Your Resource for Expat Living in Japan
Welcome to TranSenz! My name is Travis and I am a bilingual American expat living in Japan. I've been an exchange student here and been stationed here with the US military in the past. Now, I've moved back permanently and live and work within the constraints of Japanese society. This blog is my place to share my experiences to help other expats integrate into their host community, or at least make the most out of their time in Japan!
In the blog posts, below, you can find all manner of experiences in Japan, but I've also collected some of the most relevant and important contact into a series of guides, linked from the pages below. If there's something about Japan that you want to know but can't find here, please leave a note in the comments below and I will be happy to add it to the list.
Enjoy!
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Placement Preference Form – Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship Application
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Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship 2020: How to Get a Letter of Provisional Acceptance
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How to Apply for the 2020 Embassy Recommendation MEXT Scholarship
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MEXT Scholarship Eligibility Criteria – 2020 Embassy Recommendation MEXT Scholarship
Good day sir,
I married a japasene here in our country Philippines. The problem is my husband doesn’t have a regular work in japan his only a partime job. The reason why he cant get a regular job is because he is sick, he has epilepsy. He tried to apply for a regular work in his hometown but sadly all of them refuse his application. He desperately want me to live with him in japan. I ask alot of consultation office in japan via facebook but all of them told me that it is impossible for me to get a COE because my husband doesn’t have a regular job. Can i get COE if my parents in law guarantor me on my application?
Hi Tina,
It should be possible for you to get a CoE with your parents-in-law as your guarantor/financial supporter. That was how I applied when I first came to Japan. (My wife was also living abroad and had no employment in Japan).
Eventually, I was the one who found full-time work in Japan first, so by the time that I applied to renew my period of stay, a year after arriving in Japan, I was my own financial supporter, with my wife as guarantor.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi sir,
Can you tell me what dose ” Name of graduate School ” means in the Placement Research Form. I will be thankful if you can help me.
Hi Hisham,
Within any university, there are multiple graduate schools, such as the “Graduate School of Life Sciences” or the “Graduate School of Political Science.” They might also be called “faculties” in other systems, but in Japan, “faculty” is used for undergraduate colleges and “graduate school” is used for the different graduate level organizations.
You should be able to find that information quite easily when you search for the faculty member to be your potential adviser.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I am presenting you my heartfelt appreciation that you have helped me in many ways to complete University recommended MEXT scholarship application form. Luckily, I have been accepted and also nominated by University for MEXT Scholarship. I am little bit tense about the final announcement by MEXT in this July. What could be the usual result if University nominated someone for MEXT ?
Thank you again.
Hi Ethan Hunt,
Thank you very much for your feedback! Messages like yours make my day and are the reason I keep working at this blog every day.
In every case I have ever heard of, all students who were nominated to MEXT by the university received the scholarship in the end, so you should have nothing to worry about.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you very much for your reply, I’m very happy to get such mental support from you and this is the way you really care about us.
Regards
Hi Ethan,
Thank you very much for your feedback! I am glad to hear that you have found this site so helpful.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I appreciate your work a lot. Thank you for helping me submit my application.
I, unfortunately, was recommended by Todai to receive the MEXT scholarship, however I did not passed MEXT screening.
Do you have any idea why? Me (and my family) do not have any criminal record and I have visited many countries (including Japan) with no issues.
I heard that there was a sudden cutback in the MEXT budget and half the candidates were not selected. Could this be the reason?
Thank you!
Hi Leonardo,
I’m very sorry to hear that! I’m also extremely surprised!
I have never heard of anyone recommended by a university not receiving the scholarship in the end. And I was also not aware that results were out already for this year. You are the first one to bring that to my attention.
Since I was not yet aware of this situation, I would certainly like to investigate further and see if I can find any information for you (and the many other applicants that I’m sure were impacted). Do you know what type of MEXT scholarship you were nominated for? Was it general category, PGP, or perhaps Top Global University? (If it was the latter, then it would have been the scholarship that did not include travel fees to Japan).
Any information you feel comfortable sharing, such as links to the university’s announcement, or the email they sent you, would be very helpful for me to try to track this down and get you an answer as to what might have happened.
I am very sorry again to hear about your situation. I hope I can help you figure it out so that you have better success next year!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for your message. Because of you, I am more hopeful of trying again next year.
I will share all information I have with you by email.
Thanks again,
Leonardo
Hi Travis ,
Hope you are doing well. Could you please tell me why there are many timing differences in the announcement of MEXT Scholarship (University Recommended) results at various Universities?
What are the basic differences between the general category and PGP MEXT scholarship and also the possibility to get Scholarship from both categories?
Although, I have been recommended by my University to the Ministry of Education, still now I am not getting the result where many students got their results. Its really killing me. However, International Student Affairs sent me an email that middle of the July they will announce the final result of MEXT Scholarship.
Hope you will answer me soon and Thank you so much for your kind attitude.
Regards
Ethan
Hi Ethan,
I think the answers to your questions are related.
The PGP scholarship is for specific programs that have been pre-approved by MEXT for a certain number of slots per year for a three-year program. That number of slots is guaranteed each year, so as long as a university with a pre-approved PGP program only nominates that number of slots, and all of the candidates are eligible, then they would all pass, with just a cursory screening.
For the general category, the number of nominees a university can submit varies each year and is based on the number of international graduate students at that university and the change in number from the previous years, as I explained in an article about slots. While MEXT gives an estimated number, it can change if there is a problem with MEXT’s budget.
There is also a Top Global University category of scholarship at the moment and MEXT has a rule about the total number of scholarship awardees that can be present at any of the applicable universities at a time.
So, since those categories are completely unrelated in budget categories and the results of one are not dependent on the other, the results can be released at different times.
If you got an email saying that the results will be out in mid-July, that should not be a cause for worry. That release date would apply to everyone in your scholarship category. It does not indicate anything about your particular application.
Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup this summer and “Sports” falls under MEXT’s authority, so my guess is that they’re a little busier than usual!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis San,
You said at the end who is usually recommended by University to MEXT get the scholarship. I am pleased to inform you that finally, I have been officially accepted as a MEXT Scholar. I am very grateful to you. Your blogs, articles all were the true weapons for me to survive in this competitive and challenging race.
Take care Travis San. I will keep in touch with you.
Regards
Hi Ethan,
Congratulations!
You are the first person to write back this year to let me know that you were successful with the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship, and I am thrilled to hear it!
Although I did write that almost everyone nominated by the university receives the scholarship in the end, I have been hearing disturbing stories this year about slots being cut dramatically and without warning, so I have been concerned.
Do you know whether your nomination was through the General Category or PGP (specific pre-approved program)?
Thank you again for sharing this good news.
Good Luck with your studies in Japan!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis San,
Thank you for well-wishing to me. I have been accepted as a Doctoral Student in the Graduate School of Medicine and was nominated through PGP category.
Take Care.
Regards
Hi Ethan Hunt,
Congratulations!
I think in all the years of working on this blog and conversing with applicants, you are the first I’ve known who got into a graduate school of medicine through the MEXT scholarship. I am very happy to hear that you earned the scholarship.
Good luck with your move to Japan and starting your studies here!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear TranSenz
I am Karthik doing my Master’s (Material Science) in India. I am in my first year o my program. I planned to do my Ph.D. in Japan and also to avail MET Scholarship.
What are the things I should Concentrate from now on? Can I contact professors from now on to university recommended MEXT?
I will complete my MAster’s in 2020 so which will e the best time to apply?
Thank you.
Hi Karthik,
When you apply depends on when in 2020 you will finish your degree. You need to have finished your degree by the time you arrive in Japan to start the scholarship. (But you do not necessarily have to have the degree awarded. Sometimes award ceremonies happen several months later. As long as you have met all the requirements for the degree before you arrive in Japan, you should be fine.)
If you will finish your degree in August 2020 at the latest, then you are eligible to apply for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship application process that is going on now, or the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship application process that will begin in the fall.
If you plan to apply for the ongoing process, I recommend you get started with completing the forms right away! If you will apply in the fall or in a later year, then you should start working first on your Field of Study and Research Program Plan, then start reaching out to professors in Japan to being networking once you have a draft of that plan complete.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello and thank you so much for this research plan guide!
I have questions concerning the timeline or time table:
for my case, I would like to a apply for a doctoral degree, and I’m afraid if I write about detailed steps and time of my work that I finish before 3 years ( including a 2nd research for confirmation that you mentioned in “specific research plan” section of “Mext Scholarship field of study and research program plan elements”)
So my questions are:
Should the research fit 3 years (no less) for doctoral?
Should a Time table be according to a schedule of the desired Japanese University? if yes, I could’t get a schedule from my 1st choice University. what should I do?
Do I have to add something like “other activities” to the table besides my research or should I stick with the research only?
Do you have an example about a Doctoral research plan including a timeline in it? preferably a Scientific research
Hi Kheira,
Thank you for your kind words!
Yes, your research plan should be for the full three years of your doctoral program. As far as I know, graduating early is not an option.
I recommend factoring in the timetable of your first choice university if possible, but all I am referring to in that case is looking at the degree progression schedule at the university. For example, some universities will post a timeline saying when they expect you to take coursework, when you should be focused on research, etc. Some may also indicate when the deadline is for submitting your dissertation for approval (e.g. 6 months before the end of your degree). Those are the kind of factors I recommend you include if possible. If that information is not available, then do not worry about it.
You do not need to add “other activities”, it is just something that is nice to have and I cannot think of any reason to leave it out.
Unfortunately, I do not have any examples of doctoral research plans. The only plans I have been able to find that past applicants posted online were for Masters’ degrees. While some previous applicants have shared their plans with me for review, they have not given me permission to share them with anyone else.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I’m a graduate art student currently enrolled in CG/digital arts. I’d like to apply for the MEXT scholarship in a master degree but since my major is pretty uncommon in academics, I can’t seem to find any master program in that field.
In my research of a program, I have stumbled across this school (https://www.tca.ac.jp/creative/course/manga_world/concept_art_illust.html) which has the exact field of study I was looking for. However since it’s a 4 year “advanced specialist” program, do you know if this could qualify for the MEXT Research scholarship ? Since my Japanese is pretty bad I am struggling with the information displayed, please tell me if you have any information that could help,.
Thanks a lot in advance!
Oh also, I have noticed that the TCA school has an English hub http://www.jikei.asia/com/en/course/creative.html which links to multiple schools “-CA” (OCA for Osaka, FCA for Fukuoka, NCA for Nagoya and SCA for Sendai) that have pretty much the same program, could this possibly have some value in my search ?
Hi Alex,
Unfortunately, this program would not qualify. The schools you identified are not universities, they would be considered colleges of technology and the level would be below that of a bachelor’s degree.
If you are interested in the study of CG and digital arts, I know there are some universities that offer grad programs in those fields taught in English, but very few. If you are interested in practical training, though, you would not find that at a graduate school.
I have an article about how to find universities and professors in Japan that teach in your field in English that might help you identify programs.
Unfortunately, if you find a page that only has information available in Japanese, such as the sites you linked, that’s a good indication that you would have to be fluent in Japanese in order to enroll there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi transenz
Thanks for sharing the link for mext scholarship sample document. I would like to know that the application process will be available online?
Hi Mega,
Typically, for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, the application is released sometime in mid-April, so it could be any time now.
I recommend that you keep checking the Japanese embassy in your country’s web site on a daily basis.
Of course, the application process does not change much from year to year, so you can get started preparing now by following my guide on applying for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship from last year.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello travis, please shed more light on these, can An HND holder applied ?
Hi Adenira Adeshola,
I would recommend that you read through the various articles around this site for more information on the scholarship. Perhaps starting with the article on eligibility would help answer your question.
I do not know what a HND is – in Japan, that’s the name of an airport. When you approach Japanese universities, be sure to use the terminology that would be understood there!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I would like to thank you for this website as articles here helped me to do all the paperwork and apply for MEXT program through Tsukuba University. I just recently had an interview with the professor and I am currently waiting for the results, but whatever’s the outcome, I am really grateful for all your work! It is really kind of you to provide not only information but also feedback for anyone who asks you something here in the comments.
Thank you!
Hi Lunache,
Thank you very much for your kind words and feedback! It means a lot to me to hear back from applicants like you who have put the ideas I shared into practice.
I hope you hear good news from your interview, soon.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I would like to know about the MEXT scholarship ( university recommend). I’ve already selected by university and I also sent all documents to my professor. But I don’t have any language certificate. I didn’t send it. do you think I can get the scholarship?
I’ve already prepared and took the test for it.
Can I follow up that document?
How do you think?
Can you advice me?
Hi May Phyo,
If the university has accepted your application and confirmed that it has nominated you to MEXT to receive the scholarship (Congratulations!), then you do not have to worry about the language proficiency certificate. That is something the university reviews, and you have already passed that stage. (There is flexibility in MEXT’s guidelines for the university to say that per it’s individual evaluation, you exceed the language proficiency level of a person with B2 language ability).
However, there is also the clause that you need to meet the language proficiency requirements as of the time that you start the degree, so since you have already registered for the test, I would recommend that you continue to move forward with taking it. That way, you will have a formal certificate if it is ever requested later.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! Interesting website and very informative!
I have a question. My partner and I are both on instructor visas in Tokyo, but eventually when we marry and settle down, I am planning to be a full time housewife.
We plan to get married in japan (and that will be a challenge on its own because we’re from different countries too)
It is possible to apply for a dependent visa here in japan yes? Will the process be the same (coe and then dependent visa) in this case?
Hi Nikki,
After you get married, assuming that you are still both living in Japan and do not plan to leave in the meantime, you will apply for a “Change of Status of Residence,” instead of a CoE. The Change of Status application is essentially identical to the CoE application, except that the application form itself is slightly different on the first page, and the process does not require you to leave Japan. You would submit the Change of Status application to the Immigration Bureau and when it is approved, you would receive your new Residence Card with the new status at that same office. No visa required.
I hope that helps!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi
when i was filling up the application I put my wifes last name instead of mine, they send us post asking for some lacking requirements 2 times but they didnt ask about the names, its been 2 months and a half and i was thinking if is it okay.. its making me worried and sad
hoping for some answers thank you!
Hi Vickson,
The general application processing period for a CoE is 1-3 months, so you are still within that range. Since you had to send in supplementary documents twice, it is no surprise that it is taking toward the long end. As long as your documents met the requirements, you should have no cause for worry.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, I’m vignanou from Benin , thanks for the blog and all . I want to apply for college of technology students but i don’t see anything about this on the blog!
Hi Vignanou,
Thank you for your kind words.
This blog is focused specifically on the MEXT scholarship for Research Students. I have not researched or created any resources specifically for the College of Technology scholarship.
Some of the guidance here, including the instructions in the sample forms, may still be helpful to you, but please keep in mind that it is not specific to your scholarship type.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Your blog has been exceptional and extremely helpful. I am about buying your book, but before that, I desire to ask some questions:
1) My school issued me a statement of result when I graduated but plans to issue a certificate when she holds her convocation later in the year (graduation certificates can only be issued during convocations). Question is: Can I use the statement of result when applying for the scholarship? Or is it a must to use the graduation certificate when applying (which means I might miss this year’s application process)?
2) Regarding the application, it’s stated that we should submit our original documents and they will not be returned. In my country (Nigeria), students are only issued a single copy of each credential. As a result, submitting original documents to MEXT is tantamount to letting go of one’s credentials. As a result, I intend submitting coloured photocopies of these documents. Am I safe?
3) A successful scholar from my country stapled his documents together (attached/supporting documents) ditto his passport. However, you made mention of never stapling the passport and instead use glue. Please, with your experiences, which do you recommend (including attachment of supporting documents)? Additionally, how will the embassy’s officials ditto MEXT know if my details are written at the back of the passport if I glue it (passport) to the document?
4) Regarding contacting advisors, is it appropriate to build-up a relationship with them before the application process commences and make no mention of applying for the scholarship? That’s, I intend communicating with academic supervisors before the application process is open so I could confidently choose three supervisors on the placement form and contact them for LOA after passing the primary screening (hopefully)?
Once again, I’m sincerely grateful for your writeups regarding this scholarship program.
Regards.
Hi Gerrard59,
I saw your questions on another post and answered them there first.
Please be patient. I get more questions than I can possibly answer each day and it takes a while to catch up. I have options for faster responses under the “Coaching” link at the top of the page, if you are desperate for a quicker reply.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi travis i would like to ask you that i applied for twice n i get rejected beacause of my documents mistake first i applied when i was studying semon gakkou and then again i applied after i got my working viza,but i failed both time because off some documents mistake,now i knew the mistake and i made the correct paper so what should i do for reapplying should i wait for some time or i can apply now. Waiting for your reply
Kalpana lamsal,
I’m not sure I understand what you are applying for. This comment is on the top page of my website, but I have articles about many different kinds of application processes, from scholarships to visas. Could you please leave your question on the article about the application process you are talking about? That will help me figure out how to answer it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
I am planning to apply for a graduate program & scholarship in Japan in September of this year (2019) to enroll in 2020; while searching for universities and study programs I found about the PGP-Priority Graduate Programs that some universities have. My original plan was to apply last year (2018), back then I found that the program I was interested in Tokyo Tech was also a PGP program, but due to responsibilities in my current job I was not able to meet the deadline. So now that I am getting all my docs and doing some updates in the requirements and paperwork without being in a hurry I found that the list in the MEXT webpage does not longer have that program in the PGP list. So I was wondering if the program expired or was dropped form the PGP, or if the list in the MEXT webpage only includes the new programs that were added. If that is the case, is there a way to check all the programs available for the PGP including programs that were added in previous years but are still available?
This is the list I found in the MEXT site: http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/ryugaku/kokuhi/tokubetu/07032702.htm
However, I don’t know if that only includes the new ones, or if that list is the most recent available.
Thanks and regards!
Hi Luis,
That list you linked is actually really old and the programs listed there are no longer valid. You can find the current list of programs selected in 2018 in the pdf below:
http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/ryugaku/boshu/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2018/12/04/1411539_1.pdf
(Direct pdf link to MEXT’s site).
All PGPs are selected for a period of three years, including their selection year, so the programs in that PDF, which were selected in 2018, would have been able to accept applicants in 2018 as well as 2019 and 2020. Typically, since programs are selected for three years, there would be three valid lists at any time, but MEXT did not select any new PGPs in 2017 or 2019, so the 2018 list above is the only one.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis 🙂
I am interested in applying MEXT postgraduate scholarship. However I’m currently having a chronic illness which needs a routine medical checkup of 4 months. Will this greatly affect my chance of getting a scholarship?
Hi Jane,
As long as the checkups are routine and your doctor in your home country is comfortable signing off that you are fit to study in Japan and continue your checkups there, then there should be no problem.
Unless you are comfortable undergoing your check-ups in Japanese, you might want to consider concentrating your search for universities on large cities that would be more likely to have English-speaking medical personnel at their hospitals.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
Need an advice how to fill up Application form for COE spouse visa.
– What should be the strongly recommend answer for Intended length of stay?
Looking forward for your help Sir.
Many thanks!
Hi Jackie Yokoi,
It depends on your proof of financial resources. Basically, you should show enough resources to maintain the same monthly level of support for the entire duration of your stay.
In general, though, I recommend applying for a longer period of stay, even though the Immigration Bureau might decide to give you a shorter period of stay in the end. In my case, I applied for 3 years, which was the longest available period then, but the Immigration Bureau gave me only one year because my resources were based on my savings and were only enough for a year. I was able to find a job and earn a salary, so when I applied to extend my stay a year later, I got a three-year period then.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you very much for your website,
I applied through embassy, and got 2 admissions from 2 universities, and now I am waiting for the result of the second screening. I searched on the internet and I found some people saying that always some people get omitted from the embassy group in the second screening. Do you think it is true? What is the chance of not being accepted in the second screening? should we be worried about it and take this possibility seriously?
In addition, some students have heard some news from their universities about their registration processes, but one of my friends said he found out where he had accepted when embassy told their group. Is it mandatory for universities to contact students to announce that?
Sorry I asked a lot of question 🙂
and again thank you very much for your awesome website
Hi Parsa,
Actually, I have never heard of anyone being eliminated during the Secondary Screening. As far as I know, the only way for that to happen would be if MEXT determined your research topic was inappropriate (such as research into weaponry) or if you had a criminal record in Japan that would prevent you from getting a visa.
I would not be worried at all about the possibility of not getting the scholarship at this point.
I am working on the final touches of an article about the Secondary Screening, University Placement, and timing of results and plan to publish it tomorrow. I think that will answer your questions about the contact from the university :), I just have to ask you to check back in 24 hours (or if you are subscribed to my MEXT mailing list, you’ll get an email when it’s live!)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much for your quick response!
I am relieved to hear that from you.
So I am very lucky :). I’ll wait for another awesome article of yours then :).
Thank you!
Hi Parsa,
Thanks for waiting. You can find the article here!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Sir Travis..I just recieved my Coe last month my husband sent to my country..I will apply to get a spouse visa this month ,my question is can i also apply for my 4 years old son to get his tourist visa together my application for spouse visa and when we are in japan can my husband apply COE for my son so that he cannot go back to my country and he can go to school in japan and we will live together..is it possible that my son will get a tourist visa ?? Im hoping for your reply Sir..Thank you
Hi Melody,
Please pardon the indelicate question, but is your son from your current marriage or a previous marriage?
If your son is also the son of your Japanese husband, then he would be able to apply for a Child of Japanese National CoE for your son.
If not, then you should apply for a CoE for a “Long-Term Resident” CoE for your son. Your husband can and should apply for this CoE and send it to you in advance so that you can apply for the right visa for your son before you arrive. The instructions (in Japanese) are at:
http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRATION/ZAIRYU_NINTEI/zairyu_nintei8_02.html
I do not know if it would be possible to change your son’s status from tourist to long term resident while in Japan, since I do not have any direct experience. I think that even if you plan to apply to change his status after you reach Japan, your husband in Japan should move ahead with the CoE application. If you apply to change his status in Japan with a CoE, that could make the process much more smooth.
Unfortunately, I do not know much about applying for a tourist visa. That process does not go through the Immigration Bureau in Japan (which is where I have experience). Instead, it is processed by the individual Japanese embassies according to their policies and can vary from country to country.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for the response sir.My son father is japanese also but were not married.. We separate 2 years ago..My ex boyfriend acknowledged his son only in the philippines he didnt register my son in japan city hall..Another question sir,what if my husband apply COE this month for him but it takes １-3months Processing time and the expiration of my COE is february so i need to go to japan as soon as possible before my COE EXPIRE..What if im already in japan then the COE of my son is already issued ?? Can i take a vacation to get my son from my country even i just came to japan ?? Thank u and waiting for your response Sir..
God Bless
Hi Melody,
For your husband in Japan to apply for a “Child of Japanese national” CoE for your son, he would first have to legally adopt him. So, I think applying for the “Long-Term Resident” process that I mentioned last time is best.
In either case, you do need to arrive in Japan before the expiration of your CoE. Once you are in Japan and have completed your Residence Registration (gotten your address recorded on your Residence Card) then you would be free to leave and reenter the country as you wish.
You should have two options regarding your son, if his CoE is not issued in time for you to apply for his visa before you leave Japan.
1) Apply for a tourist visa for him to go with you. If the CoE is issued while he is in Japan with you and his Tourist status is still valid, then you should be able to take the CoE and a Change of Status of Residence application to the local Immigration Bureau to apply to change his status without leaving the country. However, there is no guarantee that you would be able to complete that application. It would be a judgement call by the Immigration Bureau.
2) If you have family that you can leave your son with in the Philippines, you could come to Japan first, then return to the Philippines immediately after you finish your own registration to collect your son, apply for his visa, and bring him to Japan with you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I have been following your blog throughout my MEXT 2019 scholarship application and thanks to your posts, advice to fellow applicants, and answers to my questions, I have passed the First Screening and received LOAs from my dream universities! As I am now waiting for the result of the Second Screening, I’ve been researching about living in Japan and trying to understand the National Health Insurance for students. From what I have read, this insurance covers pre-existing conditions but I am not certain if it includes cases that happened outside of Japan. Earlier this year in an accident I suffered a fracture which has now healed (without surgery). Although there is no rush, I am decided on getting surgery to correct/prevent future injuries. Is this something the NHI covers? If I purchase health insurance in my country, pre-existing conditions are covered on the 2nd year so it will take time before I can get the surgery done. I am also afraid that insurance claims will be difficult for foreigners living in Japan, so this is also another thing to consider. I hope you can share your thoughts/experiences on this.
Thank you!
Hi Yani,
Congratulations on your success in the MEXT application! I am glad that I was able to help, but make no mistake: your success was a result of you putting in the effort to put the posts and advice into practice!
National Health Insurance in Japan automatically reduces your medical (hospital, clinic, pharmacy) bills by 70%, and there is no discrimination against pre-existing conditions.
When you pay upon leaving the hospital, the insurance portion is already taken into account, so you are only billed for 30%. You do not need to file a claim.
The only consideration for timing is that you would not get the 70% reduction until after your insurance card has been issued (usually within a few weeks of your residence registration in Japan). Coverage is retroactive, so if you had to pay 100% because your card was not issued yet, then you could go back to the hospital after you got your card, show that and your receipt, and get the 70% refunded to you.
For private insurance, Japanese hospitals, etc., do not bill insurance companies directly. If you wanted to use private insurance to cover the 30% that is not covered by NHI, then you would have to pay it out of pocket first, then file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement.
The only other thing you might want to consider is whether or not you want to undergo surgery in a country where you and the doctors and nurses may not speak the same language. Unless you are in a major city, there is a good chance that all of the hospital paperwork would be in Japanese, as well.
Good Luck! I hope you get good news on your placement soon.
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for enlightening me about how the NHI works! It’s a relief to hear that pre-existing conditions are covered by the NHI. Another question, is the NHI coverage limited to hospitals/clinics located in the city where I will be residing in Japan? I will most likely be assigned to a university 1 hour by train from Tokyo, and if possible I would like to look for hospitals located in Tokyo since there may be more foreigner-friendly options there.
Hi Yani,
NHI is not limited by location, so you could use it no matter where you are in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi . i’m princess i’m a filipina , i wan’t to consult something that i’m worried about . i hope you can enlighten my mind about my issue . me and my son are here now in japan for tourist visa my husband is a Pilipino also who work here with his mother and his visa is ‘*Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services . we got married 4months ago and we wen’t here 2months ago we recieved our marriage certificate from philippines and we apply our coe at the immigration last oct. 11 , we have 3weeks left before our tourist visa date issue expires . we all know about the immigration rules that our coe process is about 2-3months my question is if we have to go back in the philippines if there’s no result yet and have to wait there . or the immigratiom will consider our situation that we already here in japan and give us 2months extension like others. Is it posible that our situation will consider the immigration ? i read all the comments on your website and check if i have the same situation i hope you can understand me and my situation and it’ll be big help for me to have a peace of mind . thankyou so much
Hi Princess Bulauan,
As far as I know, you would have to go back to the Philippines, have your husband mail you the CoE while you are there, then apply for a visa before returning to Japan.
The two months extension consideration does not apply to Certificate of Eligibility applications, since those are expected to be complete before you come to Japan. It would only apply to applications to renew your period of stay or change your status of residence once you are already a legal resident of Japan.
I’m sorry I do not have better news for you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi
Thank you for your valuble impformations. I will explain my situation. My wife got a scholership for 2yers in International University of Japan, Niigatha, for a master programme. She is geting 90000 yen per month. Currently she is having 145000 yen in hand and not deposited in bank yet. She us planing to apply dependent visa for her husband (me). So my question
Does her finantial resources sufficient to accept by the immigration office to apply for dependent visa?
Does she want to get residence card befire apply coe?
Hi Samitha Amarakoon,
Your wife would need to complete her residence registration, including getting her address printed on her residence card and acquire proof of her student status at the university and proof of the scholarship award.
I’m afraid 90,000 yen per month alone may not be enough for the Immigration Bureau to believe that she can support a dependent, so it would help if you or she could show a savings account that will also contribute to covering your expenses. I think the Immigration Bureau generally considers 80,000 yen per month to be the minimum amount of financial resources for one person, so if that was all she had, it would only leave 10,000 yen to cover your living expenses. Yes, you can combine some things like housing costs, so you don’t need to show a whole extra 80,000 yen per month, but the more you can show, the better.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much your advices. Let me know
1.How much would be the minimum acceptable amount in the saving account?
2.Wheather thar amount want to show in her account in japan or in my local account?
3.How long does she should have the sufficient saving amount in the account, before applying the COE.
4.The immigration office ask the residence card or the pass port in their web site. So does my wife want to get the residence card since she has the passport?
5.Proof for the student satus means does she want a letter from the university or the university identicard is sufficient?
Thank you and waiting for your reply.
Hi Samitha Amarakoon,
1. There is no officially stated minimum amount, but it is generally considered that a person would need 80,000 – 120,000 yen per month to cover living expenses. So, you would need to show access to that amount, on top of the money she uses to cover her own expenses, between accounts and salaries. For a couple living together, you wouldn’t necessarily need 80,000 – 120,000 each, but figure on needing at 120,000 – 180,000 combined, per month. (Keep in mind that is only a rough estimate.)
2. It can be from an account in Japan, an account overseas, or any combination of the two.
3. There is no specific time limit for holding the money in the account, but the account balance statement should be no more than 3 months old at the time of application for the CoE.
4. She should bring both, just in case.
5. She should be able to get a Certificate of Enrollment 在籍証明書 from the university. Oftentimes, it’s something she can get printed from a machine on campus. That is what she’ll need.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I would like to thank you for the hard work you have done to help us.
I am among the Embassy Recommendation MEXT Scholarship (Research Student)applicants who have passed the first screening
Additionally, I have more than 3 LoA from Japanese National Universities.
Now I am presenting my questions to you as following:
1. I filled the application form like this:
*The first course you plan to take in Japan —> Master’s Course instead of Non-regular (Non-degree) course
**Term you wish to study in Japan —> Up to the completion of Masters Program instead of Up to the completion of Doctoral Program
A) Is there any means to correct it now?
B) If not, can this affect my chance of getting the scholarship if it is considered as error in filling the app. form?
C) Also, Does it has a problem if I want to move up to PhD later??
Thank you very much!
I look forward to hearing from you
Respectfully,
Hi Danay Tasew,
Thank you for your kind words!
Congratulations on passing the primary screening and getting your Letters of Acceptance.
A) It does not matter what you filled in on your application at this point. The most important thing is what the universities have written in your LoAs. You would be accepted for the program and level that they specified. (Unless they upgrade your status, as I explained in my article about letters of acceptance).
B) No, it would not affect your chances. When you filled out that section of the application form, you were expressing a preference. MEXT and the universities are not obliged to follow your preference, but it is not considered an error or deliberate omission in the application if your status changes.
C) Not at all. That question is just for universities’ reference. It would not guarantee your ability to move up to a PhD not does it deny the possibility.
You should have nothing to worry about!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks for the information provided by your blog. Please, I want to know if it is possible to change a Tourist visa to a spouse visa while in Japan without having to come back to my home country after the tourist visa had expired. I’ll be awaiting your response. Thank you.
Hi Ajayi Tolulope,
It is possible under some circumstances:
1) If you have a Spouse CoE already
2) If you can show that there was a compelling reason why you were not able to apply for a spouse visa before coming to Japan as a tourist. (For example, if you were not yet marries when you came to Japan and had to come here to get married, that usually works).
If you meet either of those criteria, you should be able to apply for a Change of Status of Residence at the Immigration Bureau office. The application process is the same as applying for a Certificate of Eligibility, but the application form itself is slightly different.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Gud eve sir, my atty..passed the requirements for the ceo application of my husband on may 24,2018,but until now there is no result yet, i ask my proxy and he said that mada desu..i am worried because it was 2 months on june 24,.more than two months now.is their a possibility that it is denied?,,
Hi Rejiru,
The process can take 1 to 3 months. Only one month has passed, so I don’t think you have anything to worry about yet!
If there was a chance that they were going to deny your CoE because of insufficient documentation, then they should contact you to give you a chance to respond and submit those documents first. If you aven’t heard anything, that’s a good sign most of the time!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Travis,
Recently, I received an official email that I was admitted to the school with MEXT scholarship.
I am more than excited to start the new phase of my life!
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your helpful articles and comments.
They helped me so much in preparing the application and research proposal.
Your answers to various questions also helped me get through the long period of waiting!
I think it is really respectful of you to put in such effort to help students in need.
Thank you again!
Hi L,
Congratulations! I am very happy to hear that you earned the scholarship and I am glad that I could help in some small way.
Good Luck with your studies in Japan!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks for your blog. It is really helpful. Could you please answer my question?.
Do you think having outstanding academic background might affect the embassy’s decision?
I got the 2nd rank at our university which is the best university in my country, but I heard that they don’t make difference between me and another person from lower universities. I take the English exam today and I think it was a bit difficult, I am worried not to be nominated for it.
As I am really interested in Japan I didn’t apply to other universities in America or Europe and, and now I am really stressed!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely yours,
Parsa
Hi Parsa,
Honestly, I think your field of study and research program plan is more important.
Having good grades is very important, of course, but I wouldn’t expect the embassy to factor in the university you graduated from to any significant degree. It’s what you did while you were there and your potential for what you can achieve in Japan that matters more.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis 🙂
On the embassy’s website, they said that the results of the first screening will be announced via e-mail at the beginning of June, but still didn’t receive anything :/… My question is will they email me even if I failed the first screening ?
Hi Ahmed,
It depends on each individual embassy. Some email all applicants, others only contact the successful ones.
I would recommend that you check your email spam box, first, to make sure the email didn’t end up there, then check the embassy’s website to see if they have posted any announcements.
After you have checked both of those, if you haven’t found any information, then I think it is safe to contact the Embassy and ask when the results will be available.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello sir, I am applying for undergraduate next year. I want to study in any top university in Japan. For my choice of university, is it fine to write down those top universities in my application? Won’t I look cocky or will it lower my chances of being chosen? I want to be safe.
Hi Leri,
If you are applying for the undergraduate scholarship, my understanding is that you do not submit a list of your preferred universities. That is just for the graduate scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hello
i want to try for student visa but i got a tattoo in my hand.. some one told me that i can not apply for japan because of tattoo.. it is true?
Hi Manish Raj Poudyal,
There is no prohibition on persons with tattoos applying for visas. I have known many international students in Japan with tattoos.
Good Luck!
– Travis form TranSenz
Hi dear
I want to ask you about researh plan and how to get adviser for my subject i want to study ph.D. in agriculture but iam not sure about my research plant
Please help me
Hi Husam,
I have written articles about how to find programs and advisers in Japan as well as how to write the Field of Study and Research Program Plan. I recommend that you read through those to start!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis, Thank you so much for sharing us guides to this website. As much as I want to succeed in my application, I would like to ask about the number of sentences that I should fill in the blank. There is a question in the application form saying what is my impression of Japan. I am taught in school that the longer the sentences the better. I know that it doesn’t indicate the number of sentences required to put. I just want to know what is preferred usually. I am also not the kind of person who is expressive so I don’t know if what I will answer will turn out to be good or not.
Hi Jrj,
It sounds like you are talking about a form that your local embassy or consulate has created. Since it is not an official MEXT form (there is no MEXT form in the application process that asks about your impression of Japan), it is unfortunately not something that I am familiar with.
I would not agree that longer sentences are better. Your sentences shouldn’t be overly short, but don’t go into long, run-on sentences. The most important guideline is to be clear and easily understandable, even to someone whose native language is not English.
You can guess the expected length from the space on the paper that they give you, but don’t fill it with meaningless words just to meet the length requirement. Write enough to get the point across and interest the reader! My guess is that this form is something they will refer to in the interview, so think about it as something to start a future conversation.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I want to thank you first for this awesome, helpful website you built 🙂
I have some questions about the MEXT Scholarship (College of Technology Students)
1- In the application form I don’t know how to answer properly the following questions , I need advises about what I should and what I shouldn’t write.
It will be great if you give me examples.
– Specify the reasons why you selected each “Field of Study” and “Majors elements” in section 140
– What kind of impression do you have of Japan ?
– What is your career plan after studying in Japan ?
2- Do I have to attach the academic transcripts of BOTH SEMESTERS of each year of the last school I attended or just the last one of each year ?
Please note that in my country, we got a transcript each Semester, the last one contains our grades for the second semester, the first semester average, the second semester average and the yearly average.
3- In the Health certificate.
Look here:
http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/pdf/applications/2019/2019_HealthCertificate.pdf
How to fill the eyesight column ? I don’t wear glasses.
Thank you,
Travis ! HELPPPPP !
Hi Ahmed,
There is only one of me and hundreds of people reading this blog every day. Please be patient and don’t yell.
Good Luck,
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Ahmed,
Thank you for your kind words.
Unfortunately, I have never done any research into the Colleges of Technology scholarship at all, so cannot answer any questions specific to that process. My research and advice on this page are all focused on the scholarship for Research Students. I can answer the questions you have that also apply to Research Students, though.
1. I’m sorry, I don’t have any information on these questions.
2. You need to attach official transcripts that show the grade that you earned in every class. If your second semester transcripts only show your overall average for the first semester and not individual grades, then you would also need the first semester transcripts.
3. If you don’t wear glasses, you would only fill in the part of the eyesight form that says “without glasses.” Of course, your doctor fills this out, not you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, I am applying for Mext scholarship this year, I just want to know about the research, does the topic have to be Japan related cause my topic of research have nothing to do with Japan 🙁
P.S. I am applying for master
Hi Athilah,
No, your field of research does not have to be related to Japan, but you should be able to give a good explanation why Japan is the best place to conduct your research during the interview process.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I’m currently an undergraduate exchange student in Nagoya.
I would like to apply for a MEXT scholarship in order to start my graduate studies in Fall 2018.
Being currently in Japan, I don’t really know how to start the process .
My current professors already wrote academic recommendation letters, most of the paperwork is done.
Should I do it through the embassy back home or directly through the university application process ?
Knowing that the university process asks for a list of 3 universities.
My field of study is pretty restreined in Japan (Media) only 3 universities propose graduate studies going in this direction.
I really want it to work. Is it possible to get in contact with me through my e-mail adress down below ?
Thank you very much for your help,
Best , Miles (Abdoulaye)
Hi Miles,
I wrote an article about how to get started with the MEXT scholarship application process that I would recommend you read first. That should help you understand a little more about whether the University- or Embassy-recommended application process is best for you.
For a Fall 2018 start, it is already much too late to apply for the Embassy-recommended application process. The application deadline would have been around May or June 2017 for the 2018 scholarship.
It might still be possible to apply for the University-recommended MEXT scholarship for 2018, but you’d have to check with each university you are interested in. Each one sets its own deadlines. In most cases, I think it is likely to be too late for that, too, but you can always search.
There are several different things you could be referring to with Media, from journalism or media studies to graphic design, storage media, etc. Some of those fields (like journalism or graphic design) are subjects that you are more likely to find at professional schools, rather than university graduate school programs. Your current professors in Nagoya should be able to help you identify possible schools!
Please understand that I cannot do individual consultation by email on a free basis because it takes away from the time I should be spending research and writing articles that can help everyone who reads this site. I have deleted your email address from your comment to protect it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good morning sir or madam, I would like to know what is the difference between mext scholarship University recommendation and Domestic selection? When the application forms for both of them come out? Yesterday I had interview at my University (Niigata University-Japan), for Phd scholarship, they say the decision will be made in April, then the students will be recommended in order of priorities to varies scholarships including mext and JASSO. I am not Clear about this process.
King Regards
Hi Missels Monjane,
The University Recommended MEXT Scholarship can only be awarded before you arrive in Japan and enroll in the university. It sounds like you are already enrolled as a fee-paying student and applying for scholarships. In that case, you would only be eligible for the Domestic Selection MEXT Scholarship.
The differences are the selection process and also there is a slight difference in the award: The Domestic Selection MEXT Scholarship does not provide airfare to Japan because you’re assumed to already be there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis can i please directly apply online? If yes, then how?
Hi Belson esdy,
I don’t know what you’re applying for, but whether it’s the Certificate of Eligibility for a spouse visa or the MEXT scholarship, the answer is no. The articles I linked there give advice on how to get started, so you can find the application/submission instructions there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello travis.I have an important question.i hope you could answer it as soon as you read this.
My husband’s paper is currently applied.(CEO)
we applied last november 22 of this year and immediately we had a letter saying that wr need to provide this.(any hoken,and residence tax cert.)we already provided it.since we are one family living in japan,and we live in one house,the immigration ask for it.the shakai hoken and residence tax.we did not yet provide the copy of the shakai hoken bec.it is still on process.the hakken kaisha of my brother and father said that will just give our number to the immigration but they said they need a copy that we cannot yet provide.thats the only thing that is lacking on my husband’s paper.
the immigration gave us until december 22 to provide those.but what if we cannot yet provide it at that date.maybe it will be on january already.
My question is,will the requirements still the same?since it will be 2018,will the req.change?or they will just wait for the copy bec.we already applied it last november 22?
Thanks a lot for your answer.i will wait for it.
Hi Zel,
The requirements are not going to change for the new year, but if you miss their deadline, they may reject the application and tell you to submit it again from scratch.
If there’s any way that you can hurry up the processing, or get the information yourself from the city hall, that might be a good idea.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, Is there any specific CGPA requirement for mext scholarship on the scale of 4? It will be very helpful if you can answer.
Hi Anashuwa,
No, there is no official score on a 4.0 scale. You have to convert your GPA to the 3.0 scale as I described in the article on MEXT scholarship eligibility.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for your mail. I would like to know where can I get a scholarship form for 2018.
Here your link was a sample form. So, I can’t apply for me.
And, I am a master second years student from Gifu University, Japan.
I have already passed the doctoral entrance exam to attend next year April.
I would like to know, I can apply the scholarship from MEXT. I am from Myanmar.
If you don’t have any problem, I’m deeply request you. Help me please to get this scholarship when I still study in Japan.
Thanks in advance,
May Sweet.
Hi May Sweet,
I just addressed that question in my new FAQ about Getting Started with the MEXT Scholarship Application. Please check that article for the answer!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear,
May one student send the documents to different universities (like 2 or 3) for MEXT university recommendation application? Because the applicant doesn’t know in advance which one application will favor him/her. Thanks in advance….
HI Md. Touhidul Islam,
No. You can only apply to one university per year for the University-recommended MEXT scholarship.
I would recommend intense research and building up a relationship with your professor as best as possible in advance to ensure a better chance.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! I’m Chintya for 18 years old. I’ve graduated now,I hope from this post comment I can know about scholarship in Japan.
Hi Chintya,
It sounds like you’d be trying for the Embassy-recommended Undergraduate MEXT scholarship.
My expertise is in graduate-level scholarships and I don’t have any direct information about undergraduate, but some of the advice on my series of articles on the Embassy-recommended MEXT scholarship may be helpful to you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi Travis,
how can i asssist young nigerian undergraduates in securing this application
Hi Ayanbajo Ibidapo,
I would recommend doing as much research as you can and providing them with all of the information, as I have been doing for the graduate scholarship. I do not have much information yet about the undergraduate scholarship, so any information you had would be a terrific addition.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I would like to ask for your advise. I hope you don’t mind. I am pursuing PhD thru MEXT scholarship starting this October 2017. However, I am pregnant (1st child); will this be a hindrance? Will my professor deny me of my scholarship? In terms of my capacity to perform my duties as student, I am confident that I can do both motherhood and being a PhD student. Anyway, my husband is going with me to Japan as my dependent.
Thank you.
Regards,
Letizia
Hi Letizia,
I’m sorry for the late reply. I’m a little confused by your situation.
If you’re starting the scholarship in October, hasn’t it already been awarded? You won’t have it revoked just because you’re pregnant.
I think it’s going to be quite a challenge, but if you can manage both your studies and your family and not have any delays to your studies, you would not lose your scholarship!
Good Luck,
– Travis from TranSenz
I’m Tom
I’m a holder of 1 year spuose of Japanese national resident card…. I have a daughter with my Japanese wife and she is currently pregnant with our second baby but unfortunately we had a misunderstanding that lead to divorce same year that my 1 year spouse resident was issued to me….. I apply for change of spouse resident to long term but my application was denied because I don’t have a custody of my child…
My 1 year spouse resident expired now and I was told to live the country within a month..
I met a lady who’s Japanese national , within some few weeks of relationships and we both agree to married … we both planning to married now
Question 1… I was order to leave Japan because my spouse visa expires but I’m planning to get married again with a Japanese national… what can I do ?
Hi Tom,
It sounds to me like you would have to leave Japan then apply for a Certificate of Eligibility and a fresh spouse visa.
Since you weren’t married when you were told to leave the country, it’s probably going to look to the immigration bureau like this is just a marriage of convenience to let you stay in Japan, so they might tell you that you have to leave anyway.
Of course, I guess there’s no harm in trying, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up for success.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Sir, Good day.
I am Elton Lee Villaflores a 21 years old and a Filipino. I am very interested and willing to apply to your life changing program and to be part of it. However, I don’t know where to get an application from for me to sign it. I visit already your page but sad to say it was written in Japanese language and I am having a hard time to understand what it says or what was written there. By any chance can someone help me to have a copy of an application form.
Hi Elton Lee Villaflores,
I’m not actually offering any program and am not officially affiliated with MEXT. I just blog about it because I used to work in a university processing these applications.
If you want to apply for the MEXT scholarship, you should get started by contacting the University where you want to apply or the Embassy of Japan in your country. I have several guides on this site under the MEXT Scholarship section that can help you get started.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for your blog! It has been a great source of information!
I wanted to ask you something about the Japan National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) for MEXT scholars, Hope you could provide me with an answer.
I am a MEXT scholar who arrived in Japan last October. My payable premium last year was around JPY2200 per month. For the new year starting June 2017, I just received my payment slips and my monthly premium is now JPY6500 per month.
Is that the approximate amount MEXT scholars generally have to pay? Or did I miss out on any reliefs for MEXT scholars / students?
I know that the premium we pay is based on our previous year income, that is why the first year premium was low. But for subsequent years, is that the normal amount one should pay for MEXT scholars? Is our scholarship considered a taxable income?
I want to make sure that I am paying the proper amount because I am a bit surprised that my premium increased three-fold.
Thank you very much.
Hi Benjy,
Sorry this has taken me a while to get to.
It sounds like you did miss out on a discount. As a full-time international student you should be paying the lower premium throughout your time in Japan.
However, to keep that lower premium, you have to visit the city hall each April (typically April, though it may be March in your city), declare that you are still a student with no working income, and apply for the lower premium. This has to be done every year.
Your university likely helped you do the initial paperwork for the fiscal year when you arrived, but in some cases, they expect you to do it on your own after that.
Even though several months have passed, I would recommend that you visit the city hall and ask about the paperwork to get the student rate on National Health Insurance. You may even be able to get a refund for the amount you have already paid (or get it applied to your future payments).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hy
I’m in Nepal currently studying Japanese language. I will soon apply for student visa for master level study in Japan. Is it possible to apply for dependent visa for spouse (my husband). And how much time it takes to apply after I have been to Japan.
Hi Sachita,
Yes, you can apply for a dependent visa for your husband as soon as you are in Japan with your own student visa. You can apply as soon as you get all of the required documentation together!
Good Luck,
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi. Im from philippines and married with a japanese citizen. We got married in japan. We wanted to apply for spouse visa. Do we have to go to my home country or our marriage certificate in japan will do? Because i am working abroad as well thats why its hard for me to go back home to my countrt. please suggest me what should i have to do.looking forward to your revert.
Hi Carla,
For the Philippines, you do have to register your marriage with the Philippine government and you will have to provide proof of that registration when you apply for your CoE.
I’ve heard from other commenters on here that you can submit proof of registering your marriage with the embassy or consulate in Japan and that you don’t need to wait on the certificate from the NSO.
Once you have all your documents, if you have a working status in Japan, you do not need to return to the Philippines to apply to change to spouse status. You can apply at the Immigration Bureau in Japan for a Change of Status of Residence.
By the way, I saw that you had left another comment with your email address in it. I have not approved that comment because it can be risky to put that information out there publicly on the internet and I wouldn’t want you to suffer any harm for posting on this site!
Good Luck
– Travis from TranSenz
can you provide the list of MEXT universities? I included Sophia in my list but found out later that it is private.
Hi Sam,
There’s no problem with applying to a Private university for the MEXT scholarship. Any university in Japan should be acceptable!
MEXT says that it prefers to place applicants in National Universities, but in reality many students go to private universities each year, too.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi sir I’m Kris I’m a filipina and where planning to get married in japan. I have a temporary visitor visa and I was offloaded MAY 15,2017by an immigration officer in NAIA TERMINAL 1 when I was interrogated by an immigration officer he ask me if whom I’ll be staying and I said I’m going to stay with my fiance and he ask me again if what is my purpose in japan I said my purpose is going to marry my fiance. Then the immigration officer ask me why don’t I get a fiance visa he was really focused on that kind of issue all about my type of visa. Then he ask me if I have a invitation letter, passport copy but I said I don’t have those already because I already pass it to the agency who process my visa application form for requesting my visa in japan embassy. Then he gave me a compliance slip #1 is AUTHENTICATED AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT #2 PASSPORT COPY OF MY FIANCE #3 IS CFO #4 PROOF OF RELATIONSHIP. I am worried that I will be get offloaded again even if I will comply all the requirements that they want me to comply. What should I do?
Hi Kris,
I’m sorry to hear about your trouble.
As far as I know, there is no such thing as a “fiance” visa for Japan. It is certainly not an official category.
I know that in some countries, including the Philippines, there are special categories of “Temporary Visitor” visas for different purposes, but even then, I see no mention of a “fiance” visa on the website of the Japanese embassy in the Philippines.
Perhaps someone else with experience can give some insight?
One thing you didn’t mention in your comment is whether your fiance is a Japanese national, a permanent resident of Japan, or a long-term resident of Japan. If your fiance is not a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident, then that might be why they are being stricter with you. In that situation, you would not be able to change your status in Japan and would have to go home to the Philippines to apply for a Dependent Visa later.
Either way, if you get all of the papers that they require and bring those with the compliance slip, then you should not have a problem with being offloaded on your next visit. If nothing else, Japan is very strict about rules, even the rules that they make for themselves!
For you, and for anyone else reading this, I would highly recommend that you never give anyone your last copy of a document. If you have to submit documents to an agency to apply for your visa, be sure you keep a copy for yourself, just in case! No matter what it is. When you go back to Japan, be sure to bring two copies of each of the documents they asked you for. That way, even if they collect one, you will still have one to show later, if necessary.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi!!
Can you please help me out with the procedure for pursuing PhD in Education from Tokyo university?
Hi Syeda Samreen Ruhi,
You can find their admissions information at the link below:
http://www.p.u-tokyo.ac.jp/english/admission-information
It looks like they do not accept applications for the University-Recommended MEXT scholarship. If you plan to apply there via the MEXT scholarship, you would have to apply using the Embassy-recommended MEXT scholarship, which starts at the Japanese Embassy in your country.
Their programs are taught in Japanese and require Japanese fluency, except for the PhD in Physical and Health Education. This requirement would apply whether you apply directly or via the MEXT scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Marilyn
Hello! Good day,
Straight question is.My husband japanese national apply already my COE just last month April 2016.And before he applied ,I was there in Japan ,enter tourist visa and came back here in philippines.Then,we are in the waiting period of our COE to grant.
My question is..Iam applying now as visiting relative in Japan..My husband send all necessary documents..
Is it okay to apply visting relative since i am waiting yet my coe to come?
I mean to say…is it not conflict?
Thank you and best of regards
Hi Marilyn,
That should not be a conflict.
If you get the CoE while you are in Japan on your visiting relatives status, then you should be able to take it to the Immigration Bureau and apply for a “Change of Status of Residence” to change your status to Spouse of Japanese National without having to leave the country and apply for a visa!
Best Regards,
Travis
Hi Travis,
I am now planning to apply MEXT scholarship 2018 via Embassy. I read all of your posts about MEXT and I follow all of your recommendations and instructions. It is very useful for me and thank you so much for your hard work. I have some worries that I contacted to my target professor last week….. introduction myself and my research as soon as I finished my study program. But I got no reply from him. Does it mean he shows no interest on my research? What should I do now? I’ll be waiting your reply. Thank you.
Hi Nyein,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Due to the volume of questions, I’ve started posting answers to common questions in an FAQ, instead of answering directly in the comments. I addressed your question in a new FAQ post at:
http://www.transenzjapan.com/blog/mext-faq-contacting-professors/
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello im Lorraine
I have a million questions but il ask a few…I studied an undergrad in Bsc Environmental Health and would like to pursue a masters in public Health. Which Universities would you recommend..
2. When you are a research student do you have to contact various professors at your universities of choice…
Hi Lorraine,
I don’t know specific programs off the top of my head, but I have a few links to websites that list all of the programs available in English in Japan in the article below, so I’d recommend you check those out!
http://www.transenzjapan.com/blog/embassy-recommended-mext-scholarship-2018/
2. It depends on the university and your goal. I also cover how to research and contact professors in the article above for networking purposes. If you just want to ask for a Letter of Acceptance, different universities have different policies, so I recommend checking out the websites for the schools you want to apply to.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi,, could you please help me how could apply for this sholarship, due to the application form is written in japanese language
Hi Joses,
All the forms (and instructions) are written in English and Japanese. I’ve written a post on the most recent version of the Embassy-recommended MEXT scholarship application form here.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, I am Loren, I’m Filipina.I want to ask about how we can do marriage in Japan. My fiance is Japanese and one of the requirement for the marriage in Japan is the Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage. We need to get that in Philippine Embassy in Tokyo Japan. But one of the requirement to get the Legal Capacity to Contract marriage is the Residence Card. I dont have residence card because my visa is only Tourist Visa. Is it possible the Philippine Embassy will give us the Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage without a Residence Card? Is it possible we can get married in Japan?
Hi Lorena,
You should also be able to get Proof of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage from the proper authorities in your home country before traveling to Japan.
I do not know the rules of the Philippine Embassy, so I cannot say whether or not they will be able to help you if you are already in Japan on a tourist visa. You would have to contact them directly for be sure!
I think some other readers of this blog have gotten the documents while in Japan on a tourist visa, so hopefully they can comment and give you some helpful advice.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for answering me. 🙂
I already got the legal capacity to contract marriage so we can do marriage here in japan now.
But now i dont know what is the next step after we get married in japan government. I think we need to go again in japan embassy to do the Report of Marriage. Am I right with that?
Hi Lorena,
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you.
Once you have the legal capacity to contract marriage, your next step is to submit your report of marriage to the city hall where your fiance lives.
For more information, check out my article on international marriage in Japan!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis
Thanks for your posts about MEXT information. I am currently applying for MEXT (embassy recommendation). I have problems with choosing University and supervisor. I am applying for professional graduate course (MBA).
My questions are
1) I still need to write the research plan for MBA as I don’t think MBA needs research plan.
2) Few people apply for MBA course under MEXT (I guess). How about the acceptance rate?
3) I can’t find the information about the research field I want to do and the supervisor on the website. Should I ask the graduate school about the supervisor?
3) Along with the request for letter of acceptance, the supervisor requests the other docs like IELTS, GMAT certificates? Because, I haven’t still get those certificates and I am planning to take in July. (That sounds stupid though)
All of MBA programs request GMAT. Do you think I should change the course of study from Professional graduate course to Master course?
Thanks in advance.
I am waiting for your reply.
Hi Phoo Pwint,
1) Yes, you would still need a research plan, regardless of your field of study. In your case, though, your research might be a culminating project or business proposal or something like that, rather than a thesis.
2) In my personal experience, I never had anyone apply to my university for a MEXT scholarship for an MBA (probably because ours was only offered in Japanese), so I can’t comment on the acceptance rate.
You probably already know this, but some universities also offer an academic master’s degree in Management that is separate from their MBA program. If you go for the academic degree, it might increase your chances, but I don’t know if that’s what you want. I would recommend double-checking with the Japanese embassy in your home country to make sure they will allow you apply for a MEXT scholarship for an MBA. They may have restrictions.
3) If they don’t have any information on their website, yes, you can contact them and tell them you’re planning to apply for the MEXT scholarship and need to identify a potential advisor in your field. They may not want to help you out until after you pass the primary screening, though.
3) This is going to vary from university to university. Check their website for their admissions requirements (or ask when you call them). You can’t ask them for a Letter of Acceptance until you pass the primary screening (approximately late July/early August, depending on your country), so if you can get your test scores by then, you’ll be fine.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for putting up the website and sharing useful information about the MEXT scholarship! I just got an e-mail from the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University that I passed their second (final) screening and will be nominated by the university for a priority graduate program. At this point, I would like to know the possibility of not getting selected for the Monbukagakusho screening of the Japanese government. What are the chances of not making it to the final round? Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Hi Ferth,
Thank you for your kind comments!
Once you pass the university’s screening and are nominated, then you area all-but guaranteed to receive the scholarship. I have never heard of someone getting nominated and not getting the scholarship in the end.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi =)
I am concerned about my eligibility for the program, especially for the “Military Affiliation” part. My father is a retired soldier and my brother is currently active in duty, does that make me ineligible for the scholarship program?
Hi Maan,
Sorry if I was unclear: military affiliation only applied if you are an active duty member of the military yourself or a civilian working for the military at the time you come to Japan.
If you have family members in the military or if you previously served in/worked for the military, that is not a problem and won’t hurt your eligibility.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis!
Direct placement is for students who would like to enter a specific university right? So I am just asking if is it mandatory to fill that portion of the application form?
Hi Andrea,
You’re right, that form is optional.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis!
I think I have a huge problem. My sister is telling me that the application form that I’ve sent was the form which was used back in 2016. I am very anxious right now and I don’t know which one is correct. Can you send me a link of the correct format of the application form asap?
Hi Andrea,
The form did change rather significantly this year. Hopefully the Embassy will give you a chance to submit the new one instead!
You can get the 2018 forms at the links below.
Graduate Scholarship: (Download everything with a Word or Excel icon)
Undergraduate Scholarship: Download the third file from the top (Application Form) and second from the bottom (Medical Form).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
I just sent my application form yesterday for the scholarship for undergraduates. But I am still a little bit uneasy about the Japanese Exam. How are we going to take it? Would it be in Japanese Language? and what are the things that we must review for it?
Hope to receive a reply soon. By the way Thank you very much for all your guidance Travis 🙂
Hi Andrea,
Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience with the Japanese test for undergraduates. Hopefully someone else can offer an answer!
I worked at a university, not the embassy, so we never dealt with the language test or undergraduate scholarship applicants at all, I’m afraid.
I would expect it to include both reading and listening and to get progressively more difficult as you go on, but beyond that, I can’t say anything for sure.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi i would like to ask something im from the Philippines and i married with a japanese citizens last december 2016 and now his livng in japan his trying to apply for a COE but he can’t comply it because he is only 2months there and he cant apply for income tax my concern is it is ok that my mother in law would be my guarantor ang who would be apply for Coe hope you can help me
Hi Juvy,
Yes, your mother-in-law or father-in-law can be your guarantor and you should have no problem with the CoE application. That’s how I did it!
In that case, your husband would still apply for the CoE, he would just have to submit your mother-in-law’s tax statements and your mother in law would also have to fill in the Letter of Guarantee.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I have some confusion regarding the scholarship. I currently study Bachelor of Engineering(Degree) in Curtin University and will be graduate in end of 2018. I plan to take Japanese Language Studies in Japan first then go for Master studies in Japan university. Which scholarship should I apply?
Thank you for your support.
Regards,
Wesley
Hi Wesley,
Many Japanese universities offer Master’s Degrees in Engineering taught in English, so you wouldn’t necessarily have to learn Japanese first. Rather, you could study Japanese while working on your Engineering degree at the same time.
My recommendation would be to apply for the MEXT graduate scholarship via Embassy Recommendation. If you apply via the embassy, you can be placed in a 1-semester Japanese language program prior to starting your degree studies, so that way you get the best of both worlds. That semester isn’t going to be enough for you to be able to complete your studies in Japanese, but it will help you with daily interaction.
If you want to start your studies in April or October 2018, you would start your scholarship this summer. If you want to start in 2019, you still have a year to prepare (but it’s good time to start researching programs and networking with target professors).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis;
I hope you are doing fine! I have read comments in your website and they are too helpful!
Me and my friend have been recommended(passed the first screening) by Tottori university for MEXT approval under university recommendation scheme. We are waiting to hear the result the coming April 2018. But I am bit worried if MEXT will reject one of us since we are from the same country (Ethiopia) and the same professor/university. Kindly advise on this one.
Thank you!
Hi Christian,
I saw you left the same question on another post and answered it here.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, I would like to ask you a question.In fact, after my high school leaving certificate have been studying English literature. On the third year when i was about to complete my bachelor degree i failed. So I registered in a new university in a program to earn a professional bachelor degree in marketing and management without doing the first and second year. So after a year of study I complete the bachelor degree. So I would like to konw in the case that I want to apply for Mext scholarship with themy bachelor degree, how can I procede with my grade certificates? For it has been said in the instructions that we should submit our grade certificate of the three consecutive years of studies, so I’m asking myself if I can take my first and second years grade certificates that I earn in English liteature to combine with the one of the bachelor degree in management. Please make it clear for me. Thanks!
Hi Jack,
It sounds like you would be considered to be a transfer student for purposes of the application, since you started your professional bachelor’s program from the third year.
Transfer students have to submit all of their transcripts/grade certificates from both before and after the transfer. So, you can’t just leave out the one year that you failed. You would have to submit your certificate from the Bachelor degree in management as well as all three years from the degree in English literature.
For the purposes of eligibility, only the grades earned after your transfer will count, but the grades from before your transfer will also be calculated and recorded.
Good Luck,
Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I’m an American currently in Japan on a tourist visa. I’m planning on getting married to a permanent resident here in Japan. We are both going to the United States to visit family and friends. She’ll come back to Japan within a week and I’ll stay in the US for a couple months. I’m planning to come back and want to get a spouse of permanent resident visa in Japan.
What kind of preparations should we do to make the process go as smoothly as possible? Specifically should we submit or do anything while I’m still here in Japan? Anything we can do while we’re both in the USA to make this easier? I’m sure the questions may have been answered before, or be in the posts you’ve written. Apologies for having to repeat the information again. Basically want to get married and get a spouse visa, appreciate the help! Thank you.
HI JD,
I hope I’m understanding this right: you will get married in Japan before traveling to the US, correct?
My instructions on getting married in Japan were based on the assumption that your spouse was a Japanese national, so not everything in there will apply. For one thing, permanent residents do not have a koseki tohon so your spouse will not need to submit that. Instead, you will both need to submit proof from your home countries that you are eligible to be married. (I described the process for Americans in the article above).
I would also recommend checking with the city hall where your spouse has registered her residence to see if they have any additional requirements.
It may not be the most romantic idea, but you are able to go ahead and get legally married at any time and, for the purpose of moving on to the Certificate of Eligibility phase, I recommend it.
Once you have your proof of marriage, you can start the Certificate of Eligibility application process. I would recommend submitting that application approximately 4 months before you plan to return to Japan on a permanent basis. That might mean submitting it before you both leave for the US.
You can find all the requirements for that application in the article linked above. It does differ slightly for Spouse of Permanent Resident (again, because your spouse does not have a koseki tohon and will instead have to submit proof of marriage from her home country government).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! I would like to ask something. I invited my daughter and my partner (child’s father but we’re not married) a tourist visa. Unfortunately, the father was not guaranteed a visa while our daughter got her tourist visa. I am japanese citizen living in Japan, I gave birth in the Philippines and didn’t reported the birth of my daughter coz no one told me what to do, and I didn’t know. She’s now 2 years old and I applied for tourist visa then will apply for eligibility once she come here. What breaks my heart is our daughter got her visa while the father is not, luckily this Feb. my mom went to Philippines so there she is who can accompany my daughter if the father was not guaranteed visa. Lastly, I read your article Married by Mail. Is it possible to marry my partner by mail? He’s in Phil. while I’m in Japan. I can’t go there soon since our daughter will be coming here. I hope you can help me. Thank you!
Hi A*O,
I got married by mail when both my wife and I were living overseas, so I know it is possible.
I would recommend you go to your city hall and ask for the Marriage Registration Form. Ask them what paperwork you need to submit if your husband isn’t able to come with you to submit it.
I listed the paperwork that we needed in the International Marriage in Japan article. You are going to need his original signature on the Kon’in todoke and a copy or certified copy of his passport (check with the City Hall) and you’ll need proof from the Philippine government that he is eligible to be married. Your city hall will tell you if they need anything extra, but that was all we needed to submit.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
Sorry, I don’t know if you would know, but my fiancee is Japanese and I am American. I have student loan debts still here in America, but was wondering if I am still somehow able to marry in Japan and stay there? I told her I wouldn’t think so, but am not sure. If you happen to know anything about that type of situation I would love to hear from you. Thanks!
Hi Nate,
It sounds like you have two different questions in there.
Marriage procedures in Japan do not ask about your debt or financial situation, so you should not have a problem there.
You should also be able to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to apply for a “Spouse of Japanese National” visa. In that case, even if you have personal debt, if you can find a financial supporter, or a job that pays you enough to cover your expenses after debt, then you should be able to pass the application procedures.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi i hope someone can help me i am a nikeijin 3rd gen. I apply coe for my husband and then he apply for her visa in the phil. the embassy told me that her application refer to mofa in tokyo ..did anyone here have the same situation? Its been 2months but sadly no decision yet.,,,why they need to refer in mofa? Coe is already granted… im realy worried to be denied pls help
Hi Ann,
I’m afraid I’ve never heard of a situation like that before.
The only thing I can think of is maybe there was some error or irregularity in your husband’s application.
I did actually see one situation where someone’s paperwork was held up because he had the same name as a wanted terrorist. I think the same problem could happen if your husband had the same name as someone who had been deported from Japan in the past, etc., so MOFA has to confirm that he is a different person.
That would be an unfortunate coincidence.
I hope you get good news soon!
– Travis from TranSenz