Fully Funded Research Fellowship in Japan – Matsumae International Foundation 2026 | JPY 220,000/Month

CALL FOR APPLICATION​

The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is pleased to announce its Research Fellowship Program for 2026, offering non-Japanese researchers the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in Japan. This esteemed program aims to foster international understanding and collaboration by supporting researchers dedicated to contributing to global academic advancement. ​

Designation:
Research Fellow​

Research Areas:
Preferred fields include natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and related disciplines.​

Location:
Japan (Host institutions may vary)​

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Non-Japanese citizens who align with MIF’s core values.​

• Academic Qualification: Possess a Ph.D. (Doctoral degree) at the time of application.​

• Age: 45 years old or younger as of the application deadline (born in or after 1980).​

• Language Proficiency: Proficient in English or Japanese.​

• Host Institution Acceptance: Secured acceptance from a host institution in Japan prior to application.​

• Previous Stay in Japan: No prior or current long-term stay in Japan (excluding short-term visits for sightseeing or conferences).​

• Occupation: Employed in the applicant’s home country with a commitment to return and contribute to its development after the fellowship. ​

Fellowship Details:

• Duration: Six months between June 2026 and March 2027. Applicants should specify their preferred period (e.g., September 2026 to February 2027).​

• Number of Recipients: Approximately 15.​

• Financial Support:

  • Monthly Allowance: JPY 220,000 for research and living expenses.​

  • Arrival Fund: JPY 120,000 to assist with initial living costs.​

  • Round-trip Airfare: Economy class ticket between the nearest international airport in the applicant’s home country and Tokyo, Japan.​

  • Insurance: Overseas travel insurance covering medical treatment and death benefits.​

• Study Tour: Fellows are invited to participate in a study tour to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and research environment. ​

Application Process:

• Application Period: June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025 (Japan Standard Time). Applications submitted outside this timeframe will not be considered.​

• Submission: Applicants must email the following documents as separate PDFs to application@mif-japan.org:​

  1. Application Form: Available for download on the MIF website; includes a recent ID photograph.​

  2. Reason for Application: A statement of up to 500 words explaining the motivation for applying.​

  3. Research Plan: A detailed plan (up to 5 pages) outlining the research content, purpose, methodology, timeline, and expected benefits to the applicant’s home country.​

  4. Curriculum Vitae and List of Publications: Comprehensive CV with a list of publications, highlighting those relevant to the proposed research.​

  5. Recommendation Letter: From the applicant’s current home institution, confirming academic abilities and granting study leave for the fellowship period.

  6. Ph.D. Certificate: Copy of the doctoral degree certificate; if not in English, include an official English translation.

  7. Host Institution Letter: A letter from the Japanese host professor/scholar stating the reasons for hosting the applicant and agreeing to arrange accommodation during the fellowship.​

Important Notes:

• Ensure each document is submitted as a separate PDF file, not exceeding a total of 5 MB. Combined files or compressed formats (e.g., zip, rar) will not be accepted.​

• All documents must be typed in English.​

• Incomplete or improperly formatted applications will be automatically rejected without notice.

Selection Process:

• Applications will be evaluated by the MIF Screening Committee.

• Successful applicants’ numbers will be announced on the MIF website in late November 202

• Grant letters will be sent to successful applicants.​

• The MIF does not disclose screening discussions or provide feedback on individual applications.

For detailed information and access to application forms, please visit the official MIF Fellowship Announcement page: ​MIF Japan

Embark on a transformative research journey in Japan with the Matsumae International Foundation, contributing to global knowledge and fostering international goodwill.

Ends On: 30th June 2025