Matsumae MIF Fellowship 2027 in Japan

Quick intro

Applications are open for the Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship Program 2027 in Japan. This is a fully funded research fellowship for non-Japanese researchers who want to conduct research at a Japanese university or national research institution. The fellowship period is generally six months between June 2027 and March 2028. The application deadline is 30 June 2026, Japan Standard Time. (Matsumae International Foundation)

Benefits

The MIF fellowship provides JPY 220,000 monthly allowance, JPY 120,000 arrival fund, round-trip economy-class airfare between the nearest international airport from the fellow’s domicile and Tokyo, overseas travel insurance with medical treatment and death benefits, and a study tour to Hiroshima. (Matsumae International Foundation)

The fellowship covers:

• Monthly allowance: JPY 220,000
• Arrival fund: JPY 120,000
• Round-trip economy airfare
• Overseas travel insurance
• Study tour to Hiroshima
• Research stay at a Japanese host institution

Objectives

The program supports international academic exchange and allows researchers from outside Japan to conduct research in Japan. Applicants must secure acceptance from a Japanese host institution before applying, and MIF does not arrange or recommend host institutions. (Matsumae International Foundation)

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must:

• Be non-Japanese nationals
• Hold a PhD at the time of application
• Be 45 years old or younger at the time of application
• Have a full-time occupation in their home country
• Return to their home country after the fellowship
• Have no past or current long-term stay experience in Japan, except short visits like conferences or sightseeing
• Obtain acceptance from a host institution in Japan before applying
• Have sufficient English or Japanese language ability (Matsumae International Foundation)

Required documents

Applicants must submit separate PDF files by email. The official page says documents must not be combined into one PDF and emails over 5 MB or non-PDF/compressed attachments may be rejected. Required documents include the application form, reason for application, research plan, CV and publication list, recommendation letter from current home institution, PhD academic certificate, and letter of acceptance from a host professor in Japan. (Matsumae International Foundation)

How to apply

Download the official application documents from the MIF page, prepare each document as a separate PDF, and email the full application to the official MIF application email during the application period 1 June to 30 June 2026. Applications sent before or after this period are not accepted. (Matsumae International Foundation)