MEXT Scholarship through University Recommendation

madphysicist · 7 Oct 2015

@TranSenz

The student who I've been talking to told me the deadline when he applied for ordinary uni recommendation at Kyodai was 25th Dec. So I really don't know any more lol.

about the Dean: Wow, I wish they would explain some of this stuff rather than us having to trawl through various blogs and forums for the answers :banghead: I've never encountered that system in Europe.
Unfortunately my last "advisor" who I worked with closely (and on the experiment I want to work on in Japan) is not at the university I'm at now... My degree is an odd one and will be issued jointly by 4 (yes 4) universities, hence my confusion!

I'll look out for your post, although I'm leaning towards the embassy now because of my personal complications and lack of time. Thanks for all your info!

fin · 11 Oct 2015

@TranSenz @madphysicist
Thanks for the useful information. My graduate school also told me to wait around November-December then they will inform me again.
I will wait for the official announcement from MEXT and looking forward to your update.

Lawrence1 · 27 Oct 2015

Hi again guys. I finished and shipped my application to university of tokyo. I hope I get the mext scholarship! But all I can do now is wait to see if I am considered.

Also Miles, your avatar impressed me. I am also currently doing research related to particle image velocimetry of cantilever beams.

hiverloon · 27 Oct 2015

I don't have GRE but I already have one publication in Nature, graduated from a uni in Germany, and I am pretty sure I can write a convincing research plan. I am applying for a PhD in the Graduate School of Engineering through special admission (for foreign applicants who can't take entrance exam in Japan). In the selection process, they will recommend the applicants to several scholarship providers including MEXT. My question is, will I be automatically ruled out from the MEXT selection because I don't have GRE score

Ahmadreza · 28 Oct 2015

Hey Guys I'm Ahmadreza from Iran. I'm going to apply for university recommendation 2016.

I've just received an email from one of my preferred universities in which I can't apply for 2 universities simultaneously. so I have to choose one of them. Regarding this confusing problem, I have several question that I hope you can give at least some hints for a better selection which means avoiding high-risk selection.
I've in Japan for 2 weeks.while staying there, I could meet 2 professors. one of them was from a national and the other was from a private university. Finally I could convince both of them.

Private university: Associate professor, there is no need for any exchange student contract between my university and my preferred university.

National university: Professor, this university needs the mentioned above contract but the professor whom I met there, said to me "if you can get a recommendation letter from your Dean I can still recommend you to university and If you've been qualified, then university recommend you to MEXT but as an applicant, your priority is not so high for our university". my university has not the mentioned contract with the national university but luckily, I took the recommendation from our dean.

According to rule which one applicant must apply for one university and the national University's condition, how can save my chance for this scholarship? I mean which university can guarantee me to gain this scholarship? the private or national?

Reachsak · 30 Oct 2015

Hello everyone , I am new here and I have some question related to MEXT university recommendation .
I am currently waiting for result of the Embassy Recommendation form MeXT in January ,
I want to know if it possible for me now to apply though university ( mEXT university recom) ? Since the final results of the uni recom is in Feb .
Or are there any limitation that not allow me to simultaneously apply that ?

Lawrence1 · 30 Oct 2015

I am not sure if you can apply for both but if you want to apply for Japanese schools, do it soon since schools are beginning to close applications. For example University of Tokyo application is already over for some engineering majors.

Reachsak · 30 Oct 2015

Thanks for your answer
Can you briefly tells me about the procedure for university recommendations?
I want to find out how different to Embassy recommendation
And what is the requirement for university recommendation?Any suggestion for good universit for engineering undergraduate program ? Do we still have subject exam and interview ?

TranSenz · 31 Oct 2015

@hiverloon - MEXT does not require GRE scores, but individual universities might. Not having them won't disqualify you from the scholarship, but it might limit where you can apply.
@Ahmadreza - Based on what you said, it sounds like the private uni gives you the best chance. If the national has told you point blank that applicants from non-partner unis have a lower priority (that's a uni-by-uni decision). By the way, everyone needs to get a recommendation letter from their Dean, so that won't give you an advantage.
@Reachsak - There is no particular rule against applying for the University-recommended scholarship at the same time as the Embassy one (you are not allowed to apply for two University-recommended scholarships in the same year, though). If you get the Embassy scholarship, make sure to contact the university and withdraw your application as soon as possible, though.
I have written a series of articles on the University-recommended MEXT scholarship based on my experience processing those applications for three years. You can find them at:
University MEXT Scholarships: Competition | TranSenz: Expat Living in Japan
(I cover all of the requirements, how to find universities, and the application process in detail throughout the articles).

Reachsak · 31 Oct 2015

TranSenz said:
@hiverloon - MEXT does not require GRE scores, but individual universities might. Not having them won't disqualify you from the scholarship, but it might limit where you can apply.
@Ahmadreza - Based on what you said, it sounds like the private uni gives you the best chance. If the national has told you point blank that applicants from non-partner unis have a lower priority (that's a uni-by-uni decision). By the way, everyone needs to get a recommendation letter from their Dean, so that won't give you an advantage.
@Reachsak - There is no particular rule against applying for the University-recommended scholarship at the same time as the Embassy one (you are not allowed to apply for two University-recommended scholarships in the same year, though). If you get the Embassy scholarship, make sure to contact the university and withdraw your application as soon as possible, though.
I have written a series of articles on the University-recommended MEXT scholarship based on my experience processing those applications for three years. You can find them at:
University MEXT Scholarships: Competition | TranSenz: Expat Living in Japan
(I cover all of the requirements, how to find universities, and the application process in detail throughout the articles).

Thanks for the links , Now ( in late October ) , is it late to apply through university ? When they usually start announce their scholarship ?

TranSenz · 1 Nov 2015

@Reachsak - I'd start checking now! I know some universities are accepting applications now, and I've heard that others may have already stopped.

Reachsak · 2 Nov 2015

I have another question , I am currently waiting for result in Janaury , but I've applied when I was in high school ( grade 12) , so Highschool certificate was missing when I summit the docs to MEXT , the embassy it's ok to summit later
Now it 's November now , and I haven't called to summit my certificate yet
I wonder if it's not yet the times to collect , or Mext has disqualify me
Any idea on that ?
Thanks

TranSenz · 3 Nov 2015

@Reachsak - Oh, you're applying for the undergraduate scholarship? I did not realize that. As far as I know, there is no University-recommended MEXT scholarship for undergraduates, so the Embassy is your only option.
If you have your graduation certificate, you should be the one to contact them to say it's ready for submission. Be proactive!
The Japanese school year doesn't end until March, so they might not contact you until then.

fin · 3 Nov 2015

hiverloon said:
I don't have GRE but I already have one publication in Nature, graduated from a uni in Germany, and I am pretty sure I can write a convincing research plan. I am applying for a PhD in the Graduate School of Engineering through special admission (for foreign applicants who can't take entrance exam in Japan). In the selection process, they will recommend the applicants to several scholarship providers including MEXT. My question is, will I be automatically ruled out from the MEXT selection because I don't have GRE score

Some Universities such as TITECH are recruiting now. No need for GRE score as you can see in this link.
http://www.titech.ac.jp/english/graduate_school/international/research_students/mext_application.html
There are Application Procedures and Document Required that you could use it as example guideline.

Reachsak · 3 Nov 2015

Thanks for your answers I have another questions
Is Japanese exam necessary , will they consider the score we got from it ? Because I saw the requirement don't require it.
And btw How hard to learn Japanese ?
I have 9 months before another MEXT Japanese exam in my country Cambodia .If I start learning from now , will it be enough to be able to do the Japanese language exam papers ? ( in order words , is to be able to read and understand )
I just think that is favorable for me to pass if I can got some point from the test since almost no applicants here know Japanese

fin · 3 Nov 2015

Reachsak said:
Thanks for your answers I have another questions
Is Japanese exam necessary , will they consider the score we got from it ? Because I saw the requirement don't require it.
And btw How hard to learn Japanese ?
I have 9 months before another MEXT Japanese exam in my country Cambodia .If I start learning from now , will it be enough to be able to do the Japanese language exam papers ? ( in order words , is to be able to read and understand )
I just think that is favorable for me to pass if I can got some point from the test since almost no applicants here know Japanese

For applying through Embassy, Japanese language proficiency will let you eligible to apply if your GPA is not high enough(3.8). It might help you in interview session also.
But it's important that you must pass paper exam first. In my opinion, you should focus on what is necessary like English, math and science depends on what major you choose.

However, 9 month if sufficient for you to get at least N5 or N4, but it doesn't help much in Japanese exam.

Ahmadreza · 4 Nov 2015

@Ahmadreza - Based on what you said, it sounds like the private uni gives you the best chance. If the national has told you point blank that applicants from non-partner unis have a lower priority (that's a uni-by-uni decision). By the way, everyone needs to get a recommendation letter from their Dean, so that won't give you an advantage.

Thanks for your helpful reply.
I have to contact you directly since I've got reliable information from my friends who study in my preferred universities. It would be a great help if you could tell me your email. Thanks.

Ahmadreza · 4 Nov 2015

TranSenz said:
@hiverloon - MEXT does not require GRE scores, but individual universities might. Not having them won't disqualify you from the scholarship, but it might limit where you can apply.
@Ahmadreza - Based on what you said, it sounds like the private uni gives you the best chance. If the national has told you point blank that applicants from non-partner unis have a lower priority (that's a uni-by-uni decision). By the way, everyone needs to get a recommendation letter from their Dean, so that won't give you an advantage.
@Reachsak - There is no particular rule against applying for the University-recommended scholarship at the same time as the Embassy one (you are not allowed to apply for two University-recommended scholarships in the same year, though). If you get the Embassy scholarship, make sure to contact the university and withdraw your application as soon as possible, though.
I have written a series of articles on the University-recommended MEXT scholarship based on my experience processing those applications for three years. You can find them at:
University MEXT Scholarships: Competition | TranSenz: Expat Living in Japan
(I cover all of the requirements, how to find universities, and the application process in detail throughout the articles).

Thanks for your helpful reply.
I have to contact you directly since I've got reliable information from my friends who study in my preferred universities. It would be a great help if you could tell me your email address. Thanks.

Ahmadreza · 5 Nov 2015

@Ahmadreza - Based on what you said, it sounds like the private uni gives you the best chance. If the national has told you point blank that applicants from non-partner unis have a lower priority (that's a uni-by-uni decision). By the way, everyone needs to get a recommendation letter from their Dean, so that won't give you an advantage.

According to the information which I got from one of my friends in the mentioned national university, the professor (who agreed to accept me as a research student) has accepted the supervision of a student from Syria which there isn't any exchange-student contract between his university and the national university. Although my university has signed a faculty to faculty agreement with my preferred national university (which Includes neither my present faculty nor my preferred faculty in the national university), I still can't figure out which university could be a safe chance for MEXT scholarship. I would be much obliged if you could tell me some advice. Thanks

Ahmadreza · 5 Nov 2015

TranSenz said:
@hiverloon - MEXT does not require GRE scores, but individual universities might. Not having them won't disqualify you from the scholarship, but it might limit where you can apply.
@Ahmadreza - Based on what you said, it sounds like the private uni gives you the best chance. If the national has told you point blank that applicants from non-partner unis have a lower priority (that's a uni-by-uni decision). By the way, everyone needs to get a recommendation letter from their Dean, so that won't give you an advantage.
@Reachsak - There is no particular rule against applying for the University-recommended scholarship at the same time as the Embassy one (you are not allowed to apply for two University-recommended scholarships in the same year, though). If you get the Embassy scholarship, make sure to contact the university and withdraw your application as soon as possible, though.
I have written a series of articles on the University-recommended MEXT scholarship based on my experience processing those applications for three years. You can find them at:
University MEXT Scholarships: Competition | TranSenz: Expat Living in Japan
(I cover all of the requirements, how to find universities, and the application process in detail throughout the articles).

According to the information which I got from one of my friends in the mentioned national university, the professor (who agreed to accept me as a research student) has accepted the supervision of a student from Syria which there isn't any exchange-student contract between his university and the national university. Although my university has signed a faculty to faculty agreement with my preferred national university (which Includes neither my present faculty nor my preferred faculty in the national university), I still can't figure out which university could be a safe chance for MEXT scholarship. I would be much obliged if you could tell me some advice. Thanks

foxfault · 7 Nov 2015

Hi everyone!

I applied and was accepted into Keio's Media Design program for September 2016. I'm now pursuing a MEXT scholarship through university recommendation. I just sent an inquiry to the school administrator as well as one of the professors I interviewed with about the MEXT scholarship and I'm waiting to hear back about eligibility/the process I need to take with the school to apply.

As far as I understand, applications aren't officially open for university-recommendation, correct?

In which case, I'm just going to sit by and wait patiently to hear more. I thought I'd introduce myself in this thread and say hello. Hello!

miles5 · 7 Nov 2015

Hi @foxfault
Thanks for your heads up and good that you found professor that could recommend you there. That's a good school I think.

TranSenz · 9 Nov 2015

It's been a while since I've checked in here.
@Reachsak - I don't think it would be possible to learn Japanese in 9 months to the level of being able to obtain a significant score on the tests. It would take years to reach a level of Japanese high enough to be able to apply for a Japanese-taught degree. The good news is that the test isn't important in most cases (unless you want to study Japanese literature or Japanese history). Most of the Embassy MEXT applicants I saw couldn't speak Japanese more than daily greetings and they got the scholarship with no problem.
@Ahmadreza - Since Monbukagakusho does not require that the universities have a partnership, either the professor does not understand or there is an internal rule of some kind at that university. Personally, I wouldn't apply to a university where the professor told me that I wasn't a high priority. It sounds to me like a passive way of trying to put you off. I'm not in the habit of giving out my email address, but the easiest way to reach me is the comment section on one of my MEXT blog posts, such as: MEXT Scholarship: Choose Your University | TranSenz: Expat Living in Japan - I check that much more often.
@foxfault - It looks like Keio does their scholarship screening differently from many others. They select their MEXT candidates from among the people who've already been accepted, so I'd follow up with them directly. Most other universities that I know of have a separate application process only for MEXT applicants (and at several of those universities, they are accepting applications already). And, yeah, that's one of the top private universities in Japan

Lawrence1 · 9 Nov 2015

Hi

I am not sure if this has been answered already but I am allowed to apply for the MEXT scholarship for multiple schools as long as I choose one school by the time of my nomination right? The only time I will be disqualified for the scholarship is if both school sends my profile to MEXT, which should be avoided by me selecting one school by the time of my nomination?

Sorry for all the questions

sarut · 10 Nov 2015

Hi everyone!
I also applied for MEXT. I cleared the interview step last week ,my professor said I am exceed his requirement level,and now waiting for acceptance result by tokyo tech in December.I have sent all documents to International Student Exchange Division since last week.i'm worrying about my English test score which is not so high even though my GPA is 3.87/4. Is English test score very important? what a chance to me? )));

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