MEXT Scholarship 2016 (Research)

[indojindesu]

Any updates about the interview/exam in India? Any contact from the embassy?

 

[DATCAT]

Hey guys, I'm curious about something. I've noticed that almost everyone (if not everyone) has written proposals related to Japan, like stuff about manga, temples, etc. But is it possible to get the scholarship when your proposal doesn't scream Japan but Japan is still the best place to do it? Like it is better developed in Japan but not exclusively Japan related.
I'm just curious, since I've already submitted my application.

By the way, I was already notified about the exams and interview dates. Good luck to the ones who have to go this week to embassy.

Hi! It isn't 100% necessary. What you see has a lot to do with the field/degrees people have. For example a lot of them care about linguistics and communication, in a case like that something related to Japanese is like the only reason to go to japan. The same with social science or history the most important thing you can do (related to your field) it's probably something Japan-related.
I am into environmental studies, so I have I little more room, but still going for earthquakes, pollution and environmental education. The good thing is that this relates a lot with my country too.
But in other fields… If you like robotics, cars, and medical treatments for example Japan is also a great place to learn, while your proposal may not be related to Japan itself.

 

[tolly]

Hi! It isn't 100% necessary. What you see has a lot to do with the field/degrees people have. For example a lot of them care about linguistics and communication, in a case like that something related to Japanese is like the only reason to go to japan. The same with social science or history the most important thing you can do (related to your field) it's probably something Japan-related.
I am into environmental studies, so I have I little more room, but still going for earthquakes, pollution and environmental education. The good thing is that this relates a lot with my country too.
But in other fields… If you like robotics, cars, and medical treatments for example Japan is also a great place to learn, while your proposal may not be related to Japan itself.

Thankssss!!!!

I see, so it's like that. I applied to this scholarship because it's a great place to conduct reserach in my field. But then I got curious about that after meeting this guy who was kept repeating how a proposal should scream Japan everywhere. Then again, he majored in social sciences or something like that, so I guess in his case that would be the best option.
When are you sitting for the exams? In my case it's next month. Less than a month but still a long wait.

 

[DATCAT]

Thankssss!!!!

I see, so it's like that. I applied to this scholarship because it's a great place to conduct reserach in my field. But then I got curious about that after meeting this guy who was kept repeating how a proposal should scream Japan everywhere. Then again, he majored in social sciences or something like that, so I guess in his case that would be the best option.
When are you sitting for the exams? In my case it's next month. Less than a month but still a long wait.

You're welcome.

My country still have time, deadline for documents is 1 July. This is good because I am still waiting for one professor in one university to respond. The contact with professors is really a pain in the ***.:roflmao: Exams will probably be on 27th July or something, if nothing changes.

What field are you into?
Still, I recommend you to make really clear why japan is the best place to conduct your research, even if you don't need to have a proposal really linked with Japanese language and/or culture. I know past applicants, and it will be a sure question: "Why in Japan?"

 

[shinon]

Anyone else from Malaysia who has done with the interview?

Just had mine today.
Terrible.

There were 5 interviewers. The moment I entered the room, they asked me to introduce myself and my research theme briefly, then came the 30-minute of torture where they kept provoking my research theme, criticising the significance of my proposed research and etc. I acted tough for the first 20 minutes, defending my proposal but towards the end, I just got too tired of arguing because they kept on repeating the same thing over and over again, so I just agreed to everything they said.

Before I walked out of the room, the head panel (I guess, because he talked a lot more than the others) said to me in Japanese,
"It was tough, wasn't it? Thank you so much."

I think there's no hope for me but it was a great experience nevertheless.

To all of you here, best of luck!
I wish you all the best.
Adios~

 

[vegeta]

Hi Shinon,

I have some questions to you (and all) if you know..

1- How many applicants where in total? how many will be accepted? here in Jordan there are only 5 to be granted the scholarship.

2- Your interview was tough as you say and I hope u succeed. However, what about the others? if it is like that with all applicants, then u should not worry!

3- What is your research proposal if I may ask? are they THAT knowledgeable in that field? or they just criticize just because they want to?? I hate ignorance! my research is about electronics product design and I have constructed a very firm plan... I don't want an ignorant to make fun of it! AND, what if they criticize out of their personal opinion? this is not fair!

4- can you describe the interview step by step? like, how did you presented yourself and your project? how many minutes?

thanks~!

 

[J.K.]

Anyone else from Malaysia who has done with the interview?

Just had mine today.
Terrible.

There were 5 interviewers. The moment I entered the room, they asked me to introduce myself and my research theme briefly, then came the 30-minute of torture where they kept provoking my research theme, criticising the significance of my proposed research and etc. I acted tough for the first 20 minutes, defending my proposal but towards the end, I just got too tired of arguing because they kept on repeating the same thing over and over again, so I just agreed to everything they said.

Before I walked out of the room, the head panel (I guess, because he talked a lot more than the others) said to me in Japanese,
"It was tough, wasn't it? Thank you so much."

I think there's no hope for me but it was a great experience nevertheless.

To all of you here, best of luck!
I wish you all the best.
Adios~

Well, my experience is different, because my research proposal is too difficult to understand (my field is theoretical physics), so they did not ask any question about my proposal,ha
One interviewer even did not ask any question.
but my interview still last for 30 minutes, they kept asking other questions.
I stayed there almost for the whole afternoon and talked to other guys, they had similar experience like you, they will try to discourage you by criticizing your proposal.

 

[J.K.]

Hi Shinon,

I have some questions to you (and all) if you know..

1- How many applicants where in total? how many will be accepted? here in Jordan there are only 5 to be granted the scholarship.

2- Your interview was tough as you say and I hope u succeed. However, what about the others? if it is like that with all applicants, then u should not worry!

3- What is your research proposal if I may ask? are they THAT knowledgeable in that field? or they just criticize just because they want to?? I hate ignorance! my research is about electronics product design and I have constructed a very firm plan... I don't want an ignorant to make fun of it! AND, what if they criticize out of their personal opinion? this is not fair!

4- can you describe the interview step by step? like, how did you presented yourself and your project? how many minutes?

thanks~!

I can't answer your all question
for question one, Malaysia is quite different, I think there were 200-300 applicants, but only 100 applicants passed the primary screening, then the 100 applicants sat for the English and Japanese exam, after that almost 80 applicants were called for the interview. Eventually, only about 20 applicant will get the scholarships.
For question 3, they will try to invite the professor in that field, but not necessarily be your field, in my case, all engineering and science applicant were put on the same day, the panel were almost engineering related professor. but, I am physics student, they didn't really understand what I am doing.

 

[DATCAT]

I can't answer your all question
for question one, Malaysia is quite different, I think there were 200-300 applicants, but only 100 applicants passed the primary screening, then the 100 applicants sat for the English and Japanese exam, after that almost 80 applicants were called for the interview. Eventually, only about 20 applicant will get the scholarships.
For question 3, they will try to invite the professor in that field, but not necessarily be your field, in my case, all engineering and science applicant were put on the same day, the panel were almost engineering related professor. but, I am physics student, they didn't really understand what I am doing.

Wait, Malaysia has 20 openings? Really that much?
In my country is only 1 per year, and I know some years nobody got selected...

 

[eiraku]

Hey ho, here's another one chipping in from Malaysia.

IINM, I got interviewed around the time that Shinon did so I can say with certainty that yesterday was considered as a "Let's cut the fluff out" interview day.

In short, most prolly the interviewers are more interested in seeing the viability of the research topic itself rather than anything else. And as such, they were apparently hard on everyone yesterday.

It was fun bantering with the Head Inquisitor though (let's call him that coz he seemed to be leading the charge of planking me - and prolly everyone else yesterday - to a stake). If your proposal had holes in it, you can be sure that this particular interviewer will find it and jam a shovel in it.

I *could* answer much of the shovelling that he sent my way, though whether or not the answers were *good enough* remains to be seen.

I left the interview with no idea if I did badly or otherwise. It was just... hmmmmmm. As with Shinon the Head Inquisitor did leave me with a cryptically encouraging end comment though.

But, at least that was that. Now on to the long wait to the interview results. Completely unsure if I could make it though lol.

However, while this was my personal experience getting planked to a stake during the interview, YMMV. Other countries might be less critical to the research proposal and more worried about the potential scholars not being able to adapt to Japan, so it's might not be the same for everyone.

 

[J.K.]

Wait, Malaysia has 20 openings? Really that much?
In my country is only 1 per year, and I know some years nobody got selected...

Yes, in 2013 we had 21 scholars, in 2014 we had 23 scholars, according to the secretary in my Embassy, there will be around 20 scholars this year as well.
I think it depends on how many applicants apply and also the diplomatic relationship with Japan.

 

[J.K.]

Hey ho, here's another one chipping in from Malaysia.

IINM, I got interviewed around the time that Shinon did so I can say with certainty that yesterday was considered as a "Let's cut the fluff out" interview day.

In short, most prolly the interviewers are more interested in seeing the viability of the research topic itself rather than anything else. And as such, they were apparently hard on everyone yesterday.

It was fun bantering with the Head Inquisitor though (let's call him that coz he seemed to be leading the charge of planking me - and prolly everyone else yesterday - to a stake). If your proposal had holes in it, you can be sure that this particular interviewer will find it and jam a shovel in it.

I *could* answer much of the shovelling that he sent my way, though whether or not the answers were *good enough* remains to be seen.

I left the interview with no idea if I did badly or otherwise. It was just... hmmmmmm. As with Shinon the Head Inquisitor did leave me with a cryptically encouraging end comment though.

But, at least that was that. Now on to the long wait to the interview results. Completely unsure if I could make it though lol.

However, while this was my personal experience getting planked to a stake during the interview, YMMV. Other countries might be less critical to the research proposal and more worried about the potential scholars not being able to adapt to Japan, so it's might not be the same for everyone.

Is the Head interviewer you are talking about a white hair old man ( a Japanese I guess)? I am a science student, the interviewers are of course different, but I think two of them should be the same, one is the guy we saw when we were taking the exam, the other is the white hair old man.

 

[eiraku]

Is the Head interviewer you are talking about a white hair old man ( a Japanese I guess)? I am a science student, the interviewers are of course different, but I think two of them should be the same, one is the guy we saw when we were taking the exam, the other is the white hair old man.

Yeah... the Japanese Sean Connery-kinda guy. Sharp as a Katana that one, nothing escapes him. Had real fun counter-debating his critiques of my proposal - while shaking in my boots doing so.

That said you do get an impression that he's just "playing" the hyper-critical interviewer role because he has to though - as good as he is at it. The nuance of his parting words to me felt very friendly in contrast to his whole "I'm gonna get you" approach during the interview proper.

As for the other guy, Kuronuma-San or something, IINM that's the first secretary of Education from the Japanese Malaysian consulate (or from JIS, which might or might not be the same thing), aka the guy who signs all the official letters that comes over to us Malaysian candidates.

But really, I'm relieved the interview is all over. I wonder when the interview results would come out for us though, even when I have no idea whether what I went through was a "good" or "bad" interview.

 

[bononogram]

Note: Was emailed today for interview and exam on the same day in early July here in Canada.

 

[Search]

Damn.. I just found this place T-T.
Hi im from mexico and im also applying for this year, im just waiting for the first process to end, and there is another mexican here... dammit hopefully we can help each other :x

 

[Donya]

Hey guys
Any updates about the exam?
I have it tomorrow and you know about 'stress',yeah?:sorry:

 

[ajeng]

Yeah... the Japanese Sean Connery-kinda guy. Sharp as a Katana that one, nothing escapes him. Had real fun counter-debating his critiques of my proposal - while shaking in my boots doing so.

That said you do get an impression that he's just "playing" the hyper-critical interviewer role because he has to though - as good as he is at it. The nuance of his parting words to me felt very friendly in contrast to his whole "I'm gonna get you" approach during the interview proper.

As for the other guy, Kuronuma-San or something, IINM that's the first secretary of Education from the Japanese Malaysian consulate (or from JIS, which might or might not be the same thing), aka the guy who signs all the official letters that comes over to us Malaysian candidates.

But really, I'm relieved the interview is all over. I wonder when the interview results would come out for us though, even when I have no idea whether what I went through was a "good" or "bad" interview.

If not mistaken, the result will be known in end of July.

 

[vegeta]

regarding exams... I applied for research student and chose "until the completion of master degree" in the application... as I already have bachelor (undergraduate) degree.

1- What are the required exams? is it only english and japanese? I seriously can not revise and restudy maths and physics now!

2- about Japanese test, I will surely hand it over EMPTY xD... Is that OK? i saw a previous exam... maybe I can roll my luck and pick the answers xD... but eventually, I will fail for 10000%. What do you say about it?

I am from Jordan, please see my embassy's website If you consider helping me.

Arigato!

 

[bononogram]

regarding exams... I applied for research student and chose "until the completion of master degree" in the application... as I already have bachelor (undergraduate) degree.

1- What are the required exams? is it only english and japanese? I seriously can not revise and restudy maths and physics now!

2- about Japanese test, I will surely hand it over EMPTY xD... Is that OK? i saw a previous exam... maybe I can roll my luck and pick the answers xD... but eventually, I will fail for 10000%. What do you say about it?

I am from Jordan, please see my embassy's website If you consider helping me.

Arigato!

Undergrads and Specialized Training applicants must take the Maths and other exams. Research Student (and future Grad Degree) applicants take only the English and Japanese. See some older exams here: Qualifying Examinations for Applicants for Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarships - Examination Questions

 

[vegeta]

That is reassuring! now I don't have to worry. How about Japanese language test?

 

[EmLA]

Guys, I am really confused. I just received an offer from a professor to be my advisor for research. BUT I did not receive an interview for the MEXT scholarship. Does this mean I can apply through university recommendation? And if not, what does it mean for my chances of doing research?

 

[vegeta]

you must apply like all apply. you have an advantage already that u must not waste! tell him to send you a letter of acceptance (form by MEXT) ASAP... then use it in your application with other documents.

 

[EmLA]

you must apply like all apply. you have an advantage already that u must not waste! tell him to send you a letter of acceptance (form by MEXT) ASAP... then use it in your application with other documents.

Oh no T-T I was already rejected for the interview...I did e-mail the committee head to ask if the acceptance offer changes things...I doubt it will, but we'll see.

 

[bononogram]

Could she not apply for that university directly (paying the application fee, etc.) and use the vote of confidence from the contacted professor to help both her application and her chances of bypassing the entrance examinations AFTER WHICH the university recommendation route could open up?

Things to note: Some uni's only allow uni rec. route to students coming form affiliated institutions abroad
EmLA would then then be going straight into a degree programme most likely (all in Japanese, not a research period, etc)

Anyone else have any ideas?

 

[DATCAT]

Oh no T-T I was already rejected for the interview...I did e-mail the committee head to ask if the acceptance offer changes things...I doubt it will, but we'll see.

Hey,
Even if the don't accept you because the interview thing… don´t lose your contact, and that offer. With that you can apply directly to university (a lot of Unis have applications on September), if you have a research plan and an advisor you may get selected directly. The only problem may be paying application fees by yourself... If you are accepted by university you can apply the following year to embassy by university recommendation.