Applications for the 2025-2026 Grant Program will be accepted until December 31, 2024, at 11:59 pm JST (Japan Standard Time).

Application forms, including new submission instructions, can be downloaded here:
Word (.docx) - Doctoral 2025 application

Support for Doctoral Candidates
The Metropolitan Center supports projects that reflect advanced scholarship and offer new insights into East Asian art. Doctoral students who have completed all the requirements for the Ph.D. (except the dissertation) and are engaged in field work for the dissertation may apply for a grant as a supplement to other sources of funding.

General Instructions
Applicants must certify that they have completed doctoral examinations by March 1st prior to the grant period. Grants to doctoral candidates generally cover overseas travel and living expenses of graduate students who have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. except the dissertation. Please view our list of recent doctoral grants for examples.

Additional Information
Grants to doctoral candidates are intended to supplement other support to a maximum (from all sources) of $22,000 for a single student, $27,000 for a couple. Candidates who receive funds in excess of the above are expected to notify and return the surplus to the Center.

The Center will consider applications for a second year of dissertation research, provided the applicant submits evidence of substantial progress made in the first year.

Timeline
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm, December 31, Japan Standard Time (JST).
Letters are mailed out announcing grant awards around April 15.
May 1 is the earliest date grant funds are available.

Submission Instructions
Completed application forms should be uploaded by the deadline via the secure link found on the application form. Applicants may also contact the administrator at applications[at]metcenter-grants.net to receive the link via email. Please do not email your application.

Supporting materials, including academic transcripts and letters of recommendation should be submitted separately to the same email address directly from the issuing individual or institution.

Further Inquiries:
Please consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for additional information, or contact the administrator.

Recent Grant Recipients