Upon the concept of the founder of the Matsumae International Foundation (MIF), “Towards A Greater Understanding of Japan and a Lasting World Peace”, MIF has started the research Fellowship Program in 1980. The MIF Research Fellowship Program is open for applicants from all part of the world for research stay (3 to 6 months) in Japan.

The fellowship grant is restricted to the period indicated in a grant letter. Extension/reduction of the granted period is not allowed. The invitation by MIF is limited only to a successful applicant specified in the grant letter. MIF does neither concern successful applicant’s family/dependents nor provide any assistance (visa, flight arrangements, etc.) for them.

MIF Research Fellowship Program is a fully funded program that will provide selected applicants with the following benefits:

• Allowance for research and stay (¥220,000/month)
• Insurance : Overseas travel insurance with medical treatment and death benefit is provided.
• Air transportation (a round-trip air ticket to/from Tokyo)
• Start-up Fund upon arrival (¥120,000)
• Study Tour: The MIF invites fellowship recipients to participate in a study tour during their fellowship to deepen their understanding of Japan.

Applicants of non-Japanese nationality who meet all the following eligibility requirements are invited to apply for the MIF Research Fellowship Program. Applicants must:

1. obtain a Letter of Invitation from host institutions in Japan.
2. hold a Ph.D. (Doctorate) degree, or be recognized by MIF as possessing equivalent academic qualifications.
3. be at the age of 49 years old or younger at the time when documents are submitted.
4. have sufficient abilities in the English or Japanese languages.
5. should not have past or current experiences of staying in Japan. (Except for short-term stay. E.g. sightseeing, conferences)
6. should be in employment in their home countries, and must return to their countries upon completion of their MIF fellowship tenure.

Required Documents

1. Application Form (in PDF-format or MS Word file);
2. The Research Project. You must submit a research plan containing the following:
   1. The content, purpose and methodology of the research
   2. The road map of the research project
   3. The benefit the research project will bring to your home country
   4. and (b) should be described in detail based on discussions with your host professor/scholar in Japan.
3. Soft Copy of Publication: Please submit only one publication (PDF) related to the research project that you intend to conduct in Japan;
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) and List of Publications: Regarding the list of publications, please precisely include the authors and titles of the publications, as well as the name of the journal, page(s), and year of publication in the list. Please also highlight the title of the publication that you submit as Soft Copy;
5. Recommendation Letter: Recommendation Letter must be from your current home institution (employer) and written on its letterhead. It should testify to your academic ability and achievements and confirm the availability of study leave during your fellowship period;
6. Soft copies of Academic Certificates/Diplomas for Ph.D., Master’s, and Bachelor’s Degrees If these documents are not available in English, please attach English translations (Self-translations are not acceptable);
7. Invitation Letter:
   • Invitation Letter must be from and signed by your host professor/scholar in Japan.
   • The letter must show whether they agree to your fellowship period and the research project as well as to grant use of facilities and arrange your accommodations during the fellowship.
   • A letter that is not written on the letterhead of the host institution and not signed by the host scholar will not be accepted.

Notice

• The documents above must be submitted as PDFs to the MIF via email.
• All documents must be typed in English.
• Inadequate documents will not be accepted.
• The following will be automatically rejected without notice.
  • Emails over 10 MB in size.
  • Emails with attachments with file extensions other than “pdf”.
  • Emails with attachments in any compressed format such as “zip” or “rar.”
  • Emails including any program files or downloadable links.