Application is now Open: Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship 2026
Overview
Are now open for applications for the 2026 Research Fellowship Program in Japan for the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF).This prestigious fellowship encourages world scientific cooperation and invites brilliant minds from different parts of the world to perform academic research in Japan.
Rooted in its philosophy of global harmony and academic exchange, the fellowship works to bridge the gap between Japan and the international scientific community. MIF firmly believes that shared knowledge and nurtured friendships will lead to coexistence across the world and to peace.
This fellowship is about more than just research; it’s about developing via cross-cultural interactions and using knowledge to promote world peace. Fellows bring fresh perspectives, international connections, and enduring alliances back home.
Eligibility
Applicants must fulfill the following requirements in order to be eligible:
• Do not hold Japanese citizenship.
• Be born in or after 1980 and be 45 years of age or younger on the application date.
• Possess a doctorate.
• Have never been in Japan for an extended period of time (conferences and other brief visits are fine).
• Prior to applying, get a formal invitation letter from a Japanese host institution.
• Exhibit fluency in either Japanese or English.
• Have a job back home and plan to return after the fellowship is over.
Fellowship Timeline
Time frame: six months
• Deadline to apply: June 30, 2025 (JST)
• Fellowship period: June 2026–March 2027
• Results will be released in late November 2025.
Fellowship Offer
- A monthly stipend of ¥220,000 for living and research expenses is part of this fully sponsored opportunity.
- A ¥120,000 arrival fund for housing.
- Full coverage for medical and travel emergencies;
- Round-trip economy class flight to and from Tokyo.
• An academic and cultural study journey aimed at introducing fellows to Japanese research and historical organizations.
Application Steps
By the deadline, all materials must be emailed in PDF format. Materials needed include:
- A filled-out application together with a current photo.
- Statement of research motivation (max 500 words).
- Five pages at most for the research plan.
- The publication list and curriculum vitae.
- A letter of recommendation from the present employment.
- Certified translations (if not in Japanese or English) and a Ph.D. certificate.
- A letter of acceptance from a host professor or organization in Japan.
Applications should be sent to application@mif-japan.org.
Use just PDF files and make sure the overall size is less than 5 MB. Other formats, such as zip files, are not supported.
Important Conditions
- To earn full benefits, fellows must finish all three program phases; family members are not sponsored;
- Only individual applicants are eligible.
- Feedback or an explanation for acceptance or rejection will not be included in the results.
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