Call for Applications of the MIF Research Fellowship Program 2027!!
The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is officially inviting global researchers to apply for its Research Fellowship Program for the year 2027 in Japan. This program is built to support outstanding non-Japanese researchers who want to run groundbreaking projects at Japanese host institutions. The foundation believes that real global progress happens when scientists cross borders to share knowledge. By opening up these academic tracks, the organization hopes to create long-term friendships and professional networks that span across different countries.
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The program places a high priority on specific academic fields that drive global innovation and development. These preferred areas include natural science, engineering, medicine, and agriculture, which are all vital for solving modern world problems. The foundation aims to select around 15 exceptional fellowship recipients for this specific cycle. Selected scholars are given the complete freedom to choose their own host universities or national research institutions across Japan, allowing them to match their projects with the best local experts and advanced laboratories available.
Each research fellowship spans a continuous period of six months, which must be carried out between June 2027 and March 2028. Beyond the strict scientific work, the program focuses on a holistic experience by integrating cultural exposure and historical understanding as core parts of the stay. By bringing together talented young minds from diverse backgrounds, the foundation continues its historical legacy of building bridges of mutual understanding between Japan and the rest of the world. This approach ensures that applicants grow both as scientists and as global citizens.
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A central goal of this initiative is to assist the long-term development of the candidates’ home countries. Because of this, the foundation requires all applicants to hold a secure, full-time occupation at home and to return immediately after their fellowship ends to apply their newly acquired knowledge locally. To apply, researchers must coordinate with a Japanese host professor to get a formal acceptance letter.
Location:
JapanBenefits
- Monthly Allowance: Recipients receive a monthly stipend of JPY 220,000 to support living expenses, accommodation, and daily needs throughout their stay in Japan.
- Arrival Fund: A one-time arrival fund of JPY 120,000 is provided upon arrival in Japan to ease the transition into a new environment.
- Round-trip Air Transportation: The fellowship covers a round-trip economy-class airline ticket between the grantee’s nearest international airport and Tokyo, Japan.
- Overseas Travel Insurance: Comprehensive overseas travel insurance is provided for the entire fellowship period. The coverage includes medical treatment benefits as well as standard death benefits for added security and peace of mind.
- Cultural Study Tour: Fellows are invited to participate in a foundation-sponsored study tour to Hiroshima. The tour promotes a deeper understanding of Japan’s history while encouraging reflection on peace and international cooperation.
Eligibilities
- Applicants Must-
- Empathize with the MIF’s core values.
- Have a full-time occupation in their home country, and return there upon completing their fellowship tenure
and contribute to the development of their own country. - Hold a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) at the time of application.
- Be 45 years old or younger at the time of application. (The birth year must be in or after 1981.)
- Applicants should not have past or current experience of staying in Japan (other than short-term stays such as for
sightseeing or conferences). - Obtain acceptance from a host institution in Japan before applying.
- Have sufficient English or Japanese language ability.
Application Process
- Applicants are required to complete the application process by providing the necessary information below:
- Completed Application Form and Reason for Application document
- Recent ID photograph (taken within the last three months)
- Letter of Acceptance from a host professor at a Japanese university or national research institution
- Detailed research plan (maximum 5 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of publications
- Recommendation letter from the current employer
- Copy of Ph.D. certificate
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 (14 Days Remaining)
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