The MIF (Matsumae International Foundation) Research Fellowship Program 2026 offers fully funded research opportunities in Japan for international researchers. This prestigious fellowship is open to non-Japanese postdoctoral researchers who wish to conduct advanced research in natural sciences, engineering, and medicine. The fellowship period lasts six months, and successful applicants will receive a monthly stipend, travel allowances, and insurance coverage.
The MIF Fellowship aims to foster academic exchange, strengthen international research collaboration, and contribute to global scientific development. It is open to scholars from all around the world who have never previously stayed in Japan for more than short-term visits. Applicants must obtain an acceptance letter from a host institution in Japan before applying.
Applications for the 2026 Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship are open from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025 (Japan Standard Time). If you are an early-career researcher looking for a prestigious fellowship in Japan, this is a unique opportunity to advance your research while experiencing Japan’s culture and scientific excellence.
Quick Overview of MIF Research Fellowship Program 2026
- Host Country: Japan
- Host Institution: Universities, research institutions, or private sector facilities in Japan
- Fellowship Duration: 6 months (June 2026 – March 2027)
- Financial Coverage: Fully funded
- Number of Fellows: Around 15 fellows are selected per year
- Research Fields: Natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and related fields
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 (JST)
- Eligibility: Non-Japanese postdoctoral researchers aged 45 or younger
Perks of the Engineering Research Fellowships in Japan
- Monthly stipend of JPY 220,000 for living and research expenses.
- Arrival fund of JPY 120,000 for initial costs.
- Round-trip airfare (economy class) from home country to Japan.
- Overseas travel insurance, including medical treatment and death benefits.
- Study tour to explore Japan’s culture and scientific advancements.
- Full access to Japanese research facilities and academic networks.
Benefits of the Fully Funded Research Fellowships
- Conduct advanced research in world-class Japanese institutions.
- Build strong international research collaborations with top scientists.
- Enhance your expertise in science, engineering, or medicine.
- Experience Japanese culture and academic excellence.
- Strengthen global scientific exchange and contribute to knowledge sharing.
- Develop long-term professional connections in Japan.
Exclusions of the Matsumae International Foundation Fellowships 2026
- Candidates must NOT have prior long-term stays in Japan (excluding short visits for conferences or tourism).
- Only researchers aged 45 or younger (born in or after 1980) are eligible.
- The fellowship does not support family members—applicants must arrange their own immigration and accommodation for dependents.
- The fellowship cannot be extended or shortened—grantees must complete their research within the assigned six-month period.
- The MIF does NOT provide assistance in finding a host institution—applicants must secure an acceptance letter on their own.
Eligibility Criteria for MIF Research Fellowship Program 2026
To apply for the MIF Research Fellowship, candidates must:
- Be of non-Japanese nationality.
- Hold a Ph.D. (Doctoral degree) at the time of application.
- Be 45 years old or younger (born in or after 1980).
- Have an acceptance letter from a Japanese host institution (university, research institute, or private research facility).
- Demonstrate strong English or Japanese language proficiency.
- Have never lived in Japan for extended periods.
- Be employed in their home country and return after the fellowship to contribute to national development.
Important Dates for MIF Fellowship 2026
- Application Opens: June 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 (JST)
- Selection Results Announced: Late November 2025
- Fellowship Duration: June 2026 – March 2027 (6 months)
How to Apply for Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026
Follow these steps to apply for the MIF Fellowship:
- Find a Japanese host institution (university, research center, or private company).
- Obtain an acceptance letter from a Japanese professor or researcher.
- Prepare the required documents (see below).
- Email your complete application to application@mif-japan.org between June 1 and June 30, 2025.
- Await results—successful applicants will be notified in November 2025.
🔗 Apply Now: Send your application to application@mif-japan.org
Required Documents for MIF Research Fellowship Program 2026
Applicants must submit the following PDF documents by email:
- Application Form (download from the MIF website)
- Reason for Application (500 words, explaining research goals)
- Research Plan (5 pages, including methodology, impact, and research roadmap)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) & List of Publications
- Recommendation Letter from employer/home institution
- Ph.D. Certificate (official document; attach an English translation if needed)
- Letter from Japanese Host Professor (signed on official institution letterhead)
🔔 Note:
- Emails over 5MB or with compressed files (zip, rar) will be rejected.
- All documents must be typed in English.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process for MIF Fellowship
- Applications are reviewed by the MIF Screening Committee.
- Results will be announced in late November 2025 on the MIF website.
- Selected candidates will receive an official grant letter from MIF.
- MIF does not disclose reasons for selection or rejection.
For more details, visit the Matsumae International Foundation’s official website.
