Yeah, going as mathematics student.
Yeah, going as mathematics student.
madphysicist
先輩
- 20 Aug 2015
- 341
- 131
Hi, I have been reading these forums the past few days and they're really helpful 
Although I feel the more I read about MEXT the more confused I become, so I hope you could help me.
I am from the UK, I want to do a PhD in physics after my masters finsihes in Sep 2016. I would prefer university recommendation because then I don't have to wait half a year after my course ends.
I'm doing a summer research project and my supervisor gave me the contact details for a few professors in Japan (his friends basically). They are at Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka universities. Some things I don't understand...
1. Is it essential to have the GRE score to apply for uni recommendation at Toudai? In my country it's not required so I don't have it.
Here it says "Submittion of GRE(Subject/General) Test and TOEFL Score is preferable"
Scholarship2015 University Recommended Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for "Frontier Science Research Centers + General — SCHOOL OF SCIENCE THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
If the answer is YES, does this apply also to embassy recommendation?
2. Kyoto's website says
"For University Recommendations, Kyoto University screens the applications of students whose institutions have a student exchange agreement with Kyoto University [...] To apply through a university recommendation, please contact a Kyoto University faculty member whom you would like to have as an academic advisor, and consult him/her to apply. "
and Osaka's website
"Osaka University accepts some international students recommended by foreign universities under a student-exchange agreement between such universities or departments as well as from research institutes with which the university has exchange programs through joint research."
Does this mean the professors would not be able to recommend me for MEXT, because my university has no formal exchange set up with Kyoto/Osaka?
3. Can someone explain to me how they convert our grades to their GPA system out of 3.0? I have good grades but in the UK 70% is an "A" grade so they might think they are low...
Sorry for my super-long first post. I'm worried I'm running out of time for my application
Although I feel the more I read about MEXT the more confused I become, so I hope you could help me.I am from the UK, I want to do a PhD in physics after my masters finsihes in Sep 2016. I would prefer university recommendation because then I don't have to wait half a year after my course ends.
I'm doing a summer research project and my supervisor gave me the contact details for a few professors in Japan (his friends basically). They are at Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka universities. Some things I don't understand...
1. Is it essential to have the GRE score to apply for uni recommendation at Toudai? In my country it's not required so I don't have it.
Here it says "Submittion of GRE(Subject/General) Test and TOEFL Score is preferable"
Scholarship2015 University Recommended Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for "Frontier Science Research Centers + General — SCHOOL OF SCIENCE THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
If the answer is YES, does this apply also to embassy recommendation?
2. Kyoto's website says
"For University Recommendations, Kyoto University screens the applications of students whose institutions have a student exchange agreement with Kyoto University [...] To apply through a university recommendation, please contact a Kyoto University faculty member whom you would like to have as an academic advisor, and consult him/her to apply. "
and Osaka's website
"Osaka University accepts some international students recommended by foreign universities under a student-exchange agreement between such universities or departments as well as from research institutes with which the university has exchange programs through joint research."
Does this mean the professors would not be able to recommend me for MEXT, because my university has no formal exchange set up with Kyoto/Osaka?
3. Can someone explain to me how they convert our grades to their GPA system out of 3.0? I have good grades but in the UK 70% is an "A" grade so they might think they are low...
Sorry for my super-long first post. I'm worried I'm running out of time for my application
miles5
後輩
- 26 Jun 2014
- 63
- 13
Hi @madphysicist
It depends on university for the GRE and TOEFL. I have applied through University recommendation for Keio, for my university, their application requires GRE so I sat for the exam, but that also cause me to be a year late for application as the score was released after application deadline. What I understand is that this is not required for embassy recommendation. My university application mentioned that TOEFL is not required if the university teaching medium is in English. Which I believe is same for you.
For conversion of score into CGPA, I tried hard to persuade my undergrads university registrar office to convert it, but the officer just refuse to do it. But other information in the same form are details on the ranking in class and number of first class students, etc. The head of school helped to provide the info. I think I submitted CGPA score I converted according to some website, and sent in separately.
Hope these help.
It depends on university for the GRE and TOEFL. I have applied through University recommendation for Keio, for my university, their application requires GRE so I sat for the exam, but that also cause me to be a year late for application as the score was released after application deadline. What I understand is that this is not required for embassy recommendation. My university application mentioned that TOEFL is not required if the university teaching medium is in English. Which I believe is same for you.
For conversion of score into CGPA, I tried hard to persuade my undergrads university registrar office to convert it, but the officer just refuse to do it. But other information in the same form are details on the ranking in class and number of first class students, etc. The head of school helped to provide the info. I think I submitted CGPA score I converted according to some website, and sent in separately.
Hope these help.
miles5
後輩
- 26 Jun 2014
- 63
- 13
@madphysicist
For university recommendation and not on a exchange-student method, email and ask the professor in Japan if they are interested to take you as a student and if they could recommend you for MEXT Scholarship through University (some professor could and some couldn't).
For university recommendation and not on a exchange-student method, email and ask the professor in Japan if they are interested to take you as a student and if they could recommend you for MEXT Scholarship through University (some professor could and some couldn't).
madphysicist
先輩
- 20 Aug 2015
- 341
- 131
Thanks for your answers
Yeah if they tried to make me take TOEFL I would just say no thank you, trying another university now... The weird thing is that on the Japanese version of the Toudai page I linked I can't find any mention of GRE score.I guess I will just email the professors within the next few weeks to see if they would even consider recommending me. First I have to get my Japanese friends to check my grammar haha.
Otherwise I think I will stand a good chance at the embassy because I have decent grades from a good university, can speak N2/3 Japanese, have lived abroad a few times and have a solid idea of what I want to do. I just want to go to Japan as soon as I can!
miles5
後輩
- 26 Jun 2014
- 63
- 13
@madphysicist
From what I know from friends in Todai, for Japanese website, it doesn't mention about GRE as Japanese students or anyone currently in Japan can opt to take the entrance exam and an interview.
Haha, I would take the TOEFL if I wanted to go Japan badly.
From what I know from friends in Todai, for Japanese website, it doesn't mention about GRE as Japanese students or anyone currently in Japan can opt to take the entrance exam and an interview.
Haha, I would take the TOEFL if I wanted to go Japan badly.
madphysicist
先輩
- 20 Aug 2015
- 341
- 131
So they use GRE as a substitute for the entrance exam? I thought when we arrive in October we are still "research students" and have to pass the entrance exam to get on a PhD, did I misunderstand this part?
The thing is I will be abroad almost all of this coming year, which not only increases the cost of travel to a test centre but makes it logistically very difficult. I'm taking N2 in December and that was a real headache to sort out.
Not to mention 200 dollars would be pretty steep to prove I can speak my native language
I can't throw away that kind of money.
miles5
後輩
- 26 Jun 2014
- 63
- 13
@madphysicist
In this link you posted.
Scholarship2015 University Recommended Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for "Frontier Science Research Centers + General — SCHOOL OF SCIENCE THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
It is referring to MEXT Scholarship through University recommendation. And this requires GRE if you are foreigners.
If not mistaken, it is for MEXT Scholarship through embassy recommendation that requires you to enter as research student first, and then take the entrance exam in order to convert to Phd programme.
However some Univ don't need entrance exam and only has simpler viva, and then you are accepted and could convert to Phd programme.
In this link you posted.
Scholarship2015 University Recommended Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for "Frontier Science Research Centers + General — SCHOOL OF SCIENCE THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
It is referring to MEXT Scholarship through University recommendation. And this requires GRE if you are foreigners.
If not mistaken, it is for MEXT Scholarship through embassy recommendation that requires you to enter as research student first, and then take the entrance exam in order to convert to Phd programme.
However some Univ don't need entrance exam and only has simpler viva, and then you are accepted and could convert to Phd programme.
miles5
後輩
- 26 Jun 2014
- 63
- 13
@madphysicist
Please take note that the application requires you to get considerably amount of documents from university registrar office, from your dean, from someone writing reference for you. Plus also doing GRE exam. So what comes to my mind is that would you able to manage this if you are abroad?
Please take note that the application requires you to get considerably amount of documents from university registrar office, from your dean, from someone writing reference for you. Plus also doing GRE exam. So what comes to my mind is that would you able to manage this if you are abroad?
miles5
後輩
- 26 Jun 2014
- 63
- 13
@madphysicist
My suggestion: email to the professor in your field, introduce yourself, and enquire if he would take you into his lab and recommend you as MEXT scholar. If he accepts you and could recommend you, then it would be around Sep or Oct when application opens. You could also ask the professor or the admission office if any other method to substitute the GRE with other qualifications. (GRE tests your English language and also maths/logical reasoning competencies.)
If this doesn't work out, you could try applying through embassy by March or April.
My suggestion: email to the professor in your field, introduce yourself, and enquire if he would take you into his lab and recommend you as MEXT scholar. If he accepts you and could recommend you, then it would be around Sep or Oct when application opens. You could also ask the professor or the admission office if any other method to substitute the GRE with other qualifications. (GRE tests your English language and also maths/logical reasoning competencies.)
If this doesn't work out, you could try applying through embassy by March or April.
madphysicist
先輩
- 20 Aug 2015
- 341
- 131
@miles5
To me that webpage isn't clear because it says the GRE "is preferable", that was my issue.
Practically, I am able to collect all the documents from my university (I am studying abroad for my masters); the problem is I can't do the GRE before April and even then it would be impractical.
Actually I have already graduated from a masters in physics which is probably much better proof of my maths/English skills than the GRE, but never mind. If they want it there's no option except through the embassy. But I might have better luck trying the other universities I mentioned (they don't talk about GRE score anywhere I can see...)
Anyway, I will do as you suggest and contact the professors, they may know the system better than I can figure it out. I can always go for the embassy if all else fails. Thanks for your help!
To me that webpage isn't clear because it says the GRE "is preferable", that was my issue.
Practically, I am able to collect all the documents from my university (I am studying abroad for my masters); the problem is I can't do the GRE before April and even then it would be impractical.
Actually I have already graduated from a masters in physics which is probably much better proof of my maths/English skills than the GRE, but never mind. If they want it there's no option except through the embassy. But I might have better luck trying the other universities I mentioned (they don't talk about GRE score anywhere I can see...)
Anyway, I will do as you suggest and contact the professors, they may know the system better than I can figure it out. I can always go for the embassy if all else fails. Thanks for your help!
Hello guys..I have been following this post but I am kind of confused with all the requirement for university recommendation.
I am a Master-1st year student and am planning to apply for the MEXT scholarship this year. Can someone please tell me what tests do I have to take- GRE, TOEFL or any Japanese language examinations to apply for the scholarship.
Thank you.
I am a Master-1st year student and am planning to apply for the MEXT scholarship this year. Can someone please tell me what tests do I have to take- GRE, TOEFL or any Japanese language examinations to apply for the scholarship.
Thank you.
miles5
後輩
- 26 Jun 2014
- 63
- 13
Hi @pashya,
The requirements of GRE and TOEFL are for those applying from outside Japan so GRE & TOEFL and academic background are both to assess the English and logic ability to complete the masters course.
If you are already in masters course, maybe you have different criterias. Suggest that you check with student service office to find out requirements as they are different for different Univ. Check also if any of your friends around you applied for MEXT after they started masters course.
The requirements of GRE and TOEFL are for those applying from outside Japan so GRE & TOEFL and academic background are both to assess the English and logic ability to complete the masters course.
If you are already in masters course, maybe you have different criterias. Suggest that you check with student service office to find out requirements as they are different for different Univ. Check also if any of your friends around you applied for MEXT after they started masters course.
luckyhappy
Registered
- 8 Sep 2015
- 2
- 0
Hey guys i am new to this thread. I want to apply MEXT scholarship via university recommendation. I want to apply to Hitotsubashi University. Anyone who knows about this university? Applying via Hitotsubashi University will get me a MEXT scholarship? Because i have read most of the threads but i can not find person who applied via this university. Any reply will be appreciated. Thank you.
miles5
後輩
- 26 Jun 2014
- 63
- 13
Hi @luckyhappy
The following page mentioned the general procedure which should be same for Hitotsubashi university too. 10 Biggest Japanese Universities Enrollment (using MEXT scholarship) | Dhresta's Corner
The important thing about applying MEXT through university recommendation is to find a professor in your related field of study AND could recommend you for the MEXT scholarship. So for e.g. let's say the university has 4 professors in your related research area, and maybe only one of them could choose a student to be recommended for MEXT, but he might has taken enough student for this year.
Therefore it is better to try and email a few professors in a few selected universities, not just one.
The following page mentioned the general procedure which should be same for Hitotsubashi university too. 10 Biggest Japanese Universities Enrollment (using MEXT scholarship) | Dhresta's Corner
The important thing about applying MEXT through university recommendation is to find a professor in your related field of study AND could recommend you for the MEXT scholarship. So for e.g. let's say the university has 4 professors in your related research area, and maybe only one of them could choose a student to be recommended for MEXT, but he might has taken enough student for this year.
Therefore it is better to try and email a few professors in a few selected universities, not just one.
luckyhappy
Registered
- 8 Sep 2015
- 2
- 0
Thank you
I agree with @miles5 . The requirement varies in each university, As for example in my application to Kyoto University for this October 2015, I didn't take any of those tests. For the English proficiency part, I just passed a certificate stating that the general medium of instruction in my previous university is English (because I was out of options that time). But it worked out.
Lia
Registered
- 26 Sep 2015
- 1
- 0
Hi guys,
Is there anyone who applied for Keio University through University Recomendation?
I read the old posts and found some people, but not applying for this year. I'm currently interested in join at the Department of Media Design, however, when I saw the procedures it seems to be different from the graduate school of Science so I'm still very confused.
The department that I'm interested has three aplication periods, and when I emailed the Admission offices they told me that I should take the entrance exam, and after the entrance exam they will select candidates for this scholarship. When I asked if I could take the Application Period III (with results coming out in 2016/February) and try to be selected in time of get the Scholarship for 2016/October they told me that the Mext period differs every year so they don't know, and if the period will be held before the Application Period, then I can't be a candidate for the scholarship.
So my question is, anyone knows which period should I apply for try to be nominated by Keio University?
I'm feeling lost and I don't know who I should ask to get more informations. I'll be glad if someone here can give me some advice!
Thank you.
Is there anyone who applied for Keio University through University Recomendation?
I read the old posts and found some people, but not applying for this year. I'm currently interested in join at the Department of Media Design, however, when I saw the procedures it seems to be different from the graduate school of Science so I'm still very confused.
The department that I'm interested has three aplication periods, and when I emailed the Admission offices they told me that I should take the entrance exam, and after the entrance exam they will select candidates for this scholarship. When I asked if I could take the Application Period III (with results coming out in 2016/February) and try to be selected in time of get the Scholarship for 2016/October they told me that the Mext period differs every year so they don't know, and if the period will be held before the Application Period, then I can't be a candidate for the scholarship.
So my question is, anyone knows which period should I apply for try to be nominated by Keio University?
I'm feeling lost and I don't know who I should ask to get more informations. I'll be glad if someone here can give me some advice!
Thank you.
fin
Registered
- 1 Jun 2015
- 12
- 3
I don't know exactly about Keio University. but in general of MEXT University recommendation.
Recruitment period for each university will open around November-December(2015). after they screen your application they will sent your document to MEXT in April of the following year.
Then the result will come around June-August for fall semester(Oct/2016). which mean, the best is you should have entrance exam result in November 2015.
I still not quite sure about this anyone please correct me if I'm wrong.
May I ask which way did you apply to this scholarship? sent directly to university in recruit period or through professor? I intent to apply to Kyoto University too in graduate school of Human and environment studies. Now I've already got acceptance from prospective adviser but she also not sure about the process.
madphysicist
先輩
- 20 Aug 2015
- 341
- 131
@fin
I have been looking into Kyoto university recommendation. Still not 100% sure, but I have at least found this page from the school of science listing required documents. I guess you can try searching for your school's admission guide to see if they have more details.
Admissions Guide to Graduate School and Faculty of Science, Kyoto University
They also mention there is only 1 applicant selected per school so depending on your country you may have a better chance at the embassy.
In my case the professor also seems unsure of the process. But I am talking now with a student who got the scholarship at Kyoto previously to try to find out more, I will post any new information here.
I have been looking into Kyoto university recommendation. Still not 100% sure, but I have at least found this page from the school of science listing required documents. I guess you can try searching for your school's admission guide to see if they have more details.
Admissions Guide to Graduate School and Faculty of Science, Kyoto University
They also mention there is only 1 applicant selected per school so depending on your country you may have a better chance at the embassy.
In my case the professor also seems unsure of the process. But I am talking now with a student who got the scholarship at Kyoto previously to try to find out more, I will post any new information here.
TranSenz
後輩
- 4 Jul 2015
- 36
- 37
@madphysicist and @fin
MEXT hasn't released the guidelines for 2016 University-recommended scholarships yet, so most universities won't have theirs published yet, either.
When I worked MEXT application processing, we'd wait for the MEXT guidelines to post to their website in mid-October then try to get ours translated and online (with application forms) within a couple working days. MEXT will post the guidelines at the link below (in Japanese).
国費外国人留学生制度について：文部科学省
When you see the article name below, it's time to start checking the universities' homepages like mad
2016年度大学推薦による国費外国人留学生（研究留学生）の募集について（通知）
MEXT hasn't released the guidelines for 2016 University-recommended scholarships yet, so most universities won't have theirs published yet, either.
When I worked MEXT application processing, we'd wait for the MEXT guidelines to post to their website in mid-October then try to get ours translated and online (with application forms) within a couple working days. MEXT will post the guidelines at the link below (in Japanese).
国費外国人留学生制度について：文部科学省
When you see the article name below, it's time to start checking the universities' homepages like mad
2016年度大学推薦による国費外国人留学生（研究留学生）の募集について（通知）
madphysicist
先輩
- 20 Aug 2015
- 341
- 131
@TransSenz
Thanks, actually I just saw the university recommendation guide you posted in the other thread. Could I take the opportunity to ask a couple of things?
I assume that the process doesn't change very much from year to year? Also maybe this is a bit of a stupid question, but is it necessary to send all of the application documents to the admissions office together, or can the person writing my recommendation send it separately? All this international mail is going to be a headache.
I was a bit concerned because I saw a November deadline on the Kyoudai website, but I guess that was for special recommendation(?) I am not studying in my home country so just trying to get as much info as I can in advance - you know collecting all the documents can take a fair amount of time!
Thanks, actually I just saw the university recommendation guide you posted in the other thread. Could I take the opportunity to ask a couple of things?
I assume that the process doesn't change very much from year to year? Also maybe this is a bit of a stupid question, but is it necessary to send all of the application documents to the admissions office together, or can the person writing my recommendation send it separately? All this international mail is going to be a headache.
I was a bit concerned because I saw a November deadline on the Kyoudai website, but I guess that was for special recommendation(?) I am not studying in my home country so just trying to get as much info as I can in advance - you know collecting all the documents can take a fair amount of time!
TranSenz
後輩
- 4 Jul 2015
- 36
- 37
@madphysicist
I'll be updating the guides as I churn out the remaining articles, so I'll make sure to cover your questions in there, too. But rather than make you wait:
- You're right, the process does not change much year-to-year. There are a few minor updates (for example, the alternatives to "completed a 16-year education program" seem to change in wording), but the paperwork requirements have been consistent for several years now. So, if you find last year's forms and requirements, there's no reason you can't get started preparing your supporting documents (recommendation, transcript, language proficiency if required, etc.) in advance.
- Typically, universities want all of the application documents together, but where I worked, we used to accept recommendations separately. I'd recommend asking, first. If they do allow it, include a note in your application package saying that the letter of recommendation will be sent directly. (Since that letter needs to come from your current Dean or higher, it's good to start working on that early)
- The November deadline is probably accurate for all applications. We would post the application guidelines in mid/late October and accept applications for a period of about one month in November. There's not a lot of time to get everything together once the guidelines come out, especially if you're abroad and don't have easy access to your documentation.
Good luck!
I'll be updating the guides as I churn out the remaining articles, so I'll make sure to cover your questions in there, too. But rather than make you wait:
- You're right, the process does not change much year-to-year. There are a few minor updates (for example, the alternatives to "completed a 16-year education program" seem to change in wording), but the paperwork requirements have been consistent for several years now. So, if you find last year's forms and requirements, there's no reason you can't get started preparing your supporting documents (recommendation, transcript, language proficiency if required, etc.) in advance.
- Typically, universities want all of the application documents together, but where I worked, we used to accept recommendations separately. I'd recommend asking, first. If they do allow it, include a note in your application package saying that the letter of recommendation will be sent directly. (Since that letter needs to come from your current Dean or higher, it's good to start working on that early)
- The November deadline is probably accurate for all applications. We would post the application guidelines in mid/late October and accept applications for a period of about one month in November. There's not a lot of time to get everything together once the guidelines come out, especially if you're abroad and don't have easy access to your documentation.
Good luck!
madphysicist
先輩
- 20 Aug 2015
- 341
- 131
@TranSenz
Thanks for the information. I am still unsure about the deadline because in that Kyoto Graduate School of Science link above it says "Application Announcement: sometime in December or January (varies by year), Application Deadline: January or February (varies by year)".
For me trying to get a recommendation from the dean is also a pain because I'm doing a joint degree between a few universities and don't know who to ask. (Not relevant but I have no idea why they want a reference from some authority figure I've never met rather than someone I've actually worked with)
But now I'm just wondering if the embassy process might be a lot easier. Whichever way I do it the heath form is a nightmare
Thanks for the information. I am still unsure about the deadline because in that Kyoto Graduate School of Science link above it says "Application Announcement: sometime in December or January (varies by year), Application Deadline: January or February (varies by year)".
For me trying to get a recommendation from the dean is also a pain because I'm doing a joint degree between a few universities and don't know who to ask. (Not relevant but I have no idea why they want a reference from some authority figure I've never met rather than someone I've actually worked with)
But now I'm just wondering if the embassy process might be a lot easier. Whichever way I do it the heath form is a nightmare
TranSenz
後輩
- 4 Jul 2015
- 36
- 37
@madphysicist
That's interesting about the Kyoto deadline. As far as I know, for the Regular Program, at least, universities need to screen their applicants and have the recommendations submitted to MEXT no later than early February. Maybe that's for the PGP program?
With a "joint" degree, you get a degree from one university and a certificate of completion or some such thing from the other, right? (Or is it a double degree, where you get separate degrees awarded by each?) In the former case, I'd suggest the uni that awards the degree and in the latter, whichever one you're physically present at, now.
I plan to explain this in an upcoming article on my MEXT application series, but the Japanese thinking on a Letter of Recommendation is that your advisor writes it and puts in your Dean's signature block. He/she then persuades the Dean that you are an outstanding student and worthy of the Dean's recommendation and get's the Dean to sign.
The theory is that of course your advisor would write you a letter, but the Dean, etc., is going to be more choosy about who they're willing to sign for. I don't think Deans (or university presidents, etc) in Japan ever write any of the letters they end up signing
That's interesting about the Kyoto deadline. As far as I know, for the Regular Program, at least, universities need to screen their applicants and have the recommendations submitted to MEXT no later than early February. Maybe that's for the PGP program?
With a "joint" degree, you get a degree from one university and a certificate of completion or some such thing from the other, right? (Or is it a double degree, where you get separate degrees awarded by each?) In the former case, I'd suggest the uni that awards the degree and in the latter, whichever one you're physically present at, now.
I plan to explain this in an upcoming article on my MEXT application series, but the Japanese thinking on a Letter of Recommendation is that your advisor writes it and puts in your Dean's signature block. He/she then persuades the Dean that you are an outstanding student and worthy of the Dean's recommendation and get's the Dean to sign.
The theory is that of course your advisor would write you a letter, but the Dean, etc., is going to be more choosy about who they're willing to sign for. I don't think Deans (or university presidents, etc) in Japan ever write any of the letters they end up signing
