The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is the best way to gain a foothold in Japan and start your life here. Here is my collection of the best advice for that scholarship.
MEXT Scholarship/Monbukagakusho Scholarship Application Guides and Coaching
Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship Free Guides
University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship Free Guides
What new MEXT Scholarship guides would you like to see?
Let me know in the comments below!
Hi Travis. I found your page so helpful and I thank you for that.There is one question that I want to ask and I hope you can help me with this.I am an Accountancy graduate with no relevant work experience yet and also our licensure examination was cancelled twice this year. Finding a job in this pandemic situation is really a struggle. My concern is could you tell me what is the difference between a Masters and Research program? I have seen that post graduate students need to present a detailed track of their research to the embassy as part of the requirements in the program. In my undergrad, we typically do not have a thesis so I wont be able to present anything. I wish to proceed with a Masters degree in Finance or Banking related program. Also, does the embassy will stick only to the specializations of International Relations, Economics and Business Administration to business students who wish to grab for the scholarship? Please advise me for this and I really appreciate your help. Thank you so much.
Hi Gurifisu Jemuzu,
There are two meanings to “Research Student”. The first means any graduate level student (e.g. the MEXT Scholarship for Research Students refers to all graduate level students).
The second meaning is a “non-degree student.” A non-degree student is affiliated with the university, takes classes and conducts research, but has not passed the entrance exam and does not earn credit toward a degree. It is fairly common for MEXT Scholarship winners to start out as research students for a semester, take the entrance exam during that semester, then become degree-seeking students in the next semester, while extending their MEXT Scholarship.
In any case, all applicants for the MEXT Scholarship for Research Students – whether they start immediately as degree students or start as non-degree research students – are required to submit a Field of Study and Research Program Plan, which is one of the most important parts of the application. This is not about the research that you have conducted in the past, it is a proposal about the research that you will conduct as a MEXT Scholar. (Applicants who have written a thesis in the past need to submit an abstract of that thesis, but that is not such a big deal and there is no detailed presentation of past research – it is all about your future research).
I’m not sure what you mean about sticking to the specializations of International Relations, Economics, and Business Administration. I have never heard anything like that before.
You are required to apply in a field that you have majored in in the past or its related field, and your local embassy may impose some limitations on the fields that they will accept applications in, but I have never heard of it being limited to just those three.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hello, hope u are doing well, I have my MEXT English+ Japanese exams next week. What u recommend me to do to prepare my self to pass those exams especially the English one? I know nothing about the Japanese language but I know that it is not mandatory to pass it but what I should write inside it. this is my third attempt to pass those exams really I need your help if u can
Hi Fatma,
Since you have experience taking the exams, I would suggest that you work on whatever your particular weak points were last time. You can also find the past exams on the official Study in Japan site.
Like you said, you do need to at least attempt to answer the Japanese exam, even if you do not know the language. I heard last year that some applicants were rejected during the secondary screening for leaving it blank.
Keep in mind that the exams are typically not scored independently as a part of the screening. Your exam results would be taken into consideration along with the evaluation of the documents you submitted and with your interview performance when that comes next. So, improving your performance in all areas is going to be helpful.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks for your guidance through which i was able to know about this MEXT program.But the thing that is concerning me is that on what basis do the embassy make screening of the candidates after submitting of the application form.
Hi Subhajit Sarkar,
The screening is holistic and considers everything that you have submitted. However, in my experience, the most important items are your transcript (your academic performance up to this point) and your Field of Study and Research Program Plan (your potential in the future).
After the document screening, there may be language proficiency tests (I have heard of them being cancelled in some cases, this year) as well as an interview. Those will also factor into a cumulative score to determine who will pass the primary screening.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I have been considering applying for the MEXT scholarship for quite some time now, but for the longest time I wasn’t able to find a program that correlates with my field of study. I finally found a program that I’m interested in at Nagoya University, but as I’m currently living in Japan through the JET Program, I am unsure whether or not I am able to apply for the embassy recommended scholarship. While I’m aware of the university recommended scholarship that’s available, I’m afraid that my chances would be far too low if I decide to take this route. What would you recommend I do?
Thanks
Hi Zoey,
If you are living in Japan, you are still eligible to apply for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, as long as you can show that you will leave Japan and end your current residence status before the start of the scholarship. Under normal circumstances, that would be my recommendation. However, you would also need to leave Japan and return to your home country during the application process to participate in the interviews, etc., and during the current COVID-19 situation, that means that you would not be allowed back into Japan. So, unless you are willing to quit the JET program now and return to your home country pending the MEXT scholarship results, it sounds like the University Recommended application is the better choice for you.
Yes, it is more competitive, but your chances are as good as you make them by having a strong research plan and, if possible, connecting in advance with faculty members in Japan who could be willing to support your application when it comes to the university’s internal selection process.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you so much for your reply, I greatly appreciate it. I don’t think I am in a situation where I could quit the JET Program cold turkey, so I’ll definitely start looking into the University Recommended scholarship.
~Zoey
Hi Travis,
Just a quick question regarding the whole application format.
“Type or write neatly by hand in block letters” – application form
“This sheet must be typewritten or written in block letters” – Research plan
Does this statements mean the form should be filled in capital letters?
Hi Priscilla,
You only need to complete the forms in capital letters if you are writing by hand. If you are completing it on a computer (which you should, if at all possible), there is no need to use all capitals.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Mr Travis
By filling in the Placement Preference Application Form for MEXT, Is it necessary to include the title “Professor” following the professor’s name in the box of “Name of academic advisor”?
Hi Cézar Muchanga,
No, it is not necessary to put the professor’s title in that form, but it is also not necessary to leave it out. I have seen forms in both formats.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Morning Travis,I got a question, which fillable documents to get from the embassy?
Hi Ibyanyagasani Ashuja,
You should be able to find a link to the documents (as well as the specific instructions for the application in your country) on the embassy’s website, so I recommend checking there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Oh I forgot. Can I also work part-time during my studies should I be accepted?
Hi Ziedell Figueroa,
Technically, it’s allowed (you can apply for a Part-Time Work Permit when you enter the country) and you can work up to 28 hours per week, but for MEXT scholars, it is typically discouraged. With the scholarship and tuition exemption, you’re already in a much better place financially than most students and they want you to focus on your academics.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis,
I am Ziedell Alexander C. Figueroa, a fresh Filipino high school graduate willing to apply for MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship. I really found your advices useful and I apply all of it since it is really my dream to enjoy my youth in Japan and work there. That is why I am really grateful to you.
However, I would really appreciate if I could ask some inquiries regarding my application. One of which is my tertiary level record. I am a prospective enrollee at a certain university here but the enrollment is still in August. Is it safe to write my prospective university in my application, although I may not be able to secure a certificate of enrollment by the time I send my documents? Or should I leave it blank to be safe?
A second inquiry is a clarification regarding what a certificate of university enrollment qualification examination pertains to. Does it pertain to a certificate of me being eligible for enrollment in a university here in my country, or is it in a Japanese University.
I hope to hear from you soonest. Thanks in advance!
Hi Ziedell Alexander C. Figueroa,
Thank you for your kind feedback.
Four your prospective enrollment in the fall, I would recommend that you do include it in your application, since it would start during the Embassy’s primary screening process. In that case, in place of a Certificate of Enrollment (if you are not able to obtain one by the deadline), I would suggest submitting a certified copy of your acceptance letter, along with an explanation as to when you will be able to obtain the certificate of enrollment, after you start your studies. Then you could submit the Certificate of Enrollment as a replacement document as soon as you have it.
My best recommendation, though, would be to contact the Japanese embassy where you will apply to make sure that they would be OK with the suggestion above.
My understanding of the “certificate of university enrollment qualification exam” is that it is something that only exists in some countries, where all students interested in proceeding to higher education must sit for a common, national exam that will determine if they are qualified for university, such as the “Baccaloreat” in France. If your country does not have that system, it would not apply to you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis
Thank you for your responses. I have a last inquiry though if that’s ok. Due to my prospective enrollment, do I still need to submit a recommendation letter from my university (along with the certificate of enrollment you stated to be submitted at a later time), given that I can already submit a recommendation letter from my high school? In simple terms, do I need to submit recommendation letters from both schools given that one may be delayed? Or is the recommendation letter from my high school already sufficient given my situation? Thanks in advance.
Hi Ziedell Figueroa,
In your case, I would recommend double-checking the embassy to be sure, but the letter from your high school should be sufficient, since nobody at the university would know you yet.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi thank you so much for your help and your guidelines.
I am Rahmatullah Ahmadzai from Kabul, Afghanistan. I would like to know that why MeXT scholarships aren’t announced yet for Afghanistan’s students?
I highly suggest you send me information about this.
This is my big dream to get my bachelor degree in Japan.
Regards
Hi Rahmatullah Ahmadzai,
Unfortunately, I am not officially affiliated with the Japanese Embassy in Afghanistan, so I do not know what the delay might be. I would suggest that you call them directly and politely ask when they anticipate having the guidelines available.
I know that this year, the guidelines did not come out all at once. Because there were some changes in the application timeline, some countries have taken longer to decide on their local process and publish that information.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis, It’s me again, I came with another question XD ,
concerning the contact with professors to ask them for supervision, should I start doing that or should I wait till the results of the first embassy screening ??
In fact, in the placement research form, there is that zone where we should write three academic advisors names. so, if I’ll wait till after the screening, what am I supposed to write in that area ?! can I write just suggested names without having contacting them ?!
Thank you alot for your help
Hi Imen,
It is possible to just write the professors’ names without contacting them, as long as you have done enough research to ensure that they are appropriate to supervise your research.
I do recommend trying to contact professors in advance to start networking, though, if you can. Of course, don’t lead with “Hi, I’m contacting you because I want the MEXT Scholarship”, but try to build up a genuine relationship.
I have articles on how to find professors and how to fill in the Placement Preference Form that might be helpful.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hey Travis, I hope you’re doing well,
the Japanease embassy in my country has just announced the scholarship, Unfortunately, only master is available in research category (there’s no Phd). I already hold a Masters degree (graduated in June 2019). So my question is;
1- is it possible for me to apply for a second master ?
-if yes:
2-do you think, this will play against me and make my application disvantegeous (since Im
already holding a master )?!
3- should I join my masters documents to my application or only send Bachelor docs ?
4- Can I apply for another major that is very close to my previous one ( knowing that, my master’s thesis was in that field that Im planning to apply for ) ?
Thank you sooo much Sir
Hi Imen,
Thank you for your message. I don’t think I have ever heard of an embassy saying that only Master’s degrees are possible before, so this is a new situation for me.
1. Yes, it is possible to apply for a second masters. I have worked with many applicants who have done so before.
2. Normally, I would say that if you had the choice between applying for a second Masters or a PhD, that you would have to make a case for why the Master’s is a better choice for your goals, but that does not apply to you. It should not hurt you, but I do not know why your university has chosen to only allow Master’s level applications, so I cannot say for sure. I would certainly still recommend that you go for it!
3. Yes, even though you are applying for a second masters, you have to include all of the documentation for every degree program that you have completed in the past, including your past master’s and your undergraduate degree.
4. You can apply in a field that you majored in before or its related field, so as long as the two majors are similar and you can show the connection, then it should not be a problem.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
You would be able to let me know if MEXT will be accepting Duolingo English Test for substitution of IELTS or any English language proficiency test?
Also will I be able to send my marksheets online as I am in a bit of predicament because of the pandemic and currently in a different town than where my University is.
Hi Trito,
No, as far as I know, Duolinguo is not on the list of accepted tests. I have a list of acceptable test benchmarks (CEFR B2 Equivalency Table) in my article on eligibility for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship.
However, for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, you are not required to submit English language proficiency scores if you do not have them. (If you do have them, you must submit them, though).
If you cannot get to your university, can you request them to send you a copy of your old score report if they have it?
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello! Thank you so much for informing us that the official website has posted the guidelines! Though in the application forms it was mentioned that the deadline for application is April-May. Is the deadline as mentioned or pushed back to another month? I am in Algeria and the embassy hasn’t posted anything yet about the scholarship. Thank you!!
Hi Ouiza,
The April-May reference should be from last year. The official guidelines I have seen for this year say that the primary screening is June-October. However, I would expect that the deadline to submit application documents in most countries is going to be June-July (or possible into early August). The deadline certainly will not be before the guidelines are posted.
At this point, all you can do is wait for the embassy to post the deadlines, but in the meantime, you can certainly get started with the application forms and documents.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
Thank you so much for your amazing website. I have a question, is it possible to get MEXT scholarship for studying MA TESOL? Or will I automatically be rejected because it is considered part of English major?
Hi Zainab,
You are allowed to apply for the MEXT scholarship in any field offered by a Japanese university in a language that you can speak. The only fields that will get you automatically rejected are research into weapons technology.
So, you would be permitted to apply for a Master’s in TESOL, but it could be a challenge to justify to your review committee why you want to study TESOL in Japan. You will need a strong research plan as well as a clear reason why Japan is better for your particular research than any English-speaking countries.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis
I am trying to apply to the MEXT scholarship for April 2021 for graduate students (P.hD.). However, I have a difficult situation at present and was hoping if you could give some input.
I have been in contact with a Japanese professor for quite some time and he is really interested in working with me, he is a colleague of my mentor from USA. The problem was that I was rejected for MEXT University recommendation 2020 i.e. the university didnt select me even though the department nominated me; the professor said that the slots were reduced to 3 this year.
The professor however promised to try and get me one of the SGU MEXT slots that is to open for application this December and help me get the scholarship by March 2021. But, due to the uncertainty in SGU slots I am hoping to make sure I am financially stable before going to Japan in October and start my research.
Will it be possible for me to apply to the embassy recommended MEXT 2021 now that the application guidelines have been released (many thanks for the email to notify me). If I somehow fail to obtain the embassy scholarship will I automatically lose the possibility of applying for the SGU recommended MEXT 2021,
Also, since the application deadlines are late this year I am not sure when the final decision will be made on the scholarship. I was hoping to know if I can start my research before the MEXT intended term i.e. if i get the scholarship for 2021 april will I able to go to Japan and start working from october 2020. I understand that I wont get the scholarship from october 2020 to March 2o21 but is it possible that MEXT scholarship is denied since I am already in Japan before the commencement of the scholarship term.
Thank you very much for your kind assistance!
Hi Josiah Liew,
I am sorry to hear that you did not get the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship last cycle. It is the most competitive application process among the MEXT scholarship, though, and getting the departmental nomination is at least a positive sign.
It is possible for you to apply for the Embassy this year. The Primary Screening at the embassies and consulates should conclude by October 2020, and that will give you a good idea of what your final results will be. It you were to not pass the primary screening, you would no longer have an active application, and there would be nothing stopping you from applying for the SGU scholarship through the university. If you do pass the primary screening then, in almost all cases, your final scholarship award is essentially guaranteed so, while you wouldn’t be able to apply simultaneously for the SGU slot via the university, that should not be a problem.
As for going to Japan prior to the start of the scholarship, it is discouraged to go on any status other than a Temporary Visitor (tourist, maximum 90 days). If you go and enroll in a university program in Japan, that would result in disqualification. But a short visit to start some primary research and consult with your professor on an informal basis would not be a problem. You would need to return to your home country before the start of the scholarship to get your MEXT student visa, though.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for the quick reply.
I will apply to the embassy scholarship and gamble on my chances.
However, I have seen the application guidelines for 2021 and there is something I dont understand. In section Number 8: “The process of application and selection” the second screening is around feb 2021 and the notification of results is from june 2021.
Does this mean that I cannot apply to a program that starts in april 2021?
I think the problem with the SGU slot is that the student has to be enrolled in a program at the university. The professor told me that the application is around december and that I will get the scholarship from March 2021. But for this process I need to enroll as a research student this October.
Thank you for your assistance
-Josiah
Hi Josiah,
Yes, it looks like this year, MEXT has eliminated the possibility of arriving in April 2021 for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, probably because of all the delays experienced already.
I didn’t realize that your situation required you to be enrolled in the university as a research student from this October to qualify for the SGU scholarship. (That is not a requirement of the scholarship, it is a requirement that the university has imposed). In that case, you would have to choose between the two options. If your professor is confident that he or she can secure the scholarship slot for you, that seems to be more of a sure thing! (Plus, unlike the Embassy application route, you would be guaranteed to be placed in the university that you want). Ultimately, though, it is a bit of a risk with either path.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis
Apparently the SGU slot is basically the fixed amount of slots the university has, the professor told me that as someone graduates that slot is open for application. And this scholarship is only 1 year at a time regardless of your degree. However, you can reapply for it the following december to get the scholarship for the next fiscal year as well.
The professor told me that his department had an average of 2 people getting the scholarship.
I applied to the DSP II program at Tohoku. I didnt understand the situation but apparently the program has at least 4 slots for univ recommendation via DSP II. However, Tohoku university cancelled all scholarship programs for people starting as P.hD. students. So effectively the scholarship was awarded only to people starting as Masters students. However, there were numerous people who got the scholarship in the previous years as phd students, but for some reason Tohoku univ decided to suspend even departmental scholarships for phd students this year.
I had to make 2 different MEXT applications for this, one was for the University recommendation and the other was for DSP II recommendation. Just putting out here for people to know. I feel that each university has their own scholarship structure and people need to ask the administration office for clarification.
Thank you for your help
Josiah
Hi Josiah Liew,
For the SGU scholarship slots, indeed, much is left to the discretion of individual universities when it comes to determining their selectees. MEXT awards a specific number of slots to each of the Top Global University (SGU) selectees and they can have that many scholarships active at once.
Some universities use the scholarship like you said, offering it for one year with applicants having to apply again each year. I know others offer it pre-enrollment for the duration of applicants’ degrees. So, like you said, each university has its own structure for those. That’s why I haven’t tried to write an article about that particular scholarship category yet!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz