MEXT Scholarship 2016 (Research)

[Unemployed]

I have a question about the MEXT for research student.
I have to fill in the application form for 3 Professors' name.
There are noted in the application that I should contact the professors (3 name above) as an earlier date.
So, the question is , when should I contact (mail to) the professors?
Now(filling the application) or after the result of written exam?

 

[ajeng]

I received the email too. Do you have any idea how to prepare for the exam? I've been doing the past year papers but since they only have up to 2010 or something, I'm not really sure if the format is gonna be the same. I hope it doesn't change much.
Anyway, お互いに頑張りましょう！

Shinon, here is a link for questions in 2012 & 2013. All the best for 24th May.
Informasi Beasiswa & Pendidikan

 

[J.K.]

Here's the link where you can find the past years question papers.
Qualifying Examinations for Applicants for Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships - Examination Questions

I think you don't have to worry much about the Japanese test because it's not a requirement (although some people say that scoring well in that test might give you more advantage compared to those who don't).

All the best!

Shinon, here is a link for questions in 2012 & 2013. All the best for 24th May.
Informasi Beasiswa & Pendidikan

Thanks for the useful past year exams!
Btw, Ajeng, will you go for the exam this month?

 

[ajeng]

Thanks for the useful past year exams!
Btw, Ajeng, will you go for the exam this month?

Yes I will.

 

[ayelulu]

Hi
I just found out about this MEXT scholarship and I though I would apply for this year.I will finish my med school in June and am hoping to specialized in surgery.Is there anyone applying surgical related field?I don't know which universities are applicable and also doubting whether this may help with my future study or not. Is there anyone who could answer me about that?
Thanks a lot.

 

[SayuKami21]

^ Hi!! well i want to be an Ophthalmologist, but for that i need to get the japanese medical license, so i will start as a research student, and i think all universities with a graduate school of medicine are applicable!!

Now, i'm coming here again because i'm freaking out!! the deadline in my country is really close, and i'm struggling with the methodology for my proposal, i want to know how specific should it be? i mean should i mention what statistical analysis would i use? or just the design, population and instruments is fine? because i'm not very good with statistics T.T, if there's any sample out there of how they like medicine related research proposals i will totally appreciate it if you tell me where to find it

 

[ayelulu]

^ Hi!! well i want to be an Ophthalmologist, but for that i need to get the japanese medical license, so i will start as a research student, and i think all universities with a graduate school of medicine are applicable!!

Now, i'm coming here again because i'm freaking out!! the deadline in my country is really close, and i'm struggling with the methodology for my proposal, i want to know how specific should it be? i mean should i mention what statistical analysis would i use? or just the design, population and instruments is fine? because i'm not very good with statistics T.T, if there's any sample out there of how they like medicine related research proposals i will totally appreciate it if you tell me where to find it

Hi Sayukami,
Thanks for answering.May be I won't make it for 2016 year scholarship.I haven't prepared anything yet.The deadline is closing near.
For your research proposal, may be you should discuss with thr professor from your uni.As I'm also not good with statistic sorry that I can't give you further advice.

 

[foxfault]

Funny anecdote...

I went to my doctor and got the health evaluation form filled out for the application. She did a chest x-ray and I had black shadows on my lungs (pretty bad, can be indicative of cancer)... Several blood samples and a CT scan later, it turns out it was nothing and I'm totally healthy. That was so scary!

At least the application is making me be proactive about my health! :nailbiting:

All that's left for me is putting all of my materials together in an envelope and sending it off to the consulate. Fingers crossed!

 

[shinon]

Shinon, here is a link for questions in 2012 & 2013. All the best for 24th May.
Informasi Beasiswa & Pendidikan

Thanks Ajeng! ^_^

 

[ayelulu]

Hi
Its me again!
I saw a lot of people ask about the research plan.I didin't know that I have to do one if I'm applying as a research student.If I have to do one,do i have to do it before the exam or after?
Thanks

 

[tost]

You will have to submit a research plan as part of the application, even as you are apply for research studies. Most embassies/consulates do have it as part of the required documents for application. Best to check the website of the Japanese consulate or embassy in your country.

 

[DATCAT]

^ Hi!! well i want to be an Ophthalmologist, but for that i need to get the japanese medical license, so i will start as a research student, and i think all universities with a graduate school of medicine are applicable!!

Now, i'm coming here again because i'm freaking out!! the deadline in my country is really close, and i'm struggling with the methodology for my proposal, i want to know how specific should it be? i mean should i mention what statistical analysis would i use? or just the design, population and instruments is fine? because i'm not very good with statistics T.T, if there's any sample out there of how they like medicine related research proposals i will totally appreciate it if you tell me where to find it

Hi Sayukami,
Thanks for answering.May be I won't make it for 2016 year scholarship.I haven't prepared anything yet.The deadline is closing near.
For your research proposal, may be you should discuss with thr professor from your uni.As I'm also not good with statistic sorry that I can't give you further advice.

Hi
Its me again!
I saw a lot of people ask about the research plan.I didin't know that I have to do one if I'm applying as a research student.If I have to do one,do i have to do it before the exam or after?
Thanks

You will have to submit a research plan as part of the application, even as you are apply for research studies. Most embassies/consulates do have it as part of the required documents for application. Best to check the website of the Japanese consulate or embassy in your country.

I was taught to write formal research proposal (general objective, specifics, hypothesis, methodology, theory, background, and so on). In fact, I found out this is the way Japanese professors like to read proposals. I have everything prepared… but still thinking in how to fit the research proposal in this format.
It has the following parts:
1. Present field of study
2. Your research theme after arrival in Japan
3. Research program plan in Japan

I am thinking something like this:
1. Present field of study
More like an introduction to my currents works, linking to my present proposal (?)

2. Your research theme after arrival in Japan
A. The name of my research (Yes, I give it a name like in a thesis )
B. The introduction
C. The background

3. Research program plan in Japan:
A. Statement of problem
B. Hypothesis
C. General Objective
D. Specific Objective
E. Area of study (population, delimitations,)
F. Theoretical Framework
G. Methodology
H. Timetable: Concerning objectives and methodological steps.

What do you think?

 

[Dangosan]

I was taught to write formal research proposal (general objective, specifics, hypothesis, methodology, theory, background, and so on). In fact, I found out this is the way Japanese professors like to read proposals. I have everything prepared… but still thinking in how to fit the research proposal in this format.
It has the following parts:
1. Present field of study
2. Your research theme after arrival in Japan
3. Research program plan in Japan

I am thinking something like this:
1. Present field of study
More like an introduction to my currents works, linking to my present proposal (?)

2. Your research theme after arrival in Japan
A. The name of my research (Yes, I give it a name like in a thesis )
B. The introduction
C. The background

3. Research program plan in Japan:
A. Statement of problem
B. Hypothesis
C. General Objective
D. Specific Objective
E. Area of study (population, delimitations,)
F. Theoretical Framework
G. Methodology
H. Timetable: Concerning objectives and methodological steps.

What do you think?

That's exactly what I did! (though, I am not exactly finished with my proposal) The more thorough you are, the higher chance they see you as a committed and dedicated candidate so it never hurts to be detailed. On the side note, I know someone wrote the proposal like this and got accepted!

By the way, for those who reside in Los Angeles area, the application has been opened and the deadline has been confirmed to be on June 10th, 2015 (by 5pm to be specific). Good luck everyone!

 

[J.K.]

I do not know how is the selection process in other country.
But in my country, the first application form is read by the embassy, if we get admitted, we need to submit another official form.
So, I wonder if we write something too specialized in our study in the first application form is good or not, because it is read by embassy who are not the expert after all, they may not understand what we write.

 

[chidat]

Hi all,

As far as listing universities/professors, does anyone know if it's possible to list more than one department/professor under the same university? My field of interest is ambiguous and interdisciplinary between medicine and engineering. I've expressed my interests to a medical school (for a Medical Science degree program), and they said that I should also consider the engineering school which has a Medical Systems Engineering department. I can't for the life of me figure out which side would suit my interests better. My proposed solution is to try out both fields (be a research student in one field, followed by the other) and then pursue a master's or doctorate with the better fit. When I asked my local consulate office about this, they said that I must choose one discipline over the other on the application. But isn't it ultimately the individual graduate schools/departments that decide to accept you or not? I'm thinking that listing both graduate schools (medicine and engineering) would give me a better chance of getting into that university, in case one department rejects me.
At this point, I'm not even sure that any of this is realistically possible (whether schools allow being a research student more than once, whether MEXT would allow that, whether I should even be considering MEXT with this level of ambiguity and uncertainty, etc.), so any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for all the helpful posts!

 

[DATCAT]

That's exactly what I did! (though, I am not exactly finished with my proposal) The more thorough you are, the higher chance they see you as a committed and dedicated candidate so it never hurts to be detailed. On the side note, I know someone wrote the proposal like this and got accepted!

By the way, for those who reside in Los Angeles area, the application has been opened and the deadline has been confirmed to be on June 10th, 2015 (by 5pm to be specific). Good luck everyone!

Hey, thanks for the answer. Good to know others did/do it like that.

I do not know how is the selection process in other country.
But in my country, the first application form is read by the embassy, if we get admitted, we need to submit another official form.
So, I wonder if we write something too specialized in our study in the first application form is good or not, because it is read by embassy who are not the expert after all, they may not understand what we write.

I suppose there are differences between countries. In my embassy you have to submit every document including your complete research proposal (without second submissions). Then you take the exams.
Based on your background, research proposal and test results they call you to interview. There, you face 2/3 people of the embassy and 2/3 experts on your subject/research, professors and the like, that are the same people that read your proposal when you submitted. There are called at different hours and days, (that is why not everyone gets interviewed the same day)
What I am saying is don't believe that only politicians will be reading your research. They ask for consultation to know if the person is not talking nonsense, and to know if is valuable to consider sending their documents to Japan.

Hi all,

As far as listing universities/professors, does anyone know if it's possible to list more than one department/professor under the same university? My field of interest is ambiguous and interdisciplinary between medicine and engineering. I've expressed my interests to a medical school (for a Medical Science degree program), and they said that I should also consider the engineering school which has a Medical Systems Engineering department. I can't for the life of me figure out which side would suit my interests better. My proposed solution is to try out both fields (be a research student in one field, followed by the other) and then pursue a master's or doctorate with the better fit. When I asked my local consulate office about this, they said that I must choose one discipline over the other on the application. But isn't it ultimately the individual graduate schools/departments that decide to accept you or not? I'm thinking that listing both graduate schools (medicine and engineering) would give me a better chance of getting into that university, in case one department rejects me.
At this point, I'm not even sure that any of this is realistically possible (whether schools allow being a research student more than once, whether MEXT would allow that, whether I should even be considering MEXT with this level of ambiguity and uncertainty, etc.), so any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for all the helpful posts!

Hi, my field and research is interdisciplinary too. They said (embassy) that you have to be with one deparment (the same of your advisor). And you are not supposed to change during research student time (If you go into master/PhD you may change if accepted in other department/grad. school).

If you have to decide (like myself) I recommend you 2 points to consider.
1. First, contact specific professors to know exactly what are they doing. And if fit your interest. If you find someone that fit your stuff, applying with him (whatever department they belong to)
2. If the previous doesn't give you answer (some professors may be difficult to contact). Decide grounded on your previous experience and documents , so embassy can confirm your previous education matching your interest. For example, if you are between medicine and engineering, and you have a previous degree in medicine that give you more background to a medical department.

Still, first one is better.

 

[chidat]

Hi, my field and research is interdisciplinary too. They said (embassy) that you have to be with one deparment (the same of your advisor). And you are not supposed to change during research student time (If you go into master/PhD you may change if accepted in other department/grad. school).

If you have to decide (like myself) I recommend you 2 points to consider.
1. First, contact specific professors to know exactly what are they doing. And if fit your interest. If you find someone that fit your stuff, applying with him (whatever department they belong to)
2. If the previous doesn't give you answer (some professors may be difficult to contact). Decide grounded on your previous experience and documents , so embassy can confirm your previous education matching your interest. For example, if you are between medicine and engineering, and you have a previous degree in medicine that give you more background to a medical department.

Still, first one is better.

Thanks for the insight!
Ideally I would like to complete both departments as a research student (sequentially, not simultaneously). That's probably better than studying for an entrance exam and getting into the graduate degree program itself, only to then find out that its not the right field for me. But you're right, it is best if I can figure out which side to go with.
My background is in Computer Science, so I guess that leans more towards the engineering side. However, two of my past professors whose fields I found interesting had Medical Science degrees (offered by the medical school). But I also know that programs differ from school to school, so I shouldn't be fixated on the type of degree itself. Getting information out of these schools is like pulling teeth; I think my average time for getting a response is about two weeks.. but anyways, I will dig up as much information as I can.

Thanks again!

 

[Frida]

Thanks for the insight!
Ideally I would like to complete both departments as a research student (sequentially, not simultaneously). That's probably better than studying for an entrance exam and getting into the graduate degree program itself, only to then find out that its not the right field for me. But you're right, it is best if I can figure out which side to go with.
My background is in Computer Science, so I guess that leans more towards the engineering side. However, two of my past professors whose fields I found interesting had Medical Science degrees (offered by the medical school). But I also know that programs differ from school to school, so I shouldn't be fixated on the type of degree itself. Getting information out of these schools is like pulling teeth; I think my average time for getting a response is about two weeks.. but anyways, I will dig up as much information as I can.

Thanks again!

There a part on the application that says that the Research Student scholarship period will not be extended for any reason.

So unless you can get to participate in both fields within the 2 year period, I would asume that doing what you want is not possible.

 

[irinacyrina]

hii ... i'm a Tunisian biology student , i want to apply for the MEXT scholarship and i'm having hard time with the research proporsal , because here in Tunisia the research project for master degre is handed to us from the advisor , so i'm not confident if i can come up with something interesting and concrete before the application deadline .

 

[bononogram]

I was taught to write formal research proposal (general objective, specifics, hypothesis, methodology, theory, background, and so on). In fact, I found out this is the way Japanese professors like to read proposals. I have everything prepared… but still thinking in how to fit the research proposal in this format.
It has the following parts:
1. Present field of study
2. Your research theme after arrival in Japan
3. Research program plan in Japan

I am thinking something like this:
1. Present field of study
More like an introduction to my currents works, linking to my present proposal (?)

2. Your research theme after arrival in Japan
A. The name of my research (Yes, I give it a name like in a thesis )
B. The introduction
C. The background

3. Research program plan in Japan:
A. Statement of problem
B. Hypothesis
C. General Objective
D. Specific Objective
E. Area of study (population, delimitations,)
F. Theoretical Framework
G. Methodology
H. Timetable: Concerning objectives and methodological steps.

What do you think?

As our (Canadian) research outline and statement of purpose are meant to be filled into their prescribed form, called the 'Field of Study and Study Program' (which has three parts: "Present Field of Study," "Your research topic upon arrival in Japan," and "Study program in Japan") I wonder if you simply leave all the fields blank and attach your formatted outline.

I can think of one person who did this and they got the scholarship but I am wonder which is truly better? To format your explanations to fit into the three sections prescribed, or to write your own, stand alone outline that speaks to the three questions together? What do you guys think?

 

[tost]

I reckon if you can do the former without losing your ideas, that'd work. But I think either way would be fine, unless they are being really strict about it (some embassies seems to be, and even have sample "filled out" forms).

You can always use the standalone research plan to contact professors.

When is the deadline for you guys? Will you be hearing back from the embassy soon?

 

[Nat2501]

Hey everyone I know this is very last minute but I am almost done writing my research proposal and I'm just wondering how to fit it in the three questions on the study plan given by the embassy. Does this order make sense?:

1. Present field of study
- Title + Introduction
- Problem
- Objective

2. Your research topic upon arrival in Japan: Stipulate the research you wish to carry out in Japan.
- Hypothesis and variables
- Explanation on how research will be carried out

3. Study program in Japan: (Describe in detail and with specifics — particularly concerning the ultimate goal(s) of your research in Japan)
- Methodology
- Chronogram

This is the way I thought we were supposed to do it but I am starting to have doubts after reading that some of you guys did it differently. Maybe I'm completely wrong I don't know. Anyway thank you guys and good luck all!

 

[chidat]

There a part on the application that says that the Research Student scholarship period will not be extended for any reason.

So unless you can get to participate in both fields within the 2 year period, I would asume that doing what you want is not possible.

Ah yes, I see. I guess I'll ultimately choose one field over the other when applying. I think I'm feeling more definite about engineering the more I think about it, so we'll see where I end up, haha.
Thanks!

 

[irinacyrina]

I reckon if you can do the former without losing your ideas, that'd work. But I think either way would be fine, unless they are being really strict about it (some embassies seems to be, and even have sample "filled out" forms).

You can always use the standalone research plan to contact professors.

When is the deadline for you guys? Will you be hearing back from the embassy soon?
in my country it's 22 may ,!i really don't know what to write in the proposal research , it must fit perfectly the field of research in the universty that i choose . i hope to find something soon ...
what about you any difficulties ?

 

[SayuKami21]

Hello!! i finish my research proposal, at the end i didn't include statistics analysis because i'm really bad with those, but i only have 3 days to get acceptance for 3 professors, i'm all stress out, do Japanese Universities work on Saturday? anyway, i think the embassy format goes like this:

1) Present field of study: Talk about your career, thesis, previous research.
2) Your research topic upon arrival in Japan: The whole research proposal except for the timetable
4) Study program in Japan:Timetable

Something like that i think. =)