Matsumae International Foundation Fully Funded Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Japan

Overview of The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF)

The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF) is a Japanese nonprofit dedicated to fostering global academic exchange. Through its annual Research Fellowship Program, MIF invites outstanding postdoctoral researchers from around the world to conduct six‐month research projects at leading Japanese institutions. Fully funded by MIF, the fellowship covers living expenses, travel costs, insurance, and offers a structured study tour to deepen fellows’ understanding of Japan.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF)?

• Non‑Japanese Nationals: Applicants must hold citizenship of a country other than Japan.
• Ph.D. Holders: A doctoral degree must be conferred by the time of application.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be 45 years old or younger (i.e., born on or after January 1, 1980).
• Home‑Country Employment: Fellows must be employed in their home country with the commitment to return and contribute to its development after the fellowship.
• Language Proficiency: Sufficient command of English or Japanese to carry out research and daily living in Japan.
• Host Institution Approval: Prior to application, candidates must secure an invitation or acceptance letter from a Japanese university, national research institution, or an equivalent private-sector facility.

Fields of Study Covered

MIF prioritizes cutting-edge research in:

• Natural Sciences (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
• Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Materials Science)
• Medicine (e.g., Biomedical Research, Public Health)

Universities Included in the Program

While MIF does not maintain a fixed list of host institutions, eligible hosts include:

• Japan’s top research universities (e.g., University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University)
• National research organizations (e.g., RIKEN, National Institutes of Natural Sciences)
• Private-sector research centers affiliated with industry or independent laboratories

Applicants are encouraged to identify and contact institutions whose facilities and supervisory expertise best match their research goals.

Selection Process for Applicants

• Document Review: MIF conducts an initial screening of all application materials to ensure eligibility and completeness.
• Peer Evaluation: A committee of Japanese and international scholars assesses the research proposals based on originality, methodology, and potential contribution to the applicant’s home country.
• Host Endorsement: MIF confirms acceptance from the nominated host institution and evaluates the feasibility of the research plan.
• Final Decision: Successful candidates are notified by late November 2025.

Documents Needed for Application

Applicants must submit the following in English, as separate PDF files (each under 5 MB), via email to application@mif-japan.org:

1. Completed Application Form (with recent ID photo)
2. Statement of Purpose (max. 500 words)
3. Research Plan (up to 5 pages detailing objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected impact)
4. Curriculum Vitae & Publication List
5. Letter of Recommendation (from home‑country institution)
6. Ph.D. Certificate (or official English translation)
7. Host Institution Letter (confirmation from a Japanese professor or research supervisor)

Note: Emails with compressed attachments (e.g., ZIP, RAR) or exceeding 5 MB will be automatically rejected.

Eligibility by Country

The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities, except Japanese. There are no country quotas—the key requirement is that the candidate must return to and be actively employed in their home country before and after the fellowship period.

Benefits of The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF)

• Monthly Allowance: JPY 220,000 for living and research expenses
• Arrival Allowance: JPY 120,000 to cover initial settlement costs in Japan
• Round‑Trip Airfare: Economy‐class ticket between the fellow’s home country and Tokyo
• Comprehensive Insurance: Medical treatment and death benefits during the fellowship
• Cultural & Study Tour: Organized opportunities to engage with Japanese society and culture

Duration of the Scholarship

The Research Fellowship spans six months, to be taken any time between June 2026 and March 2027. Fellows must coordinate exact start and end dates with their host institution.

Application Procedure

1. Identify a Host: Contact prospective supervisors in Japan and secure a formal acceptance letter.
2. Prepare Documents: Complete the application form, craft a concise statement of purpose, outline a detailed research plan, and collect all supporting letters and certificates.
3. Submit via Email: Send all materials as separate, correctly formatted PDF files to application@mif-japan.org between June 1 and June 30, 2025 (JST).

How to Apply for The Matsumae International Foundation (MIF)

1. Visit the official fellowship announcement page at mif-japan.org.
2. Download the application form and guidance notes.
3. Reach out to potential Japanese host institutions early (ideally by spring 2025).
4. Finalize and review your documents well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
5. Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM JST on June 30, 2025.