Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) Research Fellowship 2026 in Japan
- Omran Aburayya
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
If you're a dedicated researcher aiming to expand your academic horizons and foster international collaboration, the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) Research Fellowship Program 2026 in Japan offers an exceptional opportunity. This fully funded fellowship invites non-Japanese researchers to conduct advanced studies in Japan, promoting global academic exchange and mutual understanding.
🎓 MIF Fellowship Summary
Location: Japan
Host Institution: Any Japanese university, national research institution, or equivalent private sector facility
Academic Level: Postdoctoral research
Target Group: Non-Japanese nationals under 45 years old
Fields of Research: Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine
Value and Coverage:
Monthly allowance of JPY 220,000
Arrival fund of JPY 120,000
Round-trip economy class airfare
Overseas travel insurance
Participation in a study tour
Duration: 6 months (between June 2026 and March 2027)
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 (Japan Standard Time)
Start Date: Between June 2026 and March 2027
Eligible To: Researchers worldwide meeting the eligibility criteria
🧭 Scholarship Overview
Established in 1979 by Dr. Shigeyoshi Matsumae, the MIF aims to promote international goodwill through academic exchange. The fellowship allows researchers to pursue their studies in Japan, fostering cultural understanding and contributing to global peace.
🧩 Program Structure
Research Placement: Fellows select and secure acceptance from a host institution in Japan.
Study Tour: An organized tour to experience Japanese culture and technology, emphasizing the peaceful application of science.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Monthly Allowance: JPY 220,000 for living and research expenses.
Arrival Fund: JPY 120,000 to assist with initial living costs.
Airfare: Round-trip economy class ticket between the fellow's home country and Tokyo.
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and death benefits.
Study Tour: Opportunity to participate in a cultural and technological tour within Japan.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be non-Japanese nationals.
Obtain acceptance from a host institution in Japan prior to application.
Hold a Ph.D. (Doctoral degree) at the time of application.
Be 45 years old or younger as of the application deadline (born in or after 1980).
Have sufficient proficiency in English or Japanese.
Not have previous or current experience of staying in Japan (excluding short-term stays for sightseeing or conferences).
Be employed in their home country and commit to returning upon completion of the fellowship to contribute to their country's development.
📝 Application Procedure
🗓️ Application Period: June 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025 (Japan Standard Time)
📬 Submission: All documents must be submitted via email to application@mif-japan.org.
📂 Required Documents:
Application Form: Download from the MIF website, complete with a recent ID photograph.
Reason for Application: A statement (up to 500 words) explaining the motivation for applying.
Research Plan: Detailed description (up to 5 pages) including:
Research content, purpose, and methodology.
Research roadmap.
Expected benefits to the applicant's home country.
Curriculum Vitae and List of Publications: Highlight publications relevant to the proposed research.
Recommendation Letter: From the applicant's current employer, confirming academic abilities and availability for study leave.
Ph.D. Certificate: Copy of the doctoral degree certificate. If not in English, an official English translation is required.
Letter from Host Professor/Scholar in Japan: On the host institution's letterhead, stating the reason for hosting and confirming accommodation arrangements.
⚠️ Important Notes:
All documents must be in PDF format and typed in English.
Emails exceeding 5 MB or containing compressed files (e.g., zip, rar) will be rejected.
Incomplete or improperly formatted applications will not be considered.
📅 Screening Process
Applications will be reviewed by the MIF Screening Committee.
Successful applicants will be announced on the MIF website in late November 2025.
Grant letters will be sent to selected fellows.
The MIF does not provide feedback on application evaluations.
🌐 Additional Information
For detailed information and to access application forms, please visit the official Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship Announcement
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
