Matsumae Research Fellowship Program 2026 (MIF Research Fellowship, Japan)

The Matsumae Research Fellowship Program 2026, run by the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) in Japan, is a fully funded opportunity for researchers around the world. It aims to promote understanding and collaboration between cultures and invites non-Japanese researchers to carry out their own projects at universities in Japan. The deadline to apply is 30 June 2025.

This program welcomes applicants from any field, especially those focused on global peace and development. It offers a good monthly stipend, along with coverage for travel, insurance, and research costs for a fellowship period of 3 to 6 months. What sets this fellowship apart is its focus on cultural exchange and the legacy of Dr. Shigeyoshi Matsumae, who founded the MIF. Fellows can tap into Japan’s excellent research settings while soaking up its rich culture. To apply, you need to have a Ph.D. (or something similar), be 49 years old or younger, and haven't lived in Japan in the last six months. If you're an enthusiastic researcher wanting to broaden your academic experience and make international connections, the MIF Research Fellowship 2026 might be just what you need for growth in Japan.

Who is Eligible for MIF Research Fellowship?

The detailed information on eligibility is presented below:

What are the Research Fields?

The following Research Fields are preferred.

Natural Science
Engineering
Medicine

Important Highlights

The important highlights are tabulated below:

Particulars	Details
Period of Fellowship	It is a rule that it is six months between June 2026 and March 2027. Candidates must mention the ending year and year of beginning in the application form. For example, from September 2026 to February 2027.
Recipient Number for fellowships	Approx. 15
Host Institution in Japan	You can decide on the host institution in Japan. Be it a university, national research institutions, or equivalent facilities in the private sector to facilitate their research. Before you apply, you must get an acceptance from the host institution. The MIF does not suggestions or recommendations to the applicants when it comes to host institutions in Japan

Fellowship Details

Only successful applicants get the benefits and the financial support. It is targeted to cater:

Important Living Expenses
Research work in Japan.
The fellowship cannot be transferred in any situation.

The details regarding the fellowship are tabulated below:

Question	Answer
What is the Allowance Per Month?	JPY 220,000
What is the arrival fund?	JPY 120,000
What is round trip air transportation facility?	Round trip economy class airfare is given. The facility is given between the nearest international airport from grantees' domicile and Tokyo, Japan.
Is there an insurance?	Yes, there are benefits. Overseas Travel Insurance Medical treatment Death benefits
Is there a study tour?	Yes, you can involve in study tour as MIF offers invitations. This is promoted to enhance their knowledge of Japan.
Conditions of Fellowship	The scholarship period is specified in the grant letter. This is not extendable and cannot be shortened. If you are named in the grant letter, then only you have the eligibility for the grant.
Immigration Procedures, Airline Tickets, Accommodation Expenses for the families, friends of the applicant?	No

How to Apply?

The details from application to selection is tabulated below:

Stage	Details
Application Period	June 1 – June 30, 2025 (Japan Standard Time). Late or early submissions will not be accepted (mif-japan.org).
How to Apply	Email required application documents (PDF, separate files, to application@mif-japan.org .
Required Documents	Completed form with photo; 500‑word Statement; 5‑page Research Plan; CV + publication list; Recommendation letter; PhD certificate; Host invitation letter .
Screening	Reviewed by the MIF Screening Committee focusing on: research originality, academic strength, and quality of host-institution match .
Results Announcement	Successful applicant numbers are published on the MIF website in late November 2025, followed by official grant letters .
Notification Method	Public announcement of application numbers online + direct issuance of grant letters to awardees .
Committee Policy	Deliberations are confidential; no feedback provided on unsuccessful applications .

Documents Submission Guidelines

Through the email, PDFs must be submitted to the MIF.

You should not combine PDFs. Separate PDFs are suggested.
Your documents be be typed in the English language.
If proper and all documents are not submitted, you cannot advance to the screening process.

Rejections can also be done if your:

Email is over 5 MB in size.
email and file extensions are not :PDF".
email is in compressed format, be it "rar" or “zip”.
email has downloadable links or program files.

Frequently Asked Questions

From where can I download the application form?

You can download the application form from the official website. You must include a recent ID and Photo. Make sure you submit the application in the required format.

Do I need to give reasons for application?

Yes, you need to give reasons for application within 500 words. Ensure your reasons are convincing and serves the purpose.

Do I need to submit research plans?

Yes, it should be submitted within 5 pages highlighting methodology, content, purpose, roadmap, and benefits.

Do I need to submit a soft copy of the academic certificate for Ph.D?

Yes, self-translation is accepted if the document is not available in English.

Does the Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship 2026 require a recommendation letter?

Yes, the Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship 2026 requires a recommendation letter from your current home institution (employer), written on official letterhead. This letter should testify to your academic ability, achievements, and confirm study leave availability during the fellowship