japan. Higher priority will be given to applicants who expect to submit their dissertation shortly after the completion of their fellowship. Three letters of reference, an evaluation of Japanese-language ability, and academic transcripts must accompany all applications.