Location: Japan
Program: Postgraduate – Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Eligibility: International Students
Duration: 3 to 6 months
Deadline: June 30, 2026
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The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) Research Fellowship Program invites non-Japanese researchers holding a Ph.D. to carry out research at a host institution of their choice in Japan for a period of three to six months between June 2027 and March 2028. Applicants must secure a Letter of Acceptance from a host professor or scholar in Japan at a university, national research institution, or equivalent facility before submitting their application, as the MIF does not place fellows or recommend host institutions. Preferable research fields are natural science, engineering, medicine, and agriculture. Applications must be submitted by email between June 1 and June 30, 2026 (Japan Standard Time), with all documents converted to PDF and typed in English.
The Matsumae International Foundation was founded in 1979 by Dr. Shigeyoshi Matsumae (1901–1991), a telecommunications engineer, educator, and former Minister of Communications who envisioned a peaceful world built through scientific and cultural exchange between nations. Rooted in this philosophy, the Foundation has since supported researchers from around the world, fostering international friendship and academic cooperation through fellowships that bring overseas scholars to conduct research in Japan.
Benefits of the Fellowship
This Fellowship will provide the following to its recipients:
- A monthly allowance of JPY 220,000 to cover research material expenses and living expenses in Japan
- Overseas travel accident and sickness insurance, including death benefit and medical treatment coverage
- Round-trip economy class air tickets via the most direct and economical route between the nearest international airport to the recipient’s domicile and Tokyo
- A start-up fund of JPY 120,000 upon arrival to cover initial costs of beginning the research stay in Japan
- Participation in a Study Tour organized by MIF during the fellowship period to deepen understanding of Japanese culture, tradition, and history
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Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this programme, applicants must meet the following:
- Must be of non-Japanese nationality
- Must obtain a Letter of Acceptance from a Host Institution in Japan prior to applying
- Must hold a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) at the time of application
- Must be 45 years old or younger at the time of application (birth year must be in or after 1981)
- Must have sufficient ability in the English or Japanese language
- Should not have past or current experience of staying in Japan, except for short-term stays such as sightseeing or conferences
- Must have a full-time occupation in their home country, must return there upon completion of the fellowship tenure, and should contribute to the development of their own country
Note: Kindly check the official webpage for full and detailed requirements.
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Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated by the MIF Screening Committee on the basis of academic value and the degree of perfection of the proposed research project. Results are announced on MIF’s website in late November 2026, and successful applicants are notified by way of a Grant Letter. The MIF does not disclose the Screening Committee’s deliberations, does not accept inquiries about individual application cases, and does not comment on the reasons for its decisions.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE to visit the official webpage and submit your application.
