International students are eligible for a Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) Fellowship which supports research in Japan. Japanese universities, research institutions or comparable private organizations are where the fellowship allows scholars to do their research. Fellows get six months for the MIF Fellowship, during which the research period will happen between June 2026 and March 2027. People from all parts of the world may apply for the fellowship to encourage friendship across nations, build academic skills and create goodwill with Japan. It is free to apply and every successful candidate will enjoy good support with their finances while studying in Japan.
Important points you should know about the Matsumae (MIF) Fellowship.
- Japan is Host Country
- Length of project: 6 months (between June 2026 and March 2027)
- Good side: There is no student debt.
- Application period ends on 30th June 2025
Financial Benefits
They provide a variety of help to those who are successful in getting the fellowship.
- A set amount every month to handle living costs.
- Help for getting to your new place with an Arrival Fund.
- Flights going to and coming from Japan.
- Fellowships often cover health and accidental risks occurring while fellows are training.
- A Study Tour to give students opportunities to learn and experience new cultural and academic things during their visit.
Research Fields
Fields included in the Matsumae Fellowship are the ones mentioned below.
- Natural Science
- Engineering
- Medicine
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship 2026 have to meet the outlined requirements.
- A person from a country except Japan may apply for this scholarship.
- You must not be older than 45 years of age when you apply (born in or after the year 1980).
- The minimum requirement is a Ph.D. (Doctoral Degree) for all people who want to apply.
- Researchers apply if they can use English or Japanese no problem, keeping in mind that research in Japan works best with fluency in the chosen language.
- Before applying, applicants have to get acceptance from a host institution in Japan.
- Applicants are not allowed to have previous or current experiences in Japan (except for a few days of sightseeing or conferences).
- Applicants are required to have an active job in their home country and to go back after the fellowship and help their country develop.
See More: https://opportunitiesnest.com/hubert-humphrey-fellowship-2026-in-the-usa-fully-funded/
Required Documents
Required documents for an application are:
- Research Plan
- Application Form
- Send a copy of your publications as well (if any).
- You should also attach a curriculum vitae (CV) and a list of publications.
- A recommendation letter written by the employer
- Providing your academics in electronic (soft) format
- Confirming letter from a Japanese professor or scholar, serving as the invitation (confirming they have accepted your application)
Guide on How to Apply to the Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship for 2026
- The process to apply for the Matsumae Fellowship is handled via email and people cannot apply online. Do the following to apply for the job.
- Collect or finish all the documents needed for a visa application.
- Mail the finished application and all required documents to the official email of the Matsumae International Foundation which is application@mif-japan.org.
- Documents required for your application should be in the proper format (PDF or another type allowed by the program).
- Read the official announcement about the results which will appear on the MIF website in late November 2025. Applicants who are chosen will get a letter of selection.
Apply Here: https://www.mif-japan.org/en/fellowship/announcement/
