Apply Now for Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) Research Fellowship 2026 in Japan – Fully Funded

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Application Deadline: June 30, 2025

The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is inviting applications for its 2026 Research Fellowship Program in Japan. This prestigious fellowship supports outstanding international researchers across diverse fields—especially natural sciences, engineering, and medicine. The program aims to foster global academic collaboration and deepen cultural exchange by welcoming top-tier scholars to conduct research in Japanese institutions.

About the Fellowship

The MIF Research Fellowship provides non-Japanese researchers with the opportunity to pursue academic research in Japan, promoting international goodwill and contributing to Japan’s academic development. The fellowship is fully funded and includes financial support for living costs, travel, and research-related expenses.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the MIF Research Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be of non-Japanese nationality.
  • Must agree with and support the foundation’s core values.
  • Must secure a formal acceptance from a host institution in Japan prior to applying.
  • Must hold a Ph.D. (Doctoral degree) at the time of application.
  • Must be 45 years old or younger (born in or after 1980).
  • Must possess sufficient English or Japanese language proficiency.
  • Must have no previous or current long-term stays in Japan (short visits like tourism or conferences are excluded).
  • Must be employed in their home country and commit to returning upon fellowship completion to contribute to national development.

Preferred Research Fields

The MIF prioritizes applicants conducting research in:

  • Natural Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Medicine

Fellowship Duration

Fellowships will span six months, to be undertaken between June 2026 and March 2027. Applicants must specify their preferred research period in the application form (e.g., September 2026 to February 2027).

Number of Awards

Approximately 15 fellowships will be awarded for the 2026 cycle.

Fellowship Benefits

The Matsumae International Foundation offers comprehensive financial support to all selected fellows:

  • Monthly Allowance: JPY 220,000 to cover living expenses and research costs.
  • Arrival Fund: A one-time payment of JPY 120,000 to support initial settlement in Japan.
  • Travel Expenses: Round-trip economy airfare from the grantee’s nearest international airport to Tokyo, Japan.
  • Insurance: Coverage for medical treatment and death benefits under overseas travel insurance.
  • Cultural Study Tour: Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in a study tour to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and society.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via email only and should comply with the following guidelines:

  • All documents must be typed in English.
  • Each document must be submitted as an individual PDF (do not merge documents).
  • Submissions must not exceed 5 MB.
  • File formats other than PDF or compressed files (e.g., ZIP or RAR) will be rejected.
  • Emails with downloadable links or executable files will also be disqualified.

Submission Email: application@mif-japan.org

Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications will not be considered. Applications must be submitted strictly during the official application window: June 1 – June 30, 2025 (Japan Standard Time).

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

  • Application Form (Form #1)
  • Research Plan (including purpose, methodology, and expected outcomes)
  • Recommendation Letter(s)
  • Letter of Acceptance from a host professor or institution in Japan
  • Copy of Ph.D. certificate
  • Curriculum Vitae (including list of publications)

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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