Matsumae Research Fellowship Program 2026

The Matsumae Research Fellowship Program 2026 is organised by the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF), which invites applications from Ph.D. degree holders aged 45 or below. The objective of this program is to promote a deeper understanding of Japan. The selected fellows will receive a monthly allowance of JPY 2,20,000.

Source: www.mif-japan.org

The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is offering this opportunity.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be of non-Japanese nationality
• empathise with the core values of the MIF
• obtain acceptance from a host institution in Japan before application
• hold a Ph.D. (Doctoral Degree) at the time of application
• be aged 45 years old or younger at the time of application (their birth year must be in or after 1980)
• have sufficient English or Japanese language ability
• not have any past or current experiences of staying in Japan (other than short-term stays such as for sightseeing or conferences)
• have an occupation in their home countries, return there upon completing their fellowship tenure, and contribute to the development of their own country

Selected fellows will receive:-

• A monthly allowance of JPY 2,20,000.
• An arrival fund of JPY 1,20,000 will be provided to cover part of the initial living costs in Japan.
• Round-trip economy class airfare.
• Overseas travel insurance with medical treatment and death benefits is provided.

Eligible applicants can apply by following these steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button.
Step 2: Click the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details. (Note:- If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID)
Step 3: Download the provided forms and fill them out with valid information.
Step 4: Attach all the required documents in PDF format and send them to the following email address: ‘application@mif-japan.org’.

Note:-

• The email must not exceed 5 MB in size.
• All documents must be typed in English.
• The documents must be sent separately and not as a combined document.

• ID Proof
• Valid Visa
• Reason for applying in 500 words
• Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation letter
• Academic Transcripts

• The list of successful applicants will be published on the MIF website by late November 2025.
• Selected candidates will receive an official grant letter from MIF.
• MIF maintains a strict confidentiality policy regarding Screening Committee discussions and does not entertain inquiries about individual applications.  
• The foundation does not disclose the reasoning behind its selection decisions or provide feedback on individual cases.

Application Deadline: 30 June 2025

Question: Can applicants of any nationality apply?
Answer: No, only non-Japanese nationals are eligible.

Question: Is there an age restriction?
Answer: Yes, applicants must be 45 years old or younger (born in or after 1980).

Question: Can someone without a Ph.D. apply?
Answer: No, a Ph.D. is mandatory at the time of application.

Question: How will I know if I’m selected?
Answer: Successful applicants’ numbers will be announced on the MIF website in late November 2025.

Question: What does the fellowship cover?
Answer: It typically includes research expenses, travel costs, and a living stipend.