The Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded six-month research fellowship in Japan, running between June 2027 and March 2028, open to non-Japanese researchers of all nationalities holding a Ph.D. and aged 45 or under. Offered by the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) to approximately 15 fellows annually, the program provides a monthly allowance of JPY 220,000, an arrival fund of JPY 120,000, a round-trip economy-class airfare, and overseas travel insurance. The application window is strictly 1 to 30 June 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded International Research Fellowship |
| Organising Body | Matsumae International Foundation (MIF), Tokyo, Japan |
| Mode | Offline (Residential Research in Japan) |
| Duration | 6 Months (June 2027 – March 2028) |
| Location | Applicant’s chosen host institution in Japan |
| Application Window | 1–30 June 2026 |
About the Program
The Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship 2027 is administered by the MIF — a private Japanese foundation established in 1979 by Dr. Shigeyoshi Matsumae — with the core mission of inviting promising young researchers to Japan to deepen international friendship, mutual understanding, and academic exchange. The fellowship is grounded in the belief that scientific and cultural exchange between nations builds the trust necessary for lasting world peace, a principle that continues to guide the MIF’s annual selection of approximately 15 outstanding researchers from across the globe. Consequently, fellows are free to choose their own host institution in Japan and define their research agenda in direct consultation with their host professor, ensuring maximum academic autonomy and relevance to their home country’s development priorities. Furthermore, all fellows participate in a study tour to Hiroshima, deepening their understanding of Japan’s history, culture, and commitment to the peaceful use of science and technology.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Must hold a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) at the time of application
- Preferable research fields are natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and agriculture
- Must have sufficient ability in English or Japanese for effective research communication
Experience & Other Conditions
- Must be of non-Japanese nationality
- Must be 45 years old or younger at the time of application (birth year must be 1981 or later)
- Must hold a full-time occupation in their home country and commit to returning upon completing the fellowship
- Must not have prior or current experience of residing in Japan, other than short-term stays for tourism or conferences
- Must secure acceptance from a host institution in Japan before submitting the application; the MIF does not provide recommendations or introductions to host institutions
- Must empathise with the core values and mission of the Matsumae International Foundation
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly Allowance | JPY 220,000 to cover research activities, materials, and living expenses |
| Arrival Fund | JPY 120,000 one-time payment upon arrival in Japan |
| Return Airfare | Round-trip economy-class ticket between nearest international airport from fellow’s domicile and Tokyo |
| Insurance | Overseas travel insurance with medical treatment and death benefits |
| Study Tour | MIF-organised study tour to Hiroshima on peace and the use of science and technology |
| Research Freedom | Fellows choose their own host institution and research topic in consultation with the host professor |
Selection Process
- Application documents submitted exclusively by email to application@mif-japan.org between 1 and 30 June 2026 (Japan Standard Time)
- Applications evaluated by the MIF Screening Committee based on academic credentials, research plan quality, and alignment with MIF’s mission
- Successful applicants announced on the MIF website in late November 2026
- Grant letters sent directly to successful applicants following the announcement
- The MIF does not disclose screening committee discussions or provide feedback on individual applications
How to Apply
- Secure written acceptance from a host professor at a Japanese university or national research institution before preparing your application; the MIF does not assist in identifying host institutions.
- Download the official Application Form and Reason for Application form from the MIF website at https://www.mif-japan.org.
- Prepare all required documents in PDF format — each document must be a separate PDF file; combined, compressed, or zipped files will be automatically rejected.
- Ensure all documents except the host professor’s acceptance letter are typed in English.
- Email the complete application package to application@mif-japan.org strictly between 1 and 30 June 2026 (Japan Standard Time); emails over 5 MB will not be accepted.
Required Documents
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| #1 Application Form | Official MIF form with recent ID photograph (within past 3 months); must be signed and dated |
| #2 Reason for Application | MIF form; maximum 500 words |
| #3 Research Plan | Maximum 5 pages covering content, purpose, methodology, roadmap, and benefit to home country |
| #4 CV and List of Publications | Include titles, authors, journal names, page numbers, and years; highlight relevant publication in yellow |
| #5 Recommendation Letter | From current home institution employer on institutional letterhead, addressed to the MIF Chairperson |
| #6 Ph.D. Academic Certificate | Soft copy; if not in English, attach a certified English translation (self-translation not accepted) |
| #7 Letter of Acceptance from Host Professor | On host institution letterhead, signed by host professor; may be in Japanese or English |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window Opens | 1 June 2026 |
| Application Window Closes | 30 June 2026 (Japan Standard Time) |
| Results Announced | Late November 2026 (MIF website) |
| Fellowship Period | June 2027 – March 2028 (6 months) |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://www.mif-japan.org |
| Application Email | application@mif-japan.org |
| General Enquiries Email | contact@mif-japan.org |
Contact
The Matsumae International Foundation 4-14-46, Kamiogi, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 167-0043, Japan Tel: +81-3-3301-7600 Email: contact@mif-japan.org Website: https://www.mif-japan.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship 2027?
Non-Japanese nationals aged 45 or under holding a Ph.D., employed full-time in their home country, with no prior residential experience in Japan, and with secured acceptance from a Japanese host institution are eligible to apply.
What does the Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship 2027 provide financially?
Fellows receive JPY 220,000 monthly, a JPY 120,000 arrival fund, round-trip economy-class airfare to Tokyo, and overseas travel insurance with medical and death benefits for the six-month fellowship duration.
Can fellows choose their own research topic and host institution?
Yes – fellows are free to choose their host institution in Japan and define their research topic in consultation with their host professor; notably, the MIF does not provide any advice or recommendations regarding host institution selection.
Is prior experience in Japan a disqualifying factor?
Yes – applicants with prior or current experience of residing in Japan are ineligible; only short-term stays for tourism or conference attendance are permitted as exceptions.
What is the strict application deadline for the Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship 2027?
Applications are accepted exclusively between 1 and 30 June 2026 (Japan Standard Time); submissions received before or after this window are not accepted under any circumstances, making timely preparation essential.