MEXT Scholarship (Graduate Students) 2017

Thank you both! Ok, I will e-mail both as CC, I should have done it with first two e-mails as well, instead I only quoted the professor's words...

Lawrence, no it has not been two weeks already, only 5 days! The problem is I have only 12 days more and then the professor won't be able to sign the letter and send the documents (now is working abroad, after that he will be travelling for other reasons and won't be able to send the stuff). Sending the e-mail now might be rude but waiting is too risky...
I am checking other universities (I sent documents to one already) although I really wanted to go to this one in Osaka, it would have been my first choice.
 
Thank you both! Ok, I will e-mail both as CC, I should have done it with first two e-mails as well, instead I only quoted the professor's words...

Lawrence, no it has not been two weeks already, only 5 days! The problem is I have only 12 days more and then the professor won't be able to sign the letter and send the documents (now is working abroad, after that he will be travelling for other reasons and won't be able to send the stuff). Sending the e-mail now might be rude but waiting is too risky...
I am checking other universities although I really wanted to go to that one in Osaka.

OK. Do whatever you feel is best. I might give them a full 7 days just to be as polite as I can with them. Nonetheless, please email your professor ahead of emailing the contact because it could be very possible that they already began the procedure. Additionally, when you email the other person be very open that you already messaged the other two departments but you felt that this person might be the best person to contact for this matter.
 
I just contacted the professor to ask for permission (new e-mail with CC thing) and to be sure they are not in contact already. Thank you lawrence for suggesting to do so, indeed it is the best choice but it did not come to mind before so I would have made a mistake for sure...
 
I just contacted the professor to ask for permission (new e-mail with CC thing) and to be sure they are not in contact already. Thank you lawrence for suggesting to do so, indeed it is the best choice but it did not come to mind before so I would have made a mistake for sure...

Yeah. We have all been there. It is best to take a breath of fresh air than make an impulsive move (especially when it is related to your professor and other departments/professors).
 
Sent my documents to two universities! And the wait begins. Anyone applying to UTokyo? (Not sure of my chances of getting an LoA, but I figured It was worth a shot xD )
 
Sent my documents to two universities! And the wait begins. Anyone applying to UTokyo? (Not sure of my chances of getting an LoA, but I figured It was worth a shot xD )

I still haven't decided if it's worth it because Tokyo is only my third choice. Did Tokyo let you send the documents by email...?

Kobe: prof says we should have a little skype interview about my current/planned research this month, it sounds informal.
Kyoto : I have no idea what's happening but sent my documents to the prof who says he'll handle it. Well, okay then.
 
Sent my documents to two universities! And the wait begins. Anyone applying to UTokyo? (Not sure of my chances of getting an LoA, but I figured It was worth a shot xD )

I still haven't decided if it's worth it because Tokyo is only my third choice. Did Tokyo let you send the documents by email...?

Kobe: prof says we should have a little skype interview about my current/planned research this month, it sounds informal.
Kyoto: I have no idea what's happening but sent my documents to the prof who says he'll handle it. Well, okay then.

I can't tell you much about it since I got in by University recommended but if you have good research experience and show interest in the professor's research and the university, there are not many reasons to reject you. One of biggest reasons why most professors reject a student is due to a lack of funding (especially in todai (or I guess Japan in general?) where it is uncommon for the professor to cover the students university expenses). Given that you have already been offered the MEXT scholarship, the professor has one less reason to reject you. Sorry I kind of worded this as best I could to not give you a definitive answer that you will get into todai just because you have your own funding but providing your own funding does help. Although todai is known to have one of the most difficult entrance exams so if your interest is in a degree program there, you need to study a little bit more. Of course, you should go to a university or work with a professor that you are most passionate with.
 
Last edited:
I still haven't decided if it's worth it because Tokyo is only my third choice. Did Tokyo let you send the documents by email
No, I had to send it via snail mail. But there is an option of uploading documents on some uploader they have. But they wont consider your application if you dont submit the hard copies.
Its not my top choice either, but I have a professor who has been in contact with me for the past year and works at two Universities. One of them is Tokyo.
I got a mail from the other University saying its results will also be declared in mid September , so i'm considering contacting another professor, but I dont really want to because this professor has invested his time in me and frankly, I dont wish to work with anyone else.

Any suggestions? I was planning on sending a PM to you regarding thins xD

( The kyoto professor sounds so nice! )
 
Last edited:
I can't tell you much about it since I got in by University recommended but if you have good research experience and show interest in the professor's research and the university, there are not many reasons to reject you. One of biggest reasons why most professors reject a student is due to a lack of funding (especially in todai (or I guess Japan in general?) where it is uncommon for the professor to cover the students university expenses). Given that you have already been offered the MEXT scholarship, the professor has one less reason to reject you. Sorry I kind of worded this as best I could to not give you a definitive answer that you will get into todai just because you have your own funding but providing your own funding does help. Although todai is known to have one of the most difficult entrance exams so if your interest is in a degree program there, you need to study a little bit more. Of course, you should go to a university or work with a professor that you are most passionate with.
Thanks for your reply and the advice. Like i said, it is not my preferred University, I am applying just in case I get rejected from the other one (really hoping that doesn't happen)
I already have acceptance from a professor and I have a decent Research proposal and am def. interested in his Research.

Yes i have heard about the Entrance exam of Tokyo. I'l think about that if I get accepted :angelic::angelic:
 
I can't tell you much about it since I got in by University recommended but if you have good research experience and show interest in the professor's research and the university, there are not many reasons to reject you. One of biggest reasons why most professors reject a student is due to a lack of funding (especially in todai (or I guess Japan in general?) where it is uncommon for the professor to cover the students university expenses). Given that you have already been offered the MEXT scholarship, the professor has one less reason to reject you. Sorry I kind of worded this as best I could to not give you a definitive answer that you will get into todai just because you have your own funding but providing your own funding does help. Although todai is known to have one of the most difficult entrance exams so if your interest is in a degree program there, you need to study a little bit more. Of course, you should go to a university or work with a professor that you are most passionate with.

I have no concern about whether I will get the LoA, since a prof already agreed to accept me and my grades are excellent.

But I don't want to waste time and money sending documents in the post when they are only my third choice and the chance of me being placed there is so small. Also the prof was not very helpful or enthusiastic when compared to the others. The Todai professors and students I've talked to seem to have a real attitude problem. When you look at international rankings and reputation Todai is simply not "all that" but they don't seem to have realised it yet.

I want to enter on a PhD not a master's so probably there will be no real entrance exam for me.

Its not my top choice either, but I have a professor who has been in contact with me for the past year and works at two Universities. One of them is Tokyo.
I got a mail from the other University saying its results will also be declared in mid September , so i'm considering contacting another professor, but I dont really want to because this professor has invested his time in me and frankly, I dont wish to work with anyone else.

Any suggestions? I was planning on sending a PM to you regarding thins xD

I am not sure I understand your question to be honest... sorry.

It is always good to have at least one back-up. But if you don't really want to work with someone, better not to waste your or their time.
 
Thanks for your reply and the advice. Like i said, it is not my preferred University, I am applying just in case I get rejected from the other one (really hoping that doesn't happen)
I already have acceptance from a professor and I have a decent Research proposal and am def. interested in his Research.

Yes i have heard about the Entrance exam of Tokyo. I'l think about that if I get accepted :angelic::angelic:

I have no concern about whether I will get the LoA, since a prof already agreed to accept me and my grades are excellent.

But I don't want to waste time and money sending documents in the post when they are only my third choice and the chance of me being placed there is so small. Also the prof was not very helpful or enthusiastic when compared to the others. The Todai professors and students I've talked to seem to have a real attitude problem. When you look at international rankings and reputation Todai is simply not "all that" but they don't seem to have realised it yet.

I want to enter on a PhD not a master's so probably there will be no real entrance exam for me.



I am not sure I understand your question to be honest... sorry.

It is always good to have at least one back-up. But if you don't really want to work with someone, better not to waste your or their time.

Yes. Of course, go to whichever school you prefer best! :-)
 
I have no concern about whether I will get the LoA, since a prof already agreed to accept me and my grades are excellent.

But I don't want to waste time and money sending documents in the post when they are only my third choice and the chance of me being placed there is so small. Also the prof was not very helpful or enthusiastic when compared to the others. The Todai professors and students I've talked to seem to have a real attitude problem. When you look at international rankings and reputation Todai is simply not "all that" but they don't seem to have realised it yet.

I want to enter on a PhD not a master's so probably there will be no real entrance exam for me.



I am not sure I understand your question to be honest... sorry.

It is always good to have at least one back-up. But if you don't really want to work with someone, better not to waste your or their time.
Haha its fine. I'm just panicking xD Nevermind! :D
Yes, I wont contact other professors. Thanks anyway :)
 
I was just scared about approaching only two universities and the possibility of getting rejected by both of them. :banghead: ( both the universities will let me know if I have passed their screening and everything by mid September, which just scared me more:eek:)
 
Congrats to everyone sending out their documents!

I got news yesterday that since the professor I wanted is retiring and none of the other professors have related research that I won't be getting an LOA from Osaka but that's okay since it was my third choice. I did get an LOA from Waseda this morning though (2nd choice) so I'm happy. Now just waiting on Tsukuba, where I already had a professor say yes.
 
Congrats to everyone sending out their documents!

I got news yesterday that since the professor I wanted is retiring and none of the other professors have related research that I won't be getting an LOA from Osaka but that's okay since it was my third choice. I did get an LOA from Waseda this morning though (2nd choice) so I'm happy. Now just waiting on Tsukuba, where I already had a professor say yes.
What is your field?

I ask because some of your choices lined up with mine.

Ended up getting my first choice, however. I'm going to Kobe at the end of Sept.
 
What is your field?

I ask because some of your choices lined up with mine.

Ended up getting my first choice, however. I'm going to Kobe at the end of Sept.
I'm going into Japanese applied linguistics to become a Japanese teacher in the future. How about you?
 
I'm going into Japanese applied linguistics to become a Japanese teacher in the future. How about you?
My past research and degrees were in history though in Japan I will be working more in the social sciences.
 
Guys, one university told me that after the official confirmation, to apply as a foreign researcher I will have to pay 14,000 Yen by myself around September.
Well... is this normal? Official MEXT confirmation of the scholarhip is due to January so why should I pay (with my money xD) so early? This would even be my second or third choice so as far as I know I am not likely to go there.
Anyone had a similar experience?
Maybe I am misunderstandig something since it is in Japanese, I quote the original sentence for reference: "正式決定後について
少し先のお話しになりますが、本学での受入が正式に決定した場合、外国人研究生制度へ出願していただく必要があります。
出願費用の14,000円はご自身で立て替えていただく必要がありますので、その点ご了承ください(9月頃に返納されます)。"

Also, I still have to submit the documents.

P.s. Oh, I misunderstood the last part in the brackets. So, the returning of the money is in September and not the payment. But now it is not clear when I have to pay, maybe right away. Before asking details I would like to know if this happened to anyone else...
Oh, I just realized that the official confirmation is probably January! Right?
What mislead me is that I misunderstood the sentence in the brackets... sorry, for the ambiguous post!
 
Last edited:
Omedetou to all those who made it passed the embassy screening!

It's still waiting game here in the Philippines. Last year, the results came out on the 5th of August (first week of the month).

Any Filipino research scholarship applicants who made it to the interview? How are you guys dealing with the waiting game? @_@
Hi kobayakawa! Fellow Filipino here. I sent you a PM. Hope you could check it out soon!
 
Omedetou to all those who made it passed the embassy screening!

It's still waiting game here in the Philippines. Last year, the results came out on the 5th of August (first week of the month).

Any Filipino research scholarship applicants who made it to the interview? How are you guys dealing with the waiting game? @_@
I think the results are out in Philippines too. I saw a few applicants posting about it on facebook. :D
 
I am sending the documents to the third university, they ask me all the documents I sent to the embassy but there is one I cannot recognize:
Application for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Application for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship (separate)

Is this the Application Form, right? But what about the other one...? It is the same except for "separate" (or Japanese 別紙) in the brackets. If it may helps, here are the full names in Japanese:
日本政府(文部科学省)奨学金留学生申
日本政府(文部科学省)奨学金留学生申請書(別紙)

As far as I can tell, there is no other form to download on the university's page for MEXT applicants!
 
I've been in contact with KyoDai and they want me to go there directly to the masters, no research student status. I've been asked to pay the admission fee of 15,000 yens and send the application material... If I were to be chosen by MEXT to go to KyoDai will I be getting back that money? T_____T

Waseda still hasn't answered or send the LOA. I'm starting to feel frustrated.
 
I've been in contact with KyoDai and they want me to go there directly to the masters, no research student status. I've been asked to pay the admission fee of 15,000 yens and send the application material... If I were to be chosen by MEXT to go to KyoDai will I be getting back that money? T_____T

Waseda still hasn't answered or send the LOA. I'm starting to feel frustrated.

Oh congrats! Kyodai is a really good school and it is a little unusual that they let you do direct entry for embassy recommended. As you know, in most cases you need to stay as a research student for a year and take an entrance exam. However good job!
 
I've been in contact with KyoDai and they want me to go there directly to the masters, no research student status. I've been asked to pay the admission fee of 15,000 yens and send the application material... If I were to be chosen by MEXT to go to KyoDai will I be getting back that money? T_____T

Waseda still hasn't answered or send the LOA. I'm starting to feel frustrated.
I asked the same thing a couple of posts ago!
I cannot be sure but they should give you the money back, in my case they told that I if I end up there and pay, the refunding is to be done the next september (I quoted the sentence above, check it!).
 
Sorry, I didn't understand it was the same as me. Are you also applying to KyoDai?
 
Back
Top Bottom