Japan Research Fellowship 2027 At MIF | Fully Funded Global Opportunity

Japan Research Fellowship 2027 at Matsumae International Foundation

Looking for an international Research Fellowship that can elevate your academic career and global exposure? The prestigious Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) has announced its fully funded fellowship program in Japan for 2027. This incredible opportunity is designed for researchers in natural sciences, medicine, engineering, agriculture, and related fields who wish to contribute to global scientific advancement. For candidates searching for Life Science Careers and an opportunity for life science graduates, this fellowship offers world-class research exposure, generous financial support, and a chance to collaborate with top Japanese institutions.

About the Foundation

Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) was established in 1979 with the mission of providing overseas researchers with opportunities to conduct research activities in Japan, regardless of race, sex, religion, or ideology.

The foundation aims to contribute to:

• Academic development in Japan
• International friendship and goodwill
• Scientific and cultural exchange between Japan and other nations

The foundation was established based on the vision of Dr. Shigeyoshi Matsumae (1901–1991), who strongly believed that peace could be achieved through cultural and academic exchange.

Fellowship Program Overview

The MIF Fellowship Program invites promising young researchers from around the world to conduct research in Japan while fostering long-term international collaboration and mutual understanding.

Features of the Fellowship Program

• Open to young overseas researchers with strong academic ability
• Applications are accepted regardless of sex, race, religion, ideology, or creed
• Fellows are free to choose their host institution in Japan
• Research subjects are determined by fellows and their host professors/scholars
• Fellows participate in a study tour designed to:
  • Experience Japanese culture and technology
  • Reflect on the peaceful use of science and technology

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants of non-Japanese nationality must meet all of the following requirements:

• Must empathize with the core values of the MIF
• Must have a full-time occupation in their home country
• Must return to their home country after the fellowship and contribute to national development
• Must hold a Ph.D. degree at the time of application
• Must be 45 years old or younger at the time of application
• Birth year must be 1981 or later
• Should not have past or current long-term experience staying in Japan
• Short-term visits such as conferences or tourism are acceptable
• Must obtain acceptance from a host institution in Japan before applying
• Must possess sufficient English or Japanese language proficiency

Research Fields

Preferred research areas include:

• Natural Science
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Agriculture

Fellowship Period

• Duration: Six months
• Fellowship period must fall between: June 2027 and March 2028
• Applicants must indicate their preferred start and end months in the application form.
• Example: September 2027 – February 2028

Number of Fellowship Recipients: Approximately 15 fellows will be selected

Host Institution in Japan

Applicants may choose a host institution in Japan, including:

• Universities
• National research institutions

Applicants must secure acceptance from the host institution before applying. The MIF does not provide recommendations or assistance in selecting host institutions.

Fellowship Benefits

Monthly Allowance: JPY 220,000 per month

• Covers:
  • Research expenses
  • Materials
  • Living expenses in Japan

Arrival Fund: JPY 120,000

Air Transportation
Round-trip economy airfare between:

• The nearest international airport from the fellow’s residence
• Tokyo, Japan

Insurance
Overseas travel insurance including:

• Medical treatment coverage
• Death benefits

Study Tour

The MIF organizes a study tour to Hiroshima to deepen understanding of:

• Japanese culture
• World peace
• Peaceful applications of science and technology

Fellowship Conditions

• Fellowship duration cannot be changed, extended, or shortened after approval
• Fellowship benefits apply only to the selected applicant
• The MIF does not provide assistance for family members or companions

Application Process

Application Method
Applications must be submitted via email.

Email: [email protected]

Application Period

• From: 1 June 2026
• To: 30 June 2026 (Japan Standard Time)

Applications submitted before or after the application period will not be accepted.

Required Application Documents

• All documents must:
  • Be submitted as separate PDF files
  • Be typed in English (except document #7)
  • Be emailed to the MIF

Applications will be automatically rejected if:

• Email size exceeds 5 MB
• Attachments are not in PDF format
• Compressed files (ZIP/RAR) are used
• Emails contain executable files or downloadable links

Document Checklist

1. 1. Application Form

• Download from the MIF website
• Must include:
• 1. • Recent ID photograph (within 3 months)
     • Signature and date
  2. Reason for Application
• Use the official form from the MIF website
• Maximum 500 words

1. 1. Research Plan
      Maximum 5 pages including:
      • Research content, objectives, and methodology
      • Research roadmap
      • Benefits of the project to the applicant’s home country

The proposal should be developed in consultation with the host professor in Japan.

1. 1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) & List of Publications
      • Publication list must include:
        • Titles
        • Authors
        • Journal names
        • Page numbers
        • Publication years

Applicants must highlight in yellow the publication related to the proposed research in Japan.

1. Recommendation Letter
   • The letter must:
     • Be issued by the applicant’s current institution/employer
     • Be written on official letterhead
     • Be addressed to the Chairperson of the Matsumae International Foundation
     • Confirm:
       • Academic ability and achievements
       • Approval for study leave during the fellowship period
2. Ph.D. Academic Certificate
   • Submit a soft copy of the Ph.D. certificate
   • Non-English documents must

APPLY ONLINE HERE