Read the Updated Version for 2022/2023
With the release of the new application guidelines for the 2022/2023 application, I have written an updated version of this article. Please refer to the newest version!
Are you eligible to apply for the Japanese Government Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship?
As I write this, the application guidelines for the 2022 Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship (apply in 2021/scholarship starts in 2022) have just been released. Here is a complete explanation of the eligibility requirements from this most recent revision.
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 (Note: The article linked here is from the 2019/2020 application cycle. I will be updating it soon for this year) 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 will 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 course of your most recent degree, including all grades shown on your transcript at the time of application.
For more information on how to correctly calculate your GPA, I have a separate article dedicated entirely to that process.
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 will choose one of your nationalities for the purpose of this application.
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. If you had multiple nationalities then you should choose the country of your primary nationality (typically the country where you reside).
Age
As of the application for the 2021/2022 scholarship, applicants would need to have been born on or after April 2, 1987.
Exceptions
The only exceptions to the date of birth above is if MEXT has determined that you were not able to apply during the ages when you would have been eligible due to a situation in your country beyond your control, 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!
Personal circumstances, such as your job, family, health, etc., cannot be considered for an exception.
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 at a university 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.
In Japan, you need to complete 16 years of study, starting from elementary school, in order to earn a bachelor’s degree, so that is the assumption for criteria 1. (However, if you completed 16 years of study and have not earned a bachelor’s degree because your country’s system requires more years, you would not qualify). For countries that require fewer than 16 years of formal education to earn a bachelor’s degree, refer to criteria 2.
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 (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or pharmaceutical science) at a Japanese graduate school.
In addition to the criteria above, you must also review the admissions requirements for the specific program(s) that you want to enroll in in Japan and meet all of those requirements. For example, the universities in Japan are likely to require that your previous degree be in the same field (medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or pharmaceutical science) that you are applying to in Japan.
Field of Study
You must apply in the same field that you studied previously at university or a related field. Your field of study must be available at the university you are applying to and taught there in a language that you are competent in (English or Japanese).I have another article (and upcoming book) all about how to find degree programs taught in English in Japan.
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 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. For example, if you can show that you are researching the same subject matter from a different perspective, that can be successful. I have often seen that approach work for applicants who want to pursue a business degree in Japan after completing a degree in another field during their previous studies. If they can justify that they want to explore the business development opportunities for their previous field of study, that can be considered to be related.
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.
There are no specific minimum language ability requirements in English or Japanese and you are not required* to submit proof of language ability during the Primary Screening, but language ability will still be an important part of the screening later. During the Primary Screening, you will take language proficiency tests in Japanese and English at the embassy, which will be part of your evaluation. (You can find old tests on the official Study in Japan website for studying.)
*Note: During the COVID-19 Pandemic, some embassies cancelled in-person written exams and instead required applicants to submit proof of language ability using test scores such as TOEFL or JLTP. Be sure to check what the requirements are in your country for your year.
The second time that language proficiency test scores matter is when you apply to universities for a Letter of Provisional Acceptance after passing the Primary Screening. At that time, the universities may require that you submit language proficiency test scores, so I recommend that you check the websites for the programs that you want to apply to in advance.
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, as indicated by a doctor on your Medical Certificate.
A pre-existing medical condition will not disqualify you, as long as your doctor says that you are still fit to study in Japan. If your condition is self-managed, or you can manage it under the continuing care of a Japanese doctor, you should be fine. (If you do need continuing care, though, that might limit your choices for universities in Japan, as you will need to be close to a doctor that can treat you in English.)
Ability to Arrive in Japan on Designated Date
In the application form, you will specify whether you want to arrive in Japan for the April or September/October term in 2022. Note that this is when you will arrive in Japan, not necessarily when you will start your degree or your studies at your university (you may spend the first semester in an intensive language program). Once you select your month of arrival, in general you cannot change it later in the process.
- April Arrival: You must leave your country of residence on or after April 1, 2022, and arrive at your university in Japan between April 1 – 7, 2022.
- September/October Arrival: You must be able to arrive on the dates specified by your accepting university, which should be within a 2-week window surrounding the start of the Fall 2022 Semester there.
If you do not arrive during those dates, you would have to withdraw from the scholarship, unless MEXT determines that your inability to arrive was due to unavoidable circumstances.
As of May 2021, Japanese borders remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They have been completely closed to new foreign arrivals since March 2020, with the exception of a few months at the end of 2020 when they opened briefly before closing again. There is no projected date for when they will reopen. So, in the meantime, MEXT scholars are not able to travel to Japan. In most cases, scholars have been given the opportunity to defer the start of their studies or to start their degrees remotely, online. However, in the case of online studies, with tuition is waived, scholars do not receive their living stipend.
Vaccines are the greatest hope for borders to reopen, and I hope it will be possible to travel to Japan by April 2022, but nothing is certain.
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.
The comment in the application guidelines about not necessarily being able to re-obtain “Permanent Resident” or “Long-Term Resident” status only applies to applicants who already hold those status in Japan. It is possible for any MEXT Scholar (including scholars who were previously Permanent Residents or Long-Term Residents) to apply to change their residence status after completing their studies and to stay in Japan after graduation. However, if you apply to change your residence status after graduation, you would have to meet all requirements to change it at that time, so the results cannot be guaranteed.
Note that if you change your residence status before completing your scholarship/studies, you would instantly be disqualified and lose the scholarship, as discussed in the “Disqualification Criteria” below.
Disqualification Criteria
Anyone meeting any of the criteria below is ineligible to apply for the scholarship. If a scholar is found to meet any of these criteria during the course of their studies, they would be forced to withdraw from the scholarship immediately.
- 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 accepting 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 more than 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 Fiscal Year 2021 (April 2021 – March 2022) and have not yet been told that their applications were rejected and students applying for other programs that will begin payment in Fiscal Year 2022.
This means that applicants who applied for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship or the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship in 2020 who passed the Primary Screening and are waiting on the final confirmation of results from MEXT are not eligible to apply this year. You cannot even apply as insurance in case your application is rejected in the end.
- 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. This would have to be shown in a Certificate of Expected Graduation, etc.
- 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 MEXT scholarship award period.
*Note that this does not apply to specific 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, you will also be required to submit your final Certificate of Graduation prior to starting your studies in Japan to prove that you did graduate as expected. If you do not graduate as expected, you would lose the scholarship.
- Applicants who have multiple nationalities, 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 change their residence status in Japan to a status other than “Student” any time after arriving in Japan during the scholarship award period.
- Applicants who at the time of application 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 exceeds one month or interferes with coursework during the semester. MEXT Scholars are required to sign in once each month at their universities and show that they still have “student” residence status at that time. If you do not sign in on the designated date, you forfeit your stiped for the month in question and, if you miss three months in a row, you forfeit the scholarship entirely. Fieldwork outside the country could be possible during vacation periods, for less than a month.
- Applicants who have already obtained a doctoral degree and are applying as a non-degree student.
Item 4, above, means that applicants for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship for 2021 or the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship for 2021 who are still waiting on the final confirmation from MEXT cannot apply for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship for 2022. However, if you applied for either of those application processes and have already been told that your application was rejected, you are allowed to apply. It is only applicants who are still in the application process who are disqualified. (Practically speaking, applicants who have not received notification of rejection by this point 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 local 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 receiving the scholarship may be asked to pay back all or part of the stipend received. Additionally, if any of the items below are in question, then payment of your stipend may be suspended until the issue is resolved.
- You are determined to have made a false statement on your application
- You violate any article of your 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, 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)
- You proceed to a more advanced level of education without receiving approval for an extension of the period of the scholarship.
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!
Pledge Form
Item 2 above mentions the “articles of your pledge to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The Pledge Form is something that you sign after arrival in Japan, and the 2022 version is not yet available, but you can find the 2021 version on MEXT’s website. Here is a summary of the items you must pledge:
- To obey the rules set by the university or the enrolling institution and devote yourself to your study and research in order to accomplish the aims of the Scholarship.
Obeying the rules set by the university is clear and understandable, but part of the meaning of “devote yourself to your study and research” means that you should not engage in any other activities, including part-time work.
- To refrain from violating Japanese laws and regulations.
Sounds obvious, but I actually had a MEXT Scholar at my past university get arrested and lose his scholarship for stealing
- To refrain from bringing the MEXT Scholarship program into disrepute.
The Japanese statement here actually goes further and says that you will do nothing to cause distrust in acceptance of international students by Japanese universities. In the COVID-19 pandemic era, this could mean strictly following all quarantine, mask-wearing, and other rules.
- To accept responsibility for any expenses incurred beyond those covered by the Scholarship awarded by MEXT.
- To accept responsibility for payment of any debts I might incur in Japan.
- To refrain from receiving other scholarships (excluding those specified as being for research expenditures.).
- To acknowledge that the scholarship awards will be tenable during the period stated in the notice of selection.
This item means that you understand that the scholarship period cannot be deferred or changed. (It is possible to apply for an extension later, such as when progressing from research student status to a degree program or from a Master’s degree to a PhD, but that would entail an additional scholarship award for that program.)
- To acknowledge that information (name, gender, date of birth, nationality, accepting university/graduate school/undergraduate school, field of specialty, period of enrolment, career path after completion of scholarship, contact information [address, telephone number, e-mail address]) regarding the MEXT Scholarship recipient may be shared with other relevant government organizations for the purpose of utilization for overseas students programs implemented by the Japanese Government (support during period of overseas study, follow-up support, improvement of the overseas student system).
In addition, to acknowledge that information in regards to the recipient other than date of birth and contact information may be made public in materials produced by the Japanese Government as publicity information for promoting the acceptance of overseas students in order to introduce the activities of recipients in countries around the world after their study in Japan.
End of the Eligibility Criteria
You can find the original eligibility requirements for 2022 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 newest Daimyo-level Patron, Isaac C. for your incredible generosity. Patreon supporters get early access to articles, discounts on coaching services/books, and priority responses to questions as my way of saying thanks.
I have also committed to starting a monthly live video Q&A session once I reach the next support milestone on Patreon, and we are halfway there! If you want to contribute to making that happen, please see the link above.
If you want to show your support but Patreon is out of reach, I’d appreciate it if you say hi in the comments below to let me know if you appreciate these posts and what, if anything, you found helpful. You can also find me on social media at the links at the top of this page, but to be honest, I am not on there often so the best way to reach me is in the comments!
Questions?
Let me know in the comments below!
Ads by Google:
Hello Travis,
I am applying for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT scholarship for a Master’s Degree and this was written in the guidelines: Abstracts of theses (*Only if submitted to the Japanese diplomatic mission) I do not see Abstract of theses here in this blog when it comes to the required documents. Should I still write one? I was not required to write a graduation thesis for my bachelor’s degree.
Also, I am from Egypt and this was written on the Egyptian Embassy of Japan’s website when applying for MEXT, under Minimum Qualifications and Conditions:
-Those who currently belong to a university, research institution or a company and are expected to return to their institution after studying in Japan (Unemployed or freelancers cannot apply)
Does this mean I have to be employed to apply for this scholarship? I can’t understand what this means, can you please help me make sense of it?
Thank you very much!
Hi Hossam Rashed,
I assume you are preparing for next year’s application, since the 2022-2023 Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship application deadline already passed several months ago.
I do list “abstracts of theses” as one of the required documents to submit in my article about “How to Apply for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship.” However, it is only required if you have a graduation thesis/thesis-equivalent project or if you have published articles in journals before. If you don’t have a thesis or published article, you would not need to submit anything (and it wouldn’t be held against you).
It sounds like the Egyptian government has included additional eligibility criteria regarding employment. According to the statement you shared, you would not be eligible to apply if you were unemployed. However, if you are still a university student when you apply, you might be qualified. I would have to see the rest of the requirements. Can you share a link?
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
Unfortunately, by the time I apply for the next MEXT scholarship I will have already graduated from my university. Here is the link to the Japanese Embassy in Egypt, though: https://www.eg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/11_000001_00151.html
Hi Hossam Rashed,
Thank you for sharing that link!
If you will have already graduated from university by the time you apply, then you would need to get a job first (a job that would allow you to depart to go to Japan for your degree and welcome you back on your return) and hold that job throughout the application process.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much!
Hi!
I´m Isabel. I hope all is well with you.
i´m concerned about the total years of schooling … I have a Graduated status (bachelor-lever) but i just have 15 years of studies. This happens because Portugal adhered to the Bologna process (implemented in 2006 – 2007) and now my degree is obtained in 3 years instead of 4.
Do I fit the ‘mext’ requirements? if not, what can I do to fit in ?
thank you for you time
Hi Isabel,
If you look at the “Academic Background” section of this article, there are three different requirements to qualify for the bachelor’s degree and as long as you meet one of them, you will be fine.
In your case, it sounds like you meet the second requirement: “Completed an undergraduate program with a standard length of study of at least three years at a university in a country outside of Japan and received a degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.”
If that fits, then you are eligible!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Transenz,
I hope you are doing well. I am an Embassy-Recommended Master’s student, and my scholarship is expected to finish in July 2023 (Spring/Summer 2023). I am thinking about enrolling in another 1-Year Master’s degree program as a fee-paying student but I am not sure if my current MEXT Scholarship allows me to receive the University Scholarship for that fee-paying program.
I read on here that MEXT will disqualify me if I “receive another scholarship (excluding those specified for research expenditures).”
Do you think it is possible that MEXT will revoke my scholarship if I apply for the scholarship for the fee-paying program I am pursuing?
Best Regards,
Rach
Hi Rach,
MEXT will only disqualify you for receiving another scholarship if it overlaps with your MEXT Scholarship. If you are planning to enroll in another degree as a fee-paying student after your MEXT scholarship ends, there would be no problem if you received a scholarship for that program, since the payment periods would not overlap.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Greetings TranSenz,
I am MEXT recipient from the Solomon Islands. I have already received my Acceptance letter from the embassy in the Solomon Islands including the Pledge to travel to Japan this April 2022.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I cannot make it to Japan this April. Is there any Deferral Policy for the MEXT scholarship to postponed arrival time to Japan to October 2022?What about I do online classes for the first few months of the scholarship period? As I understand that preparatory course is a one-year intensive course in the Japanese language and other subjects necessary for preparation for proceeding to university.
Awaiting swift responses from you.
Best regards.
Hi Fred,
Congratulations on earning the MEXT Scholarship!
Unfortunately, as far as I understand the guidelines, applicants are not allowed to defer their arrival date for personal reasons, so if you cannot arrive on time, you would have to forfeit the scholarship entirely.
The only thing that might give you a chance of changing your arrival is if the Japanese Government decides to defer all arrivals. During the pandemic, there have been periods of time where the Japanese border was closed even to MEXT Scholars, so many scholars had to start their studies remotely from their home country. That is currently the situation, as well, but the government just announced last weekend that it is planning to reopen the border in phases starting in March, so it is likely that they will say MEXT scholars can travel to Japan in time for the April start. You could ask the local embassy what the possibility is of scholars being able to travel to Japan in time for April or if you will have to delay your arrival.
If the government does not decide to delay all scholars arrivals, though, I’m afraid you will have to end up making a choice about giving up the scholarship or finding a way to travel to Japan according to the dates set by MEXT.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
My name is janet and i am a graduate of a Nigerian university. I would like to know if I need a recommendation letter from my dean for the embassy application and would it be possible to use a proof of learning in engish written and signed by my university rather than writing an english proficiency exam? Finally are there any other document to prepare before application opens up for 2023 mext scholarship this year
Hi Janet,
I have another article about how to apply for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship that should answer your questions about what forms and documents you need to prepare before the application begins. (The article is based on last year’s application, but there should not be any significant changes.)
The most important thing you need to start preparing (start now!) is your Field of Study and Research Program Plan. While you’re working on that, you’ll also want to consider which universities in Japan you want to apply to and what professors to target as an advisor.
For your English language proficiency, you do not need to submit language proficiency test scores to the Embassy, but some universities might ask for them later when you apply for your Letter of Provisional Acceptance after the Primary Screening. If you can, I recommend that you check the websites of the universities that you’re interested in ahead of time to see if they require proficiency scores for Embassy MEXT applicants.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Please, is the application currently on? Am really confused Please!
Hi Imodyn,
It depends on what kind of MEXT Scholarship you are applying for. The Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship for graduate students is not currently accepting applications, but the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship might be at some universities. And there are other types of MEXT Scholarship, such as the Teacher Training Scholarship that are accepting applications, too.
I recommend that you check the website of the Japanese embassy in your country and the university in Japan that you are interested in applying to in order to see if they are accepting applications.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you so much for your super helpful articles…and thank you so much for taking time to share all this information with us. I have a few questions:
1. Read somewhere about Japan not accepting electronic signatures, do they do that now? I’m an online undergraduate student with a foreign university. So in relation to letter of recommendation and transcripts for graduate applicants, can they be electronically generated from my university or they do they have to be hardcopies?
2. Japanese language course – say my program starts in October, on the application form can I select to arrive in April so I take the language course for 6 months then start my program in October? Or how does it work?
3. Documents to submit – it states original and copies, what does this mean? Surely I can’t submit my one and only original degree certificate? Lol
Once again thanks Travis, and apologies for the many questions.
Sarah
Hi Sarah K.,
Thank you for your kind words!
1. In general, Japan still requires original signatures and hardcopy documents, not digital, unless the guidelines specifically say otherwise (e.g. if they say they will accept submission by email). You could check with the embassy where you will apply, but I recommend that you prepare original documents in advance if at all possible.
2. The arrival date that you write in the application form should account for the Japanese language course. So, if you want to start your degree program at your university in October, then selecting an April arrival would be the right approach.
3. An “original” should be the original document or a certified copy. A certified copy can be certified by a university official or by a notary. For the “certificate of graduation” it is not required that you submit your diploma (certainly do not submit your one and only diploma!). Any official documentation from your university showing that you have graduated could count for this requirement. For example, a letter from your registrar. If the date of graduation and degree is shown on your official academic transcripts, I have also seen that count as a certificate of graduation, as well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you so much for your prompt response and the information shared, I really appreciate it. Alright I have taken note of everything and I will do just that.
Thanks,
Sarah
Hi! Hope you’re doing well……
( I had written a comment earlier but there seems to be some problem with it from my side, So I’m writing this one incase you haven’t received the previous one.)
Actually, I’ll be finishing my 12th classes and exams by march but the results will be released only in may. And from the information incase I get the scholarship then I would have to go to Japan in April first week. So is it okay to send a enrollment letter confirming my 12 years education in place of my transcript.
Kindly let me know
Thank you…..
Hi Prajna,
You would need to submit all academic records available at the time of application, even if they don’t include your final year grades.
Also, your high school would need to be able to submit a Certificate of Expected Graduation showing that you will officially complete your graduation requirements and by approved for graduation by the end of March, then they would also need to be able to provide a certificate prior to your departure saying that you did, in fact, complete those requirements and graduate.
It sounds like you have a pretty tight timeline, but this also seems common for your country, as a whole, so I would suggest that you contact the Japanese embassy/consulate where you will apply and see if they have specific instructions for your situation. They must deal with the same case often!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! Hope you’re doing well……
I have a few doubts, it would be great if you could help me out with them.
1. I am from India so my medium of studies has always been in English. So if I get it written from my respective school then could it be considered as replacement of TOEFl or would it at least have some importance given.
2. I would be finishing my high school in 2023. So I would get my high school results around April or May. My classes and exams will be over by march itself. So if I apply for Mext scholarship in 2022 and get accepted then I would come to Japan in April month. Would a letter from my high school ensuring that I would get my marks in May be sufficient or should I apply for the fall semester?
Kindly let me know.
Thank you
Hi Parjna Kavisree,
1. If you are applying for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship (which is generally the only option for the undergraduate scholarship), then there is no requirement to submit proof of your English language requirement to the Embassy. You will take an English language test during the Primary Screening process.
2. When you apply for the MEXT Scholarship, one of the documents you will have to submit is a “Letter of Expected Graduation” from your high school. It will have to show that you will complete all of your requirements before you travel to Japan to start the MEXT Scholarship. What matters is when you complete the requirements and are officially approved as a graduate, not when you get your results sent to you (which could be later). So, it all depends on the official graduation certification.
For the undergraduate scholarship, though, the only way to apply to arrive in the Fall Semester is through the Direct Placement process, so that would be a little more challenging.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I’m Rasika from India. I had a doubt regarding entrance exam.
After I pass the primary screening , do I need to give any entrance exam conducted by the specific University ( during the period of getting letter of acceptance) despite of having IELTS score ??
Hi Rasika,
You will likely have to go through an entrance exam, but not during the application for the Letter of Provisional Acceptance in most cases. Often, the university will grant the letter of provisional acceptance as a research student (no entrance exam required) at first, then you will take the entrance exam later, possibly after arrival to Japan, and matriculate to the degree program after you pass it. If you start your studies in Japan as a research student then take the entrance exam later, you will have to apply to extend your MEXT Scholarship, too.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I’m planning to apply for the scholarship next April as a research student. I have a question regarding the Expected to Graduate Certificate.
I’m an undergraduate student in my 3rd year and expected to graduate in the first semester of the (2022/2023) academic year, med February. Am I still eligible? Since I can submit the graduation certificate once the selection results are finalized as they said in the guidelines.
Thank you.
Hi Saeed,
If you will graduate in Feb 2023, they you are eligible to apply for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship that will begin in April/May 2022.
When you apply, you will need to submit a “Certificate of Expected Graduation” that shows when you are anticipated to graduate, then you can submit the final graduation certificate later.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello
I want to ask a question for Mext 2022, if some one pass the primary embassy
Evaluations with out ielts or tofel certificate ,is it possible for her to register in university as a research student if the professor accept her at least or her case will not be considered at all because of missing english certificate ?can you tell me more about your experiences and possibilities ??
Best regards
Hi Melika,
If you have passed the Primary Screening at the Embassy and are applying for Letters of Acceptance to universities, then it is up to each university to decide whether or not they will require you to submit language proficiency test scores. Some universities will require them, but others will consider the fact that you have passed the language proficiency test at the Embassy to be sufficient.
The only thing you can do is to check what the requirements are at the universities that you want to apply to.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! I want to know what if I haven’t conducted any research previously like any thesis, etc. Can I still apply for Master’s degree?
Hi Lubna,
Yes, it is still possible to apply. Many applicants applying for a Master’s degree have no research experience, so it is not a problem.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, Travis.
I really appreciate you using this your blog to educate us, aspiring MEXT scholars, on what we need to know to be successful in our applications. Thank you very much.
I have two questions. Could you please help me with them? I’d be very grateful:
1) One of the MEXT’s application documents is an employer letter of reference (for those who are currently employed). I am currently employed. But I am employed in a big organization that has several branches in my country and beyond. I do not have any specific individual who I can say is my employer. Everybody working in my organization are actually employees like me. I plan to apply for MEXT next year. But I am wondering, seeing that I do not have a specific person who I my employer, who then would fill the employer letter of reference for me? Or is there an exception for people like us who work in big organizations?
2) My second question is this: one of the disqualification criteria for MEXT is “Applicants who are planning to receive scholarship money from an organization other than MEXT”. Does that mean that we are not allowed to apply for another scholarship in addition to MEXT?
Looking forward to your reply. Thank you very much.
Hi Ifechukwu Ejiofor,
Thank you for your kind words!
1) For your letter of recommendation from your “employer” that refers to a person in the company that employs you. It doesn’t have to be the CEO, but it should be someone around the level of your division chief, who oversees all operations in the part of the company where you work.
2) You are allowed to apply for another scholarship as a back-up plan, but you cannot receive another scholarship at the same time, so if you receive the MEXT scholarship, you would have to reject the other scholarship (or reject the MEXT scholarship, if the other one is better).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you, Travis. I appreciate.
Hi,
Thank you for your hard work and always providing us with such useful information.
Even though I passed the undergraduate embassy screening in my country, I’m still very anxious about the final MEXT screening in Japan. Can you tell me what are the chances of me getting accepted? I don’t know about the test scores but my GPA is pretty decent and I got a very score at my IELTS exams and my japanese currently is around N4 level.
Hi Eri,
Congratulations on passing the screening!
My area of expertise is in the scholarship application process for graduate scholars, so unfortunately, I do not know much about how the Secondary Screening process works for the undergraduate application. Perhaps someone else can chime in here with their experience.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I was informed by my teacher that my 12th year of schooling would end around May or June, I would like to ask you if I am still eligible to apply? Since if in case I do get accepted, I would have to travel to Japan in April, I was suggested by my superiors to, if possible, finish my online schooling while I would be in Japan. Is this possible?
Hi Lester Anthony,
You would need to finish your schooling before you travel to Japan. Completing it is a prerequisite to starting the scholarship program in Japan, so you cannot do both at the same time.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hello Travis,
I would like to participate in the Mext scholarship next year and my area of study is accounting so I can only continue a course in MBA. I would like to start as a non degree student. Is it possible? do they consider MBA as a program where there can be a conducted research? or should I enroll directly as a master student?
Hi Dan,
You should be able to apply to start as a non-degree student in accounting. As a non-degree student, you can be engaged in research and take classes as well, so there should be no problem with having that status.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello sir ,
My name is susma i wanted to prepare for MEXT in the field of MBA. Currently I am pursuing my Bachelor’s in interior design which is going to get completed in next year. Am i eligible for MBA being an interior design student? If not which field is better for me to apply for MEXT? I also have interest in M.Arch , is there any possibility if not please sir suggest me a right field because i really wanted to study in Japan.
I would be greatfull if you suggest me which field is better for me do master degree through MEXT in Japan.
Thank you ,
Susma
Hi Susma,
One of the requirements of the MEXT Scholarship is that you must apply in a field that you previously majored in or its related field. However, it is up to you to show how the fields are related in your Field of Study and Research Program Plan and interview. So you will need to consider the specific topic you need to research in Japan and determine how to show that it is related to your previous studies.
You should have a goal for what you want to accomplish after the MEXT Scholarship (something that will benefit society in Japan/your home country, as well as the relationship between the two of them) and decide your research topic by thinking about what will contribute to that goal. From there, you can start to figure out what is the best field of study for you and the best university.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
I have a question regarding the dates. If I apply as a research student and arrive in April, do I have time to complete the 6 month Japanese language course and take the university entrance exam in order to enroll in a masters course in October? Would I be allowed to do research and take the Japanese course concurrently?
Hi Darren,
It is certainly possible to arrive in April, take the language course in that semester and also take the entrance exam/start your research so that you can start your degree in the fall semester.
You might need to temper your expectations about how much research you can accomplish while also studying the language and for the entrance exam, but I have heard of many applicants consulting with their advisor, starting their literature review, or finalizing their topic during that time.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
dear Travis,
I would like to know if I can contact an associate professor as my advisor or do I have to only contact professors?
Hi Dan,
MEXT does not have a rule that you can only contact full professors, but at each university, there might be different rules about who can and cannot supervise graduate students. Unfortunately, the only way to find out is to contact them.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis
I will graduate this summer from my master’s degree and I am applying for the MEXT scholarship through the embassy to become a research student in Japan in September/October in 2022. I am considering doing a short term internship right after I graduate to gain some practical experience relevant to the research I want to conduct in Japan. This would be no more than 6 months, I was wondering if I decide to do this, if it would make me ineligible according to the disqualification criteria (10).
Kind regards
Martin
Hi Martin,
No, that would not be a problem.
The disqualification criteria only refers to participating in an internship after you enroll in the university in Japan as a MEXT Scholar.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis
Please I am applying for the Embassy recommended…and my School is asking me for the address to be written on the transcript and I think it should be the Embassy…if I am right
Hi VICTOR Ayodeji Alalade,
I saw you had asked the same question on another article and I answered it there first.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I will apply for Mext Research through embassy. However I have a question concerning the universities. So, I will study International management and my first choice is Yokohama City University. However, many of their courses are thaught in Japanese. When I emailed them asking if I can complete all my degree in english, they said that yes I will be able to take english courses during all my master. I sit going to be a problem for MEXT knowing that not all courses are taught in English?
Hi Meru,
If the university says that the degree can be completed entirely by taking courses taught in English, then there should be no problem, even if they also offer some courses only in Japanese (those courses would not be mandatory to graduate).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Howdy Travis!
I’ve been steadily following this blog for about 6 months now. As the deadline for my application nears, there is one, small doubt in my head that I feel like will make me ineligible. I don’t know if this has been addressed before, I’ve scoured the internet looking for answers but I have found anything, not even on reddit (which to me is surprising).
My question is: In your experience, has someone ever been deemed ineligible or disqualified from MEXT just for being transgender?
My health certificate says I’m healthy (and aside from the weekly shots, I take no other medication and am in the best shape of my life!) but I am worried that because I am transgender MEXT will deem me as ineligible? Maybe it’s a fear of discrimination but I’ve looked everywhere but haven’t found anything so I want to believe that wouldn’t happen.
I would be applying for the research student application via embassy track. I don’t want to get disqualified just because I am transgender. I am legal on all my documents (my passport, license, social security –American based, etc) and I am beyond terrified to disclose that fact that I am transgender.
Has this ever happened before? Sorry if this has been asked previously! If it has, and you’ve already answered it, I would be grateful if you could direct me to where I can read it!
Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Axel,
No, I am not aware of anyone ever being disqualified for being transgender.
MEXT and Japanese universities in general will treat you as if you are the gender shown on your passport. Do not expect them to be accommodating of any other requests (Japan is behind in this area), but I know of no reason why you would be disqualified. For the weekly shots you mentioned, if they are self-administered and you are able to bring all of the shots that you need with you from the US for the duration of your stay when you arrive, then it should not be a problem.
I would think that the biggest risk you might face would be possible prejudices among individual reviewers of your application at the Embassy level. That is something you would have to consider, but there are no official eligibility criteria that would interfere with your application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Could you please provide clarfiication as to what the Japan embassy in the UK mean by this;
Application files (1), (3), (8) and (9) if applicable should be saved in the order of the numbers specified in the Application Guidelines (see 9. Application Documents) in a PDF file, except (2) Placement Preference Application Form and (7) Medical Certificate (or Self-Assessment Medical Report) separately.
do they want me to merge pdf files of documents 1 app form, 3 frrp, and 8 abstracts into a single pdf.
best regards,
Nauman
Hi Nauman,
Yes, my understanding is the same as yours. The application, FSRPP, thesis abstracts and language proficiency scores (if applicable) should be merged into a single pdf.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello! I am student of higher secondary education from Pakistan. I am looking forward for applying for MEXT scholarship in MBBS program.
In 2021, as for the pandemic situation no exams were under taken for the year 2020 in F.Sc 1st part and the students were promoted in 2nd part of intermediate. So my quetsion is how can I apply for Auguest batch as we are waiting for intermediate result is going to be announced in Auguest 2021.
secondly I want to know if it is neccessory for an individual to learn Japanies language
Hi Noroz Naseer,
I’m afraid I do not understand your education system well enough to be able to answer your question. I have never experienced an education system with exams being required for promotion.
However, since it sounds like this applies to all students in your year, the Embassy should have a solution for how they will deal with your cases. I suggest that you contact them directly to ask.
It sounds like you are applying for the undergraduate scholarship. In that case, you would undergo a year of intensive Japanese language training after arrival in order to get up to the standard to be able to take classes in Japanese. You do not necessarily need to have Japanese fluency in advance, though any language ability would help!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! I’m Kenneth
I’m currently in 11th grade and I want to apply for the scholarship in 2024..But my question is that I don’t have a passport. Should I apply for the passport first before the application process or during the application process?
Thank you in advance
And also I want know if I’m still eligible even if I undergo major surgery
Hi Kenneth,
As long as your surgery is complete and you do not require follow-up treatment that requires you to be in your home country, there should be no problems with your eligibility.
In your Certificate of Health, the doctor will be asked to fill in whether or not they think you are fit to study in Japan. If they say yes, then you should be fine.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Kenneth,
No, you do not need a passport when you start the application process. You will need one before the end, of course, but you should have plenty of time to get it after the results of the Primary Screening.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Coordinator,
I hope all is well with you
My name is Kassahun Maru from Ethiopia. I was trying to apply for MEXT scholarship 2022 in forestry and related fields.
1. Kindly, this is to request you to help me in choosing the right universities in Japan that are currently delivering PhD in forest science. I couldn’t see it on the website.
2. Is a medical certificate a must in the application? I am wondering if I could submit other documents as I can submit the medical certificate after the first screening process. Please help me ASAP.
Thanks in advance for your time and cooperation.
Kind regards,
Kassahun Maru
Hi Kassahun Maru,
1. I have an article (and now a whole book) about how to find the best degree programs in your field in Japan that should help. You can find more details here.
2. The Medical Certificate is required, but different embassies ask for it at different times, so you should check with the embassy where you intend to apply to find out when it is due.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz