The Japan Research Fellowship Program 2027, offered by the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF), is a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship that enables researchers from outside Japan to conduct research at Japanese universities and national research institutions.
The programme supports international collaboration in natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and agriculture while encouraging long-term academic connections between Japan and researchers worldwide.
Selected fellows will spend six months in Japan between June 2027 and March 2028, working with a host institution of their choice. In addition to research funding, the fellowship covers airfare, an arrival grant, insurance, and a monthly allowance to support living and research expenses during the stay.
Around 15 researchers will be selected for the 2027 cohort. Applicants must secure acceptance from a Japanese host institution before submitting their fellowship application.
Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | MIF Research Fellowship Program 2027 |
| Organising Body | Matsumae International Foundation (MIF), Japan |
| Programme Type | Fully Funded Postdoctoral Research Fellowship |
| Research Fields | Natural Science, Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture |
| Fellowship Duration | 6 Months |
| Research Period | Between June 2027 and March 2028 |
| Number of Fellows | Approximately 15 |
| Monthly Allowance | JPY 220,000 |
| Arrival Grant | JPY 120,000 |
| Airfare | Round-trip Economy Class Ticket |
| Insurance | Provided by MIF |
| Application Period | 1 June 2026 to 30 June 2026 (JST) |
| Result Announcement | Expected in late November 2026 |
| Host Institution | Japanese University or National Research Institution |
About the Japan Research Fellowship Program 2027
The Japan Research Fellowship Program 2027 is a non-profit organisation established in Japan to promote international understanding through academic and scientific exchange. The fellowship enables researchers from overseas to conduct independent research in Japan while building professional relationships with Japanese scientists and institutions.
The MIF Fellowship programme was created based on the vision of Dr. Shigeyoshi Matsumae, who believed that scientific cooperation and cultural exchange contribute to global peace and development. Through this fellowship, researchers are encouraged not only to advance their academic work but also to engage with Japanese society and culture during their stay.
Each fellow carries out research under the supervision of a host researcher at a Japanese university, national research institute, or equivalent academic organisation. The host institution must agree to accept the applicant before the fellowship application is submitted.
For the 2027 cycle, approximately 15 researchers from different countries will be selected to undertake research in Japan for six months between June 2027 and March 2028.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements specified by the Matsumae International Foundation. Applications that do not meet these conditions are not considered for evaluation.
| Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Must hold a PhD degree at the time of application |
| Age Limit | Born in or after 1982 |
| Nationality | Must not hold Japanese nationality |
| Current Position | Must be employed in the home country and expected to return after fellowship completion |
| Host Acceptance | Acceptance letter from a Japanese host institution is mandatory |
| Previous Stay in Japan | Applicants with long-term previous stays in Japan are generally not eligible |
| Research Field | Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, or Agriculture |
A key requirement of the programme is that applicants must already have an invitation or acceptance from a Japanese host researcher, professor, or institution before submitting their fellowship application. The foundation does not arrange host placements on behalf of applicants.
The fellowship particularly encourages applications from early and mid-career researchers who can contribute to research collaboration between Japan and their home countries after returning from the programme.
Who Should Apply?
- Researchers holding a PhD degree
- Faculty members and scientists employed at universities or research organisations
- Researchers seeking international collaboration opportunities
- Scientists working in Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, or Agriculture
- Researchers planning a six-month research stay in Japan during the fellowship period
Important: Securing a host institution in Japan is often the most time-consuming part of the application process. Interested researchers should begin contacting potential host professors and laboratories well before the application deadline.
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Research Fields Supported
The Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship primarily supports research in the fields of Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, and Agriculture. The foundation prioritises research that contributes to scientific advancement and promotes international academic collaboration.
Applicants must propose a research project that aligns with the expertise and facilities available at their chosen Japanese host institution.
| Eligible Research Areas | Examples |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Earth Science |
| Engineering | Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Robotics, Civil Engineering |
| Medicine | Biomedical Research, Clinical Research, Public Health, Medical Sciences |
| Agriculture | Agricultural Science, Food Science, Plant Science, Sustainable Agriculture |
The foundation places particular emphasis on research that can strengthen scientific cooperation between Japan and the applicant’s home country. Applicants should therefore clearly demonstrate the significance, originality, and potential impact of their proposed research project.
Research Proposal Tip
A strong application usually includes a well-defined research objective, a realistic six-month work plan, expected outcomes, and a clear explanation of why the selected Japanese host institution is suitable for the proposed research.
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Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
The Japan Research Fellowship Program 2027 provides comprehensive financial support to selected researchers during their six-month stay in Japan. The fellowship is designed to cover major living and travel expenses, allowing fellows to focus on their research activities.
| Benefit | Support Provided |
|---|---|
| Monthly Allowance | JPY 220,000 per month for living and research expenses |
| Arrival Fund | JPY 120,000 provided after arrival in Japan |
| International Airfare | Round-trip economy class air ticket |
| Insurance Coverage | Overseas travel accident and medical treatment insurance |
Over the six-month fellowship period, a fellow receives a total living allowance of JPY 1,320,000 (JPY 220,000 × 6 months), in addition to the arrival grant, airfare support, and insurance coverage.
The arrival allowance is intended to help researchers manage initial expenses such as local transportation, accommodation setup, and other settlement-related costs after reaching Japan.
MIF directly arranges or supports the international travel component through the provision of a round-trip economy-class air ticket between the fellow’s home country and Japan.
Insurance coverage is also included under the fellowship package, providing protection against accidents and medical treatment expenses during the fellowship period.
Estimated Fellowship Package
- Monthly stipend: JPY 220,000
- Total six-month stipend: JPY 1,320,000
- Arrival grant: JPY 120,000
- Round-trip airfare
- Medical and accident insurance
The fellowship does not require recipients to pay program fees. However, fellows are expected to manage their research activities, accommodation arrangements, and day-to-day living expenses using the support provided under the program.
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Duration and Host Institution Requirements
The Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship is a six-month research programme. Selected fellows must begin their research stay in Japan during the period specified by the foundation and complete the fellowship within the approved duration.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Duration | 6 Months |
| Research Period | Between June 2027 and March 2028 |
| Host Organisation | Japanese University, National Research Institute, or Equivalent Institution |
| Host Acceptance Letter | Mandatory Before Application Submission |
One of the most important requirements of the fellowship is securing acceptance from a host institution in Japan. Applicants must identify a suitable host researcher or professor and obtain written confirmation that the institution is willing to host the proposed research project.
The Matsumae International Foundation does not arrange placements or assign host institutions. Applicants are responsible for contacting prospective supervisors, discussing research plans, and obtaining the necessary acceptance documents before applying.
The proposed host institution should have the facilities, expertise, and research environment required for the applicant’s project. Applications submitted without host acceptance documentation are not considered for evaluation.
Before You Apply
- Identify a suitable Japanese research institution.
- Contact a potential host researcher or professor.
- Discuss your proposed research project.
- Obtain official acceptance or invitation documentation.
- Prepare your fellowship application package.
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How to Apply
Applications for the 2027 fellowship cycle must be submitted directly to the Matsumae International Foundation during the official application period.
For the 2027 programme, applications are accepted from 1 June 2026 to 30 June 2026 (Japan Standard Time). Applications received after the deadline are not accepted.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review the eligibility requirements relating to academic qualifications, age, nationality, employment status, and research field.
Step 2: Secure a Japanese Host Institution
Contact potential supervisors and obtain acceptance from a Japanese university or research institution before beginning the fellowship application.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Applicants are required to complete the prescribed application forms and supporting documentation specified by the foundation.
Typical application documents include:
- Completed application form
- Research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of publications
- Copy of PhD degree certificate
- Recommendation letter(s)
- Host acceptance documentation from Japan
- Other documents requested by MIF
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit the complete application package to the Matsumae International Foundation before the closing date. Incomplete applications may be rejected during the initial screening stage.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 June 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 30 June 2026 (JST) |
| Selection Results | Expected Late November 2026 |
| Research Stay in Japan | June 2027 to March 2028 |
Application Strategy
Many applicants spend several months securing a host institution before submitting their fellowship application. Researchers interested in the program should begin contacting Japanese professors and laboratories well before the June application window opens.
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Selection Process and Timeline
The Matsumae International Foundation evaluates applications through a competitive review process. Selection is based on the applicant’s academic achievements, research background, quality of the proposed research project, and the suitability of the chosen host institution in Japan.
Since only around 15 fellowships are awarded each year, applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong research record and a well-defined research plan that can be completed within the six-month fellowship period.
How Applications Are Evaluated
- Academic and research achievements
- Quality and originality of the proposed research
- Potential contribution to the research field
- Suitability of the Japanese host institution
- Future contribution to international cooperation and academic exchange
- Recommendation letters and supporting documents
Applications are reviewed by the foundation, and shortlisted candidates are assessed based on the overall strength of their application package. The foundation aims to select researchers who can build long-term academic links between Japan and their home countries.
Selection Timeline
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Period | 1 June 2026 – 30 June 2026 |
| Application Review | July – October 2026 |
| Result Notification | Late November 2026 |
| Research Stay in Japan | June 2027 – March 2028 |
Selection Tip
A clear research proposal and a strong host acceptance letter are among the most important components of a successful application. Applicants should explain why the selected Japanese institution is essential for their proposed research.
FAQs
The Japan Research Fellowship Program 2027 is a fully funded postdoctoral fellowship offered by the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) that allows researchers from outside Japan to conduct research at Japanese institutions for six months.
Applicants must hold a PhD degree, be employed in their home country, secure acceptance from a Japanese host institution, and satisfy all eligibility requirements specified by the Matsumae International Foundation.
Selected fellows receive a monthly allowance of JPY 220,000, an arrival grant of JPY 120,000, round-trip economy airfare, and insurance coverage.
Yes. Applicants must obtain acceptance from a Japanese university, research institute, or equivalent organisation before submitting their fellowship application.
The official application period runs from 1 June 2026 to 30 June 2026 (Japan Standard Time).
The Matsumae International Foundation expects to announce the selection results in late November 2026
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