Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship 2026 in Japan | Fully Funded | MIF Fellowship
Applications are now open for the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) Fellowship 2026 in Japan — a fully funded research fellowship program designed for highly qualified international researchers. This prestigious opportunity allows global researchers to undertake short-term studies at Japanese universities and research institutions across various scientific and technical disciplines.
If you’re a non-Japanese researcher in natural sciences, engineering, or medicine with a PhD and a vision to collaborate internationally, this six-month fellowship offers financial support and professional growth — all while immersing you in Japan’s rich academic and cultural landscape.
MIF Fellowship 2026 Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Funded By: Matsumae International Foundation
- Host Institutions: Japanese universities, national research institutions, or private sector research centers
- Fellowship Duration: 2–6 months (between June 2026 and March 2027)
- Number of Awards: Up to 15 fellowships
- Fields of Research:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Application Period: June 1 – June 30, 2025 (Japan Standard Time)
- Application Mode: Email submission
- Official Website: Click Here to Apply
Benefits of the Matsumae International Fellowship in Japan 2026
The MIF Fellowship is fully funded, covering all essential costs to ensure fellows can focus entirely on research and academic collaboration. Key benefits include:
- Monthly Stipend: JPY 220,000 for research and living expenses
- Arrival Fund: JPY 120,000 (one-time payment upon arrival)
- Round-trip Airfare: Economy class tickets between your home country and Japan
- Travel Insurance: Medical and death benefits included
- Study Tours: Additional cultural immersion through organized educational tours
Eligibility Criteria for MIF Fellowship 2026
To be eligible for the Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Non-Japanese citizens only
- Educational Qualification: PhD (Doctoral Degree) holders
- Age Limit: Under 49 years old at the time of application
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or Japanese
- Host Institution: Must provide an invitation letter from a Japanese host institution
- Experience in Japan: Applicants must not have previously lived or worked in Japan
- Current Employment: Must be employed in your home country and committed to returning after the fellowship
- Preferred Research Fields: Strong emphasis on natural sciences, engineering, and medicine
How to Apply for the Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship 2026
Application Steps:
- Visit the MIF Official Website and download the application form.
- Complete the Application Form carefully, ensuring all fields are correctly filled.
- Prepare and include all supporting documents, such as:
- Academic transcripts
- PhD certificate
- Proof of employment
- Passport copy
- Letter of invitation from a Japanese institution
- Submit the application via email to: mif-japan.org during the official application period (June 1–30, 2025 JST).
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Important Notes:
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- All submitted documents must be in English or Japanese.
Why Choose the MIF Fellowship?
The Matsumae Fellowship is more than just research — it’s a cultural exchange. You’ll work alongside Japanese researchers, explore peace-driven science and innovation, and return home with expanded perspectives and powerful international networks. This initiative is part of Japan’s long-standing commitment to global peace and knowledge-sharing in the post-WWII era.
Apply Now for the MIF Fellowship 2026
Deadline: June 30, 2025 (JST)
