MIF Research Fellowship Program 2027 in Japan
The MIF Research Fellowship Program 2027 is open to eligible applicants of non-Japanese nationality. Successful applicants can conduct research at a host institution in Japan. The fellowship period is generally six months between June 2027 and March 2028. Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026, Japan Standard Time.
Quick Overview
Programme: Research Fellowship Program 2027
Opportunity Type: Research Fellowship
Host Organization: Matsumae International Foundation
Country: Japan
Fellowship Period: As a rule, six months between June 2027 and March 2028
Number of Fellowship Recipients: Around 15
Application Period: June 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026, Japan Standard Time
Deadline: June 30, 2026, Japan Standard Time
About the MIF Research Fellowship Program 2027
The MIF Research Fellowship Program 2027 supports successful applicants who want to conduct research in Japan.
Applicants may choose a host institution in Japan, such as a university or national research institution. However, they must obtain acceptance from the host institution before applying.
The Matsumae International Foundation does not provide advice or recommendations regarding host institutions in Japan.
Preferable Research Fields
The preferable research fields are:
• Natural science
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Agriculture
Benefits and Financial Support
Successful applicants receive financial support for necessary living expenses and research activities in Japan.
The fellowship includes:
✓ Monthly allowance of JPY 220,000 for research activities, including materials, and living expenses in Japan
✓ Arrival fund of JPY 120,000
✓ Round-trip economy-class airfare between the nearest international airport from the recipient’s domicile and Tokyo, Japan
✓ Overseas travel insurance with medical treatment and death benefits
✓ A study tour to Hiroshima to deepen knowledge of Japan and world peace
The fellowship is provided only for the period stated in the grant letter. The period cannot be changed, extended, or shortened.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants of non-Japanese nationality must meet all of the following requirements:
• Applicants must empathize with the core values of the Matsumae International Foundation.
• Applicants must have a full-time occupation in their home country.
• Applicants must return to their home country after completing the fellowship and contribute to its development.
• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. at the time of application.
• Applicants must be 45 years old or younger at the time of application. The birth year must be in or after 1981.
• Applicants should not have past or current experience of staying in Japan, except for short-term stays such as sightseeing or conferences.
• Applicants must obtain acceptance from a host institution in Japan before applying.
• Applicants must have sufficient English or Japanese language ability.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
• Application form with an ID photograph taken within the past three months
• Reason for application within 500 words
• Research plan within five pages
• Curriculum vitae and list of publications
• Recommendation letter from the applicant’s current home institution or employer
• Soft copy of the academic certificate for the Ph.D.
• Letter of acceptance from a host professor in Japan
The application form must use the prescribed format. It must also be signed and dated.
The research plan must explain:
• The content, purpose, and methodology of the research
• The road map of the research project
• The benefit that the project will bring to the applicant’s home country
The curriculum vitae must include a list of publications. Applicants must highlight the title of the publication related to their intended research project in Japan.
The recommendation letter must be written on the current home institution’s letterhead. It should confirm the applicant’s academic ability, achievements, and study leave during the fellowship period.
The letter of acceptance must be written on the host institution’s letterhead and signed by the host professor. It must explain why the professor agrees to host the applicant. It must also confirm that the professor will arrange accommodation if the applicant is selected.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their application documents to the Matsumae International Foundation by email.
Application Email: application@mif-japan.org
All documents must be submitted as separate PDF files. Applicants should not combine all documents into one PDF.
All documents must be typed in English, except for the letter of acceptance from the host professor, which may be written in Japanese or English.
Applications will be automatically rejected without notice if:
• The email exceeds 5 MB.
• Attachments use file extensions other than PDF.
• Attachments are compressed files, such as ZIP or RAR files.
• The email includes program files or downloadable links.
Applications will not be accepted before or after the official application period.
Screening Process
The Matsumae International Foundation Screening Committee will evaluate the applications.
Successful applicants will be announced on the foundation’s website in late November 2026. The foundation will also send a grant letter to successful applicants.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted between:
June 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, Japan Standard Time
