If you hold a PhD and want to take your research career forward while staying connected to your home country’s development, the Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship 2027 offers a highly respected pathway. This fully funded research fellowship allows early- to mid-career researchers to spend six months in Japan, working independently at a host university or research institute. More than a short research stay, MIF Fellowship 2027 Japan focuses on academic exchange, cultural understanding, and long-term collaboration. You gain access to Japan’s advanced research environment while preparing to return home with new expertise, networks, and ideas that strengthen research capacity where it matters most.

What This Opportunity Really Offers You

The MIF Research Fellowship 2026-27 is structured to remove financial barriers so you can focus entirely on your research. You receive a monthly allowance of JPY 220,000 to cover living and research expenses, along with an arrival fund of JPY 120,000 to help you settle in Japan. The fellowship also covers round-trip economy airfare, comprehensive overseas travel insurance, and participation in a special study tour to Hiroshima focused on peace and global cooperation. Throughout the fellowship, you work closely with a Japanese host professor and benefit from access to high-quality laboratories and academic resources.

MIF Fellowship 2027 Japan strongly supports research in high-impact disciplines that contribute directly to global and national development. Preferred fields include natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and agriculture. You are free to design your own research plan in collaboration with your Japanese host institution, allowing flexibility and academic independence while working within Japan’s advanced research ecosystem.

Who Can Apply for MIF Fellowship 2027 Japan?

You are eligible for the Japan MIF Fellowship 2026-27 if you are a non-Japanese national with a completed PhD at the time of application and are aged 45 or below. The fellowship is intended for researchers who are employed full-time in their home countries and who clearly plan to return after completing the research stay. You must not have previously lived in Japan for an extended period, although short academic visits are acceptable. A formal acceptance letter from a Japanese host institution is mandatory, along with sufficient English or Japanese proficiency and alignment with the values of the Matsumae International Foundation.

How to Apply for Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship 2027?

The most important step in the application process of the MIF Fellowship 2026-27 is securing a Japanese host professor who agrees to support your research. After obtaining host acceptance, submit the complete application package by email within the official application window. Required documents include the application form, research plan, statement of motivation, CV and publications list, recommendation letter, PhD certificate, and host acceptance letter. Applications must be emailed to [email protected]. Official fellowship details are available on the website of the Matsumae International Foundation. 

Key Details at a Glance

Item	Details
Fellowship Name	Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship 2027
Host Country	Japan
Fellowship Period	6 months (June 2027 – March 2028)
Eligible Fields	Science, Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture
Monthly Allowance	JPY 220,000
Age Limit	45 years or below
Number of Fellows	Around 15
Application Window	June 1–30, 2026
Result Announcement	Late November 2026

If you are a PhD holder seeking a fully funded research stay in Japan with long-term academic and national impact, the Matsumae International Foundation Research Fellowship 2027 is an opportunity you should not overlook. Start contacting potential hosts early and prepare your application well before the June 2026 deadline.

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