MATSUMAE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (MIF)
Matsumae International Fellowship
full · phd
- ~15 fellows / yearNumber selected
- 6 monthsFellowship length
- JPY 220,000 / monthResearch and living allowance
- ~EUR 1,400 / month (est.)Monthly allowance in euros
- Round-trip airfare + insuranceTravel cover
- JapanWhere you research
At a glance
full
Funding
€1k
Max amount
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
Open to all countries except Japan
Country
Matsumae International Foundation (MIF)
Provider
The Matsumae International Fellowship is a postdoctoral research fellowship run by the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) in Japan for non-Japanese researchers who already hold a PhD. Each cycle around 15 fellows are selected to spend 6 months at a host institution of their choice in Japan, which may be a university, a national research institute or an equivalent facility in the private sector. The fellowship period falls between April 2026 and March 2027, and applicants choose their own start and end months within that window. Funding covers a monthly allowance of JPY 220,000 for research and living costs, a one-time arrival fund of JPY 120,000, round-trip economy airfare, overseas travel insurance and a study tour. Eligibility is restricted to applicants aged 45 or younger, currently employed in their home country, with a confirmed Japanese host and research in Medicine, Engineering or Natural Sciences. Applications are submitted by email between 1 April and 30 June 2026 (Japan Standard Time). Because the foundation revises its terms every year, confirm the exact current-cycle amounts, dates and document list on the official MIF fellowship page before you apply.
What's covered
- Monthly research allowance — JPY 220,000 per month (about EUR 1,400 (est.)) toward research materials and living costs in Japan during the 6-month fellowship.
- Arrival fund — A one-time payment of JPY 120,000 (about EUR 750 (est.)) to help with initial settling-in costs on arrival in Japan.
- Round-trip air transportation — Economy-class round-trip airfare between the nearest international airport to the fellow's home and Tokyo, Japan.
- Overseas travel insurance — Travel insurance covering medical treatment and death benefits for the duration of the fellowship.
- Study tour — An organised study tour during the fellowship to help fellows deepen their understanding of Japan, with costs arranged by the foundation.
How to apply
All documents are submitted as separate PDFs in English by email to the foundation within the published application window.
- Secure a Japanese host — Identify a host institution in Japan and obtain a signed letter of acceptance/invitation confirming the research project and the 6-month fellowship period.
- Prepare your documents — Complete the official Application Form with a recent ID photo, and prepare your statement of purpose (about 500 words), research plan, CV with publication list, employer recommendation letter and academic certificates.
- Convert to PDF — Save each required document as a separate PDF in English (provide certified English translations of certificates where needed).
- Email your application — Send the complete package to application@mif-japan.org between 1 April and 30 June 2026 (Japan Standard Time).
- Await selection — Shortlisted applicants are assessed by the foundation; selected fellows are notified and confirm their start and end months within the April 2026-March 2027 window.
Eligibility
NationalityOpen to researchers of any nationality except Japanese.
Degree heldMust already hold a PhD (doctoral degree) at the time of application.
AgeMust be 45 years old or younger at the application deadline (born in or after 1981 for the 2026 cycle).
Host institutionMust have a signed letter of acceptance from a qualified host institution in Japan before applying.
EmploymentMust be currently employed in the home country at the time of application, with study leave available.
LanguageStrong English or Japanese language skills are required.
The programme prioritises applicants with limited prior experience in Japan (short tourist or conference visits do not count against this). MIF does not advise on or recommend host institutions; securing the host is the applicant's responsibility.
Eligible countries
Open to all countries except Japan
Deadlines
Fellowship 2026/2027~30 June 2026 (est.)
Fellowship period start~April 2026 onward (est.)
Selection
Applications are reviewed by the Matsumae International Foundation on the strength of the research plan, the candidate's academic record and publications, alignment with the foundation's values, and the quality of the Japanese host arrangement. Around 15 fellows are selected each cycle, with preference for researchers who have had limited prior experience in Japan.
Verified sources
- Matsumae International Fellowship - official pagemif-japan.orgofficial
About the provider
The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is a Japanese non-profit foundation established in 1979 by Dr Shigeyoshi Matsumae to promote international scientific exchange and friendship. It funds non-Japanese postdoctoral researchers to carry out short research stays at host institutions across Japan.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the Matsumae International Fellowship?
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Non-Japanese researchers who already hold a PhD, are 45 or younger at the deadline, are currently employed in their home country and have secured a host institution in Japan.
How long is the fellowship?
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It lasts 6 months, with the period falling between April 2026 and March 2027. You choose your own start and end months within that window.
How many fellowships are awarded?
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Approximately 15 fellows are selected in each cycle.
What does the fellowship pay?
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A monthly allowance of JPY 220,000 (about EUR 1,400 (est.)), a one-time arrival fund of JPY 120,000, round-trip airfare, overseas travel insurance and a study tour.
Which subjects are eligible?
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Research in Medicine, Engineering or Natural Sciences.
Do I need to find my own host institution?
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Yes. You must secure a signed letter of acceptance from a Japanese host before applying; MIF does not recommend or arrange hosts.
Is there an age limit?
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Yes. Applicants must be 45 years old or younger at the application deadline (born in or after 1981 for the 2026 cycle).
What is the application deadline?
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Applications are accepted between roughly 1 April and 30 June 2026 (Japan Standard Time). Confirm exact dates on the official MIF page.
How do I submit my application?
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By email to application@mif-japan.org, with each required document attached as a separate PDF in English.
Do I need to be employed to apply?
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Yes. You must be currently employed in your home country at the time of application, with study leave available.
Is knowledge of Japanese required?
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No. Strong English or Japanese language skills are accepted; you do not have to speak Japanese if your English is strong.
Where can I confirm the current figures and deadlines?
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On the official Matsumae International Foundation fellowship page, which publishes the up-to-date allowance, dates and document list each cycle.