MEXT Scholarship (Graduate Students) 2017

Tomas Beran · 21 Jun 2016

hsark said:
wow really surprised to hear this I thought the whole point of being a research student is to reach N2 proficiency over 6months or 12months through heavy Japanese classes

I don't want to scare anyone, but maybe they just chose candidates with higher proficiency? Maybe they were thinking that better proficiency won't result in "wasting time" which should be devoted to the research. But that's just my guess, getting stressed about the exams won't do anything good. The point is not having the best Japanese skills, but having Japanese skills good enough compared to the other candidates and you can't really know what their levels are. (Or at least that's what I would do when picking someone) Heads up!

kobayakawa · 23 Jun 2016

Good afternoon (GST +8 timezone) everyone!

(EMBASSY RECOMMENDATION TRACK)

I'm from the Philippines. I am applying for a Research Scholarship leading to PhD and I wanted to share with everyone my experience.

27 May - I submitted my application documents in person to the Japanese embassy in Manila. There were so many people submitting their applications. I am actually curious on the total number of applicants this year. I heard the annual application the embassy in Manila receives is about 500 on the average. >_< If someone could verify this information I'd really appreciate it.

10 June - Exactly two weeks from the date of submission, I received an e-mail from the embassy informing me that I made it to the cut and was invited to take the qualifying examination on the 20th of June, 9:00am onwards.

20 June 9:00am - I went to the embassy to take the English (and try the Nihongo) exam. The examiner reiterated that the Nihongo part does not affect our chances of qualifying for the interview. It will serve as reference only for the MEXT. I tried to count all the exam qualifiers and If I am not mistaken, we were about 112 that day. (I wish someone could verify this information as I only counted the number of rows and columns of tables and assumed they were all occupied when the exam started. I was seated in front so I couldn't glance at the back anymore.

The English exam is not really hard. You won't need more than 15 seconds for each question in Parts I, II, and III. Vocabulary words are those that you have probably learned in Grade 6 or freshman high school (Philippine setting).

In the section where you have to identify the grammatically incorrect phrase or word, DO NOT overthink. Some questions actually have simple errors, e.g., use of "the" and "a" or the use of adverbs.

In the hierarchy of exams with English component, SAT > LAE > UPCAT > Beda Law entrance test > MEXT English exam. But since MEXT is a zero sum game where you have to beat the rest, I think it's important to aim for a 100% score or not lower than 90% (which is not difficult to achieve at all).

20 June 4:05pm (5 hours after the exam) - I received an e-mail informing me that I passed the qualifying examination and was invited to sit down for a panel interview the following day. My interview schedule was early in the morning.

21 June - I went to the embassy. I checked with the security staff the number of interviewees for that day and he showed me the list with ONLY SIXTEEN names. >_< There's a second and final batch of interviews on 22nd June. If we assume that there's gonna be 16 people as well who were invited for the 2nd interview session, it's safe to assume that 32/98 passed the exam and made it to the interview stage.

The panel is composed of 5 members. My interview lasted for 15 minutes and these were the questions:

1. Tell us something about yourself (generic question).
2. Tell us something about your research proposal. Why is it relevant? How different is your research from this person's/institution's line of research? (expected question)
3. Tell us what you did during the times you were in Japan.
4. What are your plans after you earn your PhD in Japan? I told the panel I wanted to go back to my country and apply for a teaching position in my university.
5. Any plans of getting married soon? Nope, that's not a priority. It's the last on my list. Haha)
6. It took you seven years to finish your MA. What makes you think you'll finish your PhD in 3 years? ("I told them I needed to work that time. So I had to stop for 4 years and earn a living. I worked overseas for a couple of years before I finally decided to finish my MA degree." Although...technically, I only spent 4 years: 5 semesters of course work, 1 semester to prepare for the comprehensive examination, 2 semesters to finish writing my thesis).

And one panel said the interview session is over. I may leave the room. And so I left.

I was told the results will be released within a month, so there, I am officially in the waiting game for now. @-@

Last year, the number of research/graduate students who were granted MEXT scholarship was 22 (April departure) and 24 (September departure) per the press release of the embassy. Although I'm sure these numbers already include those who went to the university recommendation track. I wish someone could tell the number of successful applicants via embassy recommendation last year so we will have a rough idea on how many of the 32 interviewees will be happy a month from now.

I wanna hear the stories of other interviewees too!

hello7878 · 23 Jun 2016

kobayakawa said:
Good afternoon (GST +8 timezone) everyone!

(EMBASSY RECOMMENDATION TRACK)

I'm from the Philippines. I am applying for a Research Scholarship leading to PhD and I wanted to share with everyone my experience.

27 May - I submitted my application documents in person to the Japanese embassy in Manila. There were so many people submitting their applications. I am actually curious on the total number of applicants this year. I heard the annual application the embassy in Manila receives is about 500 on the average. >_< If someone could verify this information I'd really appreciate it.

10 June - Exactly two weeks from the date of submission, I received an e-mail from the embassy informing me that I made it to the cut and was invited to take the qualifying examination on the 20th of June, 9:00am onwards.

20 June 9:00am - I went to the embassy to take the English (and try the Nihongo) exam. The examiner reiterated that the Nihongo part does not affect our chances of qualifying for the interview. It will serve as reference only for the MEXT. I tried to count all the exam qualifiers and If I am not mistaken, we were about 112 that day. (I wish someone could verify this information as I only counted the number of rows and columns of tables and assumed they were all occupied when the exam started. I was seated in front so I couldn't glance at the back anymore.

The English exam is not really hard. You won't need more than 15 seconds for each question in Parts I, II, and III. Vocabulary words are those that you have probably learned in Grade 6 or freshman high school (Philippine setting).

In the section where you have to identify the grammatically incorrect phrase or word, DO NOT overthink. Some questions actually have simple errors, e.g., use of "the" and "a" or the use of adverbs.

In the hierarchy of exams with English component, SAT > LAE > UPCAT > Beda Law entrance test > MEXT English exam. But since MEXT is a zero sum game where you have to beat the rest, I think it's important to aim for a 100% score or not lower than 90% (which is not difficult to achieve at all).

20 June 4:05pm (5 hours after the exam) - I received an e-mail informing me that I passed the qualifying examination and was invited to sit down for a panel interview the following day. My interview schedule was early in the morning.

21 June - I went to the embassy. I checked with the security staff the number of interviewees for that day and he showed me the list with ONLY SIXTEEN names. >_< There's a second and final batch of interviews on 22nd June. If we assume that there's gonna be 16 people as well who were invited for the 2nd interview session, it's safe to assume that 32/98 passed the exam and made it to the interview stage.

The panel is composed of 5 members. My interview lasted for 15 minutes and these were the questions:

1. Tell us something about yourself (generic question).
2. Tell us something about your research proposal. Why is it relevant? How different is your research from this person's/institution's line of research? (expected question)
3. Tell us what you did during the times you were in Japan.
4. What are your plans after you earn your PhD in Japan? I told the panel I wanted to go back to my country and apply for a teaching position in my university.
5. Any plans of getting married soon? Nope, that's not a priority. It's the last on my list. Haha)
6. It took you seven years to finish your MA. What makes you think you'll finish your PhD in 3 years? ("I told them I needed to work that time. So I had to stop for 4 years and earn a living. I worked overseas for a couple of years before I finally decided to finish my MA degree." Although...technically, I only spent 4 years: 5 semesters of course work, 1 semester to prepare for the comprehensive examination, 2 semesters to finish writing my thesis).

And one panel said the interview session is over. I may leave the room. And so I left.

I was told the results will be released within a month, so there, I am officially in the waiting game for now. @-@

Last year, the number of research/graduate students who were granted MEXT scholarship was 22 (April departure) and 24 (September departure) per the press release of the embassy. Although I'm sure these numbers already include those who went to the university recommendation track. I wish someone could tell the number of successful applicants via embassy recommendation last year so we will have a rough idea on how many of the 32 interviewees will be happy a month from now.

I wanna hear the stories of other interviewees too!

In 2014 there were only 9 people from the UK who were granted the scholarship and apparently it changes year on year depending on the budget granted to each country. I guess because the Philippines has a bigger population there are more spots but i guess we will never 100% know.

kobayakawa · 23 Jun 2016

hello7878 said:
In 2014 there were only 9 people from the UK who were granted the scholarship and apparently it changes year on year depending on the budget granted to each country. I guess because the Philippines has a bigger population there are more spots but i guess we will never 100% know.

I hope the Japanese government won't drastically cut down the number of MEXT research scholars in my country this year 'cause right now, it's safe to say that I have about 60% chances of making it to the primary screening (if they'd take in 20+- of the 32 interviewees, same as last year and previous year).

*fingers crossed*

zobel · 23 Jun 2016

kobayakawa said:
Good afternoon (GST +8 timezone) everyone!

(EMBASSY RECOMMENDATION TRACK)

I'm from the Philippines. I am applying for a Research Scholarship leading to PhD and I wanted to share with everyone my experience.

27 May - I submitted my application documents in person to the Japanese embassy in Manila. There were so many people submitting their applications. I am actually curious on the total number of applicants this year. I heard the annual application the embassy in Manila receives is about 500 on the average. >_< If someone could verify this information I'd really appreciate it.

10 June - Exactly two weeks from the date of submission, I received an e-mail from the embassy informing me that I made it to the cut and was invited to take the qualifying examination on the 20th of June, 9:00am onwards.

20 June 9:00am - I went to the embassy to take the English (and try the Nihongo) exam. The examiner reiterated that the Nihongo part does not affect our chances of qualifying for the interview. It will serve as reference only for the MEXT. I tried to count all the exam qualifiers and If I am not mistaken, we were about 112 that day. (I wish someone could verify this information as I only counted the number of rows and columns of tables and assumed they were all occupied when the exam started. I was seated in front so I couldn't glance at the back anymore.

The English exam is not really hard. You won't need more than 15 seconds for each question in Parts I, II, and III. Vocabulary words are those that you have probably learned in Grade 6 or freshman high school (Philippine setting).

In the section where you have to identify the grammatically incorrect phrase or word, DO NOT overthink. Some questions actually have simple errors, e.g., use of "the" and "a" or the use of adverbs.

In the hierarchy of exams with English component, SAT > LAE > UPCAT > Beda Law entrance test > MEXT English exam. But since MEXT is a zero sum game where you have to beat the rest, I think it's important to aim for a 100% score or not lower than 90% (which is not difficult to achieve at all).

20 June 4:05pm (5 hours after the exam) - I received an e-mail informing me that I passed the qualifying examination and was invited to sit down for a panel interview the following day. My interview schedule was early in the morning.

21 June - I went to the embassy. I checked with the security staff the number of interviewees for that day and he showed me the list with ONLY SIXTEEN names. >_< There's a second and final batch of interviews on 22nd June. If we assume that there's gonna be 16 people as well who were invited for the 2nd interview session, it's safe to assume that 32/98 passed the exam and made it to the interview stage.

The panel is composed of 5 members. My interview lasted for 15 minutes and these were the questions:

1. Tell us something about yourself (generic question).
2. Tell us something about your research proposal. Why is it relevant? How different is your research from this person's/institution's line of research? (expected question)
3. Tell us what you did during the times you were in Japan.
4. What are your plans after you earn your PhD in Japan? I told the panel I wanted to go back to my country and apply for a teaching position in my university.
5. Any plans of getting married soon? Nope, that's not a priority. It's the last on my list. Haha)
6. It took you seven years to finish your MA. What makes you think you'll finish your PhD in 3 years? ("I told them I needed to work that time. So I had to stop for 4 years and earn a living. I worked overseas for a couple of years before I finally decided to finish my MA degree." Although...technically, I only spent 4 years: 5 semesters of course work, 1 semester to prepare for the comprehensive examination, 2 semesters to finish writing my thesis).

And one panel said the interview session is over. I may leave the room. And so I left.

I was told the results will be released within a month, so there, I am officially in the waiting game for now. @-@

Last year, the number of research/graduate students who were granted MEXT scholarship was 22 (April departure) and 24 (September departure) per the press release of the embassy. Although I'm sure these numbers already include those who went to the university recommendation track. I wish someone could tell the number of successful applicants via embassy recommendation last year so we will have a rough idea on how many of the 32 interviewees will be happy a month from now.

I wanna hear the stories of other interviewees too!

Thanks for sharing your experience..
I sent my application on June, 9. Deadline was the following day. After the documents screening, which took about four days after the deadline, I was called by the Japanese embassy. A Japanese woman with a sweet voice told me that I passed the selection and was invited to take part to the exams. I did the written exams Tuesday (June 21), on afternoon.

The research candidates were divided into two groups. I was in the second one and had to be there on afternoon. Once arrived at the embassy there was the list of selected candidates for each scholarship category (research, undergraduate, etc.) and we are exactly 40 candidates for the research category. I think 2 people were missing so we were about 18 candidates to take the exam on afternoon. The funny thing is, there were exactly 20 seats in the room.. ahahah thats why the Embassy selected no more than 40 and why we were divided.

Japanese exam: I did some questions of the elementary part.
English exam: If you're a native English speaker, it should be a piece of cake. I'm not, but did my best.

Waiting now the exams results to know if i'm going to the interview..

Good Luck to all of us !!!

zobel · 23 Jun 2016

(double post)

kobayakawa · 23 Jun 2016

zobel said:
Thanks for sharing your experience..
I sent my application on June, 9. Deadline was the following day. After the documents screening, which took about four days after the deadline, I was called by the Japanese embassy. A Japanese woman with a sweet voice told me that I passed the selection and was invited to take part to the exams.
I did the written exams Tuesday (June 21), on afternoon.
The research candidates were divided into two groups. I was in the second one and had to be there on afternoon. Once arrived at the embassy there was the list of selected candidates for each scholarship category (research, undergraduate, etc.) and we are exactly 40 candidates for the research category. I think 2 people were missing so we were about 18 candidates to take the exam on afternoon. The funny thing is, there were exactly 20 seats in the room.. ahahah thats why the Embassy selected no more than 40 and why we were divided.

Japanese exam: I did some questions of the elementary part.
English exam: If you're a native English speaker, it should be a piece of cake. I'm not, but did my best.

Waiting now the exams results to know if i'm going to the interview..

Good Luck to all of us !!!

Thank you for sharing your experience too!

About the English exam, you are right. It should not be a problem for native English speakers and those who use English as medium of instruction in schools as early as kindergarten. I can tell that you are from Ivory Coast and if I'm not mistaken, French is the official language in your country. But that's okay I think since you will be competing for slots only in your country.

In any case, I hope we get good news very soon!

zobel · 23 Jun 2016

kobayakawa said:
Thank you for sharing your experience too!

About the English exam, you are right. It should not be a problem for native English speakers and those who use English as medium of instruction in schools as early as kindergarten. I can tell that you are from Ivory Coast and if I'm not mistaken, French is the official language in your country.

In any case, I hope we get good news very soon!

oui, je suis Ivoirien et en effet, le français est ma langue officielle (yeah I'm from Ivory coast. French is indeed my mother tongue).

DezireeAngel · 23 Jun 2016

kobayakawa said:
Good afternoon (GST +8 timezone) everyone!

(EMBASSY RECOMMENDATION TRACK)

I'm from the Philippines. I am applying for a Research Scholarship leading to PhD and I wanted to share with everyone my experience.

27 May - I submitted my application documents in person to the Japanese embassy in Manila. There were so many people submitting their applications. I am actually curious on the total number of applicants this year. I heard the annual application the embassy in Manila receives is about 500 on the average. >_< If someone could verify this information I'd really appreciate it.

10 June - Exactly two weeks from the date of submission, I received an e-mail from the embassy informing me that I made it to the cut and was invited to take the qualifying examination on the 20th of June, 9:00am onwards.

20 June 9:00am - I went to the embassy to take the English (and try the Nihongo) exam. The examiner reiterated that the Nihongo part does not affect our chances of qualifying for the interview. It will serve as reference only for the MEXT. I tried to count all the exam qualifiers and If I am not mistaken, we were about 112 that day. (I wish someone could verify this information as I only counted the number of rows and columns of tables and assumed they were all occupied when the exam started. I was seated in front so I couldn't glance at the back anymore.

The English exam is not really hard. You won't need more than 15 seconds for each question in Parts I, II, and III. Vocabulary words are those that you have probably learned in Grade 6 or freshman high school (Philippine setting).

In the section where you have to identify the grammatically incorrect phrase or word, DO NOT overthink. Some questions actually have simple errors, e.g., use of "the" and "a" or the use of adverbs.

In the hierarchy of exams with English component, SAT > LAE > UPCAT > Beda Law entrance test > MEXT English exam. But since MEXT is a zero sum game where you have to beat the rest, I think it's important to aim for a 100% score or not lower than 90% (which is not difficult to achieve at all).

20 June 4:05pm (5 hours after the exam) - I received an e-mail informing me that I passed the qualifying examination and was invited to sit down for a panel interview the following day. My interview schedule was early in the morning.

21 June - I went to the embassy. I checked with the security staff the number of interviewees for that day and he showed me the list with ONLY SIXTEEN names. >_< There's a second and final batch of interviews on 22nd June. If we assume that there's gonna be 16 people as well who were invited for the 2nd interview session, it's safe to assume that 32/98 passed the exam and made it to the interview stage.

The panel is composed of 5 members. My interview lasted for 15 minutes and these were the questions:

1. Tell us something about yourself (generic question).
2. Tell us something about your research proposal. Why is it relevant? How different is your research from this person's/institution's line of research? (expected question)
3. Tell us what you did during the times you were in Japan.
4. What are your plans after you earn your PhD in Japan? I told the panel I wanted to go back to my country and apply for a teaching position in my university.
5. Any plans of getting married soon? Nope, that's not a priority. It's the last on my list. Haha)
6. It took you seven years to finish your MA. What makes you think you'll finish your PhD in 3 years? ("I told them I needed to work that time. So I had to stop for 4 years and earn a living. I worked overseas for a couple of years before I finally decided to finish my MA degree." Although...technically, I only spent 4 years: 5 semesters of course work, 1 semester to prepare for the comprehensive examination, 2 semesters to finish writing my thesis).

And one panel said the interview session is over. I may leave the room. And so I left.

I was told the results will be released within a month, so there, I am officially in the waiting game for now. @-@

Last year, the number of research/graduate students who were granted MEXT scholarship was 22 (April departure) and 24 (September departure) per the press release of the embassy. Although I'm sure these numbers already include those who went to the university recommendation track. I wish someone could tell the number of successful applicants via embassy recommendation last year so we will have a rough idea on how many of the 32 interviewees will be happy a month from now.

I wanna hear the stories of other interviewees too!

Hello there fellow Filipino, good luck! I think the result they would be giving after a month is just the preliminary screening result. It would still be a long way, and based on fellow Filipino successful applicant's experience, final results (if thru embassy application) would be released around February. Ticket would be around last week of March. Notification of unsuccessful applicants for the second screening would be around December. Hope you'd get the scholarship! Godbless

kobayakawa · 23 Jun 2016

DezireeAngel said:
Hello there fellow Filipino, good luck! I think the result they would be giving after a month is just the preliminary screening result. It would still be a long way, and based on fellow Filipino successful applicant's experience, final results (if thru embassy application) would be released around February. Ticket would be around last week of March. Notification of unsuccessful applicants for the second screening would be around December. Hope you'd get the scholarship! Godbless

Hi Deziree! Thanks! Yep, I am aware that it's only the end of the first leg of the application. I read the whole thread and this has been really informative. I hope I make it to the cut of the primary screening. >_< And I hope they wont cut the number of slots for non-STEM fields. I'm in the social sciences field. >_<

DezireeAngel · 23 Jun 2016

kobayakawa said:
Hi Deziree! Thanks! Yep, I am aware that it's only the end of the first leg of the application. I read the whole thread and this has been really informative. I hope I make it to the cut of the primary screening. >_< And I hope they wont cut the number of slots for non-STEM fields. I'm in the social sciences field. >_<

Let's all attract positive energy! Haha! You can make it. What University are you planning to attend to?

hello7878 · 23 Jun 2016

If you read last years thread it seems if you pass the interview its more the case you will go than you won't go, i don't want to put a number on it but from what i remember i'd say maybe 80%? but check the other thread if you are really curious about how many people who passed then went on to actually receive the scholarship.

kobayakawa · 23 Jun 2016

DezireeAngel said:
Let's all attract positive energy! Haha! You can make it. What University are you planning to attend to?

I had a chance to work with professors from Kyoudai and Toudai when I was doing my MA. The professor from Toudai asked me if I want to study there for my PhD. So I am taking it as he's willing to help me secure a LOA IF (big IF) I get passed the primary screening. Expecting for the worst, hoping for the best. If I will not make it thru embassy recommendation, I will ask if he'd be willing to take me in via university recommendation. >_<

hello7878 · 23 Jun 2016

kobayakawa said:
I had a chance to work with professors from Kyoudai and Toudai when I was doing my MA. The professor from Toudai asked me if I want to study there for my PhD. So I am taking it as he's willing to help me secure a LOA IF (big IF) I get passed the primary screening. Expecting for the worst, hoping for the best. If I will not make it thru embassy recommendation, I will ask if he'd be willing to take me in via university recommendation. >_<

Did you do the masters on MEXT or independently ?

kobayakawa · 23 Jun 2016

hello7878 said:
Did you do the masters on MEXT or independently ?

Hey Hello,

I took my Masters degree at a university here in the Philippines. But during the course of my MA, I had a chance to participate in some research workshops, short term visiting research program, and special intensive summer classes. During those times, I met professors in my field from Toudai and Kyoudai so, despite knowing the tough competition in these universities, I still listed Toudai and Kyoudai as my first and second options. In the event I passed the embassy screening *fingers crossed*, I believe that knowing someone already from these universities would increase my chances of securing a LOA, as mentioned in the previous threads.

hello7878 · 23 Jun 2016

kobayakawa said:
Hey Hello,

I took my Masters degree at a university here in the Philippines. But during the course of my MA, I had a chance to participate in some research workshops, short term visiting research program, and special intensive summer classes. During those times, I met professors in my field from Toudai and Kyoudai so, despite knowing the tough competition in these universities, I still listed Toudai and Kyoudai as my first and second options. In the event I passed the embassy screening *fingers crossed*, I believe that knowing someone already from these universities would increase my chances of securing a LOA, as mentioned in the previous threads.

Ye all the research i suggested seems to point that if you know a professor it increases your chances, but i think they're trying to change that this year. When i was messaging universities a lot of them wouldn't even talk to me until i pass the first stage. Some wouldn't talk to me until the application became available.

kobayakawa · 23 Jun 2016

hello7878 said:
Ye all the research i suggested seems to point that if you know a professor it increases your chances, but i think they're trying to change that this year. When i was messaging universities a lot of them wouldn't even talk to me until i pass the first stage. Some wouldn't talk to me until the application became available.

That's actually my plan. I will touch base with the Toudai professor once the results are out. As of now, he does not have any idea I have applied via embassy recommendation.

If I make it, I will inform him I am gonna submit documents at the graduate office for the LOA (my way of knowing if he can also assist me in expediting the process). If I don't make it, I'll ask if he can be my adviser via university recommendation.

hello7878 · 23 Jun 2016

kobayakawa said:
That's actually my plan. I will touch base with the Toudai professor once the results are out. As of now, he does not have any idea I have applied via embassy recommendation.

If I make it, I will inform him I am gonna submit documents at the graduate office for the LOA (my way of knowing if he can also assist me in expediting the process). If I don't make it, I'll ask if he can be my adviser via university recommendation.

You have a nice situation going for you, good luck.

DezireeAngel · 24 Jun 2016

kobayakawa said:
I had a chance to work with professors from Kyoudai and Toudai when I was doing my MA. The professor from Toudai asked me if I want to study there for my PhD. So I am taking it as he's willing to help me secure a LOA IF (big IF) I get passed the primary screening. Expecting for the worst, hoping for the best. If I will not make it thru embassy recommendation, I will ask if he'd be willing to take me in via university recommendation. >_<

Were you able to reflect it in your CV/resume that you submitted to them? Or were you able to share this info during the interview? If so it would be an edge for you. They would think that you can really work hand in hand to Japanese researchers. Interview's goal is to assess the determination of the applicant to submerge to Japanese culture, since there are cases that significant # of students would opt to drop off the class for different reasons, all concerning culture, society, and racism issues.

I also included my work experience with a Japanese professor/scientist at Kyoto University (project based at UPLB), and I think my future sensei knows him (which is good). I am now just waiting for my official acceptance letter.

kobayakawa · 24 Jun 2016

DezireeAngel said:
Were you able to reflect it in your CV/resume that you submitted to them? Or were you able to share this info during the interview? If so it would be an edge for you. They would think that you can really work hand in hand to Japanese researchers. Interview's goal is to assess the determination of the applicant to submerge to Japanese culture, since there are cases that significant # of students would opt to drop off the class for different reasons, all concerning culture, society, and racism issues.

I also included my work experience with a Japanese professor/scientist at Kyoto University (project based at UPLB), and I think my future sensei knows him (which is good). I am now just waiting for my official acceptance letter.

Good morning Deziree! In Section 18 of the Application Form (Visits or stays in Japan), I specified that I have been to Japan several times, all of which are academic related. The most recent was actually a week before the exam/interview. I presented a paper at a conference in Tokyo.

Also, during the interview, one of the panel members asked me to elaborate further my activities in Japan. I stayed in Japan for a year as an exchange student when I was an undergraduate student so I think this will help convince the panel that I am well immersed in Japanese culture and society. What really bothered me is the question by the Japanese member of the panel. She said the MEXT PhD scholarship is good for three years only. When she looked at my MA records, she said I spent 7 good years for that. So she's not sure if I can do it. My answer was straight forward but insufficient. I said I needed to work, I needed to help send my sister to college. (I was not able to tell the panel that this time I can do it within the time period because I am going to be a full time PhD student in Japan granted they award me the scholarship). >_<

But yeah,...it's done. Hope things work out for me. >_<

DezireeAngel · 25 Jun 2016

kobayakawa said:
Good morning Deziree! In Section 18 of the Application Form (Visits or stays in Japan), I specified that I have been to Japan several times, all of which are academic related. The most recent was actually a week before the exam/interview. I presented a paper at a conference in Tokyo.

Also, during the interview, one of the panel members asked me to elaborate further my activities in Japan. I stayed in Japan for a year as an exchange student when I was an undergraduate student so I think this will help convince the panel that I am well immersed in Japanese culture and society. What really bothered me is the question by the Japanese member of the panel. She said the MEXT PhD scholarship is good for three years only. When she looked at my MA records, she said I spent 7 good years for that. So she's not sure if I can do it. My answer was straight forward but insufficient. I said I needed to work, I needed to help send my sister to college. (I was not able to tell the panel that this time I can do it within the time period because I am going to be a full time PhD student in Japan granted they award me the scholarship). >_<

But yeah,...it's done. Hope things work out for me. >_<

Well actually that is a valid reason. However you could have said that quality education and thesis results require time! Haha! God bless on your application. Keep us updated

madphysicist · 25 Jun 2016

Just to let other UK-ers know, I received an invitation to the interview in London today, it will be on 18th July.

kobayakawa said:
What really bothered me is the question by the Japanese member of the panel. She said the MEXT PhD scholarship is good for three years only. When she looked at my MA records, she said I spent 7 good years for that. So she's not sure if I can do it. My answer was straight forward but insufficient. I said I needed to work, I needed to help send my sister to college. (I was not able to tell the panel that this time I can do it within the time period because I am going to be a full time PhD student in Japan granted they award me the scholarship). >_<

Financial hardship is a legitimate reason not to have finished in a short time. I don't see what better reason they could expect someone to give except maybe severe health problems. I don't think you need to worry so much about it.

Tagy · 25 Jun 2016

Hello Every one, it is good to read your comments and posts.
i am asking if any one talk the english exam ? plz can you remember the type of topics in the reading section ? (i mean was it about traveling or united nation issues or medical...etc)
enlgish is not my my home language but iam not that bad if you can understand this post ^_^
Thank you in advance and wish you all the best

kobayakawa · 25 Jun 2016

DezireeAngel said:
Well actually that is a valid reason. However you could have said that quality education and thesis results require time! Haha! God bless on your application. Keep us updated

Haha! That may probably work out. Will do!
By the way, I checked the previous press releases of the embassy re dispatch of research students and these are the figures:

2012: 29 (April departure); 20 (October departure. Includes univ recommended grantees)
2013: 25; 18
2014: 28; no info
2015: 24; 22
2016: 22

Seems like they give no less than 20 slots for the Philippines under the research category. I hope they won't cut the number of slots by half this 2017.

madphysicist said:
Financial hardship is a legitimate reason not to have finished in a short time. I don't see what better reason they could expect someone to give except maybe severe health problems. I don't think you need to worry so much about it.

I hope the Japanese members of the panel would see that way. They were the ones who actually expressed concerns over that detail. This is because I heard there are a number of grantees in my country who fail to earn their degree within the time period.

kobayakawa · 25 Jun 2016

Tagy said:
Hello Every one, it is good to read your comments and posts.
i am asking if any one talk the english exam ? plz can you remember the type of topics in the reading section ? (i mean was it about traveling or united nation issues or medical...etc)
enlgish is not my my home language but iam not that bad if you can understand this post ^_^
Thank you in advance and wish you all the best

Hello Tagy,

I remember in the reading comprehension part, the two stories were about food waste in the UK and the study of self. The first story is very straight forward. No reading between the lines needed. The second story is more challenging because it can qualify as something written by Michel Foucault or Homi Bhabha or Judith Butler or Gayatri Spivak. In other words, you will read a paragraph that is only 1 sentence. Make sure to break down these kinds of sentences pretending to be paragraphs so that you can take out the main idea.

Good luck on your exam!

MEXT Scholarship (Graduate Students) 2017

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