Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Research Fellowship Program from the Matsumae International Foundation is a six-month research fellowship for non-Japanese Ph.D. holders to conduct advanced research at a host institution in Japan. It supports research in natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and agriculture. The program provides financial support including a monthly allowance, airfare, insurance, and an arrival grant, and promotes international academic exchange and capacity building.
Overview
- The program is a six-month research fellowship in Japan
- It is open only to non-Japanese researchers
- Fellows conduct research at a host institution in Japan
- It focuses on international academic collaboration and research exchange
- Priority fields include natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and agriculture
Purpose of the Fellowship
The fellowship aims to
- Support advanced research activities in Japan
- Promote international academic collaboration
- Strengthen research capacity in home countries after completion
- Encourage knowledge transfer between Japan and other countries
- Build global research partnerships and networks
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements
- Be a non-Japanese national
- Hold a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) at the time of application
- Be 45 years old or younger
- Be currently employed in their home country
- Commit to returning to their home country after the fellowship
- Not have long-term residence experience in Japan (short visits allowed)
- Obtain prior acceptance from a Japanese host institution
- Have sufficient English or Japanese language ability
- Align with the values of the Matsumae International Foundation
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive
- Monthly allowance of JPY 220,000
- Arrival fund of JPY 120,000
- Round-trip economy airfare to Tokyo, Japan
- Overseas travel insurance (medical and death coverage)
- Participation in a study tour in Hiroshima
Duration and Conditions
- Fellowship duration is fixed at six months
- Duration cannot be extended, shortened, or modified
- Support applies only to the selected individual
- Funding is non-transferable
- Fellows must complete full-time research at the host institution
Application and Selection Process
Step 1: Secure host institution
- Obtain acceptance from a Japanese host research institution
Step 2: Prepare application
- Develop research proposal in eligible fields
- Ensure alignment with program objectives
Step 3: Submit application
- Submit through official application channels
- Include required documents and host acceptance letter
Step 4: Evaluation
- Applications are reviewed based on
- Academic quality
- Research relevance
- Feasibility
- Program alignment
Step 5: Notification
- Approximately 15 fellows are selected
- Results are announced via official communication
- No feedback is provided for unsuccessful applications
Research Focus Areas
- Natural sciences
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Agriculture
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not securing host institution acceptance before applying
- Missing Ph.D. qualification requirement
- Exceeding age limit of 45 years
- Having long-term residence history in Japan
- Weak or unclear research proposal
- Misalignment with program priorities
- Incomplete documentation
Why This Fellowship Matters
- Strengthens global research collaboration
- Supports high-level scientific research in Japan
- Builds research capacity in developing countries
- Enhances international academic exchange
- Promotes long-term knowledge transfer
- Develops global scientific networks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for this fellowship
- Non-Japanese Ph.D. holders aged 45 or younger employed in their home country
How long is the fellowship
- Six months, fixed and non-extendable
Is a host institution required
- Yes, prior acceptance from a Japanese institution is mandatory
What funding is provided
- Monthly stipend, arrival grant, airfare, and insurance
How many fellows are selected
- Approximately 15 per cycle
Can I stay longer than six months
- No, the duration cannot be extended or modified
Will I receive feedback if rejected
- No, selection feedback is not provided
Conclusion
The Research Fellowship Program from the Matsumae International Foundation provides structured funding and research support for international Ph.D. researchers to conduct advanced studies in Japan. It strengthens global academic cooperation, promotes knowledge exchange, and enables researchers to contribute to development in their home countries after completing the fellowship.
For more information, visit Matsumae International Foundation.