Upon the concept of the founder of the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF), “Towards A Greater Understanding of Japan and a Lasting World Peace”, MIF has started the research Fellowship Program in 1980. The 2025 Matsumae MIF Research Fellowship Program will be open from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025 (Japan Standard Time) for applicants of all nationalities to participate in a research stay (3 to 6 months) in Japan.
The fellowship grant is restricted to the period indicated in the grant letter. Extension/reduction of the granted period is not allowed. The invitation by MIF is limited only to the successful applicant specified in the grant letter. MIF does neither concern successful applicant’s family/dependents nor provide any assistance (visa, flight arrangements, etc.) for them.
Program Details
- Host Institutions: Applicants are free to select host institutions (universities, national research institutions, or the corresponding facilities in the private sector) in which to carry out their research in Japan. However, applicants are reminded that they are obliged to obtain acceptance from such host institutions prior to submitting their applications.
- Fields of Study: Fields of research such as natural science, engineering, and medicine are considered first priorities.
- Number of Awards: Around 15.
- Duration: 3 to 6 months within the period between April 2026 and March 2027.
- Target Group: Open for all nationalities (Except Japanese).
Also Check : China Link Scholarship Program, 2025-2026
Matsumae MIF Research Fellowship Benefits
Matsumae Fellowship is a fully funded program that will provide selected applicants with the following benefits:
- Monthly Allowance : A monthly allowance of JPY 220,000 will be provided to cover expenses for research activities (including materials) and living expenses in Japan.
- Arrival Fund : JPY 120,000 is provided to cover part of the initial costs of living in Japan.
- Round-trip Air Transportation : Round-trip economy class airfare is provided between the nearest international airport to a grantee’s domicile and Tokyo, Japan.
- Insurance : Overseas travel insurance with medical treatment and death benefit is provided.
- Study Tour : The MIF invites fellowship recipients to participate in a study tour during their fellowship to deepen their knowledge of Japan.
Matsumae MIF Research Fellowship Eligibility
Applicants of non-Japanese nationality who meet all of the following eligibility requirements are invited to apply for the Matsumae MIF Research Fellowship. Applicants must:
- obtain a Letter of Invitation from a host institution in Japan prior to application.
- hold a PhD (Doctorate) degree, or be recognized by MIF as possessing equivalent academic qualifications.
- be at the age of 45 years old or younger at the time of application (The birth year must be in / after 1980).
- have sufficient abilities in the English or Japanese languages.
- should not have past or current experiences of staying in Japan. (Except for short-term stays such as for sightseeing or conferences)
- should have an occupation in their home countries, return there upon completing their fellowship tenure, and contribute to the development of their own country.
How to Apply for the Matsumae MIF Research Fellowship
Eligible applicants who would like to apply for the research opportunity in Japan must fill out the Application Form, prepare all required documents and submit them all together by email to [email protected] (Only use this email for Application).
Required Documents
- Application Form. Please click here to download the form in MS Word file;
- Reason for Application : Please download the Reason for Application (Word) and explain “why you are applying for the MIF research fellowship program” in around 500 words.
- The Research Project. You must submit a research plan containing the following:
- The content, purpose, and methodology of the research
- The road map of the research project
- The benefit the research project will bring to your home country
- and (b) should be described in detail based on discussions with your host professor/scholar in Japan.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and List of Publications: Regarding the list of publications, please precisely include the authors and titles of the publications, as well as the name of the journal, page(s), and year of publication in the list. Please also clearly highlight in yellow the title of the publication related to the research project that you intend to conduct in Japan;
- Recommendation Letter: It must be from your current home institution (employer) and written on its letterhead. It should testify to your academic ability and achievements and confirm the availability of study leave during your fellowship period;
- Soft copies of Academic Certificates/Diplomas for Ph.D., Master’s, and Bachelor’s Degrees. If these documents are not available in English, please attach the English translations (Self-translations are not acceptable);
- Letter from Host Professor/Scholar in Japan:
- The letter must state the reason for hosting you and indicate that the host professor agrees to arrange your accommodation during the fellowship.
- The MIF will only accept a letter using the host institution’s letterhead and signed by the host professor.
- To host professors/scholars in Japan : Please write your letter in Japanese or English using your institution’s letterhead.
- The letter should be addressed to the Chairperson of the Matsumae International Foundation
- Please write your name and institutional affiliation, including the department and faculty, in Japanese and English.
- Please include your contact information: postal code, address, phone number, email.
- Please email the applicant your signed letter so that they can include it with their application documents.
Notice
- The above documents must be submitted as PDFs to the MIF via email.
- All documents must be typed in English.
- Inadequate documentation will not be accepted.
- The following will be automatically rejected without notice.
- Emails over 5 MB in size.
- Emails with attachments with file extensions other than “pdf”.
- Emails with attachments in any compressed format such as “zip” or “rar.”
- Emails including any program files or downloadable links.
The results will be announced on the MIF website in late November 2025 and MIF will send a grant letter to successful applicants.
Applications for this program will be received from June 1, 2025 to (Japan Standard Time). For more information about the Matsumae MIF Research Fellowship, please visit the official page. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
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