Need help with your Field of Study and Research Program Plan? How to Write a Scholarship-Winning Field of Study and Research Program Plan will walk you through choosing a field, developing a research question, and completing the final report to give you the best chance of success!
Field of Study and Research Program Plan for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship
MEXT updated the format of the Field of Study and Research Program Plan for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship in April 2019. The University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship still uses the format described below, but if you are applying for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship Application process, you can find information about that version here. Both versions contain the same content, it’s just organized differently and there are different limitations in place regarding the form itself.
The Field of Study and Research Program Plan is the single-most important part of your MEXT Scholarship application at the graduate level. Whether you’re applying for a research student status, Master’s Degree, or PhD, this is the single most important element that you have any control over. I’ve discussed that in a previous article, but I constantly get people asking for more details, so here it is.
So, it’s understandable that most applicants get more anxious about this form and what it should include than anything else in the application process.
Downloading the Form
First things first: If you don’t have the original form yet, the links below are direct to the files on MEXT’s website, so you can download it without having to puzzle through their Japanese website:
- Embassy-recommended MEXT Application, 2019 Edition
- University-recommended MEXT Application, 2019 Edition
Purpose of the Field of Study and Research Program Plan
In Japan, the Field of Study and Research Program Plan (研究計画書 kenkyukeikakusho) is part of any graduate school application, regardless of MEXT scholarship. There is a set format and elements that Japanese universities are looking for.
As a foreigner, you wouldn’t necessarily be expected to know all of the elements of the Field of Study and Research Program Plan, but if you do hit them, you’re going to stand out in a good way.
I’ve researched several universities’ guidelines for what they’re looking for, professors’ blogs, and prep school websites to put together the elements below. I hope they help. (My sources are available at the bottom of the article, but they’re all in Japanese).
Disclaimer: This is all only my own research and conclusions. It has not been formally vetted by any MEXT officials, Embassy staff, or grad school admissions committees, yet.
Field of Study and Research Program Plan: Formatting Notes
As of the 2018 application, the format for the Embassy-recommended MEXT Scholarship application and University-recommended MEXT Scholarship application are different, so I’ll keep the differences straight as much as possible below.
Font Size: The default font size in the Field of Study and Research Program Plan that you download from the MEXT website is 7.5 pt, which is ridiculously small and unreadable. Feel free to change it to a reasonable Times New Roman 12 pt.
Titles and Formatting: Feel free to format your Field of Study and Research Program Plan to make it more readable. I recommend titling each of the sections mentioned below and breaking it into paragraphs to make it easy on the professors. Nobody likes a big old wall of text.
If you have to add extra pages to account for the formatting, that’s OK. But don’t go overboard.
Tables, Graphs, and Diagrams: If they add to the document and are necessary to answer the questions below, go ahead and include them. But again, keep it within reason.
References: Include a list of references on an attached page. I’ll get to it below, but it’s a good thing to have.
Completing the Field of Study and Research Program Plan
1. Present Field of Study
This question previously only existed in the Field of Study and Research Program Plan format for the Embassy-recommended application process, but was added to the form for the University-recommended MEXT application process in 2018.
Research Background
Recommended Heading: Research Background
Recommended Length: 3-4 sentences
Recommended Content: Describe what you have researched in the past that led to your interest in the topic you will pursue in Japan. Since MEXT requires that you study a topic that you majored in in the past, this is your opportunity to show the connection.
Make sure that you describe your interest in terms of what it will contribute to the field. This is not a personal statement. “I am interested in microfinance because my family was poor” is not a good explanation. “Based on my past research into microfinance in developing countries, I think a systematic examination of the impact of microfinance-supported entrepreneurial ventures in former agricultural areas of developed countries has impacted population movements and rural revitalization is necessary to apply effective practices both in Japan and abroad” is better.
To strengthen the statement above, you could go into more detail about why your research would be beneficial to the field in general, perhaps with an emphasis on how it could dovetail with your desired advisor’s research.
2. Your Research Topic in Japan
This section is where you will cover the academic aspect of your research (as opposed to the practical process of research, which we’ll get to later).
Research Title
Recommended Heading: None. Simply center the text at the top of this section.
Recommended Length: Title and Subtitle, like it would be on a completed thesis.
Recommended Content: This is your sales copy. It needs to grab attention so your reviewers read further.
The main title is your overall theme and the subtitle is how exactly you plan to study it. For example:
The Contribution of ‘Outsider’ Expertise to Rural Revitalization Projects: An Exploration of the Yuzu Industry in Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture
(JAIST)
You are not locked into using this title. Like almost everything else in your Field of Study and Research Program Plan, it will probably change once you begin your research under your advisor. But it’s still important to have a solid idea at this stage.
Detailed Theme
Recommended Heading: Research Theme
Recommended Length: One-two sentences
Recommended Content: This should take a format like “I intend to research [SPECIFIC FIELD] from [METHOD] perspective in order to [OUTCOME].” It does not need to be exact, but it does need to cover those elements.
It is important to include the intended outcome of your research. Research itself is not the goal – you should have something you intend to accomplish through it. Returning to JAIST’s example from the previous section:
This study will elucidate how specialist knowledge held by outsiders to rural revitalization projects can contribute to those projects, by examining the example of Yuzu farmers in Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture’s contributions to local efforts by way of surveys and interviews, in order to advance the effectiveness of rural revitalization projects across Japan.
(JAIST)
Yes, the original Japanese is a horrible run-on sentence.
Previous Research in the Field
Recommended Heading: Previous Research
Recommended Length: Two-three sentences
Recommended Content: Describe the research that exists in the field and past approaches briefly.
This should be concise and just enough to establish that you understand the state of the field. If you can state “It is generally accepted in the field that . . .” or cite the prevailing theory with an author, that’s perfect. (Make sure that author makes it into your references).
Problems with the Previous Research
Recommended Heading: Problems in the Field
Recommended Length: Two-four sentences
Recommended Content: Evaluate the past research in terms of problems or opportunities for further exploration. Don’t be harsh or overly critical, but point out conflicts in research, examples that have not been fully explored that could alter understanding of the field, etc. Make sure you also discuss how your research will contribute to solving the problems you identify.
This section is where you establish how your research will be original.
Research Goal/Outcome
Recommended Heading: Research Goals
Recommended Length: One to two paragraphs
Recommended Content: Your first paragraph should cover the research question you intend to answer and how – an expansion of your detailed research theme. The second paragraph should outline the possible academic and practical benefits of your research.
Remember that not everyone is an expert in your field, so try to keep the jargon out of it. You want your research to have value outside of your narrow field, so you have to be able to describe that to non-exerts.
When discussing the benefits, it would be beneficial to mention specifically how they apply to Japan, your home country, and/or bringing the two closer together.
Page 2: Study Program in Japan
Your research program plan should be a detailed, step-by-step description of how you will go about the research you described in the previous section. This is where you establish that your research is viable, especially given the time restraints of your degree.
Research Approach Introduction
Recommended Heading: Research Approach
Recommended Length: 2 paragraphs
Recommended Content: In the first paragraph, explain your research methodology (theoretical, statistical, etc.) in 2-3 sentences and why you chose this method in another 2-3 sentences.
In the second, shorter paragraph, describe how you expect your method to solve your research problem.
Specific Research Plan
Recommended Heading: Research Timeline
Recommended Length: Table/timeline long enough to cover the content below
Recommended Content: Detailed explanations of the steps you will go through in your research program (2 years for Masters, 3 for PhD).
For each step, you want to go into detail. So, “literature review” is not sufficient. What kind of sources do you plan to review? They should be in your references section already.
This is also a good place to mention specific coursework you want to take (and why), especially if you have your goal narrowed down to a single university or there are similar courses at each of your target universities.
If you plan to do field research (and you absolutely should) then “collect examples” is not enough detail. You should propose a more specific approach, including the type of examples, where you will get them, and why that approach is best. For example, are you going to do a survey study or interviews? Where? Why?
One Keio professor mentioned in his blog that he expects his advisees to do field research twice during their degree. For example, students would do a survey study first then return later for interviews to go into more detail, or do field studies in two places for comparison purposes.
Your Research Program Plan is a strategy, not a concrete plan. You are not locked in to doing things exactly this way, but having a solid plan at this point makes you look like a more responsible and dedicated applicant.
Attachment: References
This isn’t a section of the form, but you should attach a list of references nonetheless.
Include all the books you read while preparing your Field of Study and Research Program Plan as well as the books and articles they led you to that you intend to read in the future.
List your references in alphabetical order, using the format most common to your field of study.
Sources
I put this article together based on several Japanese faculty blogs, university websites, and prep school pages. You can find those sources below:
How to Research and Craft a Research Plan
http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/nifongo/keikaku/index.html
KALS Graduate School Application Prep School application advice article
http://www.kals.jp/graduate-sch/pln/
Keio University Professor’s Blog
http://cce-cmkt-tpro.sfc.keio.ac.jp/tajima_lab/inframe/sonota/01.htm
JAIST (Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) Application Advice Page
http://www.jaist.ac.jp/~as-asami/exam_research_plan/exam_research_plan.html
Study Channel Research Plan Writing Guide
http://www.study-channel.com/2015/07/research-plan.html
Five Steps to Writing a Lousy Research Plan (University of Tokyo Professor’s Blog)
http://www.nakahara-lab.net/2013/05/post_2004.html
Questions?
Before asking any questions in the comments, below, I recommend reading through the Field of Study and Research Program Plan FAQ. You can ask your questions in the comments here, on the FAQ page, or by email and I will answer them by updating the FAQ and letting you know when the answers are available.
For tips on getting your questions answered faster (and an explanation as to why I can’t always answer quickly), please read the MEXT Scholarship Application FAQ top page.
I’d also recommend signing up for my mailing list, below, to get notified whenever I have updates to any of the FAQs or new articles about the MEXT scholarship!
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Hello Travis,
If I entered “The first course you plan to take in Japan” as a Non-degree student. And “Term you wish to study in Japan” as Up to the completion of the doctoral program. In the Research Timeline table, should I make it 2 years (Master course) or 5 years (Master+PhD), as I will start with my Master first?
Hi Mohamed Ragab,
If you are planning to arrive as a non-degree student and then progress to the Master’s degree after one semester, then I recommend that your Field of Study and Research Program Plan cover 5 semesters, (one semester as a research student and four as a Master’s degree student).
You should not include your PhD in your original research plan. You will discuss that later when you apply for an extension of your scholarship from Master’s to PhD.
For the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, please make sure that your university is actually accepting applications as non-degree students. Typically, they would only do so if they cannot accept applications for the degree program starting in the fall. (i.e. if the degree program only starts in the spring semester.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you Travis for your advice and your help.
Hi Travis, I hope you’ve been well! I am John. I am asking the question about Unversity Recommendation MEXT Scholarship for master’s degree, regarding the Study and Research Program Plan Form.
I am concerned about the content you post in this blog: “If you have to add extra pages to account for the formatting, that’s OK. But don’t go overboard.”
For the University -Recommendation forms I have seen so far, they do mention that the form must be created within two pages, but additional sheets may be added if necessary. So isn’t it implying the there is no page limit??
I actually have done the form, and because is it in STEM field, the overall length is about 7-8 pages. is it acceptable,??
Thank you.
Hi John,
I would say that 7-8 pages is much too long!
Two is the target amount, which means that they are expecting the level of detail and content that can fit into two pages if written well. Adding one or two pages might be reasonable, if you have diagrams, etc., that take up a significant amount of space, but I have never seen a diagram that was actually necessary to the proposal. I have also never seen a research proposal that needed to me more than two pages of text to get the point across – including STEM proposals. (Please note that if you include a research timeline and/or list of sources, I am not counting those within the two pages! Those would be separate attachments.)
The problem with a proposal that long is that it makes it unlikely that reviewers will read it in detail. They are expecting you to be concise and to the point and don’t have time to read such a lengthy proposal from every applicant.
I suggest that you go through your proposal and find ways to make it more concise, shorten parts, and condense it down to the necessary items.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Alright, thank you for your help!
HEY, first of all thankyou for such a wonderful work and helping us confused kids out.
I have been dreaming for years to go to japan for my master’s and would really love to apply there. I am from STEM Electrical Engineering. My project doesn’t have originality in them just a little bit of tweeking to get better results from existing ones. My goal down the road is to do a master’s get a job in industry and earn money. While looking about masters I came to knew that there are two types of masters research (80% research 20% coursework) and taught (80% course 20% research). Also it took me a while to get clarity that all masters in japan are research based which really confused me and troubles me . Will doing masters help me get that industry job??what are your opinions regarding that??yeah and i am not confident if i am good for research or is it my cup of tea or not.
Hi Avi Singh,
All graduate degrees in Japan require both research and coursework, but I don’t think that the 80%/20% split is accurate. However, for the sake of your application, the Field of Study and Research Program Plan and your ability to propose a research project is critically important to being accepted.
Typically, in a STEM master’s degree in Japan, your “research” portion would be working on a specific, assigned research project related to the ongoing research in your advisor’s lab, so you would be getting practical experience in the field. That should help with a job hunt later.
I’m not sure whether you are interested in working in Japan or your home country, but if you wanted to work in Japan, faculty members often have industry connections and work on contracted research from industry, so your performance could certainly help in the job search through your advisor’s network. (On the other hand, many Japanese job opportunities would require that you speak the language).
But before you start worrying about jobs, I think you need to think hard about the application. The MEXT Scholarship is looking to select applicants who have a high potential to contribute to society, the relationship between Japan and their home countries, and/or their academic field. If your goal is just to get a job and earn money, then frankly I don’t think you have much of a shot. You will be competing against applicants who have strong goals in the categories above. So, before you start your application process, I would encourage you to think about what you want to accomplish/contribute to in the future that will help others and develop a research proposal that will serve that goal. My article about How to Maximize Your Chances for the MEXT Scholarship goes into more detail on goal-setting, and I also have a deep-dive in my book, How to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship. I recommend at least reading the article as a start!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Yeah i got your point. i have a drive to do something for the society and contribute my knowledge its just that alongside I want to earn sufficiently to take care of myself and my family. I have read that research students tend to go for PHDs and earn less than the industry working people thats what made me a little unsure.
Hi Travis,
Thank you for providing a comprehensive set of resources for the MEXT application. I’m an undergraduate student applying for the Research scholarship, and your blog posts helped me avoid some of the pitfalls of creating a research plan given my lack of experience with them.
My question is: Should I make specific references to schools or professors that I listed on my placement preference form? I assume all three universities would see the research plan when I’m reaching out to professors, but I also want to demonstrate that I did my homework on the people I want to work with.
Thanks again, and have a great day!
Hi Kani,
You are right that you will be sending your Field of Study and Research Program Plan to both universities that you apply to. (In the 2021/2022 application cycle, you are only allowed to contact two universities at once to apply for Letters of Provisional Acceptance, even though you can list three in the Placement Preference Form).
So, I recommend that you do not list the universities or professors by name, in order to avoid hurting your chances with the others – unless, of course, you are citing that professor’s research in your “existing research” section!
By the way, this article is about the format of the Field of Study and Research Program Plan used for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship. The Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship uses a newer format.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
I just had a small query about the topic of research that we need to finalise for our proposal.
I am applying for the Graduate Student scholarship looking to pursue a Masters in Business Administration in Japan. My Bachelor’s Degree is in International Business and Marketing.
Question: Does the scope or place of study have to include Japan? Or a particular place in Japan?
Initially, I wanted to explore a certain issue about SMEs in developing economies such as my country and region (the Pacific). However, I am not sure if it is a requirement to conduct research on Japan specifically since that is where we will be researching from.
Would you have any advice for me regarding this? Is it okay to study SMEs in Japan and their experiences with the particular issue that I am looking into, and then relate it to developing economies?
Thanks in advance.
-Tera
Hi Tera N,
Your research does not need to focus on Japan itself or a Japanese example. But it helps make your application stronger if you can show a reason it is best that you study at a Japanese university as opposed to another country. If you can find a professor in Japan who specializes in a similar field and explain that you want to study under that professor, then that should be fine.
Also note that you are not allowed to conduct long-term fieldwork outside of Japan, so if your research requires you to visit locations in person, make sure that you are not gone for any amount of time that would make you miss part of your semester or for any period greater than a month.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
In the Application form which professor name can be written- Professor, associate professor, assistant professor, specially appointed professor? Like if my theme or research matches with a specially appointed professor should I write his name or the main professor’s name??
Hi Nikhil Singh,
In general, there is no rule that your supervisor must be a full professor. It should be possible to list an associate professor or assistant professor, as well. However, whether or not each professor is approved to supervise graduate students depends on the university’s rules.
I would recommend avoiding specially appoint professors, though, as that is usually not a full-time position at the university and may be only a temporary post, so they are less likely to be able to supervise graduate students.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, I am Angie. I did my MSc in Agronomy and I am waiting for my final results. Is it possible for me to apply for PhD scholarship using the results I have.
Hi Angie,
Yes, it is possible to apply before you complete your previous degree using the results that you have so far, as long as you will graduate before the start of the MEXT Scholarship. (You would have to submit a certificate of expected graduation).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I want to ask about Recommendation. If i want to apply for Embassy Recommend, my Recommendation should be sent to whom? Is this just Japan Embassy?
Hi Emily,
For the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, the letter of recommendation can be addressed “To Whom it May Concern” or to the ambassador/consul, using their full formal title. I recommend “To Whom it May Concern” though.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I saw that the research proposal format changed for MEXT2020-2021 (shorter field of study paragraph….). I was wondering if these changes are also for Mext 2021-2022. I am planning to apply for the scholarship in May 2021 through the embassy.
Thank you very much for your help.
Hi Mariam,
This article is about the old format of the Field of Study and Research Program Plan, but as of last year, it was still being used for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship.
I have a separate article about the newest format, which has been used for the last two years of the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship. I would expect the new format to continue to be used in the future.
Even though all of the questions in the new format have been condensed down to be written on a single page, you can still go on to two pages and can adjust the space as necessary within that limit.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi
I’m currently planning to study master’s in japan as an engineering student .I am currently in my 5th sem (3rd year)of btech and there are so many variables for applying that i am confused about sime things like when to apply for mext (in 3rd year or 4th year) as my ug program will end in may-june of 2022 and academic year of japanese universities starts in april(most of them) . On the site of embassy it said that i will be given 6 month language classes so taking in account my ending of ug and 6 months jap classes in which year i have to apply for mext ?Is it this year or next year in 4th year?
Thankyou
Hi Avi Singh,
While the Japanese school year starts in April, most programs taught in English will also accept new students in the fall. So, if you are set to graduate in May-June of 2022, the best time for your to apply would be the 2021/2022 Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship application process. That should start around April/May of 2021 and if you are selected, you could arrive in Japan for the Fall 2022 semester to start your studies.
The 6-month language program occurs after your arrival in Japan, so in the situation I described above, you would arrive in Fall 2022, participate in the language program for your first semester, then start your studies at the university in April 2023.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much sir.
Sir in the application form there is an option for toefl and jlpt score .Does having a score improve your chances ? And if i am applying in april next year which will be my 6th sem .So my gpa from 2-3-4-5will be seen and calculated for eligibility?
Hi Avi Singh,
For the Embassy Recommended MEXT Application, having a language proficiency score is not going to make a huge difference in your application success chances by itself. However, when you apply to universities for a Letter of Acceptance after passing the Primary Screening, some will ask you to submit language proficiency test scores, so having one would certainly help.
Having a JLPT score, even if you’re applying for a program taught in English, can also help because it shows that you have an interest in the language, which is a positive mark in your favor. Again, it’s not something that’s going to make an overwhelming difference, but it’s better than not having it.
As for your GPA, since last year, it appears that MEXT is now calculating your GPA using all semesters of grades earned at your current university, not just the most recent two years.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thanks for your sharing. It is very helpful.
I’m planning to apply for MEXT – university recommendation track in Master Degree at Graduate school of Economics – Ritsumeikan University. My major in undergraduate school is Corporate Finance, and I’m writing the research proposal about Finance. Is it okay to submit it to apply for Economics program? In the application guideline for the AY2020 (I have read it just for reference), they said there’s no need to contact to the professors in advance, because there’s no guarantee that the professor I contact would be my future supervisor, so that I’m not so sure if they accept the field of study which is different from Economics (although I can change it if I can get admission).
What should I do now? Should I continue writing it or I should change the topic into Economics term?
And if I submit the research about Finance, does it reduce the ability to get admission or nomination to MEXT? In the case I want to continue Finance topic (just because I have learnt about it so I think I can write it better), should I contact to professors to ask some advice? (I mean he/she could suggest me to continue with it or change the topic, although I think it’s hard to get their consent because I think they follow the policy of the school)
I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
-Phuong Tieu-
Hi Phuong Tieu,
Is finance one of the fields taught in Ritsumeikan’s Graduate School of Economics? In most cases, Finance is a subset of either Economics or Business Administration, so you would need to figure out where it fits. If you can find that they have courses in that field and there they have professors who study Finance, then there should not be any problem with writing a proposal in that field.
Even if the university tells you that you do not need to contact a professor at this time (in the past, Ritsumeikan’s Grad School of Economics did not assign advisors until the second year of your master’s program, though I don’t know if that’s still the case), I would certainly recommend that you research the professors and choose one to target so that you can make sure that your research proposal is on point.
If you can find a professor in the program that specialized in finance and have the ability to reach out to them, I think that is a good idea. Start from the angle of wanting to study with them, not necessarily discussing the MEXT Scholarship right away, and talk to them like an interested student.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for all that you do. I am really grateful and I will probably need to have a consultation with you when the deadline for next year approaches because you’re the only one who seems to know everything about this confusing and doubt-inducing process.
For now I just have one question that’s been bothering me so much and nobody seems to be able to answer. In college, my major was in philosophy and my minor was in government. I want to study international relations in Japan which is pretty close and related to my background because of my minor in government. The programs I chose are all interdisciplinary and accept students from all background of humanities and social sciences. However, I’m worried about the thesis abstract that they require of us. My thesis was on an entirely philosophical topic which has nothing to do with politics. I’m worried that this would make them think that my area of expertise/interest is only in philosophy and my major is not related to what I want to study. In the application guide, it says that reading our theses abstracts is how they judge our academic ability. If that is the only purpose for the abstract, then I guess it’s not all bad. But I’m afraid that the thesis abstract will make them question whether my major was related to what I want to study. Do you think this would be the case?
Thank you so much for your time,
Ana
Hi Ana,
I typically recommend that applicants use the “Past and Present Field of Study” in the Field of Study and Research Program Plan to justify the connection between their fields of study. So, even if your thesis was purely philosophical, in the FSRPP, you could talk up the research and coursework related to government. If you can highlight the crossover between how your major in philosophy affected your understanding of government and international relations and how you plan to incorporate the two fields into your research in Japan, that would be even better. For example, if there is some way that you can apply the results of your philosophy thesis to your study of IR, for example to say that you want to explore how a particular phenomenon from philosophy plays out in IR, that would be a lock for establishing the connection between the fields.
The abstract might be a reference, but the FSRPP should get the most attention, so if you can make a strong case there, I think you will be in a good situation.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I don’t have a question, I just want to thank you for putting in the time and effort to write this!
Thank you so much!
Hi Travis,
Am a graduating student with a bachelor’s degree in Zambia Cultures and Ceremonies. Can I be given a scholarship under MEXT in Anthropology?
Hi Rowland Simukonda,
Those two field of study sound closely related to me. As long as you can justify the connection between your research topics in the “Past and Present Field of Study” section of the FSRPP, you should be fine.
By the way, I have an updated version of this article reflecting the changes in the format of the FSRPP that were made for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship last year.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello pls I’m filling forms for Japanese MEXT scholarship, and I’m so confused writing a research plan I really need help
Hi Ibrahim,
I’m sorry I couldn’t answer your question in a timely fashion.
I’m not sure what part of the process you were confused about, so I’m afraid I can’t offer any advice. I do have an updated article about this form, based on the newest version, and I’ve also written an entire book about how to fill in this one form. I hope those might be of assistance, but if you have specific questions, please let me know.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Denno,
Nice to meet you. I really aprecciate this post, is very educational and helpful. Thank you so much!
My question is about the subject about is preferible to present. I have a Bachelor in International Business and I made my thesis about bussiness relationship and oportunities of development between my country and other country of middle Asia. Since I read I can’t present a plan of research looking at my work field, it’s difficult to concieve and idea of what I can propose (I do not have a master in an specific topic either). The matter is: Do you recommend to elaborate the research plan taking into consideration the topic I used to made my last thesis?
Waiting for your assistance!
Hi Crisalys,
In general, you should have a clear idea of what you want to research/where you want to focus your studies before you consider applying for graduate school. (That research should be the reason you apply in the first place.)
For MEXT, your studies in Japan have to be in the same field as your previous major, or a related field – you have to explain how they’re related, if it isn’t immediately clear. So, if your previous degree is in international business, anything related to that field is acceptable. Your research in Japan does not have to be related exactly to your previous thesis topic.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, Can you please tell how to write a research plan for MEXT scholarship 2021
Hi Filza,
The contents aren’t too different, but the format has changed. I have an updated article about how to write the new format of the FSRPP that should help. (I also have a whole book on the subject that will take you from the idea stage to the finished plan).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
The MEXT application has to be sent in word or pdf format?
It is just mentioned that the size should not increase the 200kb mark.
Hi Rahul,
The precise submission instructions are determined by each specific embassy or consulate, so I do not know what the rules are for where you are applying. The best thing you can do is to check with the embassy directly.
Indeed, up until your comment, I was not aware that any embassy was accepting digital submission at all. I thought applications had to be posted.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
873/5000
Hello, I am applying for the Research Student scholarship, I am a recent graduate of Architecture but I have many questions and I hope you can help me. I am a little confused by the fact that on the page of the embassy of my country (I live in El Salvador) the scholarship says that it is for a master’s degree, and when I am filling out the application forms they ask me what type of research I want to do. I don’t know how Masters work in other countries, but I don’t have a specific research plan (as I said, I just graduated), so my question is Do I need to start thinking about a research topic? And how much knowledge and experience in the subject do I need to have? It may sound silly, but those are the doubts that do not allow me to finish filling out the forms. I hope you can help me because I would like to apply for this scholarship. Regards
Hi Allison Aguila,
Typically, in a graduate level program in Japan, you would be expected to do some kind of research or experiment to create new, original data. I am not particularly familiar with the field of architecture or what is expected at the Master’s level in that field, but my suggestion to you would be to research a few Architecture Master’s programs in Japan and see what their program structure is. In particular, look for what they want you to produce as the final project for your Master’s degree. Your Field of Study and Research Program Plan should be a proposal for that project.
If you’re applying for a graduate degree in Japan, you really should have an idea in mind of what you want to research/learn from that degree that you can’t get in your home country. That research or outcome goal should be the core of your whole application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi!
in the preliminary application form, what should i write in course applied?
research student?
Hi Shradha,
The preliminary application form is not an official MEXT form, it is something created by your local embassy, so I have never seen its contents and don’t know what the options are for the question you are referring to.
If your options are Research/Master’s/Doctoral, then filling in “Research Student” makes sense. If there are no instructions indicating what information they are looking for, then I would suggest filling in “Research Student in . . .” with the name of your major in place of the “. . .”, to be safe.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, I am pharm.d final year student and waiting for result. In this case what should I have to do for applying? either apply on the basis of intermediate grades or last year pharm.d grades?
Hi saad hussain,
You would have to submit your most recent grades available at the time of the application and those would be the grades used for the evaluation.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
HI,
I want to know that do career gaps matter for the scholarship?..like I graduated in Electrical Engineering in 2015 and now If I am looking for some research related to my field, am I eligible for this after so many years?.
Hi Asim,
It depends on what you have been doing in the meantime. If you have been working full time, then that would not be a career gap. But if you have a gap of several years while you have been unemployed and not engaged in studies, that might negatively impact your application. The reviewers want to be sure that you are the kind of person who can contribute in the future, so a completely blank period in your resume could make it look like you are unmotivated or not proactive.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
can I change the research plan in case of earning the scholarship ?
Hi Mawloud,
You will almost certainly have to make some changes to your research project after acceptance and starting to work with your advisor.
You cannot make significant changes (e.g. changes that would require you to change advisors, departments, etc.), but changes within the same field are certainly acceptable.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi travis this is prem ,
i had done bachelors in physics , and i wanted to do masters in the same , in japan , i am applying for mext schollarship through embassy . I just wanted to know that are masters in japan is study of only specific topic for which i apply or i have to learn whole physics concepts as in my bachelors .
Hi Prem,
I would recommend that you do some research on the website of the universities that you want to apply to in Japan. In many cases, they have a fairly detailed explanation of what the degree program looks like, including the coursework you will be expected to take, various departments, and the degree progression. That should give you the best idea of what to expect during your Master’s studies.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, Travis. Thanks a lot for your pieces of advice. In fact, I graduated in English Didactics. And now, I’m willing to pursue my Master study in TESOL with interests in CALL, e-learning, curriculum development and multimedia materials designing. But all the universities that fits my field of study are private ones. I’m worrying about my choices of private universities instead of pubic ones. Also, with such a field, aren’t my chances of being selected to sit for the written examination at the Embassy reduced?
Hi Merigue,
It is not forbidden to list only private universities, so if you cannot find a national university that offers a Master’s in TESOL or similar, then you could move forward with your choices. (Or, of course, if the private universities have better programs for your goals, then I would recommend sticking with them!)
As far as chances go, there are so many factors that go into it, that it is hard to say. Ultimately, it is up to you to make a strong case for why you, as a TESOL graduate, would be able to make a strong contribution to your society and the relationship between your country and Japan. Keep in mind that you will be competing with applicants from every other major out there, but don’t be humble about it or think you don’t have a chance. In fact, as a future teacher you would be in a unique position to spread the word about Japan and Japanese culture, etc., to generations of your students and thereby strengthen the relationship between Japan and your country in the future!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi!
If someone wants to apply for a professional degree such as an MBA that doesn’t have a research component as far as I know, what should we do about the research plan part? There’s very little information online about applying for professional degrees as a research student. MBA programs don’t typically require a thesis paper and differ from other master’s disciplines as they focus on the practical aspects of the degree, rather than research. What could we even write for that section?
Thank you so much for your help!
Hi Ana,
I would recommend that you research the degree progression/curriculum for your target program to see what is expected and whether or not there is a culminating project. If there is some kind of culminating project that serves a similar role to a thesis in an academic degree, write your FSRPP about that project rather than a regular academic thesis.
Even if you are applying for an MBA, you are going to be held to the same expectation as all other applicants that after graduation, you will go on to make a contribution to your home country and its relationship with Japan. Since this is a competition, you will need to show how you can do that better with and MBA than someone else can with an academic degree. Your FSRPP should show what you will accomplish during your degree that will give you the academic/practical background to go on and make that contribution. It is not going to be enough to just attend the program and complete the assignments that you are given. You are going to have to proactive and use the assignments and coursework throughout the degree to pursue a pre-existing goal.
Hopefully those ideas will give you a suggestion as to how you can frame your FSRPP: What is your goal and what is the culminating project of your degree. Once you know that, your FSRPP should show how you will use the final project (or a series of projects throughout your degree) to pursue your goal.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good evening Travis from here, I have paid rapt attention by perusing through the blog, and has find so helpful, can you please help me with a sample of research plan relating to civil engineering or any form of Engineering? that will serve as a guide while preparing mine because it will be very useful sir, thanks so very much in anticipation sir…
Ani Dan
Hi Ani Daniel,
Thank you very much for your kind comments.
Unfortunately, I do not have any sample Field of Study and Research Plans that I have permission to share at this point. Nobody is really willing to share their plans during the application process, and afterward, they tend to forget.
I did once see someone who shared a Field of Study and Research Program Plan on metallurgy, but it was not particularly good (I used it mostly as an example of what not to do in my book on the Field of Study and Research Program Plan), so I would not want to share that with you as an example.
I will keep searching for samples though, and if I find any, I will share them here.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks for the reply, Am from Nigeria and I don’t know when the embassy recommended of MEXT scholarship will commence due to the pandemic ravaging the whole world?
Hi Ani Daniel,
I don’t know when it will start, but I imagine that they can’t push the process back too much further.
I did see a facebook post by the Japanese embassy in Tonga saying that they expected the release of the application guidelines to be pushed back until mid-May, but I have not yet heard anything official to confirm that.
For now, I am continuing to monitor MEXT’s website every day. But after today (May 1), Japan will be in a 5-day holiday for Golden Week, so if nothing changes today, the earliest we can expect to see new information would by May 6, I think.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis! Thank you so much for this information about mext scholarship. I’m currently interested in applying for this scholarship. I’ve graduated from my bachelor at 2018 and I’m currently employed. May I know I should include my professional work in the present field of study? Looking forward to hearing from you!
Hi Nich,
Your present field of study is the field that you majored in most recently in university and your research proposal for the MEXT scholarship must be in that field (or a related field). Your work experience is not taken into consideration for determining your “present field of study.”
However, if you are doing work related to your present field of study and that professional experience has incited your interest into further research, it would be worth mentioning very briefly.
Another place that you could possibly mention your work experience – again, only if it is relevant – would be at the end of your Field of Study and Research Program Plan, where you touch on what you will do with your research once you graduate. If you have professional experience in a field that could use the results of your research, it would be good to mention that you can use your professional connections to distribute it to people who can use it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
In the field of present field of study you have emphasized on explaining how my present research is linked with my future study program in Japan. However, I am planning to do do research in different area which is not closely related to what I have done till now. So, I do not know how to bring this point in my present field of research that it is related to what I plan to do in Japan. Does that reduces the strength of my research proposal?
Hi Divyanshi,
One of the requirements of the MEXT scholarship is that you apply in a field of study that you have previously majored in at university or its related field. So, there should be some connection.
It’s not necessarily about the strength of your application, but in your case, if your fields of study are really that different, you need to establish the connection to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements.
There are a number of ways that you can make the connection. One study could have inspired you to new research in another area. Or you wanted to approach a similar problem from a new direction, etc. Try to be creative and make the connection.
You do not need to dwell on it too much. I single sentence, or maybe two, showing how your last research inspired the new one, should be fine.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi. My name is Abraham P. Jallah and am from Liberia. What are the chances of students applying from Liberia, West Africa? I have my first degree in economics and want to pursue a master in Health Economics or Public Health.
Hi Abraham P. Jallah,
Your chances are based entirely on the strength of your application and your competition. If you are applying for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, Liberia is a priority country, so you can apply freely to any university, but you’ll be competing with applicants from around the world and must exceed all others, regardless of your country of origin.
If you apply for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship in April-May of this year, you will only be competing with others from your country, but you’ll still need to have a strong an application as possible to be competitive.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
I feel so lucky for finding this blog to start my research plan for MEXT scholarship. i am currently applying research student program which is non-degree. The University that I apply is Tokyo Institute of Technology. I already got acceptance from professor to be my academic supervisor. He also likes my research brief and now preparing to subit with their format form. And there will be skype interview with three professors from that University for recommendation.
I would like to know how can I increase my chance to get MEXT scholarship? I know the scholarship is so competitive for University recommendation and My GPA is just 3.1 out of 4.0. Am I impossible to qualify?
Hi Hein,
I am glad to hear that you have found the site useful so far!
For your GPA, you need to convert it to MEXT’s 3.0 scale to find out how competitive you are for the scholarship. I have an article about how to do that conversion that should help.
The only other steps you can take at this point are to refine your Field of Study and Research Program Plan to make it as strong as possible. I have an article about increasing your chances to earn the MEXT scholarship, which talks about having a theme to your approach. There is also an updated version of this article, based on recent changes and more research into the Field of Study and Research Program Plan since I first wrote this piece.
Both of those articles could give you a hint about how to improve your chances!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I want to apply for MEXT coming feb, during my B.tech my project was on Bio-Instrumentation but now as i am working in railways, i want to do masters in tapping renewable energy into railways system. Can it be accepted??? (as it has nothing to do with bio-instrumentation). pls guide
Hi Rajat Kumar Singh,
Your field of study for your MEXT Scholarship application needs to be related to your previous studies, not necessarily to your work experience. So, you would need to find some connection between your studies in bio-instrumentation to renewable energy. You might have to get a little creative or focus on the few courses or areas of overlap that affect both.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi,
I need to submit my letter of acceptance along with the final placement preference form to embassy. My undergrad and masters was in “Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)” but my supervisor in Japan is in “Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE)”, So should I write EEE in “Field of study in Japan” or CSE. There’s a “Detailed field of study in Japan” where I explained about my own work. Thanks.
Hi Sania Zahan,
I recently published a new article specifically on the Placement Preference Form, but what you wrote matches my advice in that article perfectly: Your field of study in Japan should be the name of the department where your supervisor is affiliated. (In the case of different department names between different universities in your form, I have more advice on how to handle that in the article linked above.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
pls guide me if you get there, i am from EE background, presently posted in Railways, i wish to join MEXT.
Hi Rajat Kumar Singh,
This website has everything I have learned about the MEXT scholarship and how to make a strong application, based on eight years of working with the scholarship and thousands of applicants. If you look around and read the articles, that should help set you up for success!
I would recommend that you start with one of the introductory articles then decide what you need to learn next, based on that.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi travis!!
i gave my interview this june. in my research plan, as it was embassy recommended, i wrote it very concisely in 7-8 lines assuming that in the interview i will explain in detail. in those 7-8 lines, i have explained my research plan along with its benefit and outcomes. so what are my chances based on this?
Hi Rakesh Sharma,
Unfortunately, that’s not really enough for me to make a guess. But if you made it as far as the interview, that means that they saw that you had some promise in your application even if your FSRPP was a little on the concise side. So, as long as you did well in the interview and succeeded in fleshing out your plans, there should still be a good chance for you to pass the Primary Screening.
Unfortunately, there are just too many other variables to be able to say anything for sure.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi travis,
Do u have any idea about how many students are selected through embassy recommended scholarship?
Hi travis,
Do u have any idea about how many students are selected for embassy recommended scholarship from india?
Hi Akhand pratap rai,
Based on forum posts and news articles that I could find, there were 28 slots available during the 2018 application cycle for Graduate students from India. But that number was further broken down into slots for social sciences/humanities and slots for science/engineering.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Akhand pratap rai,
The overall number of places shouldn’t matter. What you need to focus on is the number of places awarded in your country in the previous year, as that will be the best indicator.
One of the best ways to find that information is to look for news articles or press releases from March/April and August/September of the previous year to see if there are any about MEXT scholarship going from your country to Japan, and what numbers are mentioned.
Of course, that’s not an official number, because it can include several different scholarship types, but it should still give you an idea. Also keep in mind that numbers can fluctuate from year to year.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi travis!!
The results of interview is uploaded on website right?
Hi Shradha Sharma,
The method of announcing results is determined by each individual embassy or consulate. There is no one method for everyone.
So I would recommend checking to see it the Embassy or Consulate where you applied has given you any information on how results will be released.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi travis!!
Thanks for the wonderful article. i have given my MEXT interview, but in the research theme doc file, i did a mistake. in past and present field of study, i have written “Bachelor in technology in biotechnology”. i didn’t know that i have to write all that you have described in the article. The rest part is properly written. so, to what extent this will affect my selection process. also, after the interview, which people are responsible for the selection procedure?
are these professors or administrative people who took my interview?
Hi Shradha Sharma,
If you made it to the interview stage, then your short answer to the Past and Present Field of Study did not kill your chances outright. Depending on how you answered the rest of the questions and whether you satisfied what the reviewers would have been looking for elsewhere, you might not have suffered any setback at all. It all depends on how well your interviewers were satisfied with your response overall.
As far as the interview panel goes, it is different at each embassy. Usually, the panel includes some combination of Japanese government, local government, and a local academic related to your field.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
HI TRAVIS,
i did my baachelor degree in mechanical engineering..
now i want to apply for master degree porogram
but i have no idea about
reaserch plan
reaserch theme
past and presendt field of study
pliz help me
Hi Dildar,
Pardon me for being a bit blunt, but if you have no idea what you want to study, why do you want to enroll in a master’s degree? I would suggest that you should not be applying for graduate school, let alone this scholarship, if you do not have a clear idea of what you want to get out of it.
I noticed that you are looking at an old version of my article about the Field of Study and Research Program Plan, though. If you are just confused about the form, then I would recommend the newer article. The form changed this year and I updated my advice to match. I hope that the explanations in the newer version are also clearer to help you understand.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Mr Travis,
Please how do I get the name of my student advisor?
Hi Tyson,
You need to research what universities in Japan offer your desired course in English and then find a professor there who is closely related to what you want to study and would potentially be able to supervise you. (You do not need to contact that professor in advance, but if you can start to network, that would be beneficial).
I have an article about finding universities and professors that should help with your research.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, Travis
will I change my research topic? I have done my M.Phil research on this topic( factors of rising trends in female education among masses). Now I would like to do research in ( role of social media in political empowerment of people in Japan). Or we have to continue the same topic in Japan. Research Universe is necessary for Japan or we collect data from our own country.
Hi Shahid,
Your research topic in Japan has to be related to what you studied in the past, so in your Field of Study and Research Program Plan, you need to make that connection clear. If you can do that, then there should not be a problem.
You cannot do extended fieldwork outside of Japan during the MEXT scholarship. If you can collect data from your home country without being there in person, then that is fine, though. I would recommend that you plan to be asked during the application process why you want to complete your research in Japan, if your research subject is your home country though. If you have a good answer, it won’t be a problem, just be prepared for the question.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
Thank you for this wonderful guide!
The website of the embassy of Japan in my country posted only the pdf files of these forms. Will it be alright if I printed those forms and hand-write everything or would it be better to convert these pdf files into word files?
Hi Bill,
The forms they posted should have been fillable pdfs. If you use the free Adobe Reader software, then you should be able to type your answers into them.
If that doesn’t work, the forms on MEXT’s site are all fillable pdfs and you can type into those.
(The form names are in Japanese, but when you download them, the contents are in English, so I recommend downloading them all then checking which ones you need.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis and thank you for your help!
I am a civil engineer, Can i get my master degree in renewable energy and sustainable system?
Hi Abdullah,
You have to pursue your degree in Japan in the same research field as you majored in in your previous degree. If your research in renewable energy or sustainable systems is similar to what you studied as an undergraduate, then that would be fine. It is not the name of the program that has to match, just the content of the research/studies that needs to be logically similar.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Handwriting or typing into the forms? This simple activity is not clear to me when filling the forms and research plan etc.
Hi Denno,
Always type if you can!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Please should i type it in red colour or black colour which is most preferable ?
Hi Ibrahim,
You should absolutely write in black! I only used the red text in my sample application to make it clear what was my entries and what was part of the original form.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSeznz