Is the Matsumae Fellowship open?
No. The 2027 application closed on 30 June 2026.
How much does it pay?
JPY 220,000 per month plus a JPY 120,000 arrival fund.
What else is covered?
Round-trip airfare and overseas travel insurance are included.
What does this scholarship actually cover?
A six-month Japanese research fellowship for international PhD holders, covering living/research expenses, arrival support, round-trip airfare and insurance.
Other verified benefits
JPY 220,000 monthly allowance, JPY 120,000 arrival fund, round-trip economy airfare, overseas travel insurance and a Hiroshima study tour.
Costs not confirmed or not covered
Support applies to the Fellow only; MIF does not support accompanying family or companions.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be non-Japanese, hold a PhD, be 45 or younger, have a full-time occupation in their home country, normally have no prior long stay in Japan and secure host acceptance before applying.
Priority fields are natural sciences, engineering, medicine and agriculture. Around 15 Fellows are selected.
Eligible countries
Non-Japanese nationals meeting the fellowship criteria.
Language requirements
Sufficient English or Japanese ability.
Which documents were historically required?
This is a historical checklist, not a current application checklist.
- CV or résumé
- Research proposal
- Degree certificate
- Host supervisor commitment letter
What should you do next?
- Secure a host professor in Japan.
- Prepare the MIF application, research plan, CV/publications and institutional recommendation.
- Include PhD certificate and host acceptance letter.
- Submit by email during the next official application month.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Matsumae International Foundation Fellowship?
The 2027 fellowship provides JPY 220,000 per month for living and research expenses, plus a JPY 120,000 arrival fund, round-trip airfare and overseas travel insurance.