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The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) invites applications for the 2026 Fellowship Program, designed to promote international research collaboration and mutual understanding between Japan and researchers from around the world.
Established in 1980, MIF aims to build global peace through a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, science, and technology. Fellows will have the chance to:
* Conduct research in Japan’s top institutions
* Learn Japanese customs and values
* Explore the role of scientific research in solving societal issues
* Participate in educational study tours and cultural exchanges
Fellowship Details
*Location: Japan
*Funding Type: Fully Funded
*Application Mode: Email submission (PDF format)
Eligible Research Fields
Research can be conducted at any host institution (university, research institute, or private-sector establishment) in Japan in the following fields:
*Natural Sciences
*Engineering
*Medicine
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
* Be non-Japanese nationals
* Be 45 years old or younger at the time of application
* Hold a doctoral degree (PhD)
* Demonstrate proficiency in English or Japanese
* Have professional experience in Japan*= (beyond short visits for tourism or conferences)
* Obtain an invitation letter from a host professor/institution in Japan
* Pledge to return to their home country upon completion of the fellowship
* Embrace the core values of the MIF
Benefits of the Fellowship
*Monthly stipend of JPY 220,000 for living and research costs
*Round-trip economy class airfare from the fellow’s home country to Tokyo
*Arrival allowance of JPY 120,000
*Overseas travel insurance, including medical and death benefits
*Online study tour and engagement activities
*Health insurance
Required Documents
1. Application Form (Download from MIF website)
Include photo (max 3 months old, ≤1 MB), signed and dated
2. Research Project Proposal
Should include objectives, methodology, roadmap, and potential impact in your home country
3. Key Publications
Include English abstract if full text isn’t in English
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
With a full list of publications (title, date, co-authors, etc.)
5. Recommendation Letter
From your current employer on official letterhead, confirming academic performance and study leave approval
6. Academic Certificates (Ph.D., Master’s, Bachelor’s) in English
7. Invitation Letter from Host Institution in Japan
Must include: host institution name, host professor’s name & email, postal code, address, and telephone. Must be written in Japanese
Important Notes
* All documents must be typed in English and submitted as PDFs
* Emails must not exceed 5MB
* Do not send compressed files (.zip, .rar) or executable/download links
* Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications will be automatically rejected
* Specify fellowship start and end dates in the application form
Screening Process
* Applications are assessed by the MIF Screening Committee
* Criteria include educational value and research excellence
* Results will be announced on the MIF website in late November 2025
* Successful applicants will receive a grant letter
* MIF does not provide feedback on screening decisions or accept inquiries
How to Apply
Submit all required documents via email to the official email address application@mif-japan.org
For full details and to download the application form, visit the MIF website
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