MEXT Scholarship (Research/Graduate students) 2018

Andrik · 30 Aug 2017

Alyssa said:
I'm in the same situation, but your case is little bit easier because both universities and Profs are good. For me, the one is a national university with everything is better than another. However, if I choose it, I will not have 6 month to study Japanese language course. More importantly, the prof. seem not active and hardly answer my emails, he said he's too busy. Another university is just a public one, very small with few international students. But, the prof. is so nice and helpful. Therefore, I really do not know which university I should put as my first choice.

Whoa sounds like a tough situation! The postdocs and Ph.D. students I've worked with all tell me that choosing the right advisor is more important, but maybe you can also consider how good the department and lab are too. Like, even if the Uni isn't so great, the Lab or Department could still be really well known. I found this discussion elsewhere that might help you decide: graduate school - What's more important in choosing a PhD program, advisor or institution? - Academia Stack Exchange
Here's an article that might help too: Choosing a Graduate or Postdoc Advisor | Science | AAAS

I think you should also consider how important that 6-month prep is to you. Do you already know basic Japanese? A previous MEXT student from my country told me that the prep course is really just to prepare you for daily life, not specifically academic language. You might be able to study some Japanese with a text book, go to a language exchange etc. to get started now.

That being said, it's really up to you to weigh the differences, and I hope you make the best choice for yourself. Good luck!

Centuries said:
I am so happy that I was able to revise my placement preference. I may not have three letters, but two is good - and my first choice is a national uni now. Let's all stay positive!

I think I'd agree with you on how you picked Nagoya first, and in the end I guess it still worked out with how you picked your universities. Even now, I only have the LoA from my second choice, but I still feel content with that. I hope the best for you!

Centuries said:
Oh, a question: do you leave the schools that did not give you a letter of acceptance OFF of the form? Do I only list the two that I received letters from, leave the third blank?

I'd agree with what @CED-AFRIKKA said. But in my case, I had to hand in my form by Aug 31, whilst two of my choices don't make LoA decisions before then. So I just told my embassy when I'd expect the letter to arrive, and they were okay with that.

Andrik · 30 Aug 2017

Lennon1234 said:
I was wondering if it is 100% necessary to directly contact professors at our chosen universities when applying for LOAs. The three unis I chose all directed me to the international or admissions offices, and didn't mention contacting professors directly (Todai/Waseda/Keio). Should I have sent emails out to professors informing them that I intend to list them as desired supervisors?

Very Tokyo-heavy I see :! I think it's in your best interests to contact your prospective supervisors, even if it's not 100% necessary. It takes a bit more effort but it shows the prof that you're interested so your chances of them saying yes increase. More importantly, you can gauge how willing you are to work with them. You could ask about how their lab is organized, if they would consider taking you on, the current stage of their research etc. It'll help you avoid cases where you end up working with an a**hole too!

Lennon1234 said:
Also, does anyone know the general timeline of MEXT (for Master's students). How long are we classed as 'research students' before we can enroll on Master's courses? And does the language training come before or during the 'research' term?

It really depends on the department. In my case (if I get accepted and everything, I'm not expecting to take the 6-month course, going for Master's) it's kinda like this:
April 2018 - Arrive as Research Student in Japan (I can now expect two year's of funding to get into the program). Decide on research theme. Begin research. Study some Japanese. Prepare for entrance exams.
August 2018
or November 2018 - Write Entrance Exams. Continue as above.
December 2018 - Get exam results. MEXT extends my period until completion of a Master's program.
April 2019 - Enrolment. Two years of working for a Master's degree begin.

I guess I'd have to spend a year as a Research Student, then two as a Masters? But on the bright side, I can get a head start on a project, more time learning to be a researcher, and living in a super-cool country!

The Consulate-General's told me that the prep course depends on where you are accepted, but it would happen before your research term.

Good luck with the application process!

Xodarap · 30 Aug 2017

Got my second LoA, just Todai left and they said the results will be announced on the 22nd of September. Starting to feel confident though ^_^.

Alyssa · 30 Aug 2017

Andrik said:
Whoa sounds like a tough situation! The postdocs and Ph.D. students I've worked with all tell me that choosing the right advisor is more important, but maybe you can also consider how good the department and lab are too. Like, even if the Uni isn't so great, the Lab or Department could still be really well known. I found this discussion elsewhere that might help you decide: graduate school - What's more important in choosing a PhD program, advisor or institution? - Academia Stack Exchange
Here's an article that might help too: Choosing a Graduate or Postdoc Advisor | Science | AAAS

I think you should also consider how important that 6-month prep is to you. Do you already know basic Japanese? A previous MEXT student from my country told me that the prep course is really just to prepare you for daily life, not specifically academic language. You might be able to study some Japanese with a text book, go to a language exchange etc. to get started now.

That being said, it's really up to you to weigh the differences, and I hope you make the best choice for yourself. Good luck!

Thanks for your answer with lots of useful information, Andrik. For me, my Japanese level is zero, so, I want to spend 6-month preparation to study Japanese as well as adapt to life in Japan. You know, it is difficult to live in Japan without Japanese. However, I still can learn a little bit before departing to Japan, so my bigger concern is about professor. I must consider carefully.

SayuKami21 · 31 Aug 2017

Now that it seems like I will get at least 2 LoAs I'm starting to worry about my placement order, I have seen the advise given here and I found it really helpful, but I think that once I have my LoAs I will comeback here seeking help >.<

suny said:
Dear SayuKami21,

So you are planing to study Japanese for the first 12 months and then start your doctoral program , right? do they take your entrance exam for doctorate program in English or Japanese? and how many years should you study in doctorate level in your case ? many questions, I know, but things are very vague for me, I need to ask :emoji_upside_down::emoji_relaxed:

1) Yes, though I plan to start working in the lab while studying Japanese during that year
2) That depends on the University, but if I remember correctly the ones I'm applying for have both
3) I think another user has already answer this, but is 3 years for everyone except for medicine which takes 4 years

Lennon1234 said:
Sorry for the above post, I am new to the site and am not used to the layout/controls so I posted that accidentally.

I have been recommended by the Embassy in London, and am now in the process of applying for my LOAs. Is anyone else here applying from the UK?

I was wondering if it is 100% necessary to directly contact professors at our chosen universities when applying for LOAs. The three unis I chose all directed me to the international or admissions offices, and didn't mention contacting professors directly (Todai/Waseda/Keio). Should I have sent emails out to professors informing them that I intend to list them as desired supervisors?

Also, does anyone know the general timeline of MEXT (for Master's students). How long are we classed as 'research students' before we can enroll on Master's courses? And does the language training come before or during the 'research' term?

Sorry for all the questions. I am sure you all understand how confusing this process can be. Congratulations to everyone who has been accepted, and good luck with the rest of the process. I hope to see you all in Japan!

1) The things is that right now more professors are on summer vacation so I think is safest for you to contact the departments or contact both
2) You can apply as soon as you want as long as you are confident in your Japanese or whatever other knowledge needed to pass and of course following the university schedule
3) Depends on your wishes and the University, Keio for examples offers you both options

Centuries said:
Oh, a question: do you leave the schools that did not give you a letter of acceptance OFF of the form? Do I only list the two that I received letters from, leave the third blank?

mmm I think that if I get only 2 LoAs I would list the one that didn't accept me as my third option just to fill it, but I think you should ask your Embassy to be sure

Alexaandra12 · 31 Aug 2017

Well, I sent of my one LOA to the Embassy. The long wait until November/December begins. I shall continue to pray for everyone's success with this scholarship.

I left the universities that didn't accept me off my program placement, form and just sent the form with my original placement.

I am going to apply to JET just in case something happens because I really want to go to Japan. There's a place on the application form that asks if you are going to receive any scholarships (it won't hinder me being selected). Would it be possible to do both lol? I doubt it but that'd be cool.

Andrik · 1 Sep 2017

Just got a notification from Toudai that I got conditional acceptance! Then I can hand it in to the Consulate-General once I get it in the mail. Now I have two LoAs both from national universities, so I'm feeling really confident now!

Once again, wishing everyone the best of luck in getting those LoAs!

Shree · 3 Sep 2017

Hello Friends..Need help!! I got the acceptance certificate from UTokyo and Kyushu. But my first preference is UTokyo. Does anyone know the remaining process? what is my chances of getting selected for UTokyo? will there be any further screening? Does MEXT contact Universities (in preference form) all at once or one by one. Please help.

CED-AFRIKKA · 4 Sep 2017

Shree said:
Hello Friends..Need help!! I got the acceptance certificate from UTokyo and Kyushu. But my first preference is UTokyo. Does anyone know the remaining process? what is my chances of getting selected for UTokyo? will there be any further screening? Does MEXT contact Universities (in preference form) all at once or one by one. Please help.

Hi Shree! Congratulations for the LoAs....
After you hand the letters over to the embassy, they foward them to Mext along with all your other documents for a ''formal'' second screening. Anyone at this level, for research applicants, should get the scholarship if certain conditions are met (I talked more about that in a post on the previous page).
As for the placement, I personally think Mext moves to your next choice only if the previous one, for any reason, doesn't accept you, or if mext is not willing to place you there (mainly for budgetary reasons or because they are too many scholars desiring to go there, :emoji_kissing::emoji_kissing::emoji_kissing:tokyo:emoji_head_bandage::emoji_head_bandage::emoji_head_bandage.

Centuries · 10 Sep 2017

My Embassy has sent my documents - two letters and an updated preference form! Now to remain patient.

Anyone doing anything in the meantime to prepare? I am taking a language class at night starting next week. I also started Kyudo lessons!

Alexaandra12 · 10 Sep 2017

Centuries said:
My Embassy has sent my documents - two letters and an updated preference form! Now to remain patient.

Anyone doing anything in the meantime to prepare? I am taking a language class at night starting next week. I also started Kyudo lessons!

Great! Best of luck. I plan to apply for JET and take JPLT N5 in December. Until then, I guess I'll be massively self-studying Japanese.

Centuries · 10 Sep 2017

Ooo, good luck to you too! What is the JET process like?

I think you applied to Nagoya too, yes?

Alexaandra12 · 10 Sep 2017

Centuries said:
Ooo, good luck to you too! What is the JET process like?

I think you applied to Nagoya too, yes?

The process for JET seems like a lot. You have to submit a whole bunch of papers and an essay online and to the office in DC (I believe). They notify you about an interview in January/February and if you make it you'll be notified in April for July departure. I'm a bit hesitant to apply but I really want to go to Japan so I'm not gonna take any risks.

Yes! I applied for Nagoya. I would be leaving October of 2018!

Centuries · 10 Sep 2017

Sounds a bit like MEXT XD You'll be doing double-duty! But, if that is your dream, go for it!

I also applied for October entry. My field is Art History, so I would be in the Humanities department there and doing work off-site at a museum if placed there. It seems like such a long time from now, but I am glad to have a full year to enjoy my life here.

Alexaandra12 · 10 Sep 2017

Centuries said:
Sounds a bit like MEXT XD You'll be doing double-duty! But, if that is your dream, go for it!

I also applied for October entry. My field is Art History, so I would be in the Humanities department there and doing work off-site at a museum if placed there. It seems like such a long time from now, but I am glad to have a full year to enjoy my life here.

It'd be pretty cool if I could do both. I honestly don't know how it would work, but I should email someone about it lol
It's one way to have extra money in my pocket though

Cool! Maybe we'll meet each other in the six month language program if you choose to take it. My major is Psychology, so I would be at the Graduate school of Education and Human Development. I believe that most of my time will be spent studying Japanese before I start my research. Not complaing though because I will need it. But, I suppose until I speak with my advisor, my research may have to undergo some revision.

CED-AFRIKKA · 11 Sep 2017

Hi everyone!!!
Anyone knows where the Medical Certificate comes into play?
Was just wondering if one can be turned down at the second screening due to certain values on his Medical Certificate ???

Andrik · 11 Sep 2017

Lennon1234 said:
Also, does anyone know the general timeline of MEXT (for Master's students). How long are we classed as 'research students' before we can enroll on Master's courses? And does the language training come before or during the 'research' term?

Andrik said:
It really depends on the department. In my case (if I get accepted and everything, I'm not expecting to take the 6-month course, going for Master's) it's kinda like this:
April 2018 - Arrive as Research Student in Japan (I can now expect two year's of funding to get into the program). Decide on research theme. Begin research. Study some Japanese. Prepare for entrance exams.
August 2018
or November 2018 - Write Entrance Exams. Continue as above.
December 2018 - Get exam results. MEXT extends my period until completion of a Master's program.
April 2019 - Enrolment. Two years of working for a Master's degree begin.

Slight correction to what I said earlier:

So one of my choice schools (University of Tsukuba, Medical Sciences) emailed me, and apparently I'm already in the process for applying to the graduate school. My 10-15min interview/oral exam is in October via skype, so if it works out I'd be able to go straight into the Master's program in April, given that I get the scholarship too. I'm not sure if this is a normal case, but for anyone wondering about timelines:

Source: Application Information and Entrance Examination Dates | Majors of Medical Sciences

On that note, does anyone have any advice for oral exams?

Andrik · 11 Sep 2017

Centuries said:
Anyone doing anything in the meantime to prepare? I am taking a language class at night starting next week. I also started Kyudo lessons!

Nice! I'm just working a rather unglamorous menial job to save up money, while self-studying Japanese, and prepping for entrance exams. Kyudo sounds like it'd be really cool! I hope you have fun!

Alexaandra12 said:
Great! Best of luck. I plan to apply for JET and take JPLT N5 in December. Until then, I guess I'll be massively self-studying Japanese.

From what I saw at the consulate-general's, it seems like they do send more JET teachers than MEXT scholars. I have a couple friends who are/have done it and they seem to be enjoying making a steady income while living in Japan. In fact, they probably make just as much or even more than entry-level life science jobs where I live, since a classmate of mine is teaching English in Japan instead of continuing in our field.That being said, I still think having a funded education is a better deal, so I hope you get the scholarship!

CED-AFRIKKA said:
Anyone knows where the Medical Certificate comes into play?
Was just wondering if one can be turned down at the second screening due to certain values on his Medical Certificate ???

Last month, my consulate-general emailed me asking questions about the form so I guess it's still being considered. I feel like they have checked during first screening, but they might be looking again right now. Anyways I think that form is just to make sure you're healthy enough to study, which I think if you can get past the stress of primary screening, you should be! I hope that helps!

Alexaandra12 · 11 Sep 2017

JET is just another option should I not get MEXT, but if I do get the scholarship, I'm going to prioritize it.

Should I get MEXT, I plan to get a job probably after the six month language program. I was wondering if it was possible to change visa statuses while under the scholarship.

SayuKami21 · 11 Sep 2017

Centuries said:
My Embassy has sent my documents - two letters and an updated preference form! Now to remain patient.

Anyone doing anything in the meantime to prepare? I am taking a language class at night starting next week. I also started Kyudo lessons!

I'm self studying Japanese and working!

Andrik said:
Slight correction to what I said earlier:

So one of my choice schools (University of Tsukuba, Medical Sciences) emailed me, and apparently I'm already in the process for applying to the graduate school. My 10-15min interview/oral exam is in October via skype, so if it works out I'd be able to go straight into the Master's program in April, given that I get the scholarship too. I'm not sure if this is a normal case, but for anyone wondering about timelines:

Source: Application Information and Entrance Examination Dates | Majors of Medical Sciences

On that note, does anyone have any advice for oral exams?

well one of the universities I contacted has been asking me if I can go to Japan this October or if I could take the exam for the doctoral program in January 2018, but I got to refuse because I don't have any money so I will have to wait a year as a research student.

CED-AFRIKKA · 14 Sep 2017

Hi everyone, hope you're doing great!!!
When I applied I was still in final year, so I submitted an expected graduation certificate instead of a degree. But by the time my LoAs were to be sent to Mext, I had received my degree and the embassy joined it to rest of the documents.
But the issue is that my prospective universities still have only the expected graduation certificate, so I am wondering wether I should contact them now with the degree. I am just afraid of this being a reason for them not accepting me when contacted by mext.
Please somebody help me out!!

Xodarap · 14 Sep 2017

Don't worry. The people at the embassy told me MEXT will ask for it prior to arrival in Japan

Centuries · 19 Sep 2017

I'm nervous about the second screening but there is no reason to be? Such a long wait to find out!

SayuKami21 · 21 Sep 2017

^ Yes I'm nervous too, but not so much about not getting the scholarship but wondering in which university will I end up and if I made the right choices in my placement preference >.<

Centuries · 21 Sep 2017

Honestly, the news of passing the first screening has shaken up my life so much. Moving across the world even for two years is going to change mine so drastically. I am still trying to talk my partner into coming with me...

I am nervous about the state of things over there, too.

MEXT Scholarship (Research/Graduate students) 2018

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