Do you meet the eligibility criteria for the 2021 Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship?
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New Article for the 2021/2022 Application
As of May 2021, I have written a new edition of this article for the 2021/2022 Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, so I recommend you read that version instead for the most up-to-date information!
As I write this, the application guidelines for the 2021 Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship (apply in 2020/scholarship starts in 2021) have just been released. Here is a complete explanation of the most recent requirements.
Embassy Recommendation MEXT Scholarship Eligibility Requirements: Research Students
The requirements below are for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship. As I detail in my book, How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship, there are differences between the eligibility requirements for University and Embassy Recommendation. I have published another article about the eligibility requirements for the University Recommendation MEXT Scholarship when those guidelines came out for 2019 and will continue to update each article each year.
These are also the eligibility requirements for the MEXT Scholarship for Research (Graduate) Students. I do not cover the requirements for undergraduates below.
Disclaimer
The eligibility requirements I describe below are the requirements set out by MEXT. However, when you apply to universities for Letters of Acceptance after passing the primary screening, the universities may have their own, higher eligibility requirements, as well. If you find that the university you are applying to specifies higher requirements than what I describe below, you have to meet both sets of requirements. Do not bother trying to argue with the university that MEXT’s standards are lower. That won’t work!
You may also find additional requirements unique to your country. For example, there may be a GPA requirement established in your country’s GPA system, a limitation on fields of study, or other rules. Be sure to check the application guidelines on the homepage of the Japanese Embassy for your country!
Minimum GPA
You must have a minimum 2.3 / 3.0 GPA on MEXT’s scale over the most recent two years of your degree-seeking studies. Updated: It appears that MEXT may have stopped considering only the last two years and may now consider your GPA over the course of your full degree. This information comes from the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship, so I do not know if it also applies to the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, but it would be a safe idea to calculate your GPA using both systems, just to be sure.
For more information on how to correctly calculate your GPA, refer to my previous article.
Nationality
You must have the nationality of a country that has formal relations with Japan (e.g. not Taiwan or North Korea) and must not have Japanese Nationality, including dual nationality. If you currently hold Japanese nationality as a dual national, you must give up your Japanese nationality prior to arriving in Japan.
If you have dual nationality (or more) but do not have Japanese nationality as one of them, then you can ignore the statements about dual nationality throughout the application guidelines.
You must apply for the scholarship via the Japanese embassy in the country where you have nationality, including being present at the embassy in person at certain stages of the application.
Age
As of the application for the 2020 scholarship, applicants would need to have been born on or after April 2, 1986.
Exceptions
The only exceptions to the date of birth above is if MEXT has determined that you were unable to apply during the ages when you would have been eligible due to the situation in your country, such as compulsory military service or the total suspension of higher education due to war, etc.
I have never heard of any country qualifying for this exception, but if you find out that yours has been, please let me know in the comments below!
Academic Background
For the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, you must meet the requirements below, based on the level of degree you are applying for:
Master’s Degree or equivalent (including Master’s level research student)
- Completed 16 years of school education in a country outside of Japan.
- Completed an undergraduate program with a standard length of study of at least three years in a country outside of Japan and received a degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
- Not meet either of the requirements above but be considered eligible for a master’s degree at a Japanese graduate school.
The reference to “standard length of study” in criteria 2, above, refers to what the university says should be the length of study. If you graduated early because of high ability and credit loading, that would not make you ineligible. For example, graduating from a 3-year program in 2.5 years still means that you completed a 3-year program.
Doctoral Degree (Non-Medical Practitioner Degrees*)
This is the set of criteria that apply to almost all doctoral degrees.
*There are separate criteria for doctoral degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences, and certain pharmaceutical faculties, as listed below.
- Earned a master’s degree or master’s level professional degree at a university outside Japan.
- Earned a bachelor’s degree, have at least two years of experience in research at a university or research center following that degree, and be considered to have academic competency equal to a person with a master’s degree, as recognized by a Japanese graduate school
- Not meet either of the requirements above but be considered eligible for a doctoral degree at a Japanese graduate school.
Doctoral Degree (Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Sciences, and Certain Pharmaceutical Fields)
- Completed 18 years of school education in countries other than Japan.
- Completed an program with a standard length of study of at least five years in a country outside of Japan and received a degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
- Completed 16 years of school education in countries other than Japan, have at least two years of experience in research at a university or research center following that degree, and be considered to have academic competency equal to university graduates in the same field, as recognized by a Japanese graduate school
- Not meet any of the requirements above but be considered eligible for a doctoral degree at a Japanese graduate school.
Field of Study
Need help with your Field of Study and Research Program Plan? How to Write a Scholarship-Winning Field of Study and Research Program Plan will walk you through choosing a field, developing a research question, and completing the final report to give you the best chance of success!
I have discussed the meaning of a “related field of study” in detail in past articles as well as in my book, How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship, but here is a brief summary:
A “related field” is a field of research that falls within the same discipline as something you majored in previously. If your past and future fields could conceivably be majors in the same faculty, or if one is a subset of another, they are related. For example, international relations and political science are clearly related. The same could be said for media studies and communication, or mechanical engineering and robotics. If you come from a multidisciplinary field, such as area studies, then any of the related fields are fair game. Do not worry about the specific name of the major or graduate school, all that matters if if the contents of the degree program are related.
If your fields are not so obviously related, then you have to establish and prove the connection in your Field of Study and Research Program plan by clearly showing how research in your past field provided you with a natural transition to the future one.
Field of Study Limitations by Country
MEXT allows the embassy in each country, in consultation with the local government, to limit the fields of study in which you can apply. Please check the website of the Japanese Embassy in your country to see if this applies to you.
Prohibition of Technical/Artistic Training Fields
Traditional Japanese performance arts, such as Kabuki and Japanese Dance that require studio training are not permitted under this scholarship. You would be able to study kabuki, etc., but not participate in a program that was designed to train performers.
Similarly, degrees that require technical training at factories, etc., are not covered by this scholarship.
Additional Requirements for Medical Degrees
Medical, Dental, and Social Welfare degrees typically require clinical training, but students will not be able to participate in such training until obtaining the required licenses from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. These licenses must, of course, be obtained via testing in Japanese, so unless you are already highly fluent in Japanese, these degrees are essentially going to be impossible.
Language Ability
MEXT requires that applicants have a strong interest in dedicating themselves to studying the Japanese language and deepening their understanding of Japan, but does not have any set minimum language requirements, assuming that you are planning to study in a degree program taught in English.
MEXT also requires that you have the requisite language ability to be able to complete your research and survive in daily life in Japan. In general, it would be safe to assume that you cannot apply for a program taught in Japanese if you do not have at least N2-level Japanese language ability. To apply for a program taught in English, assume that you should have at least B2 level English ability on the CEFR scale.
CEFR B2 Equivalency Table
Here are the scores that MEXT has determined to be equivalent to the CEFR B2:
- Cambridge English (Preliminary, First, Advanced, Proficiency): 160 or higher
- Eiken (Jun-1 kyu, 1 kyu): Any passing score
- GTEC (Advanced, CBT): 1190 or higher
- IELTS: 5.5 or higher
- TEAP: 309 or higher
- TEAP CBT: 600 or higher
- TOEFL iBT: 72 or higher
- TOEIC L&R/TOEIC S&W: 1560
The N2/B2 suggestions above are not officially established as minimum requirements. You may find that the requirements are higher or lower depending on the program that you want to apply to.
Health
You must have no physical or mental health obstacles to studying in Japan.
Even if you have a pre-existing medical condition, in general you would only be disqualified for medical reasons if your home country doctor was unwilling to sign off that you are fit to study abroad in Japan on the Medical Certificate that you submit during the application process. If your doctor agrees that you can continue your care or medication regimen in Japan, then there should be no problem.
Ability to Arrive in Japan on Designated Date
You must be able to arrive in Japan during September or October 2021 within the period set by the university where you are placed, generally within a 2-week window surrounding the start of the fall semester there.
In previous years, it was also possible to arrive in April to start with the spring term, but because of the delays to the application process in 2020 due to COVID-19, students in this application cycle may only arrive for the 2021 Fall Semester (September or October, depending on your university).
Visa Requirement
In principle, you must apply for and obtain a “Student” visa at the Japanese diplomatic mission in the country where you hold nationality then arrive in Japan using that visa. Applicants who already hold other residence statuses in Japan, such as “Permanent Resident”, “Long-term Resident”, etc., must give up that status, apply for a “Student” visa, and return to Japan with that visa. After completion of your degree, it is not guaranteed that you would be able to reobtain a “Permanent Resident” or “Long-term Resident” status again, even if previously held.
Applicants who arrive in Japan without a student visa will have their scholarships suspended.
Disqualification Criteria
Anyone meeting any of the criteria below is ineligible to apply for the scholarship:
- Active duty military or military-employed civilian at the time of arriving in Japan or at any point during the scholarship award period.
- Unable to arrive in Japan by the deadline determined by MEXT or the nominating university.
- Previous recipient of the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship (including those who withdrew from the scholarship in the past after arriving in Japan). However, applicants who have over 3 years of education or employment history between the month after the end of the previous scholarship award and the commencement of the new award are eligible to apply. Past recipients of the Japanese Studies MEXT Scholarship who returned to their home universities and graduated after receipt of that scholarship (including those expected to graduate before the start of the new scholarship), past recipients of the Japan-Korea Joint Government Scholarship Program for the Students in Science and Engineering Departments, and past recipients of the Young Leaders’ Program scholarship are eligible to apply. Past receipt of the MEXT Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students does not disqualify applicants.
- Applicants who are simultaneously applying for any other Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship, including students who applied for a scholarship to begin in 2020 and have not yet received the results of that application and students applying for other programs that will begin payment in 2021.
- Applicants who are already enrolled at a Japanese university or any other institution (including Japanese language schools in Japan) with a residence status of “Student” at the time of application or who will enroll in a Japanese university or any other institution prior to the start of the scholarship award period. However, applicants who are currently enrolled in a Japanese university/institution (or who will enroll in a Japanese university/institution) as fee-paying students and who have definite plans to complete their studies, return to their home countries, and obtain a new student visa before returning to Japan are eligible.
Essentially, this requirement means that you cannot be enrolled in a Japanese university, language school, etc., with the intent to quit if you receive the MEXT Scholarship. The exception applies to students who enrolled in Japanese university (or language programs) and will complete their course of studies/graduate before the start of the scholarship.
- Applicants who are planning to receive scholarship money from an organization other than MEXT (including a government organization of the applicant’s country) in addition to the scholarship money provided by MEXT during the same award period.
*Note that this does not apply to research grants, etc., only to scholarships that cover the same areas as the MEXT scholarship, such as travel, living, or tuition expenses.
- Applicants who have not yet graduated from their qualifying degree at the time of application and who fail to graduate before the start of the scholarship award period.
If you have not graduated, you are still eligible to apply and would have to submit a “Certificate of Expected Graduation” instead of a Certificate of Graduation. However, if you do not graduate as expected, you would lose the scholarship.
- Applicants who have dual nationality, including Japan as one of the nationalities, at the time of application and who fail to renounce their Japanese citizenship prior to the start of the scholarship.
- Applicants who intend to conduct fieldwork or internships outside of Japan or take a leave of absence during their studies for a long period of time.
“Long period of time” is undefined, but I would interpret this as meaning any period of time that interferes with coursework during the semester. Fieldwork outside the country could be possible during vacation periods, for less than a month, but if you fail to sign in at your university each month, you would forfeit the monthly scholarship payment for the months that you do not sign.
- Applicants who have already obtained a doctoral degree and are applying as a non-degree student.
Item 4, above, means that applicants for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship for 2020 who are still waiting on the final confirmation from MEXT cannot apply for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship for 2021. However, if you applied for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship for 2020 and were told that you were not nominated for the scholarship, you are allowed to apply. It is only applicants who have been nominated to MEXT by universities in Japan who are disqualified. (Practically speaking, applicants who were recommended to MEXT for the scholarship by a Japanese university should receive the scholarship without fail, so there is no need to apply in that case.)
Willingness to Participate in Intercultural Interaction
During your studies in Japan, you must be willing to actively participate in interaction events with schools and communities to contribute to the strengthening of relationships between your home country and Japan. After graduation, you must remain in contact with your university, participate in follow-up surveys and studies, and join in activities conducted by the Japanese diplomatic mission in your home country to promote relations with Japan after returning home.
Of course, this is unmeasurable, but stating your willingness/excitement to participate in such activities during the application process where possible would help you application.
Scholarship Revocation Criteria
Any of the following, if discovered during your application or during your scholarship award period, will result in you losing eligibility, being disqualified from the scholarship, or losing the scholarship in progress (including losing your paid ticket back to your home country). Students who have already started the scholarship may be asked to pay back all or part of the stipend received.
- You are determined to have made a false statement on his/her application
- You violate any article of his/her pledge to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- You violate any Japanese law and are sentenced and imprisoned for an indefinite period or for a period exceeding 1 year
- You are suspended from your university or preparatory educational institution or receive other punishment, or are removed from enrollment; as a disciplinary action in accordance with school regulations of the accepting institution
- It has been determined that it will be impossible for you to complete the course within the standard period of study because of poor academic grades or suspension or absence from the university or preparatory educational institution
- You come to Japan without newly acquiring a “Student” residence status, or change your residence status to one other than “Student”
- You receive another scholarship (excluding those specified for research expenditures)
Of the criteria above, 5 is really the only one that most applicants are at any risk of encountering. Essentially, if you were to fail a class and, because of that, not be able to earn the credits you need in time to graduate, you would not be able to continue your studies. As soon as it was determined that you could not graduate on time, you would forfeit the scholarship, including your ticket home. Really, though, all of these situations are perfectly avoidable!
End of the Eligibility Criteria
You can find the original eligibility requirements for 2021 in English and Japanese in the application guidelines on the Study in Japan website, below
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-research.html
Want to know more?
My book, How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship describes the scholarship in detail, including the the eligibility criteria, purpose and coverage, 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. Special thanks to the newest Samurai Supporter, Sulabh Shrestha!
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!
Questions?
Let me know in the comments below!
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Hi Travis!
I will be applying for undergraduate next scholarship.
I am a little worried, as the the non-eligibility criteria mentions: ‘Active duty military or military-employed civilian at the time of arriving in Japan or at any point during the scholarship award period.’
As there are many people applying for (graduate) masters and phd; my doubt was does this only apply to the students/people applying for this programme, as my dad works for the military, but I applying for Undergraduate have never part-take in any military related course or club in high /secondary school, have no interest in pursuing military or anything related, only my parent works in the military, but I am not a active duty militant or a military employed civilian.
Thank You
Hi Shubh Mehta,
That requirement only applies to the applicant, not family members. If your father or other family member is active duty military or a military-employed civilian, that should not hurt you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks a lot!
God bless you!
You have been of great help!
hey travis,
I was wondering if choosing September/ October instead of April will affect the choosing of the university to give me a letter of provisional acceptance. and is it better to let the university decide?
Hi Dan,
It should not make a difference.
The month that you select in the form is your desired month to arrive in Japan, not necessarily to start the degree program. After you arrive, most students will go through a semester of intensive Japanese language studies, so the start of their degree would be a semester later. If your university does not accept new students in that semester, you can also spend one semester as a research student while you wait to formally start the degree program, which isn’t a bad thing.
In the worst case scenario, the university might ask you if you are willing/able to change the semester before they complete your Letter of Acceptance.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis. I have done my bachelors in psychology and my cgpa is 3.25/4 (79.25%). I have calculated according to MEXT and it’s 2.51/3. On Marksheet form they have clearly written that only 80% are eligible to apply and my percentage in last degree is 79.25%. Am i eligible to apply or not?
Hi Aksa,
From what I know, the Mark Sheet is a local requirement in some countries (I know I have seen it required in Pakistan), but it is not a MEXT requirement, so I am not as familiar with it.
Unfortunately, though, if your local embassy sets additional eligibility requirements beyond what MEXT says, then you have to meet both sets of requirements. If you are below the requirement for the embassy, I am afraid that you would not be able to apply.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis,
Thanks again for this wonderful blog. This is my second time posting here (I forgot which page I commented on before though — oops!) I have 2 questions this time. Apologies in advance since they’re maybe a bit long and complicated…
1. I’m a dual UK/US citizen, but I currently live in Japan as a UK JET Programme ALT. I applied for this scholarship a couple years ago through the UK embassy and made it to the primary screening but no further. If I want to apply again, can I do so through both the embassy in London and the consulate closest to where my parents live in the US in order to increase my chances, or is that totally not allowed? I am assuming it’s not ok, but wanted to check.
2. I am finishing JET this August and starting a 1.5 year Japanese language course here in October. I’ll finish in March 2023, so I’ll be applying to the 2023 MEXT for my PhD. I know in the “eligibility” section, you have to be finished with school and there was some mention somewhere of needing to go back to your home country for at least 2 months before moving to Japan on the scholarship with a second/different student visa. Does that mean, if my language course finishes in March 2023, that I’d only be able to start MEXT in September, rather than April? I’d rather start earlier, but I’m not sure if that possible, after rereading that part of the eligibility.
Thanks again for all of your help!
Hi Sara A.,
Welcome back!
1. For dual citizens applying for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, I know that you can only apply once in any given year, and you should apply in the country that your are primarily resident in. Of course, that’s a little different if you are residing in Japan as a JET, but you should apply in the country to had been residing in up to that point. Probably where your parents live?
2. I think in the past I recommended that if you were residing in Japan you should plan to return to your home country at least two months before your scholarship was set to begin, but I unfortunately cannot find that exact reference at the moment, either. I know I have recommended returning early in situations where people were living in Japan without a specific end date (for example, if they were on a working status or in Japan as a dependent, etc.). However, if your language program has a set completion date in March 2023, prior to the start of your MEXT Scholarship in the following month, that should be fine. As long as you can show that you have a clear, pre-determined date when you will return from Japan to your home country, regardless of the outcome of the MEXT Scholarship application process, you should meet the requirements. I have known students in the past that completed a fee-paying degree program in March and started a MEXT-sponsored degree in April.
I do not know how the visa process would work for you in that situation, though, so that is something that you would have to follow up with the embassy about as you get into the application process. However, as far as I know, there should be no problem with you applying to start your degree program in April 2023.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks so much for your prompt and helpful reply, as always.
It’s good to hear that there have been cases of people finishing something in March and then starting MEXT in April. I’ll just have to work out the details further down the line. I plan on ticking the box saying I’m able to start in either April or September, I just would personally like to get started ASAP.
I’ll reach out to you again if something else crops up when I actually get into the application process. Thanks again!
Hi Travis,
Thanks for all your elaborate guidelines, Its a great deal to be able to relay on such complete sets of instructions regarding MEXT scholarship, since -to be honest- MEXT official guideline could be seen as fairly vague, ever now and then.
My question is in regard of cerificate of expected graduation time. If we (unofficially) determine a date for graduation in the main application form, but failed to graduate accordingly, but sitll be able to complete the course before the start of the scholarship, are we still be considered as eligible?
If for instance, I’ve marked the end of the January as the expected graduation date, but finish the degree in February, while the beginning of the scholarship is in early octobar (so I will graduate almost 7 months earlier), does that become a promblem in secondary screening?
Or will they give me an extention despite what I have already written down on my application form?
Thank you in advnace,
Hi Shillen,
Your date of expected graduation should be something that your university determines, not something that you choose yourself. It would be the date written on the “Certificate of Expected Graduation” that they provide you.
In most situations that I am familiar with, universities have set dates when it is possible to graduate each year, for example a specific graduation date set for students who finish each semester. I have never heard of a situation where that date could be flexibly moved by a month, so you might want to check with your university first to find out what dates are possible for graduation.
Once you have the possible dates, I would recommend that you focus on one that you know you will be able to graduate by. Ultimately, for the scholarship, it only matters that you graduate before you start your studies in Japan, so as long as you complete your degree by then, you should be fine. As far as I know, they are not going to ask for updated records immediately after your “expected graduation” date. They would most likely wait until after the selection or when you arrive in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Mr. Travis,
This is very beneficial information and a good resource for me as I research master’s options available to me in Japan.
Thank you so much!
Emmanuel –
Student at AIU
Hi Emmanuel,
Thank you very much for your kind comments!
While the campus is still closed at AIU at the moment, when you are able to return, both the library and ACSC have copies of my Mastering the MEXT Scholarship books, or you can talk to me directly if you have questions, too. (You might have already noticed from my full name on my books or the YouTube video, but I’m pretty sure you were in my class this last semester!)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis! I know that undergraduate scholarship is not your area of expertise but I am really curious as to what will happen with the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship for 2021. I already passed the embassy elimination and still waiting for the final elimination results. When do you think the results will come? Do you think that the result announcements will be delayed? Will the undergraduate students be able to attend japanese prep class in April? I will be really grateful if you’d share any of your ideas&thoughts, as always thank you so much!
Hi Su,
The application guidelines say that applicants will be informed of the final results by the end of January 2021.
Given that they have to arrange for your visa and travel to Japan (plus the quarantine on arrival that is currently required), I do not expect there to be a delay. I would assume they are going to do everything in their power to get you to Japan in time for the start of classes.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi dear transenz
your article were really helpful for me and i wanna buy your book but i don t know your book is helpful for me because i am an undergraduate student and i wanna apply for this level
can you tell me that is your book suitable for me or not
and the second question is will undergraduate student face a hard pass to qualify for mext scholarship or they have equal chance with graduate students
thanks for your good website
Hi Amirashia,
Thank you for checking first!
My books and most of my resources are focused on the scholarship for Graduate Students, so they are not going to be as directly useful to an applicant for undergraduate studies. I would not recommend the books for you.
There are far more places available for the MEXT Scholarship for Graduate Students than there are for Undergraduate, so I think the competition is rather higher for the Undergraduate Scholarship, but the evaluation process is different as well, with the subject tests playing a larger role in the undergraduate application. So I don’t know if I can say that one or the other is “harder”. Both are certainly challenging, just in different ways.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello!
Thank you for your blog posts, I highly benefitted from them.
Does MEXT have restrictions on the Marital Status? Do married applicants have any special criteria to follow or do they have a harder chance of getting accepted?
Many thanks!
Hi Fatema,
No, there are no restrictions (and no special consideration) for married applicants. You should not have any more challenges than anyone else.
MEXT will not offer any support to your family or assistance to you in bringing them to Japan. You can bring them by applying for a Dependent CoE/Visa for them after you arrive in Japan, but you would have to do so on your own.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good afternoon,
I am an spanish student of Telecomunications engieneering, i will finish my grade this year and i would want to study in japan, the problem is that my grades are not really good in the university.
However in the university access exam i do have great grades but since i am on a really tough degree here in spain almost all the students have mediocre grades during this degree on my university.
I can’t speak japanese but i am good at learning new languages so i could prepare and study this year before going but the classes i would need them to be in english.
Can i still have chances on entering this program if i get my english title during this second semester despite me not knowing japanese at the moment or having mediocre grades on my degree?
Hi Diego,
You do not be able to speak Japanese to be able to apply for the MEXT Scholarship. There are many degrees in Japan taught in English (and I have an article about how to find them).
You do, however, need strong grades. Your university entrance exam grades are not relevant, just the grades that you earned at university. But it is your grades converted to the MEXT scale that matter, so I recommend you try converting them before you decide if they are mediocre or not! You need to have at least a 2.3/3.0 on the MEXT scale, but in reality you would probably need a higher grade to be competitive.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Do you know if there have been accepted applicants without the required 2.3 GPA?
Hi Yannick,
As far as I know, there is no exception possible to this requirement.
Frankly, there are typically such a large number of applicants with near-3.0 GPAs that it would be hard for someone at the 2.3 level to be competitive for anything other than a Priority Graduate Program through the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship. (Those typically have very narrow eligibility requirements that reduce the applicant pool significantly).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Nevermind, I skimmed over the article and overlooked the section where you even said they may consider the whole transcript 🙂
Hey Travis, I got your book and it has really helped to clear up my misunderstandings about the whole application process.
The part I am skeptical about is how the MEXT grade is measured.
In your book you say that they will only take the last 2 years of academic transcripts to grade you.
So if I did my Bachelor degree in 3 years and did horribly the first year but aced the other 2, I am still good?
How confident can I be in that information, as it may prove detrimental to my application should they look further back than 2 years.
Hi Yannick,
When I wrote the book, the instructions from MEXT to the universities, at least, was clear that only the last two years worth of grades should be counted for eligibility. (That isn’t to say that they would ignore the old grades, just that they wouldn’t be included in the pass/fail criteria).
In last year’s application instructions, the mention of “two years” disappeared from the instructions to universities. I suspect that means that now the entire previous degree is included, but the information isn’t as specific, so I cannot be sure. I am still trying to get my hands on more detailed info.
For now, I recommend calculating your grades both ways to make sure you meet the criteria in either case.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi travis! I want to apply for an undergraduate scholarship! Can you guide me through
Hi Sani Bashir,
My area of expertise is in the scholarship for graduate students. I do not have any particular resources dedicated to the undergraduate scholarship, so I’m afraid there isn’t much that I can do to help.
However, the undergraduate scholarship is relatively straightforward, so if you read and follow the application guidelines on the website of the Japanese embassy, you should be able to complete it.
I would recommend that you read my article on how to increase your chances of winning the MEXT scholarship, as some of the mindset tips in there will also apply to the undergraduate application!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Transenz,
I am from Sri lanka. I am going to apply for the mext scholarship for my Master Degree. First time I am going to apply for the degree program. I need to know what’s the deadline for this scholarship and what are the requirements, as well as what are the subjects that have in universities for a master degree.
Thank you!!!!
Hi Piyumi,
The application deadline differs depending on whether you are applying for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship or the Unviersity Recommended MEXT Scholarship – and even within those categories, each embassy and each university sets their own deadline, so you need to check directly with the organization you are submitting your application to.
As for universities and fields in Japan, you do have to apply in the same field of study that you majored in in the past, or its related field. But other than that, there are no limits. You can apply to any university and any degree program that you can find, as long as it is taught in a language you are already proficient in. I have an article about finding programs taught in English that might help.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi travis, first I really appreciate your articles, it’s really helpful but my situation is complicated and I would like you to tell me what to do , I’m planning to apply for the mext scholarship master degree, i have a bachelor in anthropology but I have a passion in opening my own business in fashion and I like social media as well as having the passion to travel and getting to know different cultures and writing about it , I got inspired by Nat geo, I know this sound silly but that’s what I’m interested about but the thing is that I was introvert , I haven’t been socially active neither at my university nor in my society as I didn’t volunteer before and I have no work experience and I didn’t get any close to my professors , so I don’t know who’s gonna write for me the rec letter ! and I haven’t done any research before in anthropology or something related to it ( to be honest my country doesn’t give much focus to this field and even there’s a lot of people don’t know what it is) , yes I get good grades but nothing else and since I was a child I’ve always dreamed of studying abroad and when I know about how scholarships in general need someone qualified academically and socially active and just WOW! , unfortunately I know this later and if I applied to either anthropology /fashion design / communications and I have nothing to give in these fields neither work experience nor art work /portfolio /researches , I’m just interested in them and I just have a bachelor in anthropology , and if I thought to give a try and wrote some articles in different topics related to anthropology will that be enough? And for fashion design / communications do I have to submit art works or is it enough to just submit courses certificates or tell them about my passion and that’s it same with anthropology and if I choose another field unrelated to anthropology do I have to connect it to anthropology and it it necessary that the field I choose will benefit Japan and my country and be linked to Japan and what would I say in that case? , I’m sorry for the long inquiry but I really need your help , in my case I know that I have very low chances to be accepted but I still want to give it a try but I don’t know what to do, I hope you help me and thanks in advance!
Hi Salma,
Before you start thinking about applying for a graduate degree, particularly one with a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship, you really ought to have a clear image in your head about exactly what you want to do after you earn your degree and, based on that, what you want to research (a specific research question, not just a field). The most important part of your application isn’t your work experience or volunteering, it is having a clear, focused application theme and research plan that supports it. Of course, having strong grades is also important, too.
You do need to be able to link your field of study in Japan to your previous major (anthropology), but first, you should get clear on what you want to research, then you can figure out how to make the connection.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi,
Thanks for all your support. I am shortlisted for Interview MEXT 2021. I am just confused does not have TOEFL or IELTS affect the chance of getting a Scholarship? I am planning to take a test in the same month. I have been doing my education in English for the last 8 years and have cleared JLPT N5 level. Does the English proficiency test is important before the interview? Should I mention I am preparing for TOEFL?
Hi Tanmay Keluskar,
Congratulations on making it to the interview stage!
Did the embassy in your country conduct language proficiency tests or announce those tests yet? Typically, you have to take a Japanese language proficiency test and English language proficiency test during the primary screening, which is why you are not required to submit language proficiency test scores. But if the embassy cancels the language tests over the COVID-19 situation, they may as you to submit scores instead.
This is going to be a country-by-country decision, if it happens, so I would recommend that you check with the embassy where you are applying.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Transenz, hope you´re doing well, I just really wanted to thank you for putting your time and effort on this blog, it helped me a lot during the application process and my research proposal, I wanted to asked you something, I’m from Central America and as a non-native english speaker I have to take the english exam for the Research Student Scholarship, but while studying and seeing the previous test I have notice that there are in some questions, similar answers, I’m wondering if the there is some type on grading scale depending on your answer or is it just a right or wrong type of test.
If you see this, thank you so much again!
Hi Allison Martinez,
Thank you very much for your kind words!
Unfortunately, I am not familiar with how the language proficiency test is graded. But I imagine that even if there are similar answers, there is only one answer that is correct for each question, so I would assume it is a matter of getting it right or wrong.
I’m sorry I could not be more helpful.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
Hope you are keeping well! Thank you for keeping us updated with the changes in the application process.
I have applied for MEXT via the embassy and am still awaiting the results (first round). I have opted for research student and will later try to extend it for a PhD. I have already spoken with a potential supervisor and they have replied back asking if I could start my research from April till September, before the scholarship period (if I get the scholarship). Will that be possible? As in, if I do get the scholarship, will it be alright if I have arrived to Japan 6 months before? If it is okay, under what visa status should I be going with?
Hi Sandra,
Unfortunately, as far as I understand, it is not possible to arrive early on your own to start your research for the MEXT Scholarship. You could start remotely from your home country, and you can make personal trips to Japan in the meantime at your own expense, but you will not get your student visa until just before it is time to travel to Japan to start your official studies, so you would not be able to stay for longer than a tourist visit. You also would not be officially enrolled at the university, so your access there may be limited.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I really appreciate all your effort into this blog. I have a question, I am applying for a PhD degree (research student) in Engineering via Embassy Recommendation. My problem is that the structure of the master’s degree in Egypt is very different from elsewhere. It is a master’s by research (kind of similar to a PhD program) with the first year for preparatory courses you have to pass to start the research component (the main component) which can take from additional one to four years working in the lab, writing the thesis , and publishing at least one paper. However, the research component and the whole master’s degree does not have grade assigned to it and the graduation certificate only mention that the student was “awarded” the degree; On the other hand, the transcript lists the grades for the preparatory courses in which I had a (C+) grade but the embassy requires a B as a minimum grade. I submitted all my documents without the M.Sc. transcript and attached a paper instead explaining why I didn’t. My 5-year-B.Sc grade is A and I believe that I aced all the other requirements. Can this document be a huge problem. Sorry for the long message.
One more thing I asked on of the embassy’s advisors and she told me that I can be assessed by my B.Sc. grades
Hi Mohamed,
I don’t know how the Embassy will handle your evaluation – though in your follow-up message, it sounded like they agreed to assess you on your bachelor’s grades, only.
I handled a few applications like yours for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship, though. Of course, we weren’t that familiar with the Egyptian system, but what we did in that case was to calculate the GPA based on the preparatory classes for the Master’s degree as well as the final year of grades from the BSc, since at the time, MEXT required that the GPA be calculated based on the most recent two years of grades.
Since your embassy is much more familiar with the system there, they may have a better response. Unfortunately, the best advice I can offer to you is to follow their guidance!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I just wanted to give an update. They accepted my application, then I passed the language test. However, I didn’t pass the interview. I just wanted to thank you for your help and wish you all the best with your blog and your life.
Hi Mohamed,
Thank you very much for sharing your updates! I am sorry to hear about the results in the end.
I hope that you intend to give it another try in the future!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
I’m curios about the Japanese studies student program.
I graduated from high school only and I want to apply to MEXT scholar ship but I have no background in Japanese language so I was thinking in applying the “ Japanese studies student “ so does that mean I only study Japanese for one year and that’s it or after I finish the one year Japanese language I can enroll in any bachelor degree in the university ex. Computer engineering. After the first Japanese language year offcourse.
Hi Abrar Al-Ghamdi,
My area of expertise is the scholarship application process for graduate students, so I am not as familiar with Japanese Studies Students or the other categories.
However, I do know that JSS requires you to be enrolled in a university in your home country and majoring in Japanese language or Japan studies. The scholarship covers a one-year exchange program to Japan as part of your bachelor’s program, so it cannot be used in the way you suggested.
However, the MEXT Scholarship for undergraduates starts with a one year language program then moves you into a bachelor’s degree, so that might be more appropriate for what you are looking for.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
Not sure if this is the best article to ask this under but: how important (if at all) is having a good resume or relevant work experience? I like to think I have a good GPA, but with no work experience and COVID-19 preventing any current work experience I’m a little worried about my chances.
I have your book on writing the research proposal (extremely helpful for those who aren’t super familiar with doing research!) but I don’t remember whether that was addressed or not. In short: does MEXT only care about your research proposal and how good of a student you are (assuming you can get all other necessary documents) or do they also care about/prioritize “real-world” experiences (ie internships, careers, etc.)?
Thank you!
Hi K,
I am sorry this is probably too late to help, but for what it’s worth, I do not think that your resume or work experience plays a significant role in your selection. Most applicants apply directly after finishing their previous degrees, so they wouldn’t have had time to gain work experience, and it would not be fair to disadvantage them for that.
Where it might be a factor is if you have been out of university for a while, it would look better if you had been working during that time, rather than unemployed, but even in that situation, if you had a reason for your situation, that would not damage your application.
Overall, I think MEXT is looking more for what you will do in the future. A strong academic background is an indication that you can succeed at the next level, so that is valued. Relevant work experience can be a benefit if you can incorporate that into your application as something you can use in the future – for example, using a network from your past working experience to distribute the results of your research – but in my experience, it is truly rare that an applicant has that kind of experience and network. Past work experience can also be mentioned as part of your motivation for your research. But ultimately, I think that, like many other things, work experience is something you can use to your advantage in your application if you have it, but not a requirement or anything that will disadvantage you if you don’t have it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day, thank you for your amazing article, please I graduated with a second class lover(3.2/5) in my first degree but had a distinction in my masters (97%), what are my chances for Ph.D. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you so much.
Hi Ayo,
While you will have to submit the results for bother your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, only the grades from the master’s degree should be counted toward your grade calculation for your evaluation, so that would seem to be a good thing for you!
Of course, the grades are only one part of the application, so I cannot comment on how competitive your application is just based on that. The Field of Study and Research Program is also a significant determining factor.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I really appreciate all you have put in place to make the application process easier. I am in the process of applying for the PHD scholarship program but i am already 35yrs old. i was born in March 1985 but i have other requirements. should i proceed or discontinue the process. thank you.
Hi Ann,
Thank you very much for your kind comments.
Unfortunately, in your case, it sounds like you are not eligible for the scholarship. There is no exemption possible from any of the eligibility criteria, unless you meet one of the specific criteria stated that describe how applicants over 35 could be accepted.
I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
– Travis from TranSenz
Please i am professional teacher from Ghana and want a masters program in “EDUCATION”. Throughout my search, i only came across two universities that offer Masters in Education related which are taught in English and they are:
1. University of Tsukuba – Masters of Education (International Education)
2. International Christian University (ICU) – Education and Psychology Program, Masters Course.
I hope to apply for the Masters of Education (International Education) as my first priority. But after going through the program details, they stated that they only admit ten(10) applicants every year which i am afraid. The number is too small to give a chance. The Education and Psychology Program too, the ICU only admit 25 applicants every year. Please can you suggest more universities that offer MASTERS IN EDUCATION AND ITS RELATED in Japan for me? I am in need of this help. I am from Ghana and following you for your emails for the past three days. Kind regards.
Hi Siadi Sanusi,
I have a separate article about how to find universities in Japan that offer programs in English in your field of study. Have you tried the methods I described there?
Unfortunately, I am not familiar with all of the programs at all universities across Japan. But I would suggest that the numbers you have mentioned are not particularly low and still offer a good chance. (For example, my university offers a Master’s program in teaching English that also has a limit of 10 applicants per year, but in most years, there are fewer than 10 applicants). The number of MEXT scholarship places available is going to be much lower than 10 or 25, so if you can successfully pass the MEXT primary screening, you should not have a problem also getting into those programs.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Transenz, happy MEXT opening day haha! Thanks for the timely article as expected from you. Much appreciated.
Do you have any word on whether MEXT has slashed the number of MEXT Scholarship grantees via embassy recommendation? Due to the japan recession and all.
Cheers.
Hi John,
I haven’t heard anything about a decrease in numbers this year. I know there was a cut last year – in the middle of the process – and it wouldn’t surprise me if the numbers this year were the same as the post-cut figures from last year, but as far as I can tell, MEXT does not release that information publicly, so I do not have an official source.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
With the changes to arrival dates in 2021, does that mean there’s no option to study Japanese? Or will it simply set everything back a semester? Thanks
Hi Jemma,
The Japanese language program still exists.
If you are applying as a non-degree research student, the Japanese language program would be your first semester, if applicable, meaning that you would only have two remaining semesters to be a non-degree student at the university.
If you are applying as a degree student (Master’s or Doctoral) or a research student with the intent of matriculating to the degree after arrival, then, yes, essentially everything would just be pushed back a semester.
All of this scheduling is the same as it would be in any year for students who arrive in September or October, the only difference this year is that the fall arrival is the only option.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis! You have such an amazing platform, do you have an idea on how undergraduate should go about with their application? Do they have have to apply to the schools too?.
Thanks
Hi Blessed,
Thank you for your kind comments.
Unfortunately, my area of expertise is in the scholarship for graduate scholars. I have not studied the scholarship for undergraduates in any great detail, so I’m afraid that the best advice I can give is to check the website of the Japanese embassy in your country for the application guidelines and their exact process in order to determine what you need to do to prepare.
Unlike the scholarship for graduate students, undergraduate applicants do not need to apply to universities. There is just a single application process to the university.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz