THE MATSUMAE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (MIF)
Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship
full · phd
- Up to JPY 300,000/monthResearch grant
- 3 to 6 monthsFellowship duration
- Age 49 or youngerEligibility limit
- Founded 1979Foundation established
- ~EUR 1,800/month (est.)Approx. stipend value
- JapanWhere you research
At a glance
full
Funding
€11k
Max amount
Aug 31, 2026
Deadline
Open to all non-Japanese nationalities worldwide
Country
The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF)
Provider
The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) Research Fellowship funds postdoctoral researchers from around the world to conduct research in Japan for 3 to 6 months under the 2026-2027 cycle. MIF was founded in 1979 as a non-profit organisation promoting international goodwill through academic and cultural exchange, and the fellowship welcomes researchers across the natural sciences, engineering, medicine, the humanities and social sciences, with first priority given to Engineering, Natural Sciences and Medicine. Fellows receive a monthly grant of up to 300,000 yen, plus support toward travel, accommodation and research-related costs, and gain access to host-institution research facilities along with the chance to join academic conferences and cultural events. To be eligible, applicants must be non-Japanese nationals aged 49 or younger who hold a PhD, hold a professional position in their home country, and have secured an invitation letter from a host institution in Japan before applying. Applicants should not have had previous or current long-term stays in Japan beyond short visits such as tourism or conferences. The exact stipend, covered costs and application window can change between cycles, so confirm the current-cycle figures and dates on the official MIF fellowship page before you apply.
What's covered
- Monthly research grant — A monthly grant of up to 300,000 yen (around EUR 1,800 est.) for the 3-to-6-month fellowship period.
- Travel support — Support toward international round-trip travel between the fellow's home country and Japan.
- Accommodation and living costs — The grant helps cover accommodation and day-to-day living expenses during the stay in Japan.
- Research-related costs — Coverage of research-related expenses incurred while conducting the fellowship project in Japan.
- Access to facilities and events — Access to host-institution research facilities and the opportunity to attend academic conferences and cultural events (worth several thousand euros est. over the fellowship).
How to apply
Applications are submitted to the Matsumae International Foundation, with a host invitation arranged in advance, during the published application period.
- Secure a Japanese host institution — Contact a suitable host institution in Japan and obtain a formal invitation (acceptance) letter before applying.
- Prepare your research plan — Draft a clear research plan for the 3-to-6-month fellowship aligned with your host institution's expertise.
- Complete the application documents — Prepare the full MIF application package including the host invitation, CV, list of publications and required forms.
- Submit during the application period — Submit your application to MIF within the published application window; late or early submissions are not accepted.
Eligibility
NationalityApplicants must be of non-Japanese nationality.
QualificationApplicants must hold a PhD (doctoral degree).
AgeApplicants must be 49 years old or younger at the time of application.
Host invitationApplicants must obtain an invitation (acceptance) letter from a host institution in Japan before submitting their application.
Applicants must have sufficient English or Japanese proficiency, hold a professional occupation in their home country with the intention to return, and must not have had previous or current long-term stays in Japan apart from short visits such as tourism or conferences.
Eligible countries
Open to all non-Japanese nationalities worldwide
Deadlines
2026/2027 fellowship cycle~30 June 2026 (est.)
Selection
Applications are reviewed by the Matsumae International Foundation on the basis of the applicant's academic standing, the quality and feasibility of the research plan, the strength of the host arrangement in Japan, and the candidate's potential to contribute to international academic exchange and the development of their home country. Priority fields are Engineering, Natural Sciences and Medicine, and selected fellows are notified by the Foundation ahead of their stay.
Verified sources
- Research Fellowship - The Matsumae International Foundationmif-japan.orgofficial
About the provider
The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is a non-profit organisation founded in Japan in 1979 to promote international goodwill through academic and cultural exchange. It runs a research fellowship that invites overseas postdoctoral researchers to conduct research at host institutions across Japan, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding between Japan and other nations.
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 this fellowship?
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Non-Japanese researchers worldwide who hold a PhD, are 49 years or younger at the time of application, have a professional occupation in their home country, and have secured a host institution invitation in Japan.
What does the fellowship cover?
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It provides a monthly grant of up to 300,000 yen plus support toward travel, accommodation and research-related costs during a 3-to-6-month research stay in Japan.
How long is the fellowship?
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The fellowship lasts between 3 and 6 months in Japan.
How much is the monthly grant?
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Fellows receive a monthly grant of up to 300,000 yen (around EUR 1,800 est.).
What is the age limit?
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Applicants must be 49 years old or younger at the time of application.
Do I need a host in Japan before applying?
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Yes. You must obtain an invitation (acceptance) letter from a host institution in Japan before submitting your application.
Which fields are prioritised?
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Engineering, Natural Sciences and Medicine are given first priority, though researchers from the humanities and social sciences may also apply.
What level of qualification is required?
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Applicants must hold a PhD (doctoral degree) at the time of application.
What language proficiency is needed?
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Applicants must have a sufficient level of proficiency in English or Japanese to conduct their research.
Can I apply if I have lived in Japan before?
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No long-term prior stays are permitted. Short visits such as tourism or conference participation do not disqualify you, but previous or current long-term stays in Japan do.
How do I submit my application?
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Applications are submitted to the Matsumae International Foundation during the published application period, with all required documents including the host invitation.
Where can I confirm the latest details?
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Check the official Matsumae International Foundation fellowship page for the current stipend, application period and eligibility before applying.