The MIF Research Fellowships Program 2026 is now accepting applications from international students worldwide for Post Doctoral Fellowships in Japan. Established in 1980 based on the founder’s vision of “Towards A Greater Understanding of Japan and a Lasting World Peace,” the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is dedicated to fostering global friendship and goodwill.
Through this program, MIF aims to contribute to the future by connecting people and building bridges between Japan and the rest of the world. Join the MIF Research Fellowships Program 2026 to be a part of this initiative and enhance your research experience in Japan
MIF Research Fellowships Program 2026 Details
| Organization | Matsumae International Foundation |
| Country | Japan |
| Study Level | Postdoc |
| Deadline | 30 June 2025 |
Eligibility for MIF Scholarship
Applicants of non-Japanese nationality who meet all of the following eligibility requirements are invited to submit the required application documents.
- Applicants must obtain a Letter of Invitation from host institutions in Japan.
- Applicants must hold a PH.D. (Doctorate) degree, or be recognized by MIF as possessing equivalent academic qualifications.
- Applicants must be at the age of 49 years old or younger at the time when documents are submitted.
- Applicants must have sufficient abilities in the English or Japanese languages.
- Applicants should not have past or current experiences of staying in Japan. (Except for short-term stay. E.g. sightseeing, conferences)
- Applicants should be in employment in their home countries and must return to their countries upon completion of their MIF fellowship tenure.
Field of Study
The research field of under MIF Fellowship:
- Natural science
- Engineering
- Medicine
(are given first priority. But other Majors holder’s also can apply)
Also Check: 500 Humboldt Research Fellowships 2025 in Germany
Duration
Applicants indicate the period of Fellowship with the length of stay needed for the Research Project between 3 to 6 months, and commencing month and ending month between April and March.
No of Fellowship
The number of fellowships is about 15 each year.
Host Institution In Japan
Applicants are free to select host institutions (university research laboratories, national research institutions, or the corresponding facilities of private industry)
Financial Coverage
- Allowance for research and stay (¥220,000- per month is provided for tuition payment, expenses for research materials, and miscellaneous living expenses)
- Insurance
- Air transportation
- Start-up Fund upon arrival ( ¥120,000- is provided to cover the initial costs to start new research stay in Japan)
Required Documents
- Application form for MIF Fellowship
- Research Proposal
- Paper Publication List
- CV
- Recommendation Letters
- Copies of Academic Certificates ( BS, MS & Ph.D.)
- Acceptance Letter from any Japan Institute
- Or any other Supporting Documents
Deadline
The last date to apply in Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship is 30 June 2025
How to Apply for Scholarship
Applicants should obtain the current issue of the Fellowship Announcement from MIF. Or download the announcement from the MIF’s website and print out the Application Form in PDF-format or MS Word file.
MIF cannot entertain requests for waivers of the eligibility requirements and other conditions, listed in the Fellowship Announcement, and will not accommodate such requests.
The application must be submitted from the applicant’s home country. MIF accepts those submitted by POST. Those applications submitted electronically or via facsimile will be unacceptable.
