The QCJLS provides support for university researchers in the humanities and social sciences whose work focuses directly on Japanese language, Japanese language education, or Japanese studies. Two types of funding are available for Japan studies researchers in 2025:

  1. research travel grants to undertake research in Japan;
  2. conference grants to present a paper at a conference directly related to Japanese language/studies, in Australia or Japan.

Research Travel Grants

Funding of up to $10,000 ($8,000 for Honours students) will be provided to assist applicants to undertake travel to and research in Japan. Grants will be awarded on the basis of the selection criteria below.

If the proposed project requires ethical clearance, an approval letter must be attached. If it is still under consideration, applicants should indicate when the outcome is expected to be available.

A statement of why it is necessary to undertake the research in Japan, a fully justified budget, an indication of expected publication outcomes and a brief CV must also be provided.

Download the application form.

Conference grants

Funding will be provided towards travel, accommodation and conference registration costs for applicants who have been accepted to present a conference paper. Up to $3,000 will be provided for international conferences, and up to $2,000 for conferences in Australia. Evidence of the paper’s acceptance by organisers, a fully justified budget, an outline of expected publication outcomes and a brief CV must also be provided. Retrospective applications (for conferences that will be held before the application deadline) will not be considered.

Selection Criteria (both programs)

  1. Quality and significance of project (clear aim & methodology; significance & originality of project)
  2. Feasibility of project (timeline; budget)
  3. Relevance to Japanese language/studies

Applications are currently being sought from postgraduate students who:

  • are currently enrolled in an Honours, coursework postgraduate, or higher degree research program at a Queensland university
  • are conducting research into some aspect of Japan or undergoing relevant training such as JFL education or interpreting/translation during their Higher Degree candidature or coursework program.
  • are required to spend an extended period of time (usually at least 1 month for RHD; at least 2 weeks for Honours and coursework postgraduate students) in Japan as part of their research (for research grants)
  • are able to begin their period of study in Japan during 2025, or can present evidence of planned conference attendance/presentation in 2025 or early 2026 (for conference grants)
  • are not in receipt of a Monbukagakusho or similar full scholarship to study in Japan.

All applications must be submitted on the prescribed application form.  A maximum of a further five pages, expanding on the nature of the project, may also be submitted in support of the application.

Applications must include details of current enrolment, and must be accompanied by a brief CV and a reference from the applicant’s supervisor attesting to the applicant’s quality and potential and to the benefits of the applicant’s proposal.

For further information and a copy of the application form, please contact Anne Platt: [email protected]

 

Download Application Form