Questions about the MEXT scholarship? Ask them in the comments here or on the individual FAQ pages listed below!
FAQs Released so Far
Here are the links to the existing pages:
- MEXT Scholarship Application Basic Information (Where to apply, etc.)
- Contacting Professors (Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship Application)
- Field of Study and Research Program Plan
- University Recommended MEXT Scholarship Application
Explanation
Given the recent volume of questions, I am afraid that I no longer have the time to answer each emailed question one-by-one and get you the response you want in a timely manner.
Instead, I will group similar questions and answer them in the subject-by-subject FAQ articles linked above.
Live Q&A?
Once TranSenz reaches $50 in monthly support on Patreon, I will start a monthly live video Q&A. If you are interested in supporting this effort, or simply getting faster responses to your questions and access to articles ahead of everyone else, you can become a patron of TranSenz for as little as $2 per month!
Get All the Answers, Fast
When you sign up for my MEXT Scholarship Mailing List, I will send you my sample MEXT application forms as well as a email course introducing you to the essentials of the MEXT scholarship application, step-by-step.
Tips to Get Your Questions Answered Faster
There are some ways you can get your question featured faster:
- Be clear. Let me know what type of application process (Embassy/University/Domestic Selection) you’re asking about, what level (Undergraduate/Graduate), what year, and any other relevant details. If I have to guess what you mean – or write back to you to ask you to clarify your question, it’s going to take more time.
- Be detailed. If your question is “Please help me with the MEXT Scholarship application” or “I don’t know where to start,” then read through the articles that exist on this site first. Specific questions that are easier to understand and research will get answered first. If your question seems like it’s asking for a half-hour sit-down chat, then it’s probably not possible for me to answer in the FAQ.
- Be original. If there is an FAQ for your question already, please watch/read what I have posted in there already. If you ask a question that’s just been answered, it will take me longer to circle back to it.
- Don’t be selfish. Questions that can help more people will get answered first. If your question is specific to only your case, it’s going to take me longer to get to it.
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Subject Specific FAQs
As I release and publish new Q&As and Q&A videos, I will post each of them on a separate page for that subject. Before posting a new question, please check to see if it’s already been answered, to save yourself some time!
If you can’t find an answer, you can post your question in the comments on the subject-specific page or on this page.
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Hello Travis
After passing the first screening, I applied to Tokyo University for the Spring Semester. I am still waiting for a response (although I have already gotten an okay from the supervisor, and I am almost sure I will get it)
There are seven months left till April, and now I got an excellent job opportunity in another country. I have to apply for a visa for this job, and it will take about two-three months which will leave me with approximately four months till my Research Program in Japan (always if I get accepted). I was wondering, do you know if Tokyo University would accept a request to change my desired start of the program? I would love to postpone my research to October, but I am aware that now is way past the application deadline. I don’t know if I should try to make this request because I also don’t want to seem like I am not serious about my application.
Hi Gigi,
What did you fill in in your application form for the month when you wish to arrive in Japan?
If you filled in that you prefer to arrive in fall, then there should be no issue. The university will already be aware of your preference (of course, though, the final decision is theirs).
If you wrote that you prefer to arrive in the spring or that either the spring or fall is possible, then you could contact the university to say something like “even though I wrote in the application form that I prefer to start my studies in April, that was because I thought it would be more convenient for the university. While I leave the final decision to your discretion, I would prefer to arrive in the fall, if possible.”
I do not think you should mention your job offer. That could give the impression that if the job goes well, you will give up the scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
In my MEXT application, I checked the third option of ‘either spring or fall.’ But Tokyo Uni has a separate online application where I had to specify which semester I was applying for, and I chose the spring semester.
Should I write to them now or after I receive their (possible) acceptance that I would prefer to change it to Fall? Either way, how should I justify why I changed my mind?
Hi Gigi,
Once the Letter of Acceptance is issued, it will have your start date written there and that can no longer be changed, so if you want to take it up, I recommend that you do so before they issue the letter.
I recommend you contact them now. I don’t recommend that you go into too much detail about why you want to change, just say that due to something that came up in your personal life, a fall start would be better. . . . But at the same time, I think you should make it clear that if the university prefers a spring start, then it is still possible.
Good Luck!
-Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for your advices.
I wanted to please ask about one more thing.
It’s been a bit over one month that I have applied, and in the meantime other students have already received their LOAs over a week ago. Is this delay normal or do you think that they notify first the ‘winning’ students? Should I send a follow up email ? I was sceptical that an email might show signs of impatience.
Hi Gigi,
Did the other students that you are referring to apply to the same graduate school at the same university? If so, I might be concerned and follow-up. However, if they applied to different graduate schools (e.g. you applied to the Grad School of Engineering and they applied to the Grad School of Economics), or if they applied to different universities altogether, then there is nothing to worry about. Each graduate school at each university is going to have their own process and timeline, so there is no way to compare one to the other.
If you are getting close to the deadline to submit LOAs to your embassy, then that would also be a good reason to contact the university to follow-up.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
I have few questions to you,
1/ Can I apply in Japan Mext & other countries (Canada, Australia, German) for scholarships at the same time? Would that be valid?
2/ I am obtaining MSc but not finished yet, all the curriculum & exams are done, waiting for results to publish. In this type of situation will I be eligible to apply? (I’m planning to apply next year but sometimes result publishing takes time in the uni, hence asking)
3/ I’m interested to apply for the PhD doctoral program in Robotics, I have been working on robotics for 4+ years what kind of competition I may face to get the scholarship with other candidates from my home country in this category? (which is Bangladesh)
4/ Is it mandatory to express at the interview that I will come back to home country after the degree is done?
Hi Ismat Jahan Nabila,
1. Yes, you are allowed to apply for scholarships in other countries at the same time, but you would have to list them in the application and MEXT will ask you to confirm that you will choose the MEXT Scholarship is selected and reject all of the others.
2. As long as the results will be available before you start your studies in Japan, then that will be fine. If you plan to apply next year, then your scholarship would start in April 2024 at the earliest, so I think that should be plenty of time for those results!
3. There’s no way to know what kind of competition you’ll face, but expect it to be extremely high. Know that you will not just be competing with other applicants in Robotics, you will compete with applicants from all fields. (And if you apply for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, you will be competing against applicants to that university from all countries and all fields of study.
4. MEXT does not mandate that, but some countries have a requirement that MEXT Scholarship awardees return to their home country after completing the scholarship. I don’t know if Bangladesh has that requirement, but you should check in advance. You should be able to describe what you want to do after finishing the scholarship/degree and how that will serve Bangladesh, Japan, and/or the relationship between the two.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis ! I hope this message finds you well. To day i received an email from JAPAN MEXT SCHOLARSHIP which tells me that i passed document screening. And the following will be written examination of English. So may you give me past exams that i can refer on it to prepare this coming exam. In my local country( Rwanda) we will do this exam on 22July2022. I am waiting you feedback and advices on this . Thank u
Hi Munyazikwiye Shema Etienne,
Congratulations on passing the document screening!
You can find old tests at this link. I recommend you evaluate yourself using those test and figure out if there are any areas you need to study more.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hey tran, hope you are doing well.
Am currently a junior in my UG degree , I’m currently a computer science & engineering major.
i have been told by people who have been studying through MEXT scholarship & specifically Master’s degree.
Do you think writing a research proposal is important if one wants to pursue master’s course?
& if yes, how?
Hi Siddharth Saklani,
Yes, a Field of Study and Research Program Plan is absolutely required for a Master’s degree application. It is probably the most important document in your application for the MEXT Scholarship!
I have an article about how to write it (linked above), but if you need more information about how to go from no research idea all the way to a finished FSRPP, I have a book that covers the process from start to finish. You can find more information about the book in the article.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you. I have followed all the guidelines you provided on this website, and I was accepted at one of the universities in Japan and I was recommended to MEXT to get a scholarship. The International Office said that last March my recommendation file had been sent to MEXT, and the results would be announced in June-July. However, until now I have not received further information about my scholarship.
My question are, at this stage what are my chances of getting a scholarship?. Will it have a negative influence on the university, sensei, or myself if I withdraw from the scholarship application now for personal reasons? According to what I’ve heard, MEXT has the authority to implement fines such as lowering the quota or refusing to accept students from sensei.
Hi Rayhan,
Congratulations on being selected for recommendation to MEXT!
After the university has nominated you to MEXT, you are almost certain to be selected and receive it in the end. MEXT’s final decision usually comes at the end of June or early July, but that is usually little more than a verification that they are accepting the nominated students.
As far as I have heard, the results are not yet out for this year (and it would be very early, if they were!).
If you withdraw, I am not aware of any penalties imposed on the university or professor who recommended you. Obviously, they would not be able to replace you as a nominee this year, so they would lose your scholarship place, but that is all I know of.
If your personal reasons are unavoidable, then there is nothing that can be done, but if you still have a choice in the matter and are just worried about the uncertainty of the results, I encourage you to stick it out. You should be hearing good news within the next couple of weeks.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
I am currently ready to hand in my application, however, there is one thing I am quite unsure about. In my application, I wrote that I would like to start as a research student, up to the completion of a doctoral degree. However, I would also like to do a master’s. I don’t want to be too specific, but I am currently doing a master’s in my home country and I focus on “A”. I would like to study “B” in Japan, it is the same field (let’s say literature, theoretical background is also the same, both has to do with Japan) but “B” can only be studied in Japan and I plan to do a comparative study on “A” and “B” for my doctoral dissertation. I don’t want to lie about it, but I think I could maybe be able to study “B” as a research student and wanting to do master’s degree could hurt my chances..?
Do you think this is enough reason to say that I want to pursue a master’s degree during the interview? Or is there any good reason to persuade the interviewers?
Hi Sarah,
If you already have a Master’s degree and check that you want to start as a research student then continue through a doctorate, they may assume that you want to matriculate directly from your research student status to the doctoral degree. There is no clear way to state that preference in the application form. So, you would have to make that clear in the FSRPP (showing that it is for your research student semester + Master’s degree) and interview.
Every year, there are applicants who apply for the same degree level that they already have when switching topics, etc. So, it is possible. You just have to present a clear explanation as to why a second master’s is more valuable for your future goals. If you can make a clear and convincing case, it should not hurt your chances.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
does the recommendation letter has a mandatory envelope size?can we put it in an A4 envelope?
Hi Gabriela Rusu,
There is no mandatory size for the envelope for the Letter of Recommendation. !4 is fine, or regular (tri-fold size) works fine, too. But it is going to to have to fit inside the package with all of your other documents when you send it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, I am a bit uncertain about the type of writing should I use for my application. If I’m typing by a computer should the letters still be all in BLOCK like with CAPS LOCK? or this is referred to only when writing by hand?
Hi Gabriela Rusu,
No, you should not type in all caps. That is only for handwriting (for legibility’s sake). If you fill in the form by typing, type normally.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi ,I’m about to finish my application for undergraduate students but , if I paste my photo in digital form do I still need to like write the nationality and name on the back of it? I mean it’s impossible
Hi Gabriela Rusu,
No, obviously, it is impossible to write your name on the back of a digital file, so you do not need to do that. It would only be necessary in the case of attaching a physical photo, so they could match the photo with your application if it falls off.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
HELLO
WHAT DOES REMARK MEANS IN ACADEMIC BACKGROUND ? DO I NEED TO WRITE MY MARKS? IF YES THEN HOW , I MEAN HOW I’M SUPPOSED TO WRIYE MY ELEMENTARY MARKS OF 8 WHOLE YEARS IN JUST ONE BOX? AND IF NO THEN WHAT I’M SUPPOSED TO WRITE THEIR?
Ha Aanchal,
The remarks section is for use if you need to explain something further about your academic record. For example, if you graduated early, or attended multiple schools, etc. Most applicants will not fill in anything in this section.
You do NOT need to write your marks there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, I was wondering if it would be okay if I skipped over a middle school as I have transferred to at least 5 or 6 different schools throughout my middle school years and they take up way too much space. The school was also unknowingly a terrorist backing school which I fear would deteriorate my chances. Would this be an extreme game changer as I doubt they would go looking around where I went to with that much detail? Thanks.
Hi Keto,
No, it is not OK to leave out part of your schooling. That could be considered falsifying your records and could get your application rejected.
In my article about how to fill out the MEXT Scholarship application form, I have instructions on how to fill out the Academic Background section with attached documents if there is too much information to fit into a certain row. (The article is from last year. I am working on an update now, but it has not changed significantly).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you for all the resources you provided. The application is on in my country and I’ll be sending out my documents at least by next week.
I’ll be sending out the official transcript directly from my school first before the rest of the application. I believe they can receive it and keep it safe before I send the others right?
My main question is regarding the recommendation letter. My academic adviser wrote a letter for me and sealed it in an envelope. However, I was able to get an extra copy from him.
I noticed he didn’t use an official letterhead of the university. He didn’t stamp on it either. He did sign. The paper is a normal A4 paper. Not the hard paper copy.
Do you think that is okay?
I would have considered asking him for another copy, but he works in a different university now so I cannot reach him for the meantime.
Or do you think I should ask my previous Head of Department to write me a new one?
In addition, my three preferred universities are all private universities. Is that going to be a problem for me?
I have tried checking National Universities, but my field of study isn’t tackled much there.
Hi Gal,
Listing only private universities should not hurt your application chances.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Gal,
I recommend that you contact the Embassy about their policy for receiving transcripts sent directly from the university, since that might differ from country to country. Remember that you have to submit one original and two copies.
Regarding your letter of recommendation, I think it should be fine without the letterhead and stamp, as long as it has his original signature. Especially since he has since moved on to another university, it would be rather difficult for him to get letterhead and the official seal of the old university! I have never heard of the Embassy being overly picky and rejecting a LoR over something like this.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
First, I would like to thank you for all the resources and help you’ve provided. Finding so much helpful information is extremely motivating to follow through with this process!
My questions are regarding Transcripts and Graduation Certificates for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship:
I am a US citizen, and I would apply to a US-based Consulate. However, I did my undergraduate studies abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, and my Diploma and Transcripts are also in Spanish.
-Is it possible to submit these original Spanish documents to a Japanese Consulate in the USA, or would I need to have them translated? (I’ve emailed the Consulate with this question but have not received a response yet. Maybe you have some insight on this??)
Also, I am currently undergoing a Master’s program and would submit my current transcripts in the application. Additionally, the MEXT guidelines mention that I would also need to submit a certificate of prospective graduation if I’m still coursing in a graduate program. Although I have reached out to my school about this, they say that they cannot provide such a document until my graduation date, but that won’t happen until the Fall, and I fear I would miss my chance of submitting this for this application cycle.
-Would I able to submit my transcripts alone, or should I be more insistent with my school about getting a certificate of prospective graduation or some sort of document detailing my expected graduation?
Thank you for your time and help,
Brandon
Hi Brandon,
Thank you for your kind words.
According to the application guidelines, all application documents need to be submitted in Japanese or English or accompanied by a translation into one of those languages. So, your transcripts, etc., in Spanish would need an English translation, regardless of whether you were applying in the US or a Spanish-speaking country.
Typically, when schools refuse to issue a certificate of expected graduation, it is because they don’t understand what it means. MEXT is not asking them to certify that you will absolutely graduate by that date. A certificate of expected graduation is simply a document that shows when you will graduate provided that you complete all of your remaining requirements according to the expected timeline. Put another way, they are really only certifying that there is no reason that you would not be able to graduate by that date.
I recommend you go back to your university to negotiate on that point, explain to them that the Certificate of Expected Graduation can be conditional on all of your remaining requirements.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis.
First, thank you very much for this website and answering all the questions! It has been extremely helpful!
I hope I didn’t overlook this question asking elsewhere, if so, I am sorry. I am planning on reapplying for embassy recommendation this year (I applied last year for both embassy and university recommended and didn’t pass unfortunately) and I am considering anything that could give an edge to my application.
I was wondering about the recommendation letter – would it help if I were able to obtain two letters of recommendation? Specifically, I have been in contact for more than a year with my prospective supervisor – would it help if I obtained a recommendation letter from him on top of my supervisor from current university? My current supervisor knows me well and has supervised me for many years, but I was thinking if a letter from my prospective supervisor would show that they are ready to accept me?
Hi Anke,
Thank you very much for your feedback!
I don’t think getting an additional recommendation letter, especially one that doesn’t match what the application guidelines are looking for, is going to help you much. Honestly, I don’t think Letters of Recommendation are that significant of a factor in the evaluation compared to other documents. It won’t hurt you, at worst, it would be ignored, but I don’t think it’s the best place to put your effort.
The best place to improve your application chances would be to strengthen your Field of Study and Research Program Plan. If the professor that you have been in contact with in Japan is willing to look over that plan for you and provide advice, that would be the most beneficial.
I’m not sure if you made it to the interview stage, but I would certainly recommend that you mention in the interview that you have been in touch with the professor and that they are willing to accept you!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I am applying for the mext scholarship I live in turkey but the dates are still 2021 not 2022 so I want to know when does the dates change and as an Egyptian living in turkey should I apply from there
Hi Ahmed,
MEXT typically releases the guidelines in mid-April and then the various Embassies update their dates and requirements shortly thereafter.
As soon as I notice that the new guidelines are out, I will be sure to be in touch with everyone on my mailing list. Then, I will update my articles here with any changes and share those, as well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi? I hope you are doing great?
I initially wanted to apply for a masters degree directly but your post motivated me to apply as a non degree student first. However, I will be extending it to the doctoral degree level.
So my question is, do you suggest I tailor my research plan beginning from the preparatory period I’ll be in Japan to the 6th year of my doctoral degree? Or should I make the duration of the plan as 2 years? (Just master’s degree)
Secondly, if I check in my application form that I intend to stay in Japan until the end of my master’s degree, will I be allowed to apply for an extention as a PhD student after master’s?
Hi Gal,
If your eventual goal is to extend to the doctoral degree level, then why not write that in your initial application? Yes, you can apply for an extension later even if you check that you only plan to study to the end of a Master’s degree, but I think it would be better to show the reviewers what your long-term plans are.
Your initial research plan should be for only the first degree that you plan to undertake, since MEXT will only be awarding the scholarship for that degree at this point. When you apply to extend your scholarship later, then you’ll write about what research you want to complete during the next degree.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day again, haha.
I have been seeing different posts about submitting a CV together with my application. I don’t know how true that is since it was not mentioned in the application guidelines. Should I submit a CV or a cover letter with the details of everything I am submitting?
Hi Gal,
You are not required to submit a CV and, at least at my university, if a student sent us a document that was not on the required documents list, we would not even pass it to the review committee for consideration. So, I don’t think it’s necessary.
However, it also wouldn’t hurt the applicant in any way. So, if you want, you can go ahead and submit it, knowing that at the worst it simply wouldn’t be considered. But really, I would only think about it if you had significant, relevant working experience that you think would matter for the scholarship review. And even then, a passing mention in your FSRPP might be more effective.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks for your response Travis.
In the application process, those who have written a thesis are required to submit an abstract of the thesis.
Is it a good idea to do some addition and subtraction from my original abstract and submit it? Or do I have to show them my real thesis at some point?
Hi Gal,
You only have to submit the abstract, which should be a half-page to one-page summary of your thesis. You should never have to submit the full thesis during the application process, so I wouldn’t worry about editing the original. Of course, your abstract does have to be true to the original, so you can’t go changing the contents now.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I have a few questions to ask.
About the X-ray, I am still a bit confused. How is my doctor going to provide the xray film on the document?
Secondly, can I have a notary public notarize my transcript and certificate instead of my school?
Thirdly, is it fine if I have written a project (bachelor’s thesis) but do not send the outline to the embassy during the application process?
And I am guessing the part asking for us to submit original transcript and certificate is actually talking about the notarized copy right?
And for my research plan, is it compulsory to write the research timeline? For example, talking about what I plan to do during the first year and so on? Because I already have my research proposal drafted out but writing a timeline is kind of difficult for me.
Lastly, for the recommendation letter, how do I go about submitting an original and two copies when my professor is supposed to seal them? Do I ask him to make the copies of the original and sign on all of them then place them in a single envelope?
I believe my academic advisor can write the recommendation letter for me instead of the Dean right?
I’m looking forward to your response. Thank you.
Hi Joan,
X-ray: Your doctor just needs to put the reference number for the x-ray. They do not need to (should not) attach the original x-ray film/image.
Notary: Yes, a notarized copy should be fine.
Project/Thesis abstract: You are required to submit it if you have one.
Original documents: A notarized copy is considered to be equivalent to an original.
Research timeline: The timeline is not compulsory, but you should indicate what order you are going to complete your research steps in and how they will answer your research question.
Recommendation letter (copies): It is not necessary for the recommendation letter to be sealed in an envelope. If your professor does want to seal it, then you can ask him to make the copes first. Otherwise, if he gives you just one letter in an envelope, you should ask the local embassy what they want you to do. In some cases, they will tell you to open it and make copies. In some cases, they will tell you just to submit the sealed letter as-is. It depends from country to country.
Recommendation letter (who writes): If you are applying for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, then your advisor can write it. (If you are applying for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, then it would have to be the Dean or higher.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis, thank you for your response. I heard from someone that I was supposed to attach a image of the xray to that box (with the chest) on the health certificate, so I was wondering how to go about it. I’m glad I can leave that out.
I know this probably sounds silly, but I would love to ask for your opinion on how to package all the documents when sending them out to the embassy. I have never sent any official document before so I am lost.
Secondly, do you have an idea if all universities under the MEXT scholarship accept Non-regular students? I would like to start with that in September 2023.
Thirdly, can I use a ‘statement of result’ from my university instead of a ‘certificate of graduation’ as the latter is not available yet? And if I cannot get my complete transcript before the end of the application period, can I use the transcript I already have, which has up to my 7th semester (and was addressed to another school in China)? At least by the end of May, I would have my certificates ready but I don’t want to take any chances.
Sorry for the long question. I am eager to read your response. Thank you.
Hi Joan,
I’d actually written an article several years ago that included a section on packaging the application for sending, though it was about the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship.
Some of the content won’t apply to you for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, but you can find my suggestions for how to arrange your materials in the envelope and other tips, like never use staples (for anything. Ever.) in the section titled, “PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION FOR MAILING”.
Of course, you should check the embassy’s website first to see if they have specific instruction. If they do, prioritize their instructions over my suggestions!
As far as I know, most universities do accept non-regular students via the MEXT Scholarship (usually for one semester while you wait to take the entrance exam and enroll in the degree program). When you apply to the universities for your Letter of Provisional Acceptance, if your application indicates that you prefer to start as a non-regular student, they should consider that.
If your “Statement of Result” indicates the date that you are expected to graduate, it would count as a Certificate of Graduation. That doesn’t need to be the title of the document, it just needs to be an official document that certifies when you will graduate (provided you pass all your classes in the meantime, of course!).
As for the transcript, you can use one that includes your grades up to the 7th semester, but I would highly recommend that you get a new one that isn’t addressed to a new university. If it was me on the review committee, I might consider rejecting your application just for having the transcript addressed to another university, since that would indicate that you aren’t serious enough about the application to bother getting a new one. At the very least, I would be skeptical viewing the rest of your application, which would make it an uphill battle to get approved.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks a lot for all your responses. It’s quite difficult reaching the Japanese Embassy in my country. But I have forwarded a copy of the transcript to my desired university and to the main Japanese website and they agreed I could use the watermarked unofficial transcript for my application. I just need to be sure that the Embassy here would accept that too and would keep trying to reach out to them.
My other question is this: I wrote my final undergraduate exams in October 2021. But my degree is going to be awarded to me this month with an effective date starting from 03/2022.
So my question is, am I supposed to input 03/2022 as my year of graduation or write (October 2021) when I wrote my final exams.
If I write 2017–2022 as my year of enrollment till graduation, that makes it 5 years but my schooling duration was 4 years.
So should I use 10/2017 to 10/2021 instead?
I hope my question doesn’t confuse you.
Hi Joan,
I’m glad to hear that they seem willing to use the “unofficial” transcript since it is watermarked. If the university and other inquiry site have confirmed that it is sufficient, then it should be no problem for the Embassy, either.
For your years of schooling, I recommend that you write the start date (10/2017) and official graduation date (03/2022), but fill in 4 years of schooling. In the notes section, you can explain that all coursework and exams were competed in 10/2021. That should be enough of an explanation.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Sorry again,
I need to be sure of this. My research is going to use primary and secondary sources of data collection, involving books, articles etc in Japan. Does it mean I have a low chance of getting the scholarship since I have no knowledge of Japanese?
Hi Joan,
I don’t think you would be automatically disqualified, but you would have to convince the MEXT scholarship reviewers as well as your future advisor in Japan that you will be able to conduct research based on Japanese-language primary and secondary sources without having ability in the language, and that could be challenging to do. But if you can show in your Field of Study and Research Program Plan as well as your interview how you will overcome the language barrier, then they should consider your plan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much, Travis. You just made my application process a thousand times easier.
Is it fine if my transcript have “UNOFFICIAL COPY” watermarked to the body? Because that is the only type my school provides to students. But it well signed and stamped by the school’s registrar.
Hi Joan,
While the unofficial copy you mentioned should be acceptable, I think this is going to be a judgement call by the embassy.
Does your university have the option to issue an official copy sealed in an envelope or to send an official copy directly to another institution?
The best solution would be if you could get an official copy sealed in an envelope and include that as your one official copy, then submit the unofficial copy and a photocopy of it (or just two photocopies) as your “copies”.
If they can’t issue you a sealed official copy, but can send a copy directly, then I recommend that you check with the embassy to see if they want you to have one official copy sent directly to them from the university or whether they prefer that you submit your watermarked/signed unofficial copy. Either one should be acceptable, but I think in this case it is best to get the embassy’s preference.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, i am in my final semester of my graduation of BCA with total 15 years of educational experience, am i eligible for mext for pursuing Masters? Second can i apply next year After completing my graduation this year’s sep?
Hi Ayush,
As long as you are scheduled to graduate before August 2023, you would be eligible to apply this year (2022). For the 2022 application, your studies would start in April or September/October of 2023, so you would need to have graduated by then.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis I’m abit confused on the Non- regular degree course. I have read your article and you greatly advise for one to apply as a non- degree tudent. But I want to enroll as a Masters student. But start as a non- regular degree student so how would I go about it. Do I need to first apply first as a non degree course and then renew my Mext scholarship?
Hi Abigail,
If you start as a non-degree student, then yes, you would apply first as a non-degree student then apply to extend your MEXT Scholarship after you arrive in Japan.
I recommend this approach for two reasons.
1. Once you become a Master’s Degree student, you only have 2 years to complete your studies or you will lose the scholarship. That means that if you struggle with adjusting to the university in Japan, that could be trouble. Starting as a non-degree student gives you a semester to start getting used to the university and settling into life in Japan before you face that time limit.
2. Some universities will require you to sit for an entrance exam for admission to the degree program. That can be challenging when you’re overseas. But if you start as a non-degree student, you can take the entrance exam during that time.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! Thank you so much for your informative website! It was very helpful when I applied for the Scholarship but I am now in a difficult position. I am on my third semester of my Master’s and I have the scholarship (University Reccommendation), I have finished the courses and I have only the thesis units left for my next and final semester. I might unfortunately have to leave Japan and spend a long time in my home country for personal reasons, regardless of the possible travel ban coming to place. I would like to ask what consequences should I expect especially to my scholarship. I know that I won’t receive it for the months I am away from Japan because I can’t sign, but will I have to decline it if I stay away longer than 2 months and will I also be required to pay the fees of my last semester? I hope you can help me with this information because I wasn’t really able to find anything on the matter. I sincerely thank you in advance for your reply!
Hi Maria,
That sounds like a difficult situation and I am very sorry to hear about it.
For the MEXT Scholarship, if you do not sign for your scholarship each month, then you do not get the stipend. If you miss the signature for three months, then they consider you to have voluntarily withdrawn from the scholarship, so you would give up all benefits, including future stipend payments, the university-funded tuition, and your flight ticket home at the end of the scholarship.
I am not sure about whether or not you have to pay the tuition fees for your final semester- it would depend on when you left, I would think. If you leave before the semester begins, then I think you would have to pay the tuition, but if you were to leave mid-semester, then the tuition should already have been paid/waived and I don’t think they would invoice you for in in that case, though I can’t be completely sure.
If you leave in the middle of the semester, take a leave of absence, and have to come back in a future year to finish your degree, then you would be responsible for the tuition after you return, too.
If possible, I would recommend that you consult directly with your university, including your academic advisor (to see if you can complete your thesis work remotely, if that is your desire) and the office that handles the scholarship to see what the procedures would be. If your thesis is all you have left and there is a way that you can continue it while out of the country and return in time for that third month signature, then they might be able to work with you to continue the scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hey,
i dont know wht to answer for the questions in the application like … what triggers me to study in japan..
i have done my bsc in biotech and iwant to do msc in biotech .. and iam not understandin what i should answer for this questions can u help me with that?
Hi Anu,
Have you read my article about how to fill out the application form for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship? I’ve included my advice about how to answer that question (and the other essay questions) in that article. Your answer should be specific to your research topic and future goal to contribute to society, not just your field of study, and describe why Japan is the best place for your research, with specifics.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz