Article Updated for 2021/2022
The article below was for the application process in 2019/2020 and is out of date.
Please find the newest update about the scholarship application process for 2021/2022 here.
MEXT released the 2020 Embassy Recommendation MEXT Scholarship application guidelines on April 12, 2019. For veteran applicants, there are a few changes this year, but whether you are a first-time applicant or, as the Japanese say, a “repeater”, this article will describe everything you need to know about the 2020 Embassy Recommendation MEXT Scholarship application process!
This article is focused on the MEXT scholarship for Graduate Students (a.k.a. Research Students, in MEXT’s terms). There is also an application process for Undergraduate Students, but I will not be discussing that in this article. Undergraduate applicants, college of technology applicants, and specialized training applicants can find this year’s guidelines on MEXT’s website.What Degree Programs are Available?
MEXT uses the word “research student” to refer to all graduate level students. You can apply for any of the following programs:
- Non-Degree Student
- Master’s Degree Student
- Doctoral Degree Student
- Graduate-level Professional Degree Student (MBA, JD, etc.)
Fields of Study
You should apply for the field of study that you majored in at university or its related field. If you plan to change fields, you need to be able to show a concrete relationship between your past studies and what you will study in Japan. It is up to you to make this clear!
Your field of study also has to be available at the graduate level at a university in Japan in a language that you speak. If you can find at least one graduate program taught in a language that you are fluent in in Japan, you will be fine.
Programs that require practical training, such as performing arts or programs that require technical training at a factory or company are not permitted. You can study Japanese performing arts from an academic perspective, so long as no practical performance training is required.
Finally, for medical or dental fields, you would not be able to participate in any clinical training until you receive the relevant licenses from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. This essentially means that you would need native-level fluency in Japanese.
Benefits
- Exemption from paying tuition, entrance examination, and matriculation fees.
*You may be required to pay entrance examination fees in advance, if your MEXT scholarship award is not yet confirmed at that time, but the fees would be refunded to you after you are selected for the scholarship
- Monthly stipend:
- Research Students: JPY 143,000/month
- Master’s Degree/ Professional Degree Students: JPY 144,000/month
- PhD Students: JPY 145,000/month
- (Undergraduate Students: JPY 117,000/month)
- Cost of Living Adjustment: JPY 2,000 – 3,000 in selected areas
- Round-trip flight ticket to Japan (covered by MEXT or the university). Note: only the international portion of the ticket is covered. You are responsible for all domestic travel costs in your home country and in Japan, plus the airport usage fees and fuel surcharges.
Scholarship Period
The maximum Scholarship period is:
- Research (non-degree program) students: Up to 24 months if you arrive in April or up to 18 months if you arrive in the fall semester (September/October).
- Master’s Students: 24 months
- Doctoral Students: 36 months
*For doctoral students in 4-year programs in medical faculties, the duration would be 48 months.
It is possible to apply to extend the scholarship if you advance to the next level degree (from Research Student to Master’s or Doctoral Degree or from Master’s to Doctoral Degree). However, you cannot extend your time as a Research (Non-Degree) student and you cannot extend the scholarship period if you fail to complete the degree within the time limit above.
Who is Eligible?
I have written a separate article that covers the Embassy Recommendation MEXT Scholarship eligibility requirements in complete detail.
Where and When do you Apply?
You apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate that serves the area where you live. You can find the list of Japanese embassies or consulates around the world at:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html
I recommend using a Control-F search on that page to find your country. It may not be listed under the region of the world that you are used to.
In general application deadlines are between mid-May and early June. However, each embassy or consulate sets its own deadlines, so be sure to check the embassy or consulate webpage for specific application instructions. Your embassy or consulate will explain exactly what you have to submit and how.
Your embassy or consulate may also have additional eligibility restrictions or required paperwork (for example, pre-screening procedures).
What you Have to Submit
Each of the documents below is required by MEXT. However, embassies may ask for additional documents and may ask for each document at a different time, so again, be sure to check the specific instructions for your embassy!
For each document below, you will need to submit one original as well as two photocopies and they must be numbered in the top right corner. I will include direct download links to MEXT’s documents where available. Keep in mind that these are the documents for the 2020 Embassy Recommendation MEXT Scholarship Application for Graduate Students, if you are applying for any other kind of scholarship or at any other time, do not use these links!
I will be posting separate articles soon about the Application Form for this year and about the other required documents. Be sure to subscribe to my MEXT scholarship mailing list to be the first to know when those articles are posted! I will also send you a sample of the application form as a special thanks.
- Application Form with attached photograph (Fillable PDF format from MEXT website)
As a special thanks to mailing list subscribers, I will send you a sample of the completed application form that you can use as a guide!
*As of the time of posting this article, the sample form is from the 2019 application process and has some significant differences. I will be updating that sample file next, as I write the updated article on how to fill out the form!
* The photograph must be clear, no more than 6 months old, show your upper body facing forward with no hats (except religious head ocverings), and be 3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm tall. The photograph can be printed on photo paper or digitally inserted into the application form prior to printing. - Placement Preference Form (Fillable PDF format from MEXT website)
- Field of Study and Research Program Plan (Word format from MEXT website)
Click here for my article about how to complete this form. - Academic transcript for each academic year of the last university attended, issued by your university or national government. This must show the grading scale and all grades earned in each class. If enrolled in graduate school, you must also submit your undergraduate transcript. If you transferred universities or studied abroad, you will likely also be required to submit your pre-transfer transcript or the transcript from your study abroad university.
- Certificate of graduation or degree. A copy attested by an official at the university will be accepted as an original. Do not submit your original diploma as submitted documents will not be returned to you!
*Certificates of graduation are required for all university degrees earned in the past.
*Applicants who have not yet graduated must submit a certification of expected graduation, instead. - Recommendation from the president, dean, or your academic advisor at the most recent university where you are/were enrolled in a degree program. There is a template available (Word format) on MEXT’s website, but a freeform letter is acceptable. Note: The template letter is from previous years and includes out-of-date instructions. You no longer have to submit the letter in an unopened envelope.
- Medical Certificate (Excel format from MEXT website)
- Abstracts of graduation theses or published articles, if available
- Certificate of language proficiency (English or Japanese language proficiency test scores), if available. No original is required for this item, only 3 copies are needed.
- Recommendation letter from present employer, if employed.
- Photograph(s) or digital audio recordings of applicant’s works, if applying for fine arts or music programs.
Be sure to check with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your Home Country! They may have additional requirements or may require the documents above at different times during the process.
The embassy or consulate is also your only source of information about the application deadline and the means of submitting the application!
Good luck with the MEXT scholarship application in 2020! If you have any questions I didn’t cover, let me know in the comments, below!
Be sure to sign up for my mailing list below to be the first to find out when new articles about the scholarship are available, too.
Want to know more?
My book, 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!
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the TranSenz supporters on Patreon, who help keep this site running through their generous contributions, especially to Daimyo Supporter Marck Rodas. Patreon supporters get early access to articles, discounts on coaching services/books, and priority responses to questions.
You can show your support for TranSenz on Patreon for as little as $1 (0.08% of a MEXT monthly stipend) per month. If TranSenz has helped you in your application process and you want to “pay it forward” to keep this site running to help future applicants, every contribution helps!
If you want to show your support but Patreon is out of reach, I’d appreciate it if you say hi on social media or in the comments below to let me know if you appreciate these posts. You can find me on facebook at @TranSenz or on Twitter at @tagsenzaki. I look forward to saying hi!
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Hello,
I hope my message finds you well sir, I would like to apply for research study to mext 2022 from Afghanistan but when I checked Japan embassy in my home country, I couldn’t find any post regarding present and past mext scholarship ads. Would you help please, at least any alternative website to apply through.
Peace-
Hi Saeed Ahmad Safi,
In general, I would not expect the embassy to have to application information posted except during the application period, which usually starts from April.
I heard that last year, the application process in Afghanistan was cancelled completely during the pandemic, so that might be part of the reason that they do not have old posts, too.
The only ways to apply for the scholarship are through the Japanese embassy in your country (Typically starting in April/May) or through a university in Japan (Typically starting anywhere between September to November). My best recommendation to you is to wait until the next set of guidelines are released and check the embassy again at that time. After all, that is going to be your earliest opportunity to apply.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi! I’m interested to study in Japan and I already have my list of universities to consider and the degree programs for undergrad and at the same time, I wanted to apply for MEXT. Should I apply first to my selected universities before MEXT or should I process the application at the same time?
Hi Lesley Feil,
My area of expertise is the scholarship for graduate students, so I am not as familiar with the undergraduate application process. But from what I understand, in general in the undergraduate scholarship, you do not get to choose your university. You apply for the scholarship first, spend a year in an intensive Japanese language program, then MEXT places you in a university of their decision.
There is a process called Direct Placement where you can apply to skip the year of language study and start directly at the university, as long as you have the language ability necessary already for the degree. That is the only way that you get a say in your university placement. Unfortunately, I am not particularly familiar with that process, but I would recommend doing more research there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
May I ask if the preference form should be submitted on the day of the interview exam or after passing the interview exam? Furthermore, may I have the list of universities that offer direct placement? I am applying for undergraduate studies and I am from Malaysia.
Thank you very much.
Hi Yui,
The Placement Preference Form is not required for the undergraduate scholarship. That document is for the Research Student application.
If you are referring to the Direct Placement application, which is optional, I would recommend that you check with the embassy directly, since every embassy handles the submission process and timing differently.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I am currently studying Japan Pre-u in Malaysia, is planning to go to Japan University next March. When do I need to apply my Scholaship? And when is the due date? Thanks
Hi Joshua Yap,
I assume you are applying for the undergraduate scholarship, which is only available through the embassy application, in general.
The deadline for applying for the scholarship to start in 2021 has almost certainly already passed, but you would need to check with the Japanese embassy in your country for specific details, since the schedule varies by country.
I would anticipate that the application will open again next April-May (2021) for studies starting in April 2022.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks for the detailed instructions! You’ve mentioned that if I ever want to change my field of study I need to be able to show a concrete relationship between my past studies and what I will study in Japan. How one can execute this exactly? It’s possible, for example, for someone with English literature Bachelor to study art?
Hi Sara,
The best place to do this is in the Past and Presence Field of Study section of the Field of Study and Research Program Plan. The purpose of that section is to describe your past university studies/research and how they directly prepared/inspired you to pursue your studies in Japan. As long as you can make a convincing case in a sentence or two about how the fields are related or lead to one another, you should be fine.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi!!
Thank you so much for your posts!!
I have a question regarding the submission of the documents to the embassy. When they put to send the “originals”, does that mean that I just must send the document as received from my university? or should I send an apostilled document? since I am giving away documents to an embassy.
Thank you for your help,
Lorena
Hi Lorena,
A certified copy can be considered to be an original. An apostille or notary is one option for that, but simply having a document signed by an official at your university as being a true and accurate copy is also acceptable.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I am currently a 2nd year undergraduate and I am willing to apply at the undergraduate category. On the Application Form, on the academic background, should I input the years to 1 or leave it blank and should I check “Other Status” or blank?
Hi Jofer,
You do need to include your current undergraduate program in the application form, and you will also need to submit a transcript and certificate of enrollment for that program.
For the number of years, you would fill in the number you will complete before withdrawing to participate in the MEXT Scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good Morning,
My name is OUATTARA Dieudonne, living in Burkina Faso. I am an senior officer in a Ministry of agriculture. I am holding a master degree in soil science an d I am interested for a PhD study through MEXT scholarship. I would like to receive the recommended forms to fill in order to be a candidate.
Best regards
Hi OUATTARA Dieudonne,
In order to get the forms to apply for the scholarship, you need to refer to the instructions on the website of the Japanese embassy in your country. It is very important that you get the forms and check the submission instructions from them, since you will have to meet their submission deadlines and they may have additional requirements that I am not aware of.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good morning sir Transenz, I really appreciate your efforts, you really did justice to topic, please sir, I will like you to help me summarize the procedure of the submission, may it’s going to be online or at the embassy consulate?
Hi Ani Daniel,
The exact submission procedure (including the process and the deadline) is going to be different at each embassy or consulate, so I would recommend that you check with the Japanese embassy or consulate where you will apply for their instructions.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Trez!
I am studying in India, we have CGPA system in our college. The highest CGPA Iis 10, and I scored 7,8. Is this is the safest score?
Hi Anushka G. P,
Unfortunately, you cannot simply convert your cumulative GPA. That will not give you an accurate representation of your MEXT GPA. You need to convert the grades for each course that you took individually over the past two years. I have an article about how to convert your GPA that should help.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey, I want to apply for the Mext Scholarship Program but my country, the Philippines, is not updated about this matter, I wen to the official page of Japan Embassy Manila, and It says there that the application is closed for 2019. Is there a chance that i could still be able or eligible to apply for an undergraduate program even though the page is not updated, and how could I apply? Thank you very much😁
Hi Vhrenzhef Butel,
The application guidelines have been delayed this year, but I just saw today that they have been released on one official Japanese government website and a few embassy pages last week.
I would expect the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines to release the local application guidelines soon. In the meantime, the application guidelines and forms are available now, so you can start preparing:
Guidelines/Forms for Graduate Students: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap_stopj-applications_research.html
Guidelines/Forms for Undergraduate Students: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap_stopj-applications_undergraduate.html
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hello sir
when is application program for mext scholarship for embassy track for phd in japan for year 2021 starting?
Hi V,
There’s no official word yet from MEXT. The application process was supposed to start in April, per the usual schedule. So far I have heard the Japanese embassy in Tonga suggest that it might start in mid-May, and the embassy in Indonesia has apparently said June.
I am checking every day for announcements from MEXT and will share the announcement with everyone as soon as I hear anything, but I would suggest that you also check the website of the Japanese embassy in your home country on a daily basis, as well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I will apply this year as a non-degree student then I intend to extend the period of the scholarship to enrol in master degree. In the timetable of the research proposal, should I write the time from April 2021 to March 2023 or not? which period should I write?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Mohamed Zayed,
If you are applying as a research student with the intent to move into the degree program right away (after one semester), then I would recommend that your FSRPP cover the entire period of both the research student and degree program. However, if there is a research project that you want to complete in its entirety before starting your degree for some reason, then focus only on that research.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
First, thanks for all your articles. Really amazing and well put together.
1. I went through the application form and saw that the embassy was asking for details regarding work experience, publications, language proficiency (if any of those three), motivation for choosing Japan, etc, among others. Just wanted to ask, in your opinion, how much do factors like those weigh in on my application? How much do the screeners value them?
2. My native language is not English but the medium of instruction in my education is English. In your experience, do you think I would be required to take TOEFL (or any proficiency exam) for English?
Apologies if these questions have been asked before. Thank you so much for your time!
Hi Samson,
Thank you for your kind comments.
1. In my experience, nothing in the application form – at least before they added the essay questions – is that significant. It’s just to get background information. For work experience, if you’ve been in school your entire life, not having work experience is not going to hurt you. But, on the other hand, it coudd look bad, or at least raise flags for further questions, if you have long gaps in your history with no education or no school. So, the work experience section is there to help fill in gaps. For publications, if you had a lengthy academic career, you would be expected to have some publications and in that case, not having any could be viewed with suspicion, but for most people, it isn’t a factor. For language, at most, that’s going to shape how they ask you questions in the interview (after all, you’ll be taking a language test). If you report a “3” in Japanese speaking, they might ask you questions in Japanese.
What I don’t know yet is how the essay questions affect your evaluation. Previously, these were among the common questions that applicants were asked during interviews (and I hear that some countries still ask, even though it’s there in the application), so they are definitely questions that the embassy wants to know. They will give your reviewers an idea of how serious and well prepared you are and could be enough to be a tie-breaker between two otherwise equal applicants.
2. The Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship does not require you to have language proficiency test scores, though it can help. In any case, you’ll take a test during the Primary Screening process in both English and Japanese. (Don’t leave the Japanese test blank!) For the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship, at least last year, you could meet the language requirements by having completed your qualifying degree in English, but this is ultimately up to the university’s discretion and could change in the future as well. For the University Recommendation, I recommend having language proficiency test scores.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Do you know when the interview dates and english and japanese test dates are?
Hi Nauman Iqbal,
Each country sets their own application process dates, up to the end of the Primary Screening, and those guidelines will not be out yet.
Typically, the application documents are due in mid/late May or early June, the interviews and tests can be as early as late June but are more likely in July. From what I have heard in the past, interview and test dates are not always announced in advance. In many cases, applicants who pass the document screening will get an email or call inviting them to the test/interview (sometimes with less than a week’s notice).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good afternoon sir, Am so very sorry for the late reply.
i want to sincerely appreciate your kind gesture and unrelenting and never give up effort in which you have been using in other to make sure that, I secure the forth coming Mext Scholarship.
firstly, I have written to some expert in the field of prospective course of study, but am yet to receive tangible response from some of them. I read, Civil Engineering And Graduated with CGPA of 3.03 of 5.0 scale, in the Department of Civil engineering, My undergraduate project topic was Assessment of Traffic and Parking Conditions in Central Business District (CBD) of Akure Metropolis.
I want to consider “Intelligent Transportation Systems effective work zone between Nigeria and Japan”, but would want to relate very much in the aspect of curbing traffic, which has been a lingering problem in both countries, it has affected mobility as well as finances (Resources) of both questions, but i will be glad if you can guide me with the reason while the research should take place in Japan as a location, or there is there need for the modification of the topic sir?
Hi Ani Daniel,
Since you have already decided that you want to apply for your degree in Japan, I assume that you had a reason to pursue your research here, rather than in Nigeria. So, that should be the basis of the answer to your question.
You need to justify studying in Japan from a research perspective, and I am not sufficiently experienced in your field to be able to offer any certain reasons. But if, for example, you had found that Japan was implementing a novel approach to traffic control that you wanted to study to see how it could be applied in Nigeria, or if you wanted to use a specific data set or technology that you would only have access to in Japan, those could be valid reasons.
I think you would need to have that motivation and a clear idea of what it is you want to research – and how – decided before you start reaching out to faculty members in Japan, if you want a response from them. In the meantime, I would suggest using your connections at your previous university to help you develop your topic further.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I have a specific question about the transcripts and certificates. I have also emailed to get their advice on this matter.
On the 2020 guidelines. They want 1 original and 2 copies of your undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. They also mention these have to be attested.
If i order 1 original duplicate stamped copy of my undergraduate and postgraduate transcript and degree certificate and photocopy them twice. Would that work as order 3 copies of my bsc and msc degree certificate is expensive.
Thank you very much.
Best Regards,
Nauman
Hi Nauman,
As far as I know, you should only need to submit one original (or attested copy) and the other two copies can be plain photocopies. The reference to attested copies means that an attested copy can be used as a substitute for the original. Since the Embassy has the original/attested copy, they can verify the accuracy of the remaining copies themselves.
So, the plan that you suggested, to order one original of each degree certificate and transcript and make two photocopies of each is exactly what the guidelines want.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis …
I am Divyansh from INDIA
I understand Japanese
And want to know about MEXT scholarship test I can’t able to find any details on site
Want to know about details od scholarship test
Like syllabus when where timing study materials etc ….
Hi Divyansh,
You can find examples of old tests on the official Study in Japan website.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, how are you?
I have a concern that you might be able to help me out with. Our country only implemented the 12 years of middle school education after i finished middle school. Meaning my total years of education is only 14, not 16. Will this affect my application via embassy recommendation? Thanks in advance.
Hi Shad,
The Japanese Embassy in your country should be aware of the changes in the education system, and the system itself cannot be held against you. As long as you are on the same level academically with the other students you are competing with for the scholarship (i.e. have completed the same degree at this time), there should be no problems.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I’m a bit confused as to how should I convert my GWA to GPA. We have a 5.0 grade scale system in our university (Philippines) wherein 1.0 is the highest, and 5.0 means failed, and my General Weighted Average is 2.3, I’ve done some research but I could only find conversion for 4.0 grading system. Will my grade affect my application?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Angel,
You do not necessarily have to convert your grades, the Embassy or University will do that for you. But I recommend that you do so on your own, too, because grades are one of the more important factors in your scholarship selection.
I have an article all about how to convert your grades to MEXT’s scale, regardless of your home country system, so you may find that helpful.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi transez, please what are the requirements for someone that wants to apply for the undergraduate MEXT scholarship?
Hi Precious,
My area of expertise and the focus of all my articles on this site is the MEXT Scholarship for Graduate Students. I have not done nearly as much research into the undergraduate scholarship, so I would recommend that you read the official MEXT application guidelines (PDF) from their website. (The link is to the most recent, 2020, application cycle, but that is now over).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello
My name is Khamidullo. I am really really intereted in this scholarship. I know japaneese and i am learning math in order to apply to this scholarship but i dont know how to do this.Even the embassy in home country is not helping . Can i get help for this????
if yes please reply to me
Hi Khamidullo,
This entire site is dedicated to explaining how to apply for the MEXT scholarship for graduate students, so if you read the articles here, you should learn almost everything you need to know. The articles will tell you when you need to do research on the embassy or universities’ websites, as well. One important thing to note is that the Embassy isn’t going to provide any information except when they’re actively accepting applications.
For now, I would recommend that you start with one of my introductory articles, then keep reading to learn about the specific parts of the application that you need to master next.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hello travis,
about the academic transcripts, should i submit the original ones or will a copy do too?
Hi Link,
All documents, including the transcripts, certificate of graduation, and letter of recommendation, etc., need to be original and you will not get them back.
A certified copy (particularly a copy certified as being accurate by an official at the university) would be accepted as an original.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, Travis.
Awesome website and content!
I’m just starting out for the 2020 mext application (2021 intake) for research students, and I’m looking thru the possible schools and programs. So far, i’m having trouble deciding on my priorities. For example, I see a professor who is aligned with my past research, but I’m not too keen on his graduate major. On the other hand, I see graduate programs of interest, but find no professor who belongs in that dept that’s involved with my past research topic. In your opinion, which one should I choose? and out of curiosity, which choice d’you think would increase the chances of my application more?
Thanks alot!
Hi Jaime,
My recommendation would be to put your emphasis on your research. If you can pursue the research that you are passionate about and will lead to your future goals, then even if there are some courses in the major that you’re not particularly excited about, you should be able to push through those to reach your ultimate goal. On the other hand, if you sacrifice your research for the sake of coursework, I think that you would regret it and that it would also make your application weaker, since the core of your application is your research and how that connects to how you will make a contribution after graduation.
If I am misunderstanding your worries, then please let me know (in more detail, if possible).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Travis,
Thanks for being so kind and helpful!
Yeah, you understood my problem spot-on. I’ll follow your advice and pursue the professor/research lab that’s related to my research topic, even though it’s not the same department/discipline I took in undergrad. I’m kinda worried though that I won’t pass the entrance examination of that department? Since I don’t have the prerequisite knowledge in that field needed to take up masters. Because it’s a different field of engineering from my undergrad degree. Or is that okay?
Thanks again!
Hi Jamie,
If you’re worried about the entrance exam, then my recommendation would be first to apply as a research student, to give yourself a semester (or more) to take a few supplementary classes in order to build up your knowledge in the required fields before taking the entrance exam and second, to start studying on your own, right away!
Without knowing how different your past and future fields are, I don’t know how serious of a challenge you’re facing, but I don’t see any reason why you can’t overcome it by the time the entrance exam comes around. As you’re doing the literature reviews to write your Field of Study and Research Program Plan, you should come across a variety of resources that you can use to help strengthen your knowledge in your new field. You could also look at what textbooks are being used in the fundamental classes related to your new field and see if you can find them at your university library and read up on them in advance.
The way I see it, it’s a good thing that you’re concerned now that you might not have the requisite field knowledge, because you can use that as motivation to make sure that you address any deficiencies and are prepared to meet the challenge of the entrance exam.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Great reply, Travis. Thanks a lot!
Hello Travis, first of all, I would like to thank you for the tremendous support and help that you offer through this blog for many people, much appreciate it !. I would like to ask you, if it is penalized submitting your medical certificate to universities/professors accidentally, while requesting the LoA. I’m worried about this, because according to the instructions, we were asked not to submit this certificate nor the Placement Preference Form.
Hi Rick,
You should not submit your Medical Information Form to the universities and they should not ask for it.
If you sent it accidentally, that should not incur a penalty, though. They should just destroy it. MEXT’s point is that they do not want the university making any decisions on your acceptance based on your medical information.
So, it should not be a problem!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis,
For the University recommended route, you said that the letter of recommendation for that process is required to be signed by at least the dean of my college. However, if I am applying for the Embassy recommended route, is it also required for my LoR to be signed by the dean of my college?
Regards,
Scott
Hi Scott,
If you are applying for the Embassy Recommendation, then the letter of recommendation does not need to be from the Dean of the College (although it certainly could be). For the Embassy, the letter can be from dean or president or from your academic advisor/thesis advisor.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis,
Thank you!
Regards,
Scott
I calculated my MEXT GPA and I’m afraid that it is much less than 2.3
Does that mean I should not apply for MEXT?
Also, I’ve done Bachelor’s in Engineering but I’m planning to do MBA from Japan. Will this be okay?
Hi Sehar,
If your GPA converts to less than 2.3/3.0, and you are confident that you have done the conversion correctly, then you would not be eligible for the scholarship. (In your case, that would mean a lot of C or D grades, based on the scale you indicated previously). If that is the case, then it would be pointless to apply.
As for your field of study, you have to be able to show how your field of study in Japan is related to your field of study in your previous degree. So, if you had done research in business fields during your Engineering degree, or your MBA was directly related to management of engineering businesses connected to what you studied in your undergrad degree, that could work.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Nat.
I think I made a very terrible mistake.
I mistakenly submitted my 2020 Application for Masters with 2019 application forms. I just learned about the differences between the 2 forms fews days ago. But I also noticed that most of the extra pieces of information reqired in 2020 application form have been included/explained in my research plan.
Surprisingly, I was invited to the embassy for the exams. Fortunately, I was also invited for the interview. I’m still surprised how I made it to this extent with such grievous mistake. I’m worried. What if it means that they haven’t seen it yet and I eventually get recommended and my details sent to MEXT or universities for LoA, won’t I be disqualified?
Please I need your advice right now. What do u suggest I do?
Again, do you think that applicants who have been to Japan before for studies such as exchange program have higher chances of getting the MEXT scholarship for research students over other applicants who haven’t been to Japan before?
Hi Emmanuel,
If you have made it this far in the primary screening procedure despite having submitted the old form, then I suspect it is not something you have to worry about right now.
If you pass the Primary Screening, my guess is that the Embassy would tell you to recomplete and resubmit the new form at that point, so that you can submit the correct form to the universities and eventually to MEXT.
(So, thinking about that, it would not be a bad idea to start working on it now and complete everything except for the signature and date).
Simply having been to Japan in the past does not give you an advantage, but what you did there might. For example, if you can show that you did research in Japan already related to your topic, or that you have connections with professors and universities there, etc., that would help. If you have just been to Japan and didn’t do anything particularly noteworthy, you could use that to explain how you are prepared to live and study in Japan, but again, it’s how you used that experience, not just having that experience, that matters.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello!
I read your first book about MEXT and it was really informative and helpful, not just about MEXT. I applied for Undergraduate, and while I studied basic Nihongo for a year, unfortunately I wasn’t able to continue it. Is having any knowledge of Nihongo a criteria and a must for the exam? Thank you!
Hi George Lu,
Thank you very much for your feedback. I am glad that you found the book helpful, and that some of it applied outside the MEXT scholarship, too. (I thought about that as I was writing, but I wasn’t sure if it would be evident or not).
As far as I know, Japanese language ability is not a requirement for the undergraduate MEXT scholarship, but you will spend your first year in Japan in an intensive language program designed to get you to the level where you would be able to enroll in your degree in Japanese, so every bit that you know in advance helps. And while it may not necessarily be a screening criteria, it can certainly help you in the application process to have higher ability.
If you can find some other way to keep up your studies on your own, I would recommend it, if for nothing else than your own sake.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, I would like to know how to proceed with Direct Placement for an Undergraduate Course. Is there any form to fill out? How many options can we place? Does direct placement require any language tests if the course is only in English?
Hi Martin Juneie,
My expertise is in the MEXT scholarship for research students (graduate students) and I have not yet done any research into the other scholarship types, so I’m afraid I do not have the answers you are looking for. I would recommend that you carefully read the guidelines on MEXT’s website to see if you can find the information there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello.
I am applying for Undergraduate in Natural Sciences ‘A’ but I cannot find any study materials (except the past questions). Can you suggest me any study materials? My written test is most probably on 20th July.
Hi Rujal,
I am not aware of any other specific training materials, but if you take the practice tests and find that you are particularly weak in one area, then you could look for general test prep materials in that field!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, i would like to ask about the pages numbers do i write them with pen? And do i put the number only on the first page of the requirement or do i put the number on other pages as well like:
Page 1 Requirement 1 = 1
Page 2 Requirement 1 = 1
Or
Page 1 Requirement 1 = 1
Page 2 Requirement 1 =
Or
Page 1 Requirement 1 = 1.1
Page 2 Requirement 1 = 1.2
Hi Cynthia,
Writing with pen should be fine (I recommend black pen, since that is typically preferred in Japan).
You should write only the document number on the upper right corner of the first page. You do not need to number subsequent pages and you do not need to indicate page numbers.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Greetings
If I want to apply for a master degree, what should I choose to answer the question:
(The first course you plan to take in Japan)
Should I choose (Master degree program) or (Non-regular degree program)?
I am required to come to Japan to take the Entrance exam.
I am a little confused here:
I chose (Non-regular program) to answer the question (The first course you plan to take in Japan)
And chose (up to the completion of the master program to answer the question (term you wish to study in Japan)….is that correct? The embassy does not think so
Also I already got a provisional acceptance from a supervisor in case I pass the primary screening
Kind regards
Hi Hamid Alghurabi,
I always recommend choosing to start as a non-degree student, unless you have a particular reason that you need to finish your degree on a deadline. Starting as a non-degree student gives you an opportunity to ease into studies and life in Japan without being under the pressure of having a time limit from the moment you arrive.
It’s not a big deal in the end if you choose to start as a degree-seeking student, but that’s just my advice.
Filling in the form the way you described: First program is non-degree student and your plan is to stay to the completion of your master’s degree, is perfectly acceptable and very common.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello i applied from morocco , i gave all doccuments to the ambassy
How long should i wait ,until i know if im able to pass the first languages exams ,because i didnt recieve any answer by my email
Hi Ilyas,
The exact dates and the notification process varies from country to country. I would recommend you check the application guidelines again to see if there was any indication in there when they would release the results of the document screening or at least when the tests would be held. If you cannot find that information, then you could try calling them, as well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Please how can I submit the form ?.
Hi Usman,
I covered that in the section, “Where and When do you Apply?” in this very article! I would recommend you go back and read that part.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Can any1 help in applying for this scholarship?
Hi Lateef,
This entire site is dedicated to doing exactly that! I have shared every bit of knowledge I have of the scholarship to help you succeed.
I recommend reading the articles for more information – start with the articles on the basics and introducing the scholarship!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, I am about to apply for this years mext scholarship as an undergraduate student. Forfeiting my current admission, though I haven’t
Started my first semester. will it be okay if my recommendation came from my high school teacher , since first semester in the university I was admitted into haven’t even started yet. And I hope this doesn’t reduce my chances with mext?
Hi Ocholi,
In your situation, your recommendation should absolutely come from your high school!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks for all the helpful posts. I was able to hand in my application last week!
I was just wondering how you will know your results for your primary screening? Will you be contacted regardless of you passed the first screening?
Hi June,
Thank you very much for your kind words.
The notification process is different from country to country. Some embassies notify all applicants, some only contact those that were successful and moved on to the next stage, unfortunately.
Did your embassy/consulate give you an expected date for the release of the results of the document screening, or at least a date for the next step (tests and interviews)? If so, I would recommend that if you do not hear from them on the results day, or a week before the next step, that you reach out to them to follow up.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, i still confused about the photo or digital image section. It wrote ‘ Write Your Name and Nationality on the back of the photo’, what is it means ?. Thanks for helping me
Hi Annisa,
Writing your name and nationality on the back of the photo obviously isn’t possible if you insert it digitally into the form. That is only a requirement if you are attaching (gluing) a photo onto your application form after printing it. In that case, you should write your name and nationality on the back side of the photo (the side you put the glue on). This is in case it falls off at some point, they will be able to match it back to your application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis
I have a couple new questions regarding the first screening
1) Since the FSRPP has been limited to 2 pages now and you recommended to add attachments of time table and sources, how should I name them and place them in the envelope? Let’s say I have 3 sets of FSRPP (1 original and 2 copies) do I just place the attachments right under all of them or should I make 2 copies of it too?
2) As of this year it seems they released new letter of acceptance form, so am I required to use that form when applying to any LOA now instead of the old university provided ones? Or do I have to use them both now?
Hi Lawrence,
1) There should be one copy of the attachments to go with each copy of the FSRPP.
2) You shouldn’t have to worry about the Letter of Acceptance template, in general – the universities should have it – but if you do send it, you need only send this year’s version if it has changed. (I have not checked that form yet in detail).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
Do you know if the Embassy will update me via email on the process? I sent my application but might have put the wrong address and can’t remember if I fixed it properly. I sent them an email to ask if they received it but haven’t got a response. I mean, I think it’s probably fine, but sometimes I get paranoid about the postal system losing stuff even with a tracking number. Thoughts?
Hi R,
Each embassy might have their own notification system, but I think email is most common.
They are only going to update you when they have information to share – for example they would not email you to say that they received your application (if you wanted that confirmation, I would have recommended using the postal service’s tracking system), but they would email you to let you know if you made it through the document screening stage and were selected to attend the test and interview.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much for your dedications for this post. This year, the application form changes so much and they do not provide the editable file. I have tried to convert PDF to Word but the fonts were totally messy. For the question 14 about list of publications, I cannot expand the space to fill in. And I think it is really confused for candidates this year :((
Hi Mani,
MEXT provides an editable PDF file (that’s a direct download link for the pdf from MEXT’s site). I’m not sure why your embassy would not provide the same one. Maybe they made a mistake in uploading it.
If you cannot fit the answer inside the field, then I recommend attaching it on a separate piece of paper and writing “See Attached” in the application form, itself.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, I would like to ask regarding the numbering and placement of the required documents. I just want to make sure. Should I number both original and photocopies of required documents in the upper right corner or numbering the original document would suffice?
Should I arrange the documents like – [Requirement 1 – Original] [Requirement 1 – Copies] [Requirement 2 – Original] [Requirement 2 – Copies] … or [Requirement 1 – Original] [Requirement 2 – Original] … [Requirement 2 – Original] and soon? Hoping for your response! 🙂
Thank you so much for this info! I’m really looking forward for your tips on the new form.
You are doing much effort for us applicants.
Hi Nat,
I would recommend that you number the documents and then make the photocopy (so the number will then be on all three copies). The order you suggested sounds perfect. I would recommend keeping the copies right after the original, as it makes it easier to check on the receiving end!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz