I have an updated version of this article based on the 2021/2022 application cycle application form. Please click here to access that post!
Get a Sample Filled Form!
If you’re signed up to my mailing list, I’ve already sent you a sample filled version of this form. If not, then you can get your sample copy by signing up here for my MEXT Scholarship email notifications. Whenever I have a new post about the MEXT Scholarship, or other news that I think you need to know about the application process, you will be the first to know!
In the sample form (as you can see in the image above), I have filled in all of my answers in red, so that you can easily tell what I wrote and what is part of the original form. Obviously, you do not need to complete your own application in red!
Significant Changes: Format and New Questions
After years of having the form in Microsoft Word or Excel formats, which were difficult to work with, MEXT made it a fillable PDF this year. They also added several questions that take this form from being a simple fact-based application, to actually needing strategic thought (page 5). I will go into more detail on those questions below.
Where to Get the Form
I am not going to send you the fillable form or make it available here. That’s a deliberate choice.
The reason I do not send it to you is that you need to get it from the embassy or consulate where you intend to apply. Why? To make sure that you’re in contact with them and that you’re also getting any additional information or explanations they might have. Besides, as I pointed out earlier, this form is already outdated – it’s for last year’s application (2020) as I write this, and there is always the chance that the form will change, so you want to make sure that you have the most recent version.
This article is about the application form for the Graduate-Level Scholarship Application. I have not read or reviewed the application form for the undergraduate scholarship, or any other type of MEXT scholarship (Teacher’s Training, etc.) I think some of the questions will overlap and that this article and sample will help you regardless of what scholarship type you are applying for, but be sure to check for yourself.
Instructions: Key Points
- You should type your responses into the pdf form using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software, if at all possible. Not only is it easier for evaluators to read a typewritten form, it makes it easier for you to make corrections, if you have to. If you are going to write by hand, use black pen and write in all capital letters.
If you are using another piece of software to open and edit fillable pdfs, then make sure that it does not leave a “watermark” (the software company’s name or logo) anywhere on the finished project. - The instructions say to use Arabic numerals, which means “1, 2, 3” etc. Do not write out numbers (e.g. “one”) in the application form, even if it would be grammatically appropriate to do so. You should also use numbers, not words, when writing out months. (e.g. “05”, not “May”)
- Writing year numbers: Be sure to write all numbers in the CE or AD calendar used in most of the world. Do not use the Japanese, Buddhist, Islamic, Coptic Christian, etc. systems of counting years.
- You have to write out proper nouns, including cities, states, countries, etc. Do not abbreviate. (e.g. Write “United States of America”, not “USA”)
- Even if you are filling out the form in Japanese, write all non-Japanese proper nouns (such as names, places, school names, etc.) in English letters. Do not try to write them in Katakana and do not translate terms into English. (For example, if your language uses words that mean “city” or “district” in addresses, write the original word in your language, in English letters, do not translate it to the English word).
Page 1: Basic Information
Photo: Your photo must meet the dimensions specified in the form, be clear and no more than 6 months old, and show your upper body.
Pro Tip: If you are attaching a physical photo, include two extras in the envelope with your application form, keep them in a separate plastic bag to avoid damage.
1. Name: Your name has to match your passport, exactly. Specifically, it needs to match the computerized text at the bottom of your passport, as follows:
To find your name and the correct order for the application form, refer to the bottom two lines of your passport. On the second-to-bottom line, you should see a three-digit country code along with your name. For example:
P<USATRANSENZ<<TARO<FITZGERALD<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Everything between the Country Code (USA in the example) and the “<<” is your surname. Everything after the “<<” is your given and middle name, in that order. It is your choice whether to list all of your given and middle names in the “given name” box or to split them between given and middle name, but you must include everything and cannot change the order, even if that’s not what you use in daily life.
If you do not have a “<<” because you do not have a legal surname or have only one legal name, then you should leave the surname block blank.
You cannot enter any special characters, such as accented letters. Even if there are accented or special characters in the top part of your passport, near your photo, there should be none in the computerized text.
Yes, that’s a lot of instructions for a “name” line, but I’ve seen a shocking number of mistakes with this one in the past.
2. Gender: This must match your passport, regardless of your gender identity. Do not expect special treatment or even official acknowledgement of alternate gender identities in Japan. Individual people might by understanding, but institutions are not likely to be.
3. Marital Status: This one is pretty straightforward!
4. Nationality: Write the name of the country that issued your passport. (In Japan, your “nationality” is a noun, not an adjective. For example, you would write “Japan” not “Japanese.”) If you have multiple nationalities, choose only one. If you are applying for the Embassy-recommended scholarship, you must write the nationality of the country you plan to apply in.
5. Japanese Nationality: Japanese nationals are not eligible to apply for the scholarship, but if you have multiple nationalities and choose to give up your Japanese citizenship to apply, they you would be eligible.
Most applicants will check “No” and leave the rest of the line blank, but if you do have Japanese nationality, then you would have to check “yes” and complete the line. If you have Japanese nationality (as a dual citizen) and want to give up your Japanese nationality to apply for this scholarship, then you would have to enter the date when you will surrender your Japanese nationality. Please note that I am not at all recommending this as a course of action.
6. Date of Birth: The tricky part of this line is filling in your age. You need to enter how old you will be as of the date shown in the form (April 1 of the year that you would start the scholarship). In the downloadable example, you will see that the fake applicant has a birthday of Jan 1. That means that he is 22 when he’s filling in the form but will pass his birthday before the next April, so he needs to enter “23.”
Note: In Japan, your age goes up on your birthday. It does not automatically go up on January 1 or on the lunar new year as it does in some other countries. Your age at birth in Japan is “0”. I am aware that in other countries, newborn babies are considered to be “1” at birth, but use the Japanese system for this form.
7.(1). Current Address: Your address as of the day you submit the form. If you will move between when you submit the form and when you travel to Japan to start the scholarship (for example, if you will graduate from college and move home), you will fill in your address after the move in 7.(2). In the downloadable example, the applicant is studying abroad in Japan when he applies for the scholarship. (And, based on his address, he lives at MEXT headquarters). You would also use this line if you were living in a college dorm, etc.
If your current address in is Japan, you need to fill out your current visa status (residence status), too. This is important for confirming how you conform to the eligibility criteria.
In line 7.(2), you want to check the box saying that your current address is your permanent address or fill your permanent address (e.g. Your parents’ address, etc.), if you plan to move between when you submit the application and when you come to Japan. That way, MEXT and the embassy has a mailing address where they can reach you even after you leave the place you’re living now.
You also need to acknowledge that you will not receive a plane ticket to Japan paid by MEXT if your permanent address (in 7.(2) or 7.(1) if you checked “same as above”) is not in your country of nationality.
To complete 7.(3), you will need to access the website in the form (https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/index.html) to find the name of the Japanese Embassy or Consulate nearest you. Depending on your country, there may be only one embassy for the country or there may be multiple consulates. In the latter case, you will need to figure out which one serves the area where you live. Your final answer should include the type of office and the city (e.g. “Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago”).
In 7.(4) and (5), for your phone number and email address, I recommend putting contact information that can be used to reach you at any time. If you’re living abroad, as in the example, put a phone number in your home country. You’ll be going back there to apply, anyway, for the Embassy-recommended MEXT application.
Be sure to include the country code for your phone number!
Page 2: Scholarship Records
8.(1) Past scholarship awarded record: The JASSO scholarship and MEXT Honors scholarship do not count for this question. Only the scholarship types listed in the “Program No.” table are relevant. If you are not sure about your past scholarship type, you can ask the embassy or consulate for more guidance.
If you check “No”, you can skip to question 9 and do not need to fill out any of the intervening questions. If you answered “Yes”, you have to fill out 8.(2) and 8.(3)
If you have received one of the MEXT scholarships in the “Program No.” table in the past, then in 8.(2) fill in the start and end dates of your scholarship award and the name of the university in Japan. Then check the scholarship program in the section below.
If you filled in scholarship types 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 in any of the lines of 8.(2), then you need to complete 8.(3) as well. If you checked scholarship types 5, 7, or 8, then you can skip to question 9. Your past scholarship award is not in conflict with receiving another award.
In 8.(3), if required, you would need to fill in your research and education experience since the end of your last MEXT scholarship award. Typically, you would have to show that you have spent 36 total months enrolled in degree programs and or working full-time.
For the purpose of this table, count the actual years and months you spent in the program or employed, not the “standard years of study” as we will discuss for the Academic Record, below. So, in this case, if you completed a 2-year degree, but it only took a year and 9 months, you would fill in 1 year and 9 months.
9. Applying for Other MEXT Scholarships: You can only be applying for one Japanese government scholarship at a time, so if you are still in the application process for another scholarship (such as the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship from the previous fiscal year, which typically would not release final results by the start of the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship start period), you would have to check “Yes” here, which would make you ineligible to apply. Otherwise, check no.
10.(1) Overlapping receipt of other scholarships: MEXT does not allow concurrent receipt of other scholarships, so you verify that you are not receiving other scholarships that will cover the same period as the MEXT scholarship or that you will withdraw from any others upon receipt of MEXT. You are allowed to apply for other scholarship opportunities at the same time to give yourself a security net, but in the end, you must choose only one.
If you are receiving a scholarship for your current degree, etc., that will end before your MEXT scholarship begins, you do not need to fill in that information here.
While receiving the MEXT scholarship, you are eligible to apply for and receive one-time grants that do not overlap with MEXT payments. For example, you could apply for a grant to pay the cost of travel to a conference, or for a specific research activity.
10.(2) Other Scholarship If you are applying for or have already been awarded a scholarship that will conflict in time with the start of the MEXT scholarship, fill in that information here. If you checked “No” in 10.(1), you can leave this blank or write “none.”
Page 3: Academic Record
Instructions: Most of the instructions are straightforward, but there are a few items that can cause confusion, explained below.
- 1. The chart says to only list programs attended as a full-time student, but the Japanese instruction actually says “as a degree-seeking student”. So, if you were studying part-time in university but constantly working toward earning your degree, that would count. Courses at a university or any other school that did not lead to a degree (or to high school graduation, etc.) would not count.
- 6. University Entrance Qualification Examinations: This refers to an exam taken instead of graduating high school. Usually, it is for home-schooled students, students who dropped out, etc. It will not apply to most MEXT applicants.
- 8. Attended Multiple Schools: As you can see in the “Primary Education” line of the example, I have included multiple schools for the sample applicant. You can fill it out the same way for your situation. If there is not enough space, you would write “See attached” in the Name line and explain the details in an attached sheet.
If you are attaching an extra sheet, you should still write the start and end dates on the application form!
As explained in 5., if you attended preparatory education for university (e.g. a one-year program between senior high school and university), that would be a second “Upper Secondary Education” and you should fill it out the same way. - 9. Attaching an Additional Sheet: If you attach an additional sheet because you attended multiple schools and cannot fit them in in the same column, then the additional sheet should include a full duplicate of the column you are replacing, with all fields. In that case, still include the overall start date, overall end date, and total years of study in the form, itself.
- Period of schooling attended/Total number of years of schooling attended: When calculating total number of school years, you should include extended vacations as part of the year!
The simplest way to think about it is that you are counting “school years” not “calendar years.” If your school year goes from September to June, that is 1 full year (even though it is only 10 calendar months). You should only use the months field if you attended less than a full year at some point, such as a 4.5 year program.
Primary Education: Typically, this would be your first 6 years of education, though it may be 5 in some countries. Do not include Kindergarten. If you attended a single school that covered elementary and middle school or elementary all through high school, be sure to separate it into the appropriate lines.
Lower Secondary Education: Typically 2 or 3 years. As with elementary school, above, if you attended the same school from Middle School through high school, be sure to separate it into the two lines.
Upper Secondary Education: This includes high school and any college prep school you might have attended, if that took place between high school and college. Do not count community college or polytech experience that earned you college credits here, as those would be considered Tertiary education and should be in the next column.
Tertiary Education: Enter college or university undergraduate education in the first line and graduate in the second and third (if applicable). If you attended multiple universities as a degree-seeking student (including dual or joint degrees), you would fill those in here. However, if you spent a year at another university as an exchange or study away student, indicate that in the remarks section at the bottom, do not include it as a university here.
Location: Only the city and state is required. You don’t need the full address. As you see in the example I have separated the two cities with a slash in the Elementary column.
Remember, do not abbreviate proper nouns, this includes cities, states, provinces, etc.
Dates and Duration: As you’ll see in the example, I counted full school years, not calendar years. If you are still in school, be sure to count the full amount of time that you will attend, not just the time attended so far!
Status: This entry appears for the tertiary education only. Check the appropriate box. If you have not yet graduated, you should check “Expected to complete” and fill in the expected graduation date for your graduation date and the total years you will have completed upon graduation.
Degree: Check the name of the degree you have earned. If your country uses different degree names, be sure to check the appropriate response for Japan’s system.
Total Years of Education: This should be the total years as of the time you arrive in Japan. If you still have 6 months left in your degree, you would count those as if they were finished.
Remarks: In this section, you would list any special information pertaining to your academic history. For example, if you took a leave of absence from school for a year, skipped a grade, studied abroad as part of your education, etc.
If you transferred schools/attended multiple schools for one category of education and you did not attach an extra sheet to explain that, you could also explain the transfer information here.
Page 4: Academic Background (Continued), Scholarship Plans, and Employment History
12. Field of specialization studied in the past: List your focus, major(s) and minor, plus the department, faculty, college, etc., that you belonged to during your last degree.
For example, if you got a BA in History you wouldn’t write simply “History.” You would write something like:
Majored in Japanese history, with a focus on Bakumatsu-era industrial reform. (Department of Asian History, Faculty of History, College of Arts and Sciences)
Note: Remember that one of the eligibility requirements for the MEXT Scholarship is that you must apply in a field that you majored in at university or it’s related field, so you should use this question to draw as strong of a connection as possible between your past studies and what you want to study in Japan.
13. Have you ever written a thesis? This question refers to a graduation thesis at the bachelor’s or master’s level, not to shorter term papers.
14. Publications: If you have any publications, including articles or conference proceedings, or any works that have been accepted for publication (and given a date) but not yet published, write them here. Graduation theses do not need to be listed if they have not been published, but if your university publishes all theses online or binds them and makes them available in the university library, then you would want to list that.
Don’t worry if you don’t have anything to list. Most applicants, particularly those applying for Master’s degrees, do not at this point.
Don’t forget to attach abstracts of all papers you list here.
15. The first course you plan to take in Japan: Where do you want to start your studies? (Note: you might not always get what you want. It depends on the university that accepts you).
- "Non-regular (Non-degree) course" is sometimes called "Research student" by universities. In this status, you are not working toward a degree, but you should be able to upgrade to a degree-seeking status. In general, I recommend that almost all applicants start with this status, for the following reasons:
1. You would not need to take an official entrance exam to the degree program before arriving in Japan.
2. It gives you the opportunity to get settled into your new life in Japan and get used to the Japanese university system before you officially go "on the clock" for your degree. (You can get a maximum of 2 years of MEXT funding for a Masters and 3 for a Doctoral degree, so you don't want to stumble during that time).
There are also other reasons that would benefit some applicants. For example, if your degree program only accepts students in the spring, but you want to arrive in the fall. Or in some cases, there are applicants who do not want to be part of a degree program in Japan, at all (for example, if they are enrolled in a degree program in their home country and only want to come to Japan for a year or two to conduct research for that degree.) - Master's Degree Course: This would include MA, MS, MSc, etc. In Japan, it is a two-year course and, as a MEXT scholar, you would need to finish in two years or you would lose the scholarship. If you think you need more time, go for a semester or two as a Non-regular student, first.
- Doctoral Course: PhD program. In Japan, this is a 3-year program. The same time condition as Master's Degree applies.
- Professional Graduate Course: This covers all non-academic graduate degrees, such as MBA, MFA, JD, MD, and programs such as Teacher Training programs. These programs can be at the Master's or Doctoral level. (You would have 2 years for a Master's level course such as a MBA and 3 years or sometimes more for a Doctoral level course, such as an MD.)
16. Preferred Month of Arrival: You should base this both on your own situation as well as the program you wish to enroll in. Obviously, if you haven't finished your previous degree, you would have to arrive in Japan after that is over.
You'll also want to see which semester the degree program starts for your preferred program(s) in Japan. If you don't speak Japanese yet, keep in mind that you may be placed in a semester-long survival Japanese course for your first semester after arrival. Account for that semester in your plans when deciding if it is best to arrive in the spring or fall. You can also leave the choice up to the universities, if you do not have a strong need to choose one semester or the other.
Ultimately, the decision as to whether you arrive in the spring or fall is going to be determined by what the university that accepts you writes in the Letter of Provisional Acceptance, but they may use your answer here as a point of reference.
17. Term you wish to study in Japan: This question does not guarantee that you'll get the whole term you ask for - you'll have to apply for each extension separately later. (See my article about How to Extend Your MEXT Scholarship) It does tell the Embassy and the Universities what your long-term plans are, though, so they have a better idea of your situation.
It is possible to start as a Non-regular student (in 15 above) at the Master's degree level and select Doctoral degree here.
If you have are still a student and have no employment history, that will not be counted against you, so don't worry about it.
19. Employment Record: List your most recent two full-time positions here in order of recency. The most recent position should be in the top line.
Page 5: Motivation for Studying in Japan
This entire page was new in the 2020 application cycle, though these questions were fairly common interview questions in previous years. Now you have the chance to think through your answers in advance instead of having to come up with them on the spot in a face-to-face environment!
Keep in mind as you fill in this section that you want to have a theme to your application and every answer in this form, as well as in your Field of Study and Research Program Plan must revolve around that theme to create the strongest application possible and beat out the competition. Every answer you write should help persuade the reviewers that you are the best candidate for the scholarship and have a unique strength that you can offer.
20.(1). What was the trigger for having an interest in Japan? Do not take this question too literally! A lot of applicants will talk about what sparked their initial interest in Japan, which was probably a manga, anime, or game. To be perfectly frank, nobody cares. That's more than cliche. Instead, treat this question as if it said "What was the trigger for having an interest in Japan related to your field of study?"
Remember that throughout the entire application process, you are trying to present yourself as being able to bring unique value to the governments involved, plus the university that you're applying to. Every answer needs to relate back to that theme. If you are researching wartime memory across cultures and your interest in Japan was sparked by Grave of the Fireflies, then it's perfectly fine to mention that as your trigger. But if your research is in marine biology, I would not recommend saying that your trigger was Pokemon. Instead, focus on the first thing that interested you in Japan related to marine biology.
You could say something like, "I had always been interested in Japanese culture and art since watching Doraemon cartoons as a child, but my interest became serious when I learned about . . ."
20.(2). Why do you choose Japan as a destination to study graduate-level education? In this question, you want to be specific. Do not simply try to flatter the officials by saying "Japan has a highly developed education system" or "Japan is technically advanced." I see that in far too many applications, and it is meaningless fluff. And for goodness sake, don't just talk about how you want to live in Japan.
Instead, you want to focus on what advantages studying in Japan offers in your specific field. Instead of saying Japan is technically advanced, write about one or two specific innovations or recent research developments related to your field. Or focus on how Japan has unique experience in tackling the problem that you want to research and how you think you can leverage specific knowledge and experience in Japan to accelerate your research. Be specific.
20.(3). What kinds of things do you think you can contribute to Japan and your home country through your experience of studying in Japan? In my article about "How to Maximize Your Chances of Earning the MEXT Scholarship", I talk about having an application strategy, and this question is where you will summarize that strategy. Your entire application should be built around a practical goal that you want to achieve after graduation, and your research and studies in Japan should be essential to achieving that goal. Your goal should never be something self-centered, but must be focused on how you can serve your society and the relationship between Japan and your home country. For example, if your goal is to become a professor in your home country and elevate the education level in a particular field (where Japan has more expertise), then you would be serving your home country by improving the education level and also serving Japan by maintaining connections to your professors and university in Japan to strengthen their research network and encourage future students to study in Japan, as well. Your goal is going to be specific to your and your country's situation, but try to figure out how it will benefit others. Again, see the article above and my book How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship (link at the bottom of the article) for more strategy.
Page 6: Language Ability, Family, Contact, and Visit History
21. Language Ability: You must enter an answer in each block of both the Japanese and English line here, even if the answer is "0". Note that while the English translation for "0" is "poor", in Japanese, the term can also mean "no ability".
22. Japanese language qualifications: The question in Japanese specifically asks for your certifications. If you have passed the JLPT, fill in the level in the first block (N1-N5). If you have another official Japanese language proficiency test score, such as one conducted by your country's foreign service office, you can list that in "other."
If you've taken Japanese classes in undergrad, etc., but had no official test score, that would not count as a certification, but you can list it anyway (e.g. "8 semesters of Japanese language education").
Attach a copy of your test results to the application, if available.
Proof of Japanese language ability is not necessarily required for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship. You will take a language proficiency test as part of the primary screening. However, if you are applying in a field of study that would require primary research in Japanese (interviews, primary source reading, etc.), such as Japanese history, Japanese literature, Japanese law, it would be highly advisable to have language proficiency certifications.
23. English language qualifications: Similar to the question above, fill in your test scores for any official TOEFL (be sure to note the type) or IELTS test. You will probably be asked to produce the certificates from these tests when you apply to university. "Other" can include CEFR ratings, O levels, TOEIC, and country-specific tests like GEPT, but understand that those may not be accepted by all universities, so the universities may ask you to submit formal test results when you apply for a Letter of Acceptance. If you are a native speaker of English, I would recommend writing that in the "Other" category.
Attach a copy of your test results to the application.
English language proficiency is only required if you are applying for a degree program taught in English, but I am assuming that applies to most people reading this article.
24. Accompanying Dependents: MEXT (and universities) discourages bringing your dependents (limited to spouse and children) with you when you first come to Japan. (In fact, in terms of visa requirements, you may find it impossible to do so.) They want you to come first, adjust to life in Japan, then start applying for Dependent CoEs to bring dependents, if necessary. Neither MEXT nor the universities will take any responsibility for your dependents or provide any support for them, including for their visa. However, if you are planning to invite and dependents, you would need to fill in their
If you do plan to bring dependents with you, list their names and relationship to you in this table. (Relationship should be from your perspective, so a son would be "son", not "father-son relationship").
25. Emergency Contact in home country: To put it bluntly, if you were to die in Japan, who should the university call to pick up your body and bring it home to your country?
I know that sounds morbid, but MEXT wants a point of contact that is that close to you.
The person should also meet the following criteria:
- Must not be listed in the accompanying dependents question (24) above
- Must have an email address and access to a phone
- Should, if at all possible, have English or Japanese language ability
- Be an immediate family member if possible
When I was reviewing these applications, any time an applicant wrote “friend,” “boyfriend/girlfriend,” “supervisor,” or anything other than a close family member, we would encourage applicants to choose someone closer.
You must complete every item in this section (although you can leave out the fax number).
Remember to include the country in the address, the country code in the phone number, and use no abbreviations in the address.
26. Past visits or stays in Japan: List your two most recent trips to Japan. In the "purpose" section, the purpose of your visa is sufficient (study, work, tourism, etc.). You do not need to go into too much detail. List your most recent visit in the top line.
Signature Block: Be sure to sign and write the date by hand. A typed signature is never acceptable.
Hooray! You're finished!
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the TranSenz supporters on Patreon. You can show your support for TranSenz on Patreon for as little as $2 per month (or less than 0.15% of the monthly MEXT stipend). If you have found this website helpful and want to help keep it running for future applicants, then (after you have earned the scholarship), please consider supporting my work on this site. Your support helps cover website maintenance costs so that I can keep it running. Patreon supporters also get priority responses to any questions as well as advance access to articles and discounts on my books and coaching services.
If you want to show your support but Patreon is out of reach for now, 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!
Questions?
I am happy to answer all questions left on this article as quickly as I can. Please also consider reading through the MEXT Scholarship Application FAQ top page and specific FAQ pages to see what I've answered already and to find tips about how to get your questions answered faster.
Interested in Learning How to Maximize Your MEXT Scholarship Chances?
My ebook, How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship, is designed to help you understand the scholarship and its purpose from the reviewers' perspective, master the successful applicant mindset, and develop an application strategy that will give your application focus and give you the highest chances of success. For more details and a list of ebok retailers that carry the book, click the image to the right!
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Hello Travis,
I Appreciate your work and efforts.
I have a question, regard to the certificate of graduation and transcript certified from the university, can I make a SCAN using a scanner to the originals and print them again colored?
Can these prints considered as originals?
Thanks.
Hi Momamed Ragab,
No, a scan and color print of a document is the same as a color copy and cannot be considered an original unless an official at the university signs the copy to certify that it is a true copy. (A “certified copy”).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for your fast and kind response. I really appreciate it.
Dear Travis,
I would like to say thank you for your wonderful blog. I have few questions regarding Mext SGU.
I’m applying through a normal application (i paid the application fee), since I didn’t know anything about MEXT SGU before. Just few weeks ago i received an email that I have been accepted to this university and they said that I am a candidate of the MEXT SGU. Thus, based on the nomination i don’t have to pay the registration fee. My questions are
1. How likely am I will receive the scholarship? I read through your blog, and I found that it almost certain that I will get it. Is that true? Also, regarding the current pandemic, is it might be possible for the government to cut the budget allocated for MEXT, and thus cut the number of slot for the recipients ?
2. I have less than 16 years accumulated education background and won’t be 22 yo by April 2021. Is that gonna affect my chance?
Thanks you so much in advance.
Hi Vin,
Thank you for your kind words and congratulations on being recommended as a SGU MEXT Scholar!
1. For the SGU slots, once the university selects you, then your scholarship award should be guaranteed. MEXT will do some processing and double-checking of your application, but it is not a competitive review. Universities should have already received their SGU budget notifications for AY2021 by this point, including the number of scholarship slots, so there should not be a possibility that they would be cut after this point.
2. MEXT got rid of the 16 years of schooling and age requirement for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship a few years ago. Now there requirement is just that you “meet the requirements for admission to the program”, which would be up to the university to determine. So, if the university has already reviewed your application and selected you as a candidate for the scholarship slot, then there should be no problem at all with your eligibility.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for your fast and kind response. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and healthy!
Hi Travis,
I think i saw this question somewhere from a british application who put N/A in the X-Ray Film No. In the UK NHS healthcare system. all X-rays are digital so what shall i put as Film Number? My physician is asking about it.
Best Regards,
Nauman
Hi Nauman,
Most X-rays in Japan are digital now, too, so I have no idea why MEXT hasn’t updated this form (well, it’s probably just not high on their priority list).
If your X-ray is digital, then it should have a file name, or some sort of identification within the digital system, so that would be what to fill in. Basically, they are just asking how the doctor could identify the particular X-ray file they referenced, if needed (I have never heard of a case where it was needed. . .)
If nothing else, then your name and the date should work, if that is how the hospital sorts their X-rays.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Quick question. I live in London so when filling out the education background section what should i say for state/province I thought probably england
Best Regards,
N
Hi Nauman,
It really depends on how your country (the UK, in this case) is organized administratively and what appears on a mailing address. Not all countries will have states/provinces or the equivalent.
One good rule of thumb is to look at the mailing address or street address of the school. Is there any indication of a larger state there, or does it just say “London”. Alternatively, are there sub-regions of London indicated in the address? In that case, the sub-region could be the “city” and London could be the “state”. For example, in Tokyo, “Tokyo” is treated as the prefecture name and the regions of Tokyo, like Minato-ku, are treated as the “city”.
Ultimately, as long as there is no confusion over the location and you have listed it as would be common in your country, that should not be a problem.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks for your reply. i have few more application form related questions.
1. (Middle Name) i dont have a middle what shall i write on the part where it says middle name shall i leave it blank.
7.1 on Current address where it says country i have written England, United Kingdom is that okay?
23. Asks you for english language test but i am a native speaker and in our system here in the UK once we finish high school we have to take GCSEs (General Certificate of Education) in various subjects including english language and literature. Shall i write this in other section on 23.
Best Regards,
Nauman
Hi Nauman,
1. If you do not have a middle name, you should leave this blank (on all forms)
7.1 Your current address should be your postal mailing address (for international mail), so as long as “England, United Kingdom” is what you would have someone write on a letter to you, that would be find.
23. In the “other” box, I would recommend writing “Native Speaker”.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you so much. i had a question about the motivation for japan section. Is there a word limit one each question?
Best Regards,
Nauman
Hi Nauman,
There is a space limit, not necessarily a word limit. The box should be a fixed size.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis, I’m Bori, I want to firstly appreciate your efforts in making this whole MEXT scholarship application easier and simpler for us to understand, thank you once again.
The answers to my questions have been answered roughly in your replies to some of the other questions, but I just want to get clarifications on some things.
First one is about No 13/14 (including it if one has written/published a paper before): At the university I graduated from, apart from undergraduate thesis, in the final year, there is another course that is always about doing research/literature review and writing a paper about it, We call it *Seminar*. We don’t publish it but we usually do presentation on it to our lecturers and professors in the department. Now, what I plan to study for masters was actually influenced by this Seminar presentation I did (which is on Nano-Technology). However, I plan on mentioning this when writing the FSRPP, I want to ask if it will be nice to include this paper as one of my ‘written theses’? The reason why I’m asking this is because it was stated to include name, address and date of *publication*, and as this my paper wasn’t published, hope it is still a good thing for me to mention.
My second question is about the Language Proficiency. I know that TOEFL or other related certifications isn’t needed for application but in one of your replies, you stated that Universities might ask for it when applying for LoA later, and furthermore, you said a letter of certification from my university might not work or be enough, does that mean regardless of the language I got my bachelors degree with (which is English), I will need to write a certified test, in order for a university to attest to my proficiency in English?
Hi Bori,
If the paper in question was not your graduation thesis and was not published, then you should not list it in the application form. However, you can refer to it (very briefly) in your Field of Study and Research Program Plan as the research that motivated you to continue your studies in Japan.
Regarding the language proficiency requirement, it’s a university decision whether or not they will ask for the test scores or what they will accept. There is no consistent rule I can describe that would be true for all universities. So, my recommendation is to check up on the universities in Japan where you want to study and see what their requirements are. You may be able to find their requirements for applying for a Letter of Acceptance even when they are not accepting applications.
I am positive that you will be able to find universities that do not ask for official English language proficiency test scores! In my experience, I have only found a few that do ask for them.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I woul like to express my deepest thanks for your brilliant guidance of applying MEXT through the Embassy tracking.
I started my application by referencing your example, I wrote the Field of Study and Research Plan by following your guidance, after invited to the interview I came back again to your blog to have interview tips in which I was passed the interview.
Furthermore, in applying LoA I consulted your blog again to know how to request it,
Finally, I have two LoA from two different universities (Kyushu and Akita).
Therefore, am waiting to hera from MEXT screening, let’s keep oir finger closed for this final stage.
Thanks again for your guidance and advice througout my application.
Hi Chacha,
Thank you very much for your kind words.
Congratulations on your success so far in the application! Just reading the advice on this site would not have been enough to help you if you weren’t committed to putting into action.
I look forward to hearing about your final results and success later in the process, particularly if you end up in Akita!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks again you’re doing your part the remaining is for us as applicants.
Furthermore, as I said I have obtained two LoA from Kyushu and Akita. Can you guide me which way to go between these two Uni.?
Thank you.
Hi Chacha,
You should make your decision about which university to choose based on which is best for your particular research.
I recommend that you examine both in detail, including the profile of the professors that you will work under. Determine which one has classes related to your field of interest and which professor is closer to your research topic and better able to support your studies.
Also consider your communication with the universities so far and which one has been more helpful or easier to work with. That can be a good sign for how your relationship will go in the future, as well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I appreciate your advice and guidance now I know which Uni. to priotize, I will give feedback after final results.
Regards,
Chacha.
I would like to assist you in filling out the scholarship application form please
My dream, I want to study in Japan, and please make my dream come true
Hi Aisha,
This article is all about how to fill in the form, so I hope it has helped you find the answers you need!
The MEXT Scholarship is extremely competitive, so you’re going to need more than just a dream to study in Japan. You need to think of how studying in Japan will help you to contribute to the world and what you want to accomplish after graduation. And, of course, you’re going to need to be willing to put in the effort to make it happen.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello
Has his chances of getting a grant expired?
Hi Aisha,
The application deadline is different in different countries, so I would recommend that you check the website of the Japanese embassy/consulate in your country to see when the application deadline is for your area. If you have missed it this year, then the application process for next year should begin around April 2021.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi ,
Regarding to the photo do the mean the full upper body or just the shoulders?
Thank you
Hi Tamara,
In general, photos should include from the bottom of your shoulders (armpits) up.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis! Haven’t left a comment in a while, lol.
I had a small question about filling the application form, regarding question # 17 “The term you wish to study in Japan”.
The thing is, I’m interested in going all the way till a Doctor’s degree (in fact, my first university option has a program in which you HAVE to go all the way to Doctor’s), so I was wondering what should I select in question # 17. For context: I have an undergraduate degree so I would have to do a Master’s first.
Of course, there’s an option for “Up to the completion of doctoral program”, but I’m not sure if the question refers to the immediate future (i.e.: the first degree I would be taking in Japan, which would be a Master’s, of course) or it refers to my entire study time in Japan.
I was also wondering because I don’t know if selecting “up to doctoral program” would make it sound as if I already have a Master’s. Maybe I’m thinking too much about it haha.
What do you suggest?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Johnny Navarro,
It’s good to hear from you again!
That question refers to your entire study time in Japan (assuming continuous study). If you fill in that you want to start with a Master’s Degree and go all the way through a Doctoral Degree, that will be clear to any reviewer. They will know that you do not have your Master’s Degree yet, (or, if you do, that you are going for a second master’s first).
In order to go all the way through the Doctoral Degree, you are going to have to apply to extend your scholarship after arrival, so it is not guaranteed – you are also not committed to following that path if things change. It’s just a question to check your long-term intentions.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis.
Thanks for the quick reply as always.
I’m actually interested in taking a so-called “integrated doctoral” program. Looks like a couple of universities in Japan are offering this type of program. You start with a Master’s and immediately move onto a Doctoral. They do warn you regarding the MEXT procedures to extend the scholarship.
I was thinking of starting as a non-degree student as your guide suggests though. Can I select non-degree as my starting point and Doctoral as my final goal? I’m asking because in your reply you mentioned filling in that I want to start with a Master’s.
Thanks!
Hi Johnny Navarro,
Yes, you can certainly apply to start as a non-degree student before moving into the Integrated Doctoral Program and have the completion of the Doctoral Program as your final goal. As you indicated, you will have to apply to extend your scholarship when you move from year two to year three of the degree.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks for your help as always!
Is it acceptable to use the two-column format in my research proposal ?
Hi Sor,
There’s no rule against it, but I think it would make your FSRPP harder to read for the reviewers, so you might want to think twice about anything that is going to make it difficult for them.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis, thanks for your support and for this informative and helpful blog, I really hope this message finds you well…
I’m lost in “academic records”… In my home country the program for primary education and upper secondary education are 6 and 3 years, respectively, but I took 7 and 4 years to complete them, how can I procede here knowing that these 2 extra years obviously don’t count in my certificate? How should I fill the “Total years of schooling attended…”? Based on the program (12 years) or on the years it took me (14 years)?
The extra year in primary education was because of grade failing and in upper secondary education was as a result of change of the specialized field of study. Should I explain the reasons (of the extra years) in remarks column? If YES, can you help me with some example? The application form only mentions about “skipped years” and nothing about “extra years” and this is the main reason why I’m in doubt…
PS: the 2021 application form came with a new field “Name of the Japanese diplomatic office where you will apply for visa issuance”, can you give a example?
Hi Lucas,
For your academic records, I would recommend that you fill in the actual number of years attended then, in the remarks section, explain the standard number of years as well as the reason for the extra time briefly. (e.g. Repeated 3rd year).
For the name of the diplomatic office. . . that would be the name of the Japanese embassy or consulate that is closest to your home where you will apply for the scholarship as well as for your visa.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis
For the Photo in the form, should I use glue? because they said that the applicant should write his name under the picure.
Hi Jude,
I’m afraid this is much too late to help you, but I would recommend a glue stick.
It doesn’t matter if the glue makes it impossible to read the name on the back of the photo. The point in having your name there is so that they can match the photo to your application if it falls off.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
HELLO TRAVIS THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR DEDICATING YOURSELF TO THIS PAGE FOR BETTER INFORMATION ON SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
SORRY THIS QUESTION IS NOT RELATED TO THIS ARTICLE BUT IT IS ADVISABLE TO CONTACT THE UNIVERSITIES BEFORE SENDING MY APPLICATION TO THE EMBASSY
Hi Rosa,
It is always a good idea to start networking with your potential future advisor in advance, if you can, but I do not recommend contacting the universities or professors just to ask about the MEXT Scholarship and whether they can accept you if you pass the primary screening. Many universities have a policy to not reply to Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship applicants until after they pass the primary screening.
You do not need universities’ permission or professors’ permission to list them in your Placement Preference Form, but you should do your research and make sure that the professors that you choose are closely aligned with what you want to study in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello TranSenz
I want to ask something about the application form
I’m already sent my application form to my country embassy, and today when i checked my spare copy i just realized my form isnt completed. I forgot to mark the question about have i ever received mext scholarship before (yes/no) and the mark for already graduated and gained bachelor level in the education background – tertiary education. But i have completed the other documents. Do you think i have chance to pass document selection? If i’m suppossed to pass the selection do they will contact me or they will immediately reject me?
Thank you
Hi Risma,
Have you contacted the embassy to ask them what you should do in your situation? That would be my first recommendation. Ask them how you can complete the remaining information.
For your education, I think they will be able to see from your other documents that you have completed it, so that should not be a significant problem.
For the MEXT Scholarship check, that is one of the eligibility criteria that they are asking you for, so they will most likely need that information. Hopefully, they will give you a way to submit the information by other means.
At least when I handled the applications at the university level, we would always contact applicants to have them provide any missing information, so I am hoping that the Embassy will do the same.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, where can i find the direct placement list? I found another embassy’s direct placement list, are they all the same? or should i find my own country’s embassy’s direct placement list? And honestly i couldnt find that list..
Hi Kizero,
My are of expertise is in the scholarship for graduate students, but as far as I know, the Direct Placement List is the same for all countries, so if you have found this year’s list on another embassy or consulate’s website (I found it on the consulate general of Japan in Miami), that should be accurate for you as well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello TranSenz
I want to ask something about the application form
I’m already sent my application form to my country embassy, and today when i checked my spare copy i just realized my form isnt completed. I forgot to mark the question about have i ever received mext scholarship before (yes/no) and the mark for already graduated and gained bachelor level in the education background – tertiary education. But i have completed the other documents. Do you think i have chance to pass document selection? If i’m suppossed to pass the selection do they will contact me or they will immediately reject me?
Thank you
Hi Risma,
I’m afraid this reply is coming far too late to be of any use, and I hope you have resolved the issue in the meantime!
I would hope that the embassy would give you the opportunity to resubmit or correct the form, though this is going to be up to their discretion. Where I worked reviewing these forms, we would have required you to submit a replacement before moving on with your screening.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Can i sign the mext application with the red ink or any other
Hi Nithish,
I would recommend using black ink. The only other option, if you cannot get a black pen, would be blue ink. I highly recommend not using other colorful inks.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis, thank you for this article it really helped me a lot,
i have a question tho i’m applying for Master’s and in the article you said that if we’re not sure we’re going to finish masters in two years then to go for a non degree student for a semester or two, so now do i have to mention this in my Timeline?
Hi Lina,
If you are applying with the intent of being a research student for one semester then moving into the degree program, then yes, I recommend including the semester of being a research student in your Field of Study and Research Program Plan timeline.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis.. Thank you so much for your blogs. They’re really helpful. I’m currently at the why do you choose Japan as a destination question. And I want to know if it will be appropriate to mention the fact that Japan experiences frequent earthquakes as a motivation since my research is concerned with using geophysical techniques in the management of these disasters which Japan has done quite well in? Will it be appropriate?
2. What about mentioning of how well Japan was spoken of in a book I read as my trigger since that was actually my trigger?
Hi Frederick,
I am sorry that this reply is probably much too late to help you. I think it is appropriate to mention earthquakes, since it is related to your research, but I would recommend doing so in a positive light, such as focusing on how Japan has developed leading technology to mitigate the damage from its many earthquakes, instead of focusing on the fact that it experiences them.
If you mention reading a book that discussed Japan positively, you can cite the book, but focus on why that motivated you, not just the positive mention. How did that impact your choice to pursue higher education in Japan?
Good Luck
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I have a question about sections 13 and 14. I am currently starting to work on my bachelor’s graduation thesis. I will most likely complete it before December. On top of that, my supervisor said that the main task of my thesis will be to write an article for a journal. Should I check the box where I say that I’ve written a thesis? The full written thesis won’t be available before I submit the application documents, but I think I’ll have more than enough information to write an abstract and send it together with the other documents.
I feel like they won’t find this acceptable, but I want to mention somehow that I am working on a graduation thesis. I also want to show that I’ll be publishing an article as that would make me stand out from other applicants.
As always, thank you so much for your help,
Aingeru
Hi Aingeru,
In your case, I would recommend that you check the box, since you will be writing a thesis, and include an abstract. In question 14, make it clear that you are referring to your graduation thesis and that it is in progress.
I would not, however, recommend that you mention the publication side of it, since that is not guaranteed. You can say “to be submitted for publication” at the end, but nothing that indicates that it has already been accepted, etc.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Sadly I sent the application to the embassy a few days ago, so I did not exactly follow what you said. I checked “no” and wrote that I am currently working on my bachelor’s thesis (very briefly explaining the topic).
Now that I think of it, it would’ve been better to do as you said. If I’m lucky, they might ask about it in the interview, which will let me explain myself better.
If I pass the first screening, I’ll definitely keep you updated.
Thank you as always!
Aingeru
Hi Aingeru,
I’m sorry I did not reply to your comment earlier. I hope the results of your application went well. Did they ask you about the thesis question?
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi travis. Im planning to take doctral degree. I want to know about point no.13. so if i am bachelor degree, should i fill my undergraduate thesis in the box?and if i had written a paper but it was just a paper for a competition (not a graduate or undergraduate thesis) should i mention it too?
Hi Rijal,
In Question 13 and 14, you should answer and fill in all graduation theses you have ever written, regardless of level, and all published or presented papers.
If your paper for the competition was published or if you presented it at a conference, then you would list it, but otherwise you would not.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey travis, i am rijal. I want to know about question in no.13. have u ever written a thesis. I received your sample mext form g to g recommendation. So if I am a bachelor graduate and wrote undergraduate thesis. Will i have to list in 13 or it’s only for master level, because a word “thesis” is usually used for master degree
Hi Rijal,
Yes, you should include a Bachelor’s thesis in this field. In Japan, at least, it is common to have a bachelor’s thesis, and Japan uses “thesis” for bachelor’s programs, as well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for all the work you are putting out for all us MEXT applicants. I would love to be able to thank you in person one day after completing the MEXT scholarship. You’re an inspiration to those wanting to expand their world.
I would like to get your thoughts about the Employment record. If I am currently self-employed as a director for my own company, would that be appropriate to add here or do you think they are looking for non-self employment?
Thank you!!
Hi Matt,
Thank you for your kind words. I hope to meet in you person in Japan, as well, once you’ve earned the MEXT Scholarship and made it here!
If you are the director of your own company, I think that is worth listing, especially if you derive a full-time living from it. In any case, it is certainly preferable to appearing to have a gap with no employment or education in your background. (You can also try to use your entrepreneurship experience in explaining how you will make use of your studies to contribute to society.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis! I hope you’re doing great. A question; I already have a BS degree, and I’m currently pursuing a second one (expected to graduate April next year). I’m applying with my first degree because in my country we need to be already graduated to apply, but I was wondering where to put the second one in my application (because I would need to check two boxes…, will it be better to use a separate sheet or to add it in as a note?) . Also, do you think to have two bachelor degrees will work in favour or against me, or just the same? They’re related (and both deeply oriented to my field of study in Japan), but I don’t know if I should make sure to mention to have the second one apart from the paperwork.
Thank you for your hard work, cheers!
Hi Eri,
Thank you for your kind words.
In your case, I would recommend that you add an attachment to your application form to describe both of your bachelor’s degrees in detail. In the application form, you would put something like “multiple undergraduate degrees, see attached” as well as the overall duration of both of your bachelor’s degrees in the number of years. Then, in the attachment, I would recommend creating two identical table rows to the application form and filling in the detail for both.
In the notes section for the undergraduate row or the overall notes at the bottom, try to explain your two majors and status for each degree, but if that does not fit, then you could do that in the attached sheet as well.
Even though your country requires that you have graduated already, I think you should be prepared for MEXT to ask for documentation from both degrees, including transcripts and potentially letters of recommendation.
Having two undergraduate degrees won’t necessarily work for you or against you by default, it is all about how you explain it, particularly in the interview. I think it is almost certain to come up, so be prepared to answer questions about why having two undergrad degrees will make you a better candidate or why you pursued a second undergrad degree instead of a master’s. I think you should be able to use the situation to your advantage if you plan well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
1. Present field of study
2. Your research topic in Japan: Describe articulately the research you wish to carry out in Japan (if the space provided is not sufficient you may add accordingly).
what should i write here as i have done engineering in mechanical but i want to do masters in Data Science as i am working in it from 2 years.
Hi Rishikesh,
I think you’re referring to the Field of Research and Research Program Plan, not the application form, right?
I have another article (and even a whole book) on that topic, linked above, so I hope you can find the answers you’re looking for there. That is one of the most important parts of your application and certainly where you should spend the most time and effort.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi travis, i would like to know more about this budget decrease which you mentioned in the comments. How much was the MEXT budget decreased ? and did this decrease affect the number of slots?
Hi Josue Lopes,
I don’t know exactly how much the decrease was, but it did impact the number of slots last year. In last year’s case, the number of slots in each country dropped after the Primary Screening was already going, so as a result the number of students who passed that primary screening was lower than usual and some students didn’t pass the secondary screening.
I do not anticipate a further budget cut midway through this year, despite COVID-19. If the slots are reduced, they would have already been reduced from the beginning.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Travis, i would like to ask about language specific proper nouns. I live in brazil so i am writing everything in potuguese. So the embassy to which i will apply is called consulado geral do japão no recife. But when i go to https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/index.html, this embassy is written as Consulate-General of Japan in Recife. So which of these names should I use?
Also, shoul i write my contry’s name as brazil (in english) or brasil (in portuguese)?
Hi Josue Lopes,
I would recommend that you use the names in English. While the staff in Brazil may be able to read the name in Portuguese, the MEXT staff and university staff who read your application, they will only be able to read Japanese or English, in general.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
1- In the language ability section, where there’s “other”, should I state the other languages I know ? if yes, and in case they were three: can I write them all and seperate them with a comma ?
2- concerning the date of application, should it be the day I send my full application to the embassy or just the date I finish filling the form ?
THANK YOU !
Hi Imen,
1. I would suggest filling in the one most relevant other language you know in that section. You do not need to list them all, but if any are particularly relevant to your research, certainly include those!
2. It should be the date that you post or submit your application to the embassy (though it should not be a critical issue if you filled in the date that you completed the form instead).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi, is the sample form supposed to be filled by hand or via computer?
Hi Unaisa,
I recommend that you fill in all forms by computer, if possible, since that makes it much easier to read. (Of course, some things, like your signature, must be written by hand after printing!)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello again, Travis.
A follow-up question. I’m currently answering the “Motivation to Study in Japan” section of the application form (Page 5). Regarding the 2nd Question, I am citing that among the reasons are that Japanese Universities have specialized lab that are perfectly suited in conducting my intended research and Research Centers that can be beneficial in branching my current field of study (Mechanical Engineering) . Is it all right if I specify (explicitly name) which labs and research centers are these and from what University do they belong to?
Hi Oliver,
Ultimately, you will be sending this application form to the universities in Japan that you want to apply to, and you will not be able to edit it before doing so. If you write in the name of specific universities and labs in the application form, that might make it more difficult to apply to other universities later, so I typically do not recommend it, unless you are set on only applying to those universities.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello. I’ve signed up to download sample completed application form.through my email but I didn’t getting any link to download. I have received and click confirmation email though, so what did I do wrong? It’s been 2 days. Please help
Hi Mad Scientist,
You should have gotten an email right away with the form, plus another email a day later that had it again (in case the first one didn’t arrive). Have you ever gotten any emails from me?
Those are both automatic emails, so your email server might have considered them spam or bulk mail and filtered them. I would recommend checking your spam box or, if you use one of those services like Boxbe, make sure you have whitelisted “transenzjapan.com” in advance so that emails get through. In any case, I would recommend that you do that with your email provider, anyway.
Note: I checked my email service and it looks like the email address that you used when you posted this comment is not on my list of subscribers anywhere, so perhaps something went wrong and the sign-up process wasn’t completed. I recommend whitelisting this domain and then trying again. Hopefully that will fix the problem!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Also tell about placement situation in japan? Do we get a job after graduation there to settle permanently in japan?
Hi Jimmy,
Nothing happens automatically. If you are interested in finding a job in Japan after graduation, you would need to do all the work to apply and interview for one.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Is it necessary to take english language tests like IELTS and TOEFl?
I don’t think it is required in embassy selection, cos they have their own test.
Please reply.
Hi Jimmy,
Language proficiency tests are not required for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, but if you have test scores, you should attach them to your application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day! Your website is a big help. I would like to clarify in regards to the Academic Record, I attended multiple schools both on the primary and lower secondary, I’m planning to just attached a sheet with the same columns as the original for, may I ask if I have to write each of the schools I have attended on each column like, one school = one column? Or I could just enlarge it so that all the schools could fit already? Hope to hear from you soon and keep safe! Thank you!
Hi Klau,
You cannot change the shape of the form, so if everything does not fit in the boxes, you would have to attach an additional sheet to cover them.
In that case, I recommend that you write “see attachment” in the form for the name of school, but fill out the overall start and end dates, as well as the total years, in the form itself. In your attachment, you would create a table with a similar design and list each of the schools individually, one school per row.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
Concerning the recommendation letters from the University Adviser and Present Employer, are the photocopies of these letters need to be in the same envelope as the original copies?
Thanks!
Hi Oliver,
There is no requirement for your letters of recommendation to be sealed in an envelope, so that is ultimately your choice. (The sample letter of recommendation form says that it should be sealed in an envelope, but that is because it is from several years ago when that was a requirement for the application. You can ignore that statement on the sample letter).
If you do seal your letters of recommendation in an envelope, it makes the most sense to keep the originals and copies together, if possible.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, i am applying for the undergraduate type , please how is the form submitted is it online or through post office ?
Hi Prince,
Each Japanese embassy sets its own submission procedure. I recommend that you check the website of the Japanese Embassy in your country to see how and when they want you to submit the application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, I appreciate the good work you’ve done and as you continue to help individuals aspiring to pursue studies in Japan.
I have my transcripts with official stamp from my university(1 copy for each year) Can I do copies of the same and submit them to the embassy? Will they be accepted as my original?
Hi Cyprian,
Thank you for your kind feedback.
You need to submit one original and two copies of your transcripts to the embassy. For the “original” if you make a copy and get it certified as accurate by an official at your university, that will be accepted as an “original”, but an uncertified copy cannot be considered to be an original.
The two copies can just be photocopies of that and would not need to be certified.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, I’m so glad excited to come across this, because the application form for my country just came out on the embassy and I was for a way of getting enough information on this.
So my question is that I’m already in a university studying systems engineering and I’m supposed to finish in 2023 because it’s a 5 year course in my country, but in the present status should I include that I’m already an undergraduate even though im applying for undergraduate course in Japan too.
If I have to do that, there are some documents I will need like certificate of graduation (expected to graduate) but it might be hard to get that because of this Covid-19 pandemic and my country is still on lockdown. So I was already thinking that I should just include that I have graduated from upper secondary school but not yet entered university but that is confusing…just advise me on what to do.
Also, you said typing is better right? When I’m putting my passport how do I do it? And also I know the arrangements of my name but I haven’t gotten my international passport although I will still have to do so but is it compulsory for now before submitting the application?
I will be expecting your reply thanks bro
Hi Juwon,
I’m glad I could be helpful.
So, if I understand correctly, you plan to quit your current degree program in your home country if you get the MEXT scholarship and start your undergraduate degree from scratch in Japan, is that right?
My area of expertise is the application for the scholarship for graduate students, so most of the specific information on this site relates to that process. In your case, for the undergraduate application, the requirements are different.
If you are currently enrolled in a university, you must include that information in your application, and you will have to submit your academic transcript from the university as we as a Certificate of Enrollment. You do not need to submit a certificate of expected graduation from your university program since graduating from the program is not a pre-requisite to starting an undergraduate degree in Japan. (Of course, getting a Certificate of Enrollment might also be a challenge in lockdown, but I would recommend seeing if they can send you one by mail).
Regarding your passport, you do not need to have a passport to apply, but in that case, you will probably need some government-issed document that shows your legal name in English letters (as it will be on your passport) so that MEXT can get that information. Please check with the Embassy to see what they will accept.
Yes, I highly recommend typing the application wherever possible!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
So you said I should use the transcript for my first year(because that’s the only year I’ve completed) as certificate of enrollment?
But actually I already thought of using my Admission Letter for that or I can’t use it because that’s what I believed we were supposed to use.
Also I know we don’t need the passport yet but there wasn’t any specific documents requested for although I will go back to the site to check for that.
So you said most of the things you ask for isn’t for students applying for undergraduate right?
And j saw your email about GPA does it apply for us because I’m a bit confused.
And also I’m typing…so after filling it all I will print it and attach the passport right?
About some of the documents requested for I saw some that we were to submit the original, but I thought that was a bit weird cause we were supposed to keep the originals to ourselves.
Thanks for the reply….will be expecting the latest one
Hi Juwon,
Sorry, it looks like there was a typo in my last reply. I meant to write that you should submit your transcript as well as a certificate of enrollment (you need both). An admission letter does not prove that you remain enrolled, only that you were given permission to enroll, so that wouldn’t be the same thing.
Most of the articles on this site are specifically focused on the scholarship for graduate students. The comment about calculating the GPA was, as well. I have not specifically researched how GPA is calculated for undergraduate applicants. In any case, you do not need to calculate your GPA yourself, I just recommend it as an exercise to see how competitive your application will be.
You are required to submit “original” documents, but certified copies are considered “originals”. So, for any document issued by a school, if you submit a copy that has been certified as a correct copy by an official of that school, it would be acceptable.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi. Travis. Thank you for the insight on how to apply. Please I have a question regarding the English proficiency certificate. Due to the covid 19 pandemic I have not been able to write the IELTS test as planed but I have English proficiency letter given to me by my university. Can I use this in place of IELTS. Thank you
Hi Abdulhafeez,
You are not required to submit IELTS scores for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, unless you have them. There will be an English language proficiency test during the course of the primary screening and they will judge your ability by your results there.
Universities might ask for IELTS or other official test scores when you apply for a Letter of Acceptance later in the process though, so it could be worth your time to continue to try to get a test. A letter from your university is not a particularly strong substitute and may not be accepted. But if you do submit a letter, it should be specific and explain your reading, writing, listening, and speaking ability by comparing them to test scores from IELTS, etc., based on how your university thinks you would do. (A letter that just says “His English is good enough to pursue a degree” is more or less meaningless to anyone reading it).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you Travis!
Hello Travis. Thank you for this article. In the part “Employment record” what do we write in the section “Type of work” ?
Hi Eddy Bengono,
“Type of work” refers to the actual job you did within that organization. For example, if you were employed at a bank, you could be a risk assessor, a manager, a loan officer, a teller, an IT expert, a security guard, etc. Describe the work you did on a daily basis.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you Travis !!
Should i able to apply for the scholarship multiple times,If i am unable to qualify
Hi Abilesh,
Yes, you can apply multiple times if you do not get it the first time, as long as you remain within the eligibility criteria.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis, just wanted to share this with you in case you haven’t already seen it: https://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/mext.html
It looks like this next round has been delayed for a few months, but I’m glad to hear that they haven’t decided to skip next year yet, at least.
Thanks so much for all of the great information you’ve provided here!
Hi Lydia,
Thank you for sharing this!
I had not seen that particular announcement yet, though I have heard of a few other countries saying they think the process will be delayed. Usually, the application guidelines are posted in mid-April with the applications due around the end of May (with some variance by country), so I guess we should look for those guidelines sometime over the next month and go from there.
In the meantime, it’s a relief to know that it looks like they’re still planning on the application. While you’re waiting on the release of the details, I would recommend starting to prepare everything you can.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
Thank you for all those helpful informations.You really make this application process easier. And I apprecıate ıt.
Since I do not have any exprerience in writing proposal, I benefited from your blog a lot but I have some unanswered questıons in my mind.
For example If I would like to work on mechanism of cancer metastasis, is it OK to just write I wıll work on that or Do i need to be more spesific?For ınstance, should i spesify like ”which pathways or molecules that ‘s ıncluded ın that process i will work on?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Sena,
I am glad to hear that you have found the blog helpful so far!
In the application for, you can be that simple and brief, yes. But, when you write your Field of Study and Research Program Plan, you will need to be much more specific about exactly what you want to research and how. I’m not familiar enough with your field, but it sounds like you should probably include the pathways and molecules, as well as what steps you will take to test them and what outcomes you anticipate for your research.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello I am 33 year old. If I get the scholarship next year. At the time of my completion of phd I will be around 39. Can I get a good job in Japan at this age ?
Hi Zahoor Ahmad,
What kind of job are you hoping to get? There really aren’t that many jobs that you need a PhD to qualify for, so I’m assuming that you’re shooting for either teaching or research.
In either case, or if you are looking for something else, you should really do some research first into what that particular job market looks like in Japan: What are starting salaries like, what is hiring like, what other skills (like Japanese language fluency) might be required, etc.
It’s just like the MEXT scholarship, in a way, you can’t just walk into this thinking “I hope I can get a job”. You should have a specific job in mind and do everything you can to increase your chances of getting it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Yes I am asking for research or teaching job. Can I get that at the age of 39 with jlpt?
Hi Zahoor Ahmad,
I am sure it would be possible, but it all depends on how hard you work for it during your studies in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I just wanted to know when do applications for 2021 start( for embassy recommended mext?) There’s been no update so far
Hi Sa,
In a typical year, the application guidelines are released in mid-April, so it could be any day now.
However, it is conceivable that the release might be a little late this year, as they might need to make some tweaks to the application process (particularly the in-person tests and interviews) based on the COVID-19 situation.
I, too, am checking MEXT’s website on a daily basis for the release and will let everyone on my email and social media accounts know as soon as I see the information out there!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi dear ,
Can you help us how to apply for the scholarship of English language , how I get the forms and after I filled them I send them to where?
Thank you
Hi Habeeb,
You will get the forms and the submission instructions from the Japanese Embassy in your country for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, or from the university in Japan that you want to apply to, for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship.
I recommend the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship because there are more places available and besides, it will start again soonest. Typically the application process starts in April of each year for the scholarship to start a year later.
Since it sounds like you are just getting familiar with the scholarship, I would recommend that you check out my article introducing the scholarship to start, then branch out to the other articles from there once you have a foundation understanding.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, sorry if this question maybe pushes your knowledge to its limits. Do you have any idea how the COVID-19 will impact the MEXT selection? I assume that for the 2020 intake, MEXT is already committed to go through with it already since selection happened last year before any of this. But for the next batch (2021), do you think they’ll take in fewer people? As a result of (I don’t know) precaution against international community or just the economy of Japan recovering? Thanks for any input or opinion you may have on this grey subject. Stay safe!
Hi Anne,
Right now, the Japanese government is operating under the assumption that COVID-19 will have settled down by April 2021 – after all, they’re insisting that the Olympics in July will go ahead as planned. So, I would assume that the selection process for 2021 will move forward as scheduled, but with precautions taken to minimize direct contact (interviews, language tests, etc.)
For the 2020 intake, many MEXT awardees currently cannot enter Japan because of visa nullifications and border controls, not to mention the lack of international flights. I understand that MEXT is making arrangements to allow those scholars to delay their arrival, but I do not have the specific details.
As for how this will affect the budget in future years. . . All I can offer is a guess. The Japanese government has never shown any signs of being fiscally responsible or trying to balance budgets. So, even though we are seeing a ton of emergency spending and fiscal stimulus, I would not expect them to try to manage that by reducing outlays in the immediate future. One real problem, though, will be a reduction in tax income due to the economic slowdown. (On the other hand, spending on Olympic preparations will end.) That could result in the government ordering all ministries to cut outlays by a fixed percentage, and MEXT scholarships could certainly fall victim to that with a reduced number of slots. There was already a significant cut this year, though, and I’m not sure how much deeper they can cut if they’re going to maintain the program.
The MEXT Scholarship is an important soft power tool in Japanese diplomacy and I would not expect it to go away. The most likely scenario is a percentage cut in scholarship slots for the short term.
At the same time, I think we’re going to see more people around the world hesitant to travel abroad for a while, and that could result in lower interest (read: competition) in the MEXT scholarship at the same time.
There are too many variables here for me to give any sort of clear answer. I expect the scholarship to continue, though it may well see a decrease in scale.
You stay safe, too!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks for that insightful reply, Travis. If it’s not too much, I’d also like to ask your opinion from the other perspective. Many countries are implementing a lockdown (mine included) which could extend to the next weeks or months and could cover the incoming MEXT application process. Do you have any idea how embassies would play that out? Would countries (like mine, if say still under major quarantine by May/June) likely won’t participate in the MEXT application? Or could the entire MEXT application process’ timeline be delayed, or some other resolution?
I know it’s a very vague topic, and everything’s 100% uncertain. But hearing your opinion would be great. Thanks for your time.
Hi Anne,
The application process starting in April will be for students planning to arrive in April or September of 2021, and even the most negative estimates I’ve seen don’t seem to think that the COVID-19 situation and border lock-downs will extend that long. So, at this point, there is reason I can see for embassies to not participate in this round of nominations. No part of the application process involves anyone crossing any borders until applicants actually travel to Japan.
I could certainly see the application timeline being delayed (by MEXT, not the embassies), as MEXT struggles to cope with everything else going on within Japan, but I would think that the process will go forward.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi travis, if I have a conference publication during my time as undergraduate does that increase my chance of getting accepted to the scholarship?
This is for Masters btw
Hi Ken Iijima,
I am not of the opinion that publications/presentations make a whole lot of difference. They’re good to have, but it’s not going to be significant enough to make or break your application. Especially at the Master’s level, most applicants simply will not have had the opportunity to publish or present, and it wouldn’t be fair to hold that against them.
Most of the decision is going to be based on your grades and your Field of Study and Research Program Plan (the essay questions in the application form could be a factor, too, but those are so new that I haven’t figured out the impact yet). So, if you want to make that publication carry weight for you, try to connect it to your FSRPP. When discussing your past research, you can slip it in, assuming that it is related to your future research goals in Japan. That will show that you are already a serious scholar in your field, which should help more than just listing it in the application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi travis, how are you doing? i hope you are doing well, thanks a lot for this article was very helpful, there is only on section missing 20(3),also i have a question in the application guidelines in the table of required documents there are two circles 1 original and 2 copies what does that mean?
Hi Lawen Sardar,
Thank you for pointing out that missing section. I’m not sure how I managed to cut that out of the post, but I have fixed it now.
One original and two photocopies means that when you submit the document to the embassy, you have to submit the original document (the one that has your original photo attached and your hand-written signature) and you must also make two photocopies of it ahead of time and submit those at the same time, too.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz