Getting started with the MEXT application process can feel like breaking into a whole new world.
Getting Started with the MEXT Scholarship
If you want to know more about the differences in the application processes and application timeline, plus advice on creating an application strategy and adopting a successful applicant mindset, my ebook How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship has in-depth discussions and further advice!
Here’s what I’ll cover in this article:
- Understanding the difference between the Embassy-recommended and University-recommended MEXT Scholarship
- When the application starts (plus when you need to start preparing, and why those times are different!)
- Where to get the application forms and where to submit them
- Your next steps
If you’ve already got a handle on those topics, this article might be a little to simple for you. In that case, I’d recommend skipping straight to the more advanced guides, which you can find here.
Note for Applicants for the Undergraduate MEXT Scholarship
Most of what I will cover in this article is about the MEXT scholarship for graduate students, since that is a more complicated process and one where I have more direct expertise. I will add notes for undergraduate applicants as appropriate throughout the article, too.
The Difference Between the Embassy-Recommended and University-Recommended Scholarship
There are two primary ways to apply for the MEXT scholarship for research students (i.e. graduate students): via the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country or via a Japanese university. If you are outside of Japan and want to come here for a fully funded graduate degree, these are your options.
But which option is best for you?
Undergraduate MEXT Scholarship Applicants: There is no University-recommended application process for you. The Embassy is your only option.
Always Start with the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship!
One simple reason: The application starts earlier.
If you start with the Embassy-recommended application process, you will know whether or not you will get the scholarship before the University-recommended application process even begins. That means, if you don’t pass the Embassy’s primary screening, you’ll still have time to apply for the University-recommended MEXT scholarship for the same year.
Plus, you’ll have a head start on the other applicants, since you’ll already have your field of study and research program plan done and will be in contact with universities. It’s a win-win.
Advantages of the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship
- If you miss it, you get a second chance with the University-recommended scholarship.
- In most countries there are more slots available for Embassy-recommended applicants.
- You can apply to three (or more!) universities, increasing your chances of getting in.
- Embassy-recommended applications do not require expensive language proficiency tests.
- Save on postage: You apply in your own country, so you don’t have to pay for international mail fees until after you have passed the primary screening (when the scholarship is all-but guaranteed.
Scholarship Slots Available: Embassy
MEXT allots a certain number of slots to each country. In some cases, the slots are further divided with a certain number given to each consulate.
That number is not public, but you can occasionally find the number from your country for the previous year by looking through the embassy’s old news releases. Remember, though, that the number may change from year to year.
Advantages of the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship
- You can focus all of your energy on one university and know that if you get the scholarship, that’s where you’ll go.
- If you are from a developed country where there are fewer embassy-recommended slots, the University-recommended application process may offer better chances.
- Fewer screenings and hoops to jump through. Your application is likely to be only a document screening and possibly an interview.
- No travel required. You won’t have any in-person meetings.
Scholarship Slots Available: University
Both the formula for calculating the number of slots available and the data it is based on are publicly available (though usually only in Japanese), so if you are really keen, you can figure it out yourself. I have done calculations in previous years, as well.
The final formula does not come out until after the application deadline at most universities, though, so you’re stuck using a year-old calculation as a point of reference.
The level of competition also varies by year. The MEXT scholarship is a zero-sum game. The stronger your competition, the lower your chances, and vice versa.
Made up your mind? Great! Next we’ll talk about when to get started.
When does the MEXT Scholarship Application Begin?
As you’ll gather from the rest of the articles on this website, the application begins for you right now! It is never too early to start researching universities and professors, working on your field of study and research program plan, and determining your application strategy. (Don’t worry, I cover all of this in other articles!)
You do not want to wait until the application period opens to start preparing. By then, honestly, it’s going to be too late.
OK, I get it, but when does the application period start?
- Embassy-recommended MEXT Scholarship: Spring of the year prior to when you want to start your studies.
- University-recommended MEXT Scholarship: Fall of the year prior to when you want to start your studies.
*I can’t give you exact dates, because it’s going to be different for every single country or every single university each year. But typically you start seeing application information from Embassies and consulates around mid-April and from universities in late September or early-mid October.
Your mileage may vary, so start checking that embassy/university website every day starting a few weeks ahead of the date I suggested. (As must as I’d like to centralize that information for you, there’s no way I can keep up with over 200 embassies/consulates and 800 universities.)
Example
So, if you wanted to arrive in Japan in October 2019, for example, you would start the Embassy-recommended MEXT application around April 2018 or the University-recommended MEXT application around September/October 2018.
Where to Get the Application Forms and Guidelines
OK, so this is actually the one thing that you do have to wait for the application period for.
You will get the application forms, the list of required documentation, and the application instructions from the Embassy or University where you intend to apply.
I do not keep the forms posted here because they are subject to change every year, and I would not want to provide anyone with an out-of-date form by mistake!
I do, however, have a sample application form, based on the 2018 Embassy application form, to help you complete your application. If you sign up for my email list below, I will send it to you right away.
Required Forms and Documents
In addition to the application form, you are almost certainly going to need the items below (graduate students, only):
- Field of Study and Research Program Plan Form (download from the Embassy or University site)
- Placement Preference Form (Embassy application, only, download from the Embassy site)
- Original academic transcript covering all years of the last university attended
- Original or certified copy of graduation certificate, degree, or expected graduation from last university attended
- Letter of recommendation (see requirements for your particular application process)
- Medical certificate (download from the Embassy or University site)
- Thesis abstract
You may also need:
- Language proficiency test scores (especially for the university-recommended application)
- Transcript from previous universities (transfer students or students enrolled at current university for under 2 years)
- Letter of recommendation from employer
- Samples of work (music/fine arts majors)
- GRE Scores, etc. (if required by your university)
So, you can start collecting some of those items while you wait.
How to Submit Your Application
Refer to the instructions in the application guidelines from your university or embassy to be sure.
For the university-recommended application process, you’re usually going to have to send it by international express mail.
For the embassy-recommended application process, you may be able to submit it in person at the embassy or by registered mail.
But we’re not nearly ready for that, yet!
Your Next Step
The most important and time-consuming part of your application will be writing the Field of Study and Research Program Plan, so I’d recommend you start reading up on that.
Click here for all of my MEXT scholarship guides!
If you sign up for my mailing list below, you’ll get the sample application form as well as a short series of emails providing additional insight into the application process that is only available there!
Want to know more?
My new ebook, How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship describes the scholarship in detail, including the purpose and coverage, the eligibility criteria, how to develop a successful applicant mindset, and how to craft your application strategy for the greatest chance of success!
Questions?
I’ve written an FAQ on the subject of how to get started. Please read through that FAQ first and, if you have further questions, leave them in the comments section of that article!
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hi travis,
im from india and had been considering the MEXT scholarship. i am currently in grade 12 which is the last formal year of school after which we are to give college entrance exams. this grade end in 2024 which is also the year i would be joining college. to apply for the MEXT 2024 scholarship,
which grade would be considered for the GPA and as for the university i look forward to in japan, do i need to clear entrance exam if any before my application ?
if not, do i still need to present a clear preference of universities?
thank you !!
Hi Akshita,
All of your grades from high school (upper secondary school) that are available at the time of application would be considered.
For the undergraduate scholarship, you do not get a say in which university you get placed in (unless you are applying for direct placement), so you do not need to clear any entrance exam or present preferences.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, Travis
I have a question the mext scholarship for the 2024 batch has opened and i have read the guidelines and looked at the application form I could not find where to write the collages that I want to join as well my marks on the application form can you explain where to write these
abdullah
Hi Abdullah,
If you are applying for the scholarship for Research Students (graduate students), then you fill in the names of the universities that you want to attend, and your preferred advisors, in the Placement Preference Form. If you’re applying for the scholarship for Undergraduate Students, you don’t get a say in what university you attend, in general.
There is no place to enter your marks in the application forms. You will submit your transcripts and the embassy will calculate your GPA on their scale. I recommend that you calculate your converted GPA yourself to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements, but you do not need to fill in the results anywhere in the official MEXT forms. (Some countries have a form where they ask you to calculate your grades, but in that case, it is a separate form that you would get from the embassy).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I plan to apply for University Recommendation at Ritsumeikan University (RU) this December (AY2023). Based on previous year’s schedule, it seems that MEXT final results only arrive somewhere between June and August. Assuming that I have already passed RU’s admission, can I (and should I) apply for Embassy Recommendation in April 2023 (AY2024) as a backup while waiting for the final result of the University track? Also, what are the chances of a candidate to be rejected during this period?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Vinh,
If you pass Ritsumeikan’s evaluation and they nominate you to MEXT for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, then you are almost certain to receive it.
In that case, you would not be eligible to apply for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship next year. If you have two applications active at the same time, you could be disqualified from both. However, since the chances of being rejected are almost non-existent at that point, there would be no need to apply for the Embassy track.
On the other hand, if you did not pass Ritsumeikan’s screening, you would find that result out before the Embassy application starts and in that case, you would be allowed to apply for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, since your other application would be over.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello sir,
First of all, I would like to express my enormous appreciation for your continuous support. I am applying for the undergraduate programs, and I would like to ask you a few questions regarding the application.
1. After sending the embassy application, how can I verify that the application has reached its destination and is being reviewed.
2. As an international student, how much do my Japanese language skills affect my acceptance.
3. Are there any specifications for filling out the certificate of health. Like, does my doctor need to type the results? or write them in uppercase letters?
4. I know you don’t have much experience at the undergraduate level but in general, how do you recommend I fill out why your major section?
Thank you so much for your response. I hope you have an amazing day!
Hi Abeni,
Thank you for your kind words.
1. I recommend that you use tracking on your package when you send it so that you know when it has been delivered. The embassies often will not give any confirmation of receipt or review status, but if you can confirm with the postal service or courier that it has been delivered, then you can be confident that it is being reviewed.
2. As long as you are applying for programs taught in English, it will not disqualify you if you have no Japanese language ability, but your local embassy may choose to prioritize applicants with Japanese language ability in the selection process.
3. In general, your doctor should fill out the certificate of health by hand. Most of the entries should be numbers, but for any words, it would be helpful if they were in capital letters for legibility’s sake. Doctor’s are notorious for bad/nearly illegible handwriting!
4. In my article about How to Maximize Your Chances of Earning the MEXT Scholarship, I talk about creating an application strategy and making sure that you craft your answers based on this strategy, which would apply to the “why your major” section in the undergraduate scholarship application just as much as it applies to the graduate application. The important thing is to emphasize how you want to use the knowledge/experience earned in your degree to serve your home country or Japan or the relationship between the two.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis San,
I’m worried regarding the abstract of thesis and research plan. I don’t have any of it, and don’t know what to do. Are these 2 required? Is it ok if I want to apply without abstract of thesis and research plan?
Hi A. Harshita-san,
If you have not written a thesis previously, such as a graduation thesis for your previous degree, then you should contact the university or embassy where you will apply to ask them what you should submit instead of the abstract. Sometimes, they will tell you that it is fine to leave it out, but other times they will ask you to submit an abstract of another major paper you wrote for one of your classes.
The Field of Study and Research Program Plan, though, is one of the most important parts of your application and must be included. It describes the research that you want to conduct in Japan under the MEXT Scholarship, so that is something you will need to prepare before you apply. If you plan to apply this year, then I recommend that you get started right away!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I want to apply for MEXT 2022 Undergraduate Studies. I didn’t go the traditional route of attending high school: I have a High School Equivalency diploma instead. The problem with my application is the letter of recommendation. Who am I supposed to ask to write my letter? I have no high school teachers or principals who I can ask. Do I just ask my teachers from middle school? Or maybe a past employer? I’ve tried emailing my Embassy, but no response from them.
Thanks
Hi Aidan,
I’m afraid I do not have an answer for you. I’ve never come up against that question in the past or seen specific advice about how to handle that situation, so the only suggestion I can offer is to keep trying to get a hold of the embassy. I recommend calling instead of emailing, though. A call puts the person on the spot to answer right away.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
One question about the GCPA requirement. I intend to apply for MEXT Doctoral Scholarship, however it requires minimum gcpa of 3.4 and I was also instructed by the guideline provided by my local japanese embassy to submit my both Bachelor and Master’s transcript. So, here comes my concern, my undergraduate gcpa is lower than the requirement (around 4.6/7 in aus system), but I managed to smash my masters with 3.7 gcpa. Do you know if this counts as meeting their gcpa requirement?
Best regards,
Kelvin
Hi Kelvin,
MEXT’s GPA requirement is a 2.3 GPA on its 3.0 scale. If you are seeing a requirement on any other scale (such as a 4.0 scale or 7.0 scale), then that requirement is established by the local embassy. In that situation, you would have to meet both MEXT’s requirement and the local requirement. Note that for the MEXT requirement, you have to convert your grades course-by-course. You cannot simply convert your CGPA, since that will not give an accurate calculation.
As far as I know, only the grades earned in your most recent degree program count toward the calculation of your GPA for eligibility purposes. So, in your case, it should just be the Master’s degree that matters.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Mr transenz can you help me with some queries? i have certain doubts on mext.
1. will i have to apply for student visa months before prior to the application for mext?
2.I wanna pursue my MSc from Japan in chemistry (through the embassy-application). will I have to necessarily go through the fluency tests for Japanese and english?
3.I will be graduating in june 2023,when should I apply for the scholarship programme?
4. I don’t want to be negative but without the scholarship I would not be able to study in Japan because I am from a simple middle class family. So, if by any chance my application is rejected then will it have any impact on my other choices (will I have to drop 1 year for again applying for Master’s in my old university? )
Hi Mitaly,
It sounds like you are planning well in advance and that’s great to hear!
1. No, you would apply for your student visa only after final confirmation that you have been selected for the scholarship. At that point, there is a special process for MEXT scholars’ visa applications, so you should wait for specific instructions from the embassy.
2. Yes, the Japanese and English language tests conducted at the Embassy during the primary screening are mandatory for all scholars’ applications. However, if your degree is taught in English, then your score on the Japanese test will not matter. You just have to make an attempt at it.
3. You should apply in 2022 (typically the scholarship application process starts in April or May each year) so that you can arrive in Japan in fall 2023.
4. The scholarship is highly competitive, so it is a good idea to have a back-up plan in your home country. You can apply for a degree program in your home country or another at the same time (however, you cannot apply simultaneously for another degree in Japan). Your MEXT results shouldn’t have any impact on your other applications.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Mr. Travis,
I just wanna ask if what should I do first? I am planning to apply for an undergraduate student level. What should I do first? Apply to an Embassy-recommended MEXT application or University-recommended MEXT application? And can I also apply online? Thank you!
Hi Maxine,
For the undergraduate scholarship, you are essentially limited to the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, only.
There are a few specific programs that have been selected by MEXT as Priority Programs that can accept undergraduate students through University Recommended MEXT Scholarship, but they are very limited and specific.
You can find a list of those programs (as of the 2020 application cycle) in the following two links. In both cases, it is only the undergraduate programs on the last page.
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/ryugaku/boshu/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2018/12/04/1411539_1.pdf
https://www.mext.go.jp/content/1423005_1_1.pdf
In general, it is not possible to apply online. You would have to submit your application documents by post or in person (in the case of the Embassy)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
I was just wondering if someone has to repeat a year in the undergraduate MEXT scholarship program due to poor academic grades, do they have to pay tuition fee and living costs for the rest of their studies until graduation or the scholarship stops only for the repeating year and then continues afterward?
Hi Nancy,
If a MEXT scholarship recipient were to have to repeat a year due to poor academic performance, they would permanently and irrevocably lose the MEXT scholarship as soon as it became apparent that it was no longer possible for them to graduate on time, so all fees from that point on would become the student’s responsibility.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Mr Travis
The information you shared was really helpful and I’d like to ask more questions , thanks :
1/If I apply now and get the scholarship , can I go to japan in september (or even) october?? (i want to go to the university of Tokyo)
2/Do I have to go through entrance exams ? If so , when? (assuming I want to start studying in september or october)
3/ I read about choosing an advisor in my future university in japan , can you explain more?
Hi Arif,
1. If you are applying for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship for graduate students this year, you would be arriving in Japan in September or October of 2021.
2. This depends entirely on the university and graduate school that you apply to. In many cases you will start as a “research student” (non-matriculated student) for the first semester, or you may spend that semester in an intensive Japanese language program, and take the entrance exams during that time.
3. You will need an advisor for your research and you should identify this person ahead of time and list them in the Placement Preference Form. I have an article about finding universities and professors that teach in English that should help you with this process.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Mr. Travis
The information you shared were really helpful. I am planning to pursue MSc in Banking and Finance in Japan. But, I think there is a loophole in my bachelors degree (BBA) that I have completed it in 8 years. However, my GPA is 3 and I am ACCA part qualified with audit and finance related job experience form a reputable organization.
I have been wondering to know if I am still eligible for the scholarship.
Hi Ali,
Taking eight years to finish your bachelor’s degree would not necessarily disqualify you, as long as you meet all of the other eligibility criteria.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello dear Travis!
I want to attend to MEXT for 2021. My major is animation and I had gotten master degree in Iran. So now I guess I should apply for Doctoral degree, Am
I right? Or should I apply for research degree? Could you please help me.. And how would I know that those selected universities will have my exact major?
Hi Shokouh,
Since you already have your Master’s Degree, I would recommend that you apply for a Doctoral Degree or to enter as a doctoral-level research student for a semester before taking the entrance exam and matriculating to the degree program.
About the universities, it’s completely up to you to find universities in Japan that offer your major, so you’ll have to research that and make sure that you only list universities that have it. I have an article about how to find universities by the degree fields that they teach in English that might help, but it probably isn’t going to be specific enough to search for “animation”. You would have to search for a broader field, then go to the university’s website to see if animation was a part of that.
Studying to become an animator probably isn’t going to available as a doctoral program, that’s more of a technical college field. But studying animation as literature or studying the computer science behind it might be more easily available.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much dear. I’ll check the article you’ve mentioned.
Hello dear Travis!
I’m here again. I have some questions
1. about private or public or national universities . Which one should we choose?.. the universities you’d mentioned in the recommended article, Do they support MEXT scholarship? Or just the public and national ones?
2. You told me that I should apply for doctoral degree but all I can see in those lists of universities are graduate and undergraduate part.. there is no word about doctoral.. is graduate School the same as doctoral degree? I mean should I apply for graduate school ?
With respect
Hi Shokouh,
1. You can apply to any university in Japan that offers your field of study in English. It does not matter if it is private, national, or public. However, for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, you will list up to three universities in priority order, and MEXT explicitly states that they prefer to place students in national universities, so there is a chance that if your first choice university is private and your second choice university is national that MEXT will try to place you in the second place university.
2. A doctoral degree is one type of graduate degree. Undergraduate degrees include only bachelor’s degrees and some bachelor’s level professional degrees. Graduate degrees include Master’s degrees, Doctoral degrees, and graduate level professional degrees (MBA, MD, etc.) As you research the universities/graduate schools from that list in detail, make sure that the university that you choose offers a doctoral degree in your particular field of study.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello dear Travis
I really appreciate your kindness! Thank you so much.
When I was searching the universities in Fine Art field and other except Animation I realized that most of them presented Japanese language in doctoral degree. I just found one university in my field that offers my field in English. And there is Just one university that has my exact major but in Japanese .So what should I do now.. in this case as my JP language is about N5 how can I choose those universities? Is there any chance that they accept me while I’m not good enough in Japanese language?
Hi Shokouh,
I’m afraid that with N5 level Japanese, you will not be able to enroll in a degree program taught in Japanese. If the degree program is taught in Japanese, that means that you would have to write your dissertation and defend it in Japanese. At a minimum, Japanese universities are going to want to see N2 level Japanese or better to admit you to a Japanese-taught program.
My best suggestion to you would be to continue searching to see if you can find anything else and also to be a little wider in your search. You’re probably not going to find an exact match in terms of the field name and that’s OK. As long as you can find a degree field that is close enough to allow you to do the research you are interested in plus a professor who would be able to supervise that research, you should strongly consider that program.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for all of the helpful information on this site. My question is about letters of recommendation for the Embassy Scholarship. I intend to apply for the MEXT Scholarship through my local consulate in the US. Based on your other blog post about letters of recommendation , it seems that the requirements for the Embassy Scholarship and University-Recommended scholarship are different. What type of letter of recommendation is expected for the Embassy Scholarship? (Who should write it, what it should cover, etc.) Though I was a sociology major, ideally I would like my former professor in Japanese Literature to write it because I was close with him. Would that be ok? How do you suggest I proceed? Thank you for your time.
Best,
Roland
Hi Roland,
My article about how to apply for the 2020 Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship covered MEXT’s instructions for the Letter of Recommendation, including the format (free format) and who can write it (president, dean, or advisor – so unfortunately, you can’t just ask another professor).
That information was accurate as of the last application cycle and it is not something that I have seen change over the last 9 years of following this scholarship, so you should be pretty safe with that approach.
Although the letter is freeform, MEXT has a template (it used to be the mandatory format years ago) that I have linked on that article. That should indicate what the letter needs to include.
Overall, don’t stress too much about the LoR. Almost everyone submits a glowing letter of recommendation, so it’s not really an area where you can anticipate making a significant difference in your application chances. As long as it hits the basics, you should be fine. As with any letter of recommendation, it is best if the things that your advisor, etc., says about you are backed up with examples, if possible.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! I know that the focus of your website is on the graduate students, but I was wondering if you know whether for undergraduate students there is also a fixed number of slots allotted for each country? Also, do you know any resources apart from the embassy website that can be helpful for me that you could recommend? I mean tips on maximising my chances or any kind of useful information.
Hi Berenika,
Yes, for the undergraduate scholarship, there is also a fixed number of scholarship slots available for each country (at each embassy).
The only other resource that I know of and can recommend is the JASSO website that includes old subject tests so that you can practice for that step of the application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi am Abdullahi from Nigeria.
Mext have scholarship for undergradute student?
Hi Abdullahi,
There is a MEXT scholarship for undergraduate students, but the focus of this website is on the scholarship for graduate students. I do not have any articles specifically about the undergraduate scholarship.
The application process for the undergraduate scholarship is primarily through the Japanese embassy in your country and should start around mid-April each year. I recommend checking the embassy’s website then for more information.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
First of all, thank you some much for posting this great information!
I’m a Cameroonian student in Aeronautical Engineering in China completing my fourth year Bachelor Program. I will graduate by June 2020 and will like to apply for Mext scholarship to pursuit my Master Degree in Japan. Cup of weeks ago I was reading about different steps that you mentioned on your web page. I managed to write my research Plan and find two Academic Advisors at Tokai-U who agree to supervise me. Now i need to take the university entrance exam to be officially admit at their specific department. my questions are.
Since I’m graduating by next year June will it be too late to apply for mext 2020? i will like to enroll by fall 2020 (September or October). If no what should be the next step since i go the acceptance for Advisors?
second most of the documents required to be provide i will be able to get them only by end of January 2020 could this have any influence on the process?
third can a university recommend a student without having attended the entrance exam? can the university’s recommendation for Mext scholarship be base only on the advisor acceptance?
and for ending do I obligatory need to go to Japan for attend the entrance exam? .
Best regard…
Wilfried.
Hi Wilfried,
I do not recommend finding two advisors at the same university and you do not need to take the entrance exam at this point.
Are you planning to apply for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship or Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship? In either case, you should follow the application procedures I describe specifically for those scholarships and get more guidance from the embassy or university where you will apply.
If you are graduating in June 2020, then you can apply for the MEXT scholarship for 2020 and start in the fall semester. At this point, you have already missed the application deadline for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship for 2020, and you would have had to apply at the Japanese embassy in Cameroon. So, the University Recommended Application Process is the only way forward for 2020.
You cannot start the application process until Tokai University makes its application guidelines available on its website. That typically happens in the fall, but the exact timing depends on every university. I recommend you keep checking their site on a regular basis, and also ask your potential advisors if they know when the guidelines will be out, if you are comfortable doing so.
Everything else, from the documents you have to submit to the entrance exam process, will depend on those guidelines!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello..i want to apply for mbbs wanna know what would be the medium of studies japanese or english if i apply in a uni offering course in english
Hi Amna,
If you are applying for the undergraduate scholarship, you do not get to choose your university, MEXT will choose your placement for you after you complete the first year of intensive Japanese language study.
I would expect that you will not find any medicine programs offered in English in Japan, so you would have to plan to pursue your degree in Japanese.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, I’m Candy from Philippines. I’m Planning to continue my study in Japan with MEXT scholarship because I cannot afford to study abroad without a scholarship. But I have a problem, I am currently taking my undergraduate course in my country, I just recently finished my 1st yr college and will be taking my 2nd yr college this yr. 1. Am I still eligible for the MEXT scholarshi[ for the undergraduate? 2. I’m planning to continue my 3rd yr college in one of the university in japan especially kyoto university with the same course I am taking right now But I’m afraid that I have to repeat my study starting from my first yr. If I am going to take the same course if I got accepted will the units I have taken from my 1st&2nd yr college in my current school will be credited so I don’t have to start form 1st yr? Or In what ever matter, I should really start from 1st yr college if I’ll be applying in MEXT SCHOLARSHIP fro undergraduate?
Hi Candy,
I saw that you had asked a similar question on Patreon.
The MEXT scholarship does not cover transfer students, so if you apply for this scholarship, you would have to start your degree over. In fact, you would also go through a year of pre-university intensive language prep, so essentially, it would be 5 years from when you start your scholarship in Japan until you graduate.
It might be a better idea in your case to finish your current degree then apply for a MEXT scholarship for a graduate degree in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I want to apply for a bachelor’s degree in architecture, how can I do because am not seeing the course outline?
Hi Mujabi Steven,
I recommend you read my article about how to find universities in Japan that offer degree programs in English, which tells you how to search for courses by field.
Keep in mind that not everything may be available, particularly at the undergraduate level.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi am mujabi Steven.
My question is, how can I find the courses offered by the universities so that I can choose the one I want??
Hi Mujabi Steven,
I have an article about how to find universities in Japan that offer degree programs in English so that you can choose where to apply. I would suggest starting there to narrow down your search for universities, then go to their websites to see what courses they offer.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Mr. Travis
First of all I appreciate your effort and advices on your blog about the MEXT scholarship.
I want to apply for the PhD scholarship for 2019 (university recommendation). I found that most of the universities that announce about the MEXT scholarship this year have written that the deadline on maximum January. I also Have known from my colleagues in Japan that MEXT university recommendation application starts around Sep/Oct and ends on Dec/Jan. my probleme that I want to apply in Mie university and I have checked their website but they didn’t announce about the scholarship until now. I found only the call for 2018 and the deadline was on 02 March 2018 (http://www.mie-u.ac.jp/en/international/studyabroad/prospective/types procedures/government/university-recommendation.html). I have tried to contact them by email but they didn’t reply. Would you give me your advice about what I can do with this because I am afraid from passing the deadline of this year (university recommendation)
thanks in advance,
best regards,
M Ismail
Hi M Ismail,
According to the page you sent me, those are the guidelines for last year – for scholarships to begin in Academic Year 2018. It looks like they have not yet posted the guidelines for the University Recommendation MEXT Scholarship for 2019.
Actually, I thought the deadline was already passed at most universities, but apparently that is not the case.
All universities in Japan would have been on break for the New Year from around Dec 28 through Jan 3. Staff will be returning to work on Jan 4 and will start to tackle the email backlog. They should get back to you soon, but it may take a few days, depending on how much as built up.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello~!
I am planing to apply for the University recommended scholarship, since I have failed the Embassy recommended one this year. I read all of your notes and advice, but I still have a few questions I’m unsure about.
First, is it a problem that I don’t have any language proficiency certificates as proof for both English and Japanese, even though I majored in Japanese for undergrad? I could apply for them now, but I’m scared that it’s too late ’cause I guess they should be sent with the application.
Second, when I send them a copy of my transcribed grades, does it have to be certified as a copy of an original and translated by a professional or can I just simply translate it by my self? For this part when I applied to the Embassy they told me I don’t have to translate anything and if needed they would let me know, but I didn’t get far enough to find out.
Third, am I required to send them my health certificate as well? They asked me to put it in the application for the Embassy, but I haven’t read anywhere (or I might have missed it, oops!) that I should send it to the university.
And lastly, (I’m sorry I’m full of questions, I just wanna cover everything xD) should I contact my desired professor before I start everything? (I’m guessing I should’ve done that sooner, but better late than never) Also, the application period for my desired University is starting on September 1st, and the site says I should pay the application fee, but I’m sure that the MEXT scholarship is supposed to cover it. I was thinking of contacting them about it to check and ask the professor at the same time. Is that alright or do I just proceed with sending the application?
Hi Maria,
I am sorry to hear that you didn’t pass the Primary Screening for the Embassy this year.
You only need a language proficiency certificate for the language that you plan to take your degree in. So, if you are applying for an English-taught degree, you would not need to submit Japanese language proficiency test results.
For your transcript and any other official documents, you need the original plus a professionally translated English translation. The only alternative I know of to having the translation done by a professional is if you have it done or certified by an official at the school.
For the health certificate, you’ll have to refer to the university’s directions for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship. Each university has discretion with how to handle that form (Where I worked, we required applicants to submit the same Health Certificate as the embassies use).
Networking with your professor in advance is always a good idea, if you can, but doing it right before the application process starts could be of limited value. It doesn’t hurt to try!
It sounds like the application process you are referring to is for the standard admissions. Make sure with the university that applicants for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship should apply the same way. In some cases, you will apply through the standard process and in some cases, there will be a separate application cycle altogether.
If you are applying via the standard application, you will likely have to pay the application fee and if you are later selected for the MEXT scholarship, they would have to refund it to you. If there is a separate application for MEXT scholarship admissions, then there should not be an application fee in that case.
I hope that helps.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
First of all, thank you some much for posting this great information!
I’m planning to apply for the undergraduate scholarship next year, the thing is
that I’ve been looking for universities but I’m confused since not every university
posts MEXT information on their website. My question is: Does the scholarship applies
to every university in Japan or just a few?.
In my case, I’m looking for Japanese or Asian studies, and I would like to apply for the
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, but they don’t mention anything about the MEXT undergraduate scholarship on their site.
Looking forward to your reply.
Hi Diana AT,
Every university in Japan is eligible to host MEXT scholars at the graduate level, but the rules may be different for the undergraduate scholarship.
I am not an expert in the undergraduate scholarship yet, so you may want to seek out someone with particular experience or expertise there, but my understanding is that unless you are fluent enough in Japanese to get ino a bachelor’s degree course directly, then through the undergraduate scholarship, you would spend your first year in Japanese language training and then MEXT would decide where to place you. I do not think you have any input on the choice, unlike the graduate level scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey!
I wanted to know if I could apply as a research student if I’ve already done my masters in japanese language.? And if I can, would it be a ‘degree seeking course’ or just a research? I’m also a little confused about being able to change from research to master’s.
Thank you!
Hi Swastik,
You can be a research student at the master’s level or the doctoral level. So, if you have completed your master’s already, then you would be able to apply as a doctoral level research student. You would then be able to take the entrance exam to the doctoral program and extend your scholarship to cover the length of the degree program.
If you want to enter a master’s degree program, however, you would have to enter it directly. You cannot apply as a master’s level research student if you have already completed a master’s degree once, because that would be a step backward.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day Travis!
Can I ask if in this case you can freely choose what course you want to take, do they also will base on your previous course in your home country? For example, you study Humanities and Social Sciences in your home country way back in High School, but now I am an IT major as a Freshman in College but I want to take engineering program under Natural Science, would they allow me to choose engineering field?
Thank you so much for your help, may God bless your career!<33
Hi Melanie,
I assume you’re applying for the undergraduate scholarship, right?
In that case, as far as I know, there is no restriction on which field you can choose. In many countries, there is no specialization of fields before university, anyway. But you will have to show that you are prepared for the field that you choose in your justification for that selection and, of course, in the written exams.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good evening,
I have a case in my application,
After I got my recommendation letter from the professor, I realized he gave me only one copy. And in the guidelines, they want one original and two copies. Unfortunately, my professor is not available at the moment, and there’s no way he actually copy it, seal and sign the copies in time. The deadline is tomorrow.
Can I submit the application with only one sealed copy of the recommendation form and may pass? :/
Hi Rashed,
I recommend that you check with the embassy or consulate for their advice, because it can vary from country to country.
In some cases, they may tell you to just submit the one copy. Others will tell you to open the letter and make photocopies of it yourself. It’s important to get the guidance specific for your country!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hello and thank for your really helpful blog! and the amount of time you are answering everyone questions:) you’re so kind
I want to apply for 2019 MEXT t scholarships for master of animation and i realized lately i missed the embassy recommendation so I have the university recommendation way to go
but the site of the universities were so confusing and do not have any info about MEXT scholarship yet are every universities support MEXT scholarship?
and about not applying other MEXT s scholarship I can apply for just one university? cuase it lows the chance …
Hi Niya,
Thank you for your kind words!
For the university recommendation, you are only allowed to apply to one university. That does reduce the odds, as you say, so it is important that you try to identify a professor, develop a solid application strategy to appeal to that professor, and start networking in advance, if possible.
All universities can nominate students for the MEXT scholarship, but most will not post the application information on their websites until they are almost ready to start accepting applicants.
Depending on the universities, some may not even accept general applicants for the MEXT scholarship. They may choose instead to limit the application only to candidates from overseas partner universities or to select the top candidates from their regular (fee-paying) applicants to recommend for the scholarship. MEXT gives universities a fair amount of freedom in how they determine who to nominate.
I recommend that you try to find universities that have MEXT scholarship application information from previous years still posted on their websites, since you can be more sure that they will accept general applicants.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Mr. Travis,
First of all, thank you for your efforts and informative tips, I really appreciate this kind of positivity
I have some inquiries please, all my inquiries are related with embassy recommendation scholarships
1) You recommended to apply for more than 3 universities to increase the chance of acceptance, how can I choose more than 3 universities while in the application form there are just 3 blanks to fill in?
2) In field of study and research plan form, it was written literally in the form ‘’Outline your field of study on this side and the specifics of your study program on the reverse side of this sheet’’. What do they mean by the word ‘’specifies’’. Another thing is that, I am totally so confused about what and how to write on the reverse side of the paper.
3) What do you think if my research plan 8 papers including references?
4) It is required to write my name in my language in some blanks, does that mean I should write my name in my native language (Arabic)
5) Some documents (certificate, transcripts, recommendation) are required to be submitted as original documents although they won’t be returned, however, my university just gave me one original copy, what should I do in this situation?
6) Finally, I suggest that if you could look for candidates who were accepted for MEXT scholarships in the previous years to volunteer in sharing their experience and documents because that will be very useful.
Hi Omar,
Thank you for your kind words.
1) You would only fill in three universities in the Placement Preference Form. Ultimately, though, you will submit the final placement preference form later in the application process, after receiving your LoAs. At that time, you would not be allowed to list any universities that had turned you down, so my recommendation to have more universities as back-ups is so that you can add them to your list if you have to make changes later.
2) I would recommend that you read my article on how to complete the Field of Study and Research Program Plan. That should help make it clear on what you need to fill in in each section. The original form was designed to be printed double-sided, so the “back” of the form is page 2.
3) I think that is far too long. I would recommend going no more than 5 pages (and even that is on the long side). To be honest, the reviewers are probably not going to have the patience to read through that much. Try to figure out where you can be more concise.
4) Yes, exactly.
5) A copy that is certified as being true to the original by an official at the university can be accepted as an original.
6) I have asked and will continue asking in the future. I follow several blogs and articles from past successful applicants and I have asked readers on here to come back after they were successful to share their stories, but they all seem too busy or forget about this blog. Maybe you can be the first!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hello and thank you very much for your wonderful website
I am a master student in japan who is supposed to graduate in April /2019
I want to continue my to my PHD but I don’t know whether should I apply for a university recommended Mext or Just apply for Extension or both please help me and when I can apply for either of them
Hi Aya,
I saw that asked the same question on a different article last week and I answered it there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello! First of all, thank you for this! your posts are helping me a lot! They are an inspiration and a really useful guide to help other to pursuit their dreams! you are the best!
As you mentioned in this article “It is never too early to start researching universities and professors, working on your field of study and research program plan, and determining your application strategy” Could you please let me know some links where I can look for Master programs? I found some of them on the internet but I would like to have more options in order to have a clear Idea of my research field of study. I’m an International Business BA, btw. Thanks!
Hi Alejandra,
Thank you very much for your kind words!
I had included links to a few sites I know of to search for English-taught programs in last year’s article about how to get started with the Embassy recommendation MEXT scholarship application process, but they are buried in the article and nobody seems to be able to find them. . . I am going to have to make that into its own article quite soon!
In the meantime, please check the links in the article above. Look for the heading, “considering language requirements”
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Can medical students apply too? If yes what is acceptance rate?
Hi Syed,
You would have to be fluent in Japanese to apply for a medical program, since those aren’t offered in English anywhere that I know.
There is no acceptance rate for specific fields. There is a set number of slots awarded per country each year, so the overall rated depends on the number of applicants. Unfortunately, there is no official data available on the number of applicants per country per year.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello sir, i am confused on the part do i have to give entrance exams for the universities before applying for mext (graduate) or do i just have to apply for mext (to get into univesity by taking only mext).
And if i have to give entrance exam before mext, do i required to take eju exam for getting into college for ms or do i have to take different entrance exams for the universities.
Hi Deepali,
It sounds like you might be asking about the MEXT scholarship for undergraduate students. The articles I have written on this site about the application process are for the scholarship for graduate students. While I think there is still quite a bit of information here that will help you, I have not yet researched the specific application process for undergraduate students, so I’m afraid I can’t answer your question.
Perhaps somebody else can chime in!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello sir.
first of all i appreciate your efforts for being helping students regarding MEXT.
,i want to apply for Masters under mext for 2018,
please suggest uni”s regarding inorganic Chemitry
where should i start for mext for 2018?
Hi Muhammad Ismail,
In my article about How to Get Started with the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, I included links to a few sites that let you search for universities by program. I would recommend that you start there.
Search for “Considering Language Requirements” in that article to find the links.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi thank you for this enlightening post. But for the undergraduate application is it okay to choose just one major as your first,second and third choice? . Like for example i put law in the place i was asked to fill in my first, second and third choice of major.
Thank You in anticipation of your reply
Hi Nana Esi,
I do not have as much expertise in the undergraduate scholarship as I do with the graduate version, but my understanding is that you can choose to only enter one major, if you prefer. In that case, you would list it as your first choice and leave the second and third blank.
I’m not sure how that would affect your applications chances, though, but maybe someone else can comment on that point.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello sir.
first of all i appreciate your efforts for being helping students regarding MEXT.
,i want to apply for Masters under mext for 2018,
please suggest uni”s regarding business administration .(MBA.MS,)
where should i start for mext for 2018?
Hi Usman,
You’ll need to research the universities on your own to find out which one offers a program that meets your interests.
I’ve listed some websites you can use to search in the article about getting started with the Embassy-recommended MEXT Scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Mr. Travis,
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for your extensive tips regarding MEXT. It has indeed inspired and motivated me to apply for the scholarship. In line with that, I have signed up for your mailing list. I am particularly interested in pursuing my graduate degree at the University of Tokyo (Master of Public Policy, International Program). If it would be alright with you, I would like to solicit your advice regarding the said institution. I have read the application guidelines to which I have found out that GRE is strongly recommended. Thus, do you advise that I take it? Or, would it be alright if I just fulfill all the other application requirements? Also, if you have any other suggestions or tips that you can advise me regarding the University of Tokyo, please never hesitate to convey it to me. While Kobe University and Sophia University are my next two choices, I really want to study at the University of Tokyo because it is my dream school and that the program being offered is fit for my career progression. In addition, from your point of view, which do you recommend would give me a better edge – applying through the embassy or being recommended by the university? Also, while I possess an exceptional undergraduate performance (consistent dean’s lister and internships taken at fortune 500 companies), unfortunately, I failed a subject but was able to retake it and passed it afterwards. I am deeply concerned if that would lessen my chances of scoring the scholarship. Moreover, regarding the outline of thesis, would be alright to submit my undergraduate thesis and another major paper on business strategy in hopes of gaining a better access to the scholarship? Kindly enlighten me with your knowledge on my dilemma. I hope you understand. I look forward to hearing from you soon! Thank you very much and have a great day ahead!
All the Best,
Chelsea
Hi Chelsea,
If the university “strongly recommends” you to take a test, then take it! You can be sure that your serious competition will be doing so and with so few slots available, you have to do everything you can to beat out the other applicants.
If you’re applying for the University-recommended MEXT scholarship this year, you only get to choose one university, so I’d recommend that you research all three choices carefully before making your decision.
Submitting an extra paper that is not your undergraduate thesis probably will not help, since some universities will not consider anything that isn’t in the list of requirements. Focus on your Field of Study and Research Program Plan to maximize your chances!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz