Application for the Research Fellowship Program 2027 is now open. The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is looking for a young researcher with a passion for science, technology, medicine, or agriculture, these opportunities available to take your academic career to the next level while building meaningful connections between your home country and Japan.
- Host Country: Japan
- Fellowship Duration: 6 Months
- Fellowship Period: June 2027 to March 2028
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 30th June 2026
Matsumae International Foundation
The goal of the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is to provide overseas researchers who possess excellent academic ability, regardless of race, sex, religion, or ideology, with opportunities to carry out research activities in Japan, thereby contributing to academic development in Japan as well as international friendship and goodwill.
Also Apply; UK Fully Funded Scholarship
Principles behind the Establishment
The MIF was established in 1979 with the goals of inviting promising young researchers to Japanese research institutions to nurture abilities that will enable them to solve issues facing their countries and of supporting activities that build bridges between Japan and their countries. Since its establishment, the MIF has been developing its activities as a private organization, receiving support and cooperation from many Japanese individuals and organizations. The MIF has its roots in the strong, sincere desire of the founder, Dr. Shigeyoshi MATSUMAE (1901– 1991), to realize a world that is truly peaceful and safe.
ALSO APPLY;
Features of the Fellowship Program
･ This program is intended for young overseas researchers showing significant academic ability, regardless of sex, race, religion, ideology, or creed.
･ Fellows are free to choose a host institution in Japan.
･ Subject of research is left to the discretion of the fellows and their host professors / scholars.
･ The fellows will take part in the study tour during their research stay.
This tour is organized to contact the traditional culture and technology of Japan.
It also gives the fellows opportunities to think about the importance of the peaceful use of technologies and science.
Ⅰ. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants of non-Japanese nationality who meet all the following requirements are eligible to submit application documents.
- Applicants who empathize with the core values of the MIF.
- Applicants must have a full-time occupation in their home country, return there upon completing their fellowship tenure, and contribute to the development of their own country.
- Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) at the time of application.
- Applicants must be 45 years old or younger at the time of application. (The birth year must be in or after 1981.)
- Applicants should not have past or current experience of staying in Japan. (other than short-term stays such as for sightseeing or conferences)
- Applicants must obtain acceptance from a host institution in Japan before applying.
- Applicants must have sufficient English or Japanese language ability.
- RESEARCH FIELD; Preferable research fields are natural science, engineering, medicine, and agriculture.
III. FELLOWSHIP PERIOD
As a rule, six months between June 2027 and March 2028. Please indicate the commencing and ending month in your Application Form (#1). (E.g., From September 2027 to February 2028.)
Ⅵ. FELLOWSHIP DETAILS
- Monthly Allowance JPY 220,000 to cover expenses for research activities (including materials) and living expenses in Japan.
- Arrival Fund JPY 120,000. Round-trip Air Transportation A round-trip economy class airfare ticket between the nearest international airport from a granteeʼs domicile and Tokyo, Japan. Insurance Overseas travel insurance with medical treatment and death benefits.
- Study Tour The MIF organizes a study tour to Hiroshima to deepen knowledge of Japan and world peace.
APPLICATION Applicants must submit their application documents to the MIF via email. Email: application@mif-japan.org Application Period: June 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026 (Japan Standard Time) Applications will not be accepted for any reason before or after the application period.