Order direct from TranSenz or your favorite online bookseller today to get a head start on the most important document in your MEXT Scholarship application!
Most Important Part of Your MEXT Scholarship Application
Do you want to win the MEXT Scholarship? Are you worried if your application is competitive or if you really have a chance?
If that’s you, you need to focus on making your Field of Study and Research Program Plan the best it can be.
Nothing else under your control can make as much of a difference in your MEXT Scholarship application. The Field of Study and Research Program Plan gives you the opportunity to stand out from other applicants, impress your reviewers, and win the scholarship.
With that much pressure on a single document, it helps to have a coach with experience from helping thousands of MEXT Scholarship applicants in the past. And that’s exactly what you’ll get in this book. I have read hundreds of Fields of Study and Research Program Plans from successful and unsuccessful applications, plus offered direct coaching and answered questions to thousands more applicants, and I condense all of that experience and knowledge into this guide.
If you want to know:
- Why the Field of Study and Research Program Plan matters
- How to choose a research topic
- How to write and validate your research question
- How to format and write your Field of Study and Research Program Plan, including:
- How long and detailed it should be for maximum effectiveness
- What to include and what to leave out
- How to meet the reviewer’s expectations
- Mistakes that will reduce your chances and how to avoid them
- Why and how to review and revise your plan
Then this is the book for you!
Practical Exercises and Analysis of Past Plans
Throughout the book, I include exercises designed to help you apply the information from each chapter to complete your own Field of Study and Research Plan. By the time you finish the book, you should have a final product that you can submit with your MEXT Scholarship application.
I also include analysis of plans submitted by past TranSenz readers and three plans that past applicants have shared online, so that you can read their submissions alongside my review to apply the lessons to your own plan.
Both the exercises and the analyses are available as pdf downloads, regardless of the format you purchase the book in, for easy reference.
Take Advantage of the Expertise of Thousands of Applicants
I have spent seven years working in international student recruiting and acceptance for Japanese universities, including three years as the direct point of contact for all MEXT scholarship inquiries and applications at a large, private university. During that time, I have personally processed hundreds of applications and have shared my experience to help over 5000 MEXT scholarship applicants through the process through this blog, which is one of the world’s leading independent sources of information and advice on the MEXT scholarship.
My Mastering the MEXT Scholarship Application: The TranSenz Guide series builds on the blog articles, questions from readers, and further, exhaustive research of successful applicants’ approaches and experiences to bring you the best practices for every step of the application process. It is perfect for the applicant who wants to go deeper than the blog posts do to perfect their application and leave nothing to chance.
Get Started Today!
It is never too early to start working on your Field of Study and Research Program Plan. Most successful applicants spend at least 1-3 months working on this document, and some spend as many as 6, from starting to develop their research topic through completing the proposal.
To give yourself the best chance to win the MEXT Scholarship, order now, direct from TranSenz or your favorite online bookseller!
Want to Read it for Free?
If you want to check out the book, but don’t have the resources to buy it now, why not try to get it at your university library?
How to Write a Scholarship-Winning Field of Study and Research Program Plan is available in print, through Ingramspark or Amazon, and in ebook through Overdrive, Bibliotheca, and Baker & Taylor which are ebook distribution networks for libraries, if your library stocks ebooks. Either way, your library should be able to order it through their normal purchasing channels. Here’s the information your library might need:
- Title: How to Write a Scholarship-Winning Field of Study and Research Program Plan
- Author: Travis Senzaki
- ISBN: 978-4-909776-01-3
- Imprint: Travis Senzaki
- Year: 2019
Not sure yet?
No problem. In the meantime, why don’t you take advantage of the free resources I have to offer? If you sign up for my mailing list below, I’ll send you a sample completed application form, plus an email course introducing the MEXT scholarship and the most important things to consider as you start your application. No strings attached!
Hello I’m currently doing my year 12 in Papua New Guinea and I’d like to apply for a college or university scholarship from MEXT. I’m confused about doing my write up can you please advise me more. Also if I’m only in grade 12 am I eligible enough to apply?
Hi Shahnaz Sarwon,
Most of my articles and all of my books are about applying for the MEXT Scholarship for graduate students. There is a scholarship for undergraduate students, which is what you would be applying for, but that is not my area of expertise. I would recommend that you read the application guidelines directly for more information.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, it’s me again. I’m sorry, I feel like I’m disturbing you. Thank you for the response you gave. It was really helpful. I’m having a bit of problem choosing between MEXT Scholarship for Undergraduate and College of Technology. I’m not sure which to choose. I want to apply for a major in Mechatronics Engineering and I could only find the course under College of Technology. I don’t know the difference between the Undergraduate and College of Technology. Is there any difference or it’s the same or the degree awarded is different? I’m not really sure. Can you enlighten me on what to do?
Hi Mubaraq Lawal,
You’re not disturbing me, so please don’t worry. I’m just overwhelmed with comments and questions right now so it is taking me a while to catch up.
A College of Technology program is lower than an undergraduate degree. It is a professional training program. You would not earn a bachelor’s degree from completing the college of technology program and would have to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program afterward if you wanted to continue your education. So, if you are interested in some professional training for work, then a College of Technology could be appropriate. If you are interested in a bachelor’s degree and the possibility of further education, you should choose the undergraduate program.
For the undergraduate program, the degree categories are not as specific, so you should find the larger field that Mechatronics Engineering would fall into and apply under that category.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Please help me. I am struggling to write about past Fields of study specialized sections. You see, my bachelor’s degree was in medical imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, etc.) and there was no specialization during my study. So what should I write? Should I write generally what was the degree about? Should I include my final year thesis title?
For the present field of study part, is it my final year thesis or the name of my bachelor’s degree?
Btw, I am applying for the embassy MEXT scholarship.
Hi Nurfadhilah Hanani,
I think the “Fields of study specialized” refers to the application form, is that correct?
Medical imaging sounds like a specialization to me. Writing that, as well as what your focus area was (what field you wrote your thesis about) should be fine for this question.
For the Present Field of Study, if you are referring to the Field of Study and Research Program Plan, of course I go into detail in the book, but I also have a separate article that covers what I recommend writing there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, I am a bit confused about the MEXT Scholarship. I hear there’s going to be an exam but I don’t know when. So when does the exam start? And for now are we just to fill the form and the required documents and wait till what comes next?
Hi Mubaraq Lawal,
The exam dates are set by each embassy separately. If the embassy has not yet released the exam dates, then they should release them to applicants who successfully pass the document screening. Sometimes they might only give you a 1-week notice before the exam date, so be prepared to be flexible.
You should be able to find details about the application process in your country on the website of the Japanese embassy there, such as when and how they want you to submit documents. If there are no other instructions there besides the submission then, yes, you should submit them as instructed then wait for the Embassy’s next communication.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Pls, I am unable to download the book “How to Write a Scholarship-Winning Field of Study and Research Program Plan” together with others. Saying due to copyright restrictions, the Kindle title is not available in my country(Nigeria). I am in Nigeria, how do u get the book, pls.
Hi Olanrewaju Ayorinde,
I am sorry to hear about the trouble you are having.
Can I ask what online retailer you are trying to use so that I can try to address the problem? I have it for sale directly through my store on the Gumroad platform. But you should also be able to buy it through Amazon, Google Play, Apple Books, Kobo, etc (click here for a link to all other stores that carry it). All of those stores should be set to sell it in all countries and territories, but if you having trouble with one of them, I can follow up with their customer service.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Sir.
I have done my Master’s in Pharmacy. I am confused on what topic should plan my research work on, as Google does not help me in finding or sorting out the most relevant research topics related to my pharmacy background.
Hi Swagata Pal,
Have you tried asking professors in your field from your Master’s Program what they think would be appropriate research topics for a doctoral degree in pharmacy?
I would also recommend that you look up degree programs in pharmacy in Japan and find out what the professors in those programs are currently researching. Your research topic should be similar to or fit in with your advisor’s research in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I’ve been waiting for the opening of 2022 MEXT Scholarship for Nigeria. It hasn’t been opened yet. I’m wondering wether it’s not gonna be open this year at all or it’s still going to be opened. What should I do?
Hi Mubaraq Lawal,
Don’t worry, it’s still early!
In typical years, MEXT releases the application guidelines in approximately mid-April and embassies should start the application process shortly after that, with applications due in May or early June.
Last year, everything was delayed because of the pandemic, but hopefully the schedule will be back to normal this year.
As soon as I hear anything about the application guidelines becoming available, I will share that with everyone on my mailing list, so if you are signed up there, you should be hearing from me soon.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Mr.Travis,
I want to apply for mext through the university and I want to apply for a field thats different from the field i have graduated from and the university said it is okay but since i have no prior experience in this field , what am i supposed to write in the mext scholarship section for the research proposal…
Do you think I should contact the graduate program teachers!
Is there a chance that you could help me in finding the relation between English language (as a field) and International Business and Development Studies !
thank you !
Hi L,
MEXT’s requirements say that your field of study in Japan must be the field that you majored in during your undergraduate degree or a related field. So, if you are changing fields, you will need to show the relationship between what you studied before and what you plan to research in Japan. You do not need to relate the entire major field, just some of the research that you did in that field.
You do need to be able to write a competent research proposal on your own in your new research field before you apply, so it sounds like you might need to do some research/study on your own to be able to get to that point before you start working on your proposal. If you need help, I would recommend that you contact faculty members in business at your current university. I highly recommend that you do not reach out to faculty members at the university in Japan until you have a complete, well-written research proposal. They are going to be used to getting fully-formed research proposals from applicants, and if you contact them looking for help in writing yours, you will look highly unprepared compared to the other applicants and that will likely be a mark against you in the application.
Unfortunately, I do not have enough expertise in either of your fields to help you establish a link, but I think if you can talk to faculty members at your current/most recent university, you should be able to find some help there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Amongst all the traffic that comes through this particular page I’m thankful for coming across it and appreciate the information you’ve put out as I plan to apply for this year’s research scholarship.
One particular question I have is on the example research theme sheet that they provide on the embassy’s website and the question that pertains to “past or former research.” Coming from a public university in the U.S., I didn’t participate in or conduct any type of formal research or “senior thesis” nor was there an option to do so. Is this something that they look down upon or deduct any type of consideration from? I have spoken with Japanese professors about this at my university of interest and they said it was fine and just asked for my transcripts.
I probably have a book of questions I could write myself but will withhold for now as I have just purchased your book. In the meantime, take care and I look forward to your response.
Thank You
Also, if I’ve posted this twice, my apologies. I thought it might have deleted the first one.
Hi Connor,
No worries! I approve each comment individually here (I get a decent amount of spam link attempts), so sometimes it looks like comments might have been deleted when they are really just waiting approval.
However, since it was double-posted, I only approved one of them in this case.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Connor,
I also graduated from a US university that didn’t require a graduation thesis and I have worked with many applicants in the past in similar situations. I do not think it is going to be a problem for you. In fact, it could even be an advantage! Instead of having one thesis focus, I assume you took a wider variety of courses within your major.
That means that when you write the “past and present field of research” you will be able to choose from a wider field of topics that you have researched/studied in the past and focus on the one that is most similar to what you want to research in Japan.
The purpose of describing your past research in the Field of Study and Research Program Plan is to show that you have the academic background necessary and the interest in your field. I think you can achieve that without a thesis with no problem.
There is another part of the application where you are asked to submit an abstract of your past thesis. In cases where you don’t have a graduation thesis, typically the guidance I have seen is to submit an abstract of a major paper or project. Here, again, you can choose a paper or project that is most similar to your research goals in Japan.
I hope you find the book helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions as you read through it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much for your response as it answered a crucial question that I had and to no surprise, it was covered within the first few pages of the book. I appreciate it.
Which brings me to my next question and that is the supplemental worksheets that you provide to follow along with the book. I can’t seem to find them when I go to the link provided in the book. It’s just a standard blog page and I can’t seem to find anywhere for a pdf link. Is this something you could send me?
Once again, thank you for all your help and information.
Hi Connor,
I went back and checked the link from the introduction and the second chapter, and they look accurate to me.
It should take you to a sign-up page where you can enter your name and email to have the worksheets sent to you.
In case the link was wrong, I have just emailed you the correct one. But could you please let me know which link (which chapter) wasn’t working so that I can fix it?
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Greetings Travis
I am a designer with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design. Thanks for all the guides you have put in to help people reach this scholarship. It helped me a lot to define my field of study for the application of the last year. Sadly, I didn’t make it through the process. Despite that, I will keep trying to obtain the scholarship. I just have some questions:
1. Can I still use my research proposal that i submitted the past year, or I should change it in some way?
2. Should I worry about consulting my research proposal with a teacher from the posible university before sending my application? (I have showed that paper to some teachers from my university)
Hi Luis Carlos Marín,
I am sorry to hear that your application was not successful last year. But it is encouraging that you are going to try again – also that you are starting to work on that process now!
1. You can use the same research proposal, but I would encourage you to think about the potential reasons why your application was not successful last year. If you think that your research proposal might be part of the reason, then you may want to improve it. Even if not, I think there are almost always ways to make it stronger, such as a clearer explanation of your methods or the relevance of the outcome. You should also be continuing to read in your field in the mean time, so if anything in your reading inspires an update in your research plan, go ahead and make changes as you see necessary.
2. If you can get input on your research proposal from professors at your current university or target university, that’s great! It’s not a requirement for the application, but it always helps to get the input of an expert in your field. Getting input from a professor at your target university in Japan can be a challenge and you will have to build up a relationship first, but it can certainly be beneficial.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day sir,
Thanks for your responses, as I have no questions neither comments to make, i remain silence and reading your responses.
Hey Mr. Senzaki,
Thank you for all the work you do. Your website and books are really helpful resources.
In your book, you mention that MEXT does not allow you to study Japan itself unless you have research capabilities in Japanese. I am wondering whether a topic that falls somewhere under the umbrella of “Japanese International Relations Theory v Western International Relations Theory” would be appropriate for a non-Japanese speaker.
For example, Ms. Lam (who’s proposal you link to in your book) includes in her proposal that she will study Japanese economics as part of her project. Should I assume that she can read professional Japanese, or is that an acceptable field of study for someone with only English knowledge?
Thanks again,
James
Hi James,
This might sound like splitting hairs, but I want to draw a distinction here between “studying Japan” and “studying an academic field using Japan as an example”. It sounds like you are studying comparative international relations theory, using Japan as one example, and that is certainly something that you could study in English.
While MEXT has since changed the application guidelines and no longer requires that specific fields be studied in Japanese, the fields that were specifically included at the time were, Japanese literature, Japanese history, Japanese law, and Japanese language – fields where all of your source material would be in Japanese and there really wouldn’t be enough in English out there to conduct research.
So, for your field of study (and economics using Japan as an example), there was never any issue.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much that clears things up for me a lot!
Dear Travis from TranSenz,
Hope you are feeling well, my question regarding the part ” Field of specialization studied in the past（Be as detailed and specific as possible.)”
Sir, actually I have done My Master’s degree in Master of Science in Civil engineering (Structural Engineering) from Pakistan. I wish to pursue another master’s degree from japan so whether is am eligible for that withholding a master’s degree or not. Actually, for my Ph.D., I want to equip myself with modern tools like Artificial intelligence for that I need to first master up my basics so that easily done with Ph.D. in the future. kindly do guide me.
Hi Muhammad Khubaib,
Your “field of specialization studied in the past” should be a description of your previous degree, including the specific field you researched for your Master’s thesis or capstone project.
As for your goal of earning a second Masters, it is possible to do so, but you would have to be able to give a clear justification as to why a second Masters is a better step toward your goal than a PhD would be (at least at this point). You are eligible to apply, though, so it all comes down to how well you can present your research proposal for that second Master’s.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good Evening Sir! Sir, I want to apply for the MEXT Scholarship university recommended for Masters in Electrical Engineering. My CGPA is 3.67/4.0, am I eligible? and since I am late, is there any university recommended MEXT scholarship coming after October 2020? sir kindly guide me so that I start preparing my documents…
Hi Namra Qayyum,
I have an article about how to convert your GPA to MEXT’s 3.0 scale that should help you determine if your GPA qualifies. (I suspect it does, but it wouldn’t hurt to double-check!). You can also review my other articles on the scholarship eligibility to make sure you meet those requirements. Please keep in mind that the article is for a past year. I will write a new one when this year’s official guidelines are released.
The University Recommended MEXT Scholarship application process usually starts around October or November, depending on the university. Each university has its own timeline for the application process, so you need to decide what university and program that you want to apply for, then search that university’s website for any information you can find on the application process and when the guidelines might come out.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello sir, my name is emmanuel from zambia, i have a bachelors degree in “”Zambian cultures and my minor is Geography”. i want to study international cultural studies as my master degree in japan, the question is can i be considered with mext, since my undergraduate leveli only majored in a zambian based program.
Hi Emmanuel,
If you can justify that the fields are related and show how what you studied in your previous degree motivated you to pursue the studies in Japan, then you should be fine. It is all up to how well you explain it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Sir, I’m Nixon from Papua New Guinea. I’ve made few attempts to apply for the Mext Scholarship a couple of years back but was unsuccessful. I’d like to apply for Undergraduate Research next year 2021. Please kindly assist me through the process.
Regards.
Nixon
Hi Nixon,
There is no undergraduate research scholarship. There is an undergraduate scholarship, for bachelor’s level degrees, and there is a research scholarship, for graduate level degrees.
My website is focused on the latter, so if you are applying for the graduate level scholarship, I suggest that you read through the articles and advice that you find around the site to see how you can strengthen your application. Of course, the Field of Study and Research Program Plan is probably the most important part!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
OK thank you sir am undergraduate studying b.sc geography at federal university dustinma kastina state of Nigeria
Hi Ibrahim idris garba,
If you are an undergraduate student now, then you would be applying for the MEXT scholarship for research students (graduate students) to study in Japan for your master’s degree after you finish your current studies.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Please I’m having issues ordering the the research proposal on Amazon, please how do I get a soft copy of it?
Hi Chimdi,
I am sorry that I did not see this message for so long!
It is probably too late to help you, but the book should be available on every major online ebook seller, not just Amazon. You can get it on Apply Books, Kobo, Google Play, etc.
I also sell it directly, so you can download it in kindle format or any other ebook format and load it onto your device directly.
The sales links to all of the stores of for direct purchase are in the article above.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello,
Dear Sir,
I hope that you are doing well.. I have completed my BS in Applied Geology in 2020. Now, I am looking for fully funded scholarship for MS in Petroleum Geology. As I have started my application under MEXT Research Scholarships Program 2020- 2021.
I requested you to help me in finding my research topic, research theme and research plan and its related materials in field of Petroleum Geology.
Hi Muhammad Salman Aslam,
In the book, I have described a process for how you can choose your research topic, research theme, and then develop your research plan. Have you tried those steps? If you need help specific to your field, rather than just about the process, itself, then I would recommend that you consult with a professor from your previous degree who specializes in that field. I do not have any particular expertise in Petroleum Engineering, so I’m afraid I would not be able to help.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello TranSenz,
Thanks a lot for this information. I really appreciate your wonderful efforts you’re doing to support MEXT applicants.
I’m a graduate of Rural Development Studies (field of social sciences) from Pakistan. I’m confused about selecting my research topic. Can you please guide me in this regard.
I had worked on 2 research thesis during my bachelors studies. First was “Survey on socioeconomic issues & challenges being faced by child labor in automobile workshops” & second was “Analysis of potable water quality & socioeconomic impacts of contaminated water on society”
Now my first question is that can I include any one of these thesis as my research plan for mext scholarship?
Secondly is it important to prepare a research plan related to issues in Japan or we can just address our country’s issues only ? (I’m really confused in this regard & tried to google a lot about it but couldn’t get any clear information)
Looking forward to your reply ASAP.
Thanks in advance
HI Aqsa Iqbal,
I am sorry for the late reply. I have been overwhelmed with comments and have not been able to keep up for over a month now, despite answering every day.
Your research in Japan can be related to any of the research that you did in your previous degree, though it should of course have more detail. Your research topic can be focused on issues in your home country, but you will not be able to leave Japan for long periods of time to do fieldwork outside the country, so keep that in mind. If possible, your fieldwork should be within Japan. You also need to make a case for why it is best to conduct this research in Japan, so there should be some relationship there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I will like more information as pertaining choosing the University. Am i supposed to contact the supervisor and get his approval, prior to using suggesting him as a supervisor, or should i just go ahead and quote his name. Also do i need to have made an initial Admission to the University prior to Choosing them.
My name is promise from Nigeria, and i would really like to give this scholarship my best shot.
Hi Promise,
You do not need to contact your potential advisor just to get their permission to put their name on the Placement Preference Form and you do not need to have an offer of admission from the university in advance, either. Both of those things come after you pass the Primary Screening and start applying to universities for Letters of Acceptance.
It is never a bad idea to start trying to connect with a potential advisor early for the sake of networking and establishing a relationship, but I would not recommend mentioning your MEXT scholarship application right away or contacting them just to ask about putting their name on the form.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good evening sir I’m confused about the written exam, will it be imidiately after the submission that I’ll do the exams or I’ll do the written exams in Japan after the embassy interview
Hi Olamilekan,
The written exams are part of the Embassy’s Primary Screening process, so they will occur in your country. If you pass the document submission review, then you’ll be invited to the exams, typically a few weeks after the document submission deadline. After the exams, the final step in the Embassy’s Primary Screening is the interview.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello sir ,my name is iheanacho munachimso from imo state Nigeria , please I want to know how possible it is for me to get scholarship with with MEXT in Japan to study Geological science (English) in under graduate studies and besides I got the information late.please kindly me sir in anyway you can😊
Hi Iheanacho Munachimso,
If you meet all of the eligibility criteria, then it is certainly possible to apply for an earn the scholarship!
The best places to get started with the application process is to check the website of the Japanese Embassy in your country. They should have all of the forms there, as well as the specific application period for your country.
Of course, if you’re looking for advice about how to complete those forms and how to make your application as strong as possible, I hope the articles on this site will help!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Transenz,
Please when will 2021 MEXT Teacher Training Scholarship application commence in this year 2020? Please let me know so that I will be making preparations
Thank you so much
Hi AZ,
My area of expertise is in the application for Research Students, so I have not particularly followed the schedule of the Teacher’s Training Scholarship in the past. I think it typically starts around January of each year, but I hope that someone else can chime in who has experience and can give a better answer.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi sir .I wanted to ask you about the samples because they are already whriten how can I get a new one
Hi Otman Fettach,
If you got my emails with the sample forms, then I explained there that you will need to get the actual forms from the Embassy or University where you intend to apply.
I am not saying that to be difficult, it’s very important that you have the correct and most up-to-date forms, and also that you check to see if where you are applying has any special additional requirements or directions.
For this year’s Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship that was supposed to start in April, the process has been delayed by a few months, so the forms are not yet available. I recommend checking the website of the Japanese Embassy in your area on a daily basis for updates.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Sir, I’m Magnim Yague and I have been currently an undergraduate student in the US. I am processing my bachelor’s degree in International Business. I am thinking of applying for the MEXT Scholarship a year from now when I graduate for my undergrad. As for my research proposal, I am thinking to continue on the lines of international markets considering Japan or International business in Japan (something along those line lol), but I am having trouble navigating and narrowing it down. I don’t know if that is enough or If I have to come up with more.
Any advice you give will be GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you for your hard work 🙂
Hi Magnim Yague,
If you will be graduating next year, the time to apply is now! The application process that should be starting this May is for the scholarship that will start in April or October of 2021.
As for your research proposal, yes, you are going to have to be significantly more specific than just international business in Japan. In this book, I go through the process of refining a research proposal from a general idea, all the way down to a specific research question and methodology. But in the end, you should be looking at a narrowly focused question and a specific set of data that can answer it. You are essentially proposing your Master’s Thesis in this document. (If you don’t want to buy the book yourself, you should be able to ask your university library to purchase it in ebook or paperback form).
Your approach will be a little different depending on whether you are applying for an MBA or for an academic (MA) degree in business. The latter is going to have more of a research focus, while the former will probably be based more on practical case studies. I would recommend that you try to find a specific program that interests you and see what their requirements are for graduation, then write your FSRPP to be sure that it answers those requirements.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you for the informative response, I am currently reading your first book and it is giving me a much better understanding of the Mext scholarship. I am a little concerned about the deadline since I did not prepare myself beforehand of anything. Will I still be eligible to apply After graduation for my undergraduate? or is this the best and only time?
Thanks again for your hard work and the quick reply.
Hi Magnim Yague,
Thank you very much for your feedback! I am glad that you have found the first book helpful so far.
The start of the application process has been delayed this year, so the deadlines will likely be a little later than usual. That might work out in your favor.
However, if you do decide to wait and apply in a later year, that will not hurt your chances. Many successful applicants have a few years between when they finish their undergrad and when they start the scholarship, so it is not unusual, at all.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Sir I have done M.Phil in pharmacy I want scholarship for doctoral program kindly guide me for this…Thanks
Hi Anwar Sultan,
Almost all of the articles on this website are dedicated to doing just that.
I recommend that you start with my article about What is the MEXT Scholarship and How Do You Apply and work from there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Sir I have recently done M.Phil in Biochemistry I want scholarship for doctoral program kindly guide me for this…Thanks
Hi Ammar Riaz,
All of the MEXT scholarship articles on this website are designed for just that purpose. I recommend that you start with my article introducing what is the MEXT scholarship and how to apply, then move on to the others as you have other questions come up.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks alot
PLEASE I WILL NEED A BLANK FORM FOR FIELD OF STUDY AND RESEARCH PLAN.
Hi AZ,
You should get the updated blank form from the Embassy or University where you will apply. The reason I recommend that is so that you can be sure you are getting the most up-to-date form. I do have a link to the form from last year in my most recent article about the Field of Study and Research Program Plan (this one you are reading is old), but again, that is the format from last year, so it may change.
In the article that I have linked above, I have recommended the different sections that you should include in the FSRPP. So, while you are waiting for the format (it has not yet been released for this year), I recommend that you start writing your plan including all of those sections, then copy the contents into the designated format later.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear sir I have a question please, I will be graduating from high school around July 2020 when am I supposed to apply for the scholarship is it this year 2020 or in 2021 thank you sir
Hi Abdullahi,
You should start your application in 2020. The application for the scholarship to begin in 2021 should be starting in the next few weeks. The application process will be through the Japanese embassy in your home country, so I recommend that you start checking their website on a daily basis to see if they have released any news about it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
DEAR SIR
WHEN MEXT RELEASE THE 2020 FORM FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUEDENT
Hi Abdullahi,
The undergraduate scholarship is only available as part of the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship and the application process generally starts around mid-April. I would suggest that once April begins, you start checking the homepage of the Japanese embassy for your country on a daily basis to see if the application guidelines are released.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello friends, can any one send me the filled sample of field of study and research program plan?
Hi Abay,
I have only ever seen a few people share their Field of Study and Research Program Plans publicly, and those were all many years ago, so the format has changed.
I have referenced three of them in the appendix of this book, along with my review and comments, but here’s a link to the most complete of the set.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good evening Sir. I am Dr Yirga from Ethiopia . I got the information about the Embassy Recommended MEXT scholarship very late and I have issues with choosing three Japanese Universities that offers the MEXT scholarship and I am interested to join your scholarship in the field of internal medicine or general surgery and which lectures are in English Language.
Please kindly assist sir
Hi Dr. Yirga,
The next Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship application won’t start until around April, so it’s not too late, yet.
It sounds like you need to do some research about Japanese universities. I recommend that you start with my article about how to find universities in Japan that teach your field of study in English.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi My Name is Saba
1. Qualification
Msc Project Management 2015
MBA Marketing 2010
2. Working Experiance
2011t o 2014 years of working experiance with Heavy Mechanical complex Government of Pakistan.(many of our members go to Japan for technical studies)
I wanted to apply for scholarship and a suitable teaching job.
Kindly help me in this regard.
Hi Saba,
I would encourage you to read the articles about the scholarship on this site. I have published them specifically to help people like you with the process of applying for the MEXT Scholarship.
Ultimately you will have to do the work, but my goal is to make the process as clear as possible for you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello. I am Maad Khan from pak..i am willing to study in Petroleum Technology. Does MEXT scholarship fulfill the requirement of the international students for animation course in japan?please reply. Thank you?
Hi Maad Khan,
I’m afraid I don’t understand your question. I think you probably need to do some basic research about what the scholarship is and also look up what kinds of degree programs are available in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
How to write a research plan /field of study for education research
Hi Sarita,
This book is designed to answer exactly that question for any field. But it took me a whole book to write the answer, so there isn’t much I can say in a single comment that would help you.
I recommend taking a look at the book. If you do not want to buy it yourself, then ask your university or local library if they would be able to buy it for you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello. I am Anurag Paul from india..i am willing to study and learn manga animation. Does MEXT scholarship fulfill the requirement of the international students for animation course in japan?please reply. Thank you?
Hi Anurag Paul,
Any field of study that exists as a graduate degree program in Japan is eligible. As long as you can find a university that offers it, you can apply.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Please how do I get the application form link for the mext scholarship?
Am interested in the post-graduate option please
Hi Anunwa Anthony,
There are multiple ways to apply for the MEXT Scholarship for Research Students. I would suggest that you start with my article introducing the scholarship and application process to learn more about how to get started and where to get the forms for each application process.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I’m currently applying for the MEXT in 2020, I’m applying for a taught masters and according to my embassies website, there is no need for a research proposal. Instead they require a motivation for applying to the masters course, I was wondering if any of your resources covered this?
Hi William,
Are you applying for the MEXT Scholarship for Teacher Training Students? That and the Japanese Studies Students applications are the only ongoing applications through the embassy that I am aware of.
If you are applying for either of the above, then I’m afraid I do not have any resources here specific to those scholarships. My area of expertise is the MEXT Scholarship for Research Students (Graduate Students) and I am not aware of any situation in that scholarship where there would be a taught Masters available or where an FSRPP would be unnecessary.
On the other hand, I do talk to some degree about expressing your motivation in the Field of Study and Research Program Plan as well as in my article about the Embassy interview and the article about maximizing your chances. So you may find some useful insight there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
That’s interesting I’m applying from the UK for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarship, I will look at your articles on the interview and maximising my chances. For your interest in the general outline on the embassy website it does state that MEXT at least in the UK is for both research or taught masters https://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/mext_postgrad.html Thanks again!
Hi William,
Thank you for sharing that link. I got confused because it sounded like you were currently in the application process. Now I see that you’re referring to the application that starts in April.
That is the scholarship application process that my entire site is dedicated to.
But that said, I still am not aware of any taught Masters’ courses in Japan. (I’m not saying that they don’t exist, just that I have never come across one in my own university work or talking with other applicants). I assume that you have found a university that offers one, but without knowing about that program and degree field, I’m not sure that I can offer any useful advice as to what to do with your Field of Study and Research Program Plan. As far as I know, that document is still mandatory in one way or another, so it is going to be a matter of customizing it to your needs.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Is it full scholarship or not
Hi Mekonen,
It sounds like you need to learn the basics of the scholarship, so I do not recommend this book for you at this time.
Instead, I would suggest that you start with the basic articles here about the scholarship and how to apply. This one introduces the basics and should help you get started!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear sir I can’t manage the professor . What will I apply ? have any process please ?
Hi Muztahid,
It sounds like you need to learn the basics of the scholarship, so I do not recommend this book for you at this time.
Instead, I would suggest that you start with the basic articles here about the scholarship and how to apply. This one introduces the basics and should help you get started!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
How to search researchers to get approval
Hi Zulfquar,
I have an article about how to search for professors and degree programs taught in English that should help you!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! I have a financial difficulties so I would like to know if there are universities in Japan who offer fully funded scholarships. Please let me know and I would like your help.
Hi Amal Abdi,
There are a number of different scholarship schemes available at Japanese universities, but the MEXT Scholarship that I write about on this site is the most significant, by far.
It is a merit-based scholarship, so your level of financial need is not considered, but there is no reason why you couldn’t apply.
I recommend that you start with one of my introductory articles to get the basic idea of the scholarship process, then read the others as necessary to prepare your application!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi,
I’ve got a bachelor’s in Commerce but would like to pay for masters in a completely different field (Japanese literature) and it’s safe to say that although I have a research topic in mind, I’m not sure how to go about it. I’ve chosen the schools I would like to apply but I’m not sure how to progress forward.
Hi Kalyani,
One of the requirements of the MEXT scholarship is that you have to study in a field that you previously majored in, or a related field. So, you are going to have to be able to draw some kind of research connection between your previous work in commerce and your studies in Japanese literature. Please keep that in mind as you go forward.
As to how to progress forward, I would recommend that you start with one of my articles on how to get started. You can find all of my articles collected here!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you very much for the wealth of information! I am just getting started on my MEXT application and am a tad bit overwhelmed. I have a couple of questions I was wondering if I could get some help with:
1) I am a tad bit of an older student (within the guidelines to apply for mext) and graduate in May 2020. My husband and I are moving Japan in August or October of next year due to his work. I checked with my consulate in new York and know that the deadline for 2021 applications will be April/May. I was wondering if you would happen to know if I would still be eligible to apply or if this is something I would have to ask my consulate?
2) I am having difficulty with a research topic and wasn’t sure if it was good enough. My major is biology but the topic I am thinking about is related to my healthstudies minor. While still in it’s preliminary stages, I am thinking something along the lines of biomedicine and complementary alternative medicine (CAM) and trying to look at how it exists side by side in Japan compared to the U S where it either/or. I was wondering if you thought this was a good enough topic to pursue or if I should keep brainstorming. My concern is that it is not related to my major thesis which will be based on evolutionary-developmental biology.
I really appreciate any help I can get. Thank you!
-An overwhelmed non-traditional student.
Hi Farah,
Thank you for your kind words!
1) If I understand this correctly, you would still be in your home country as of the next Embassy MEXT application deadline, but would be moving to Japan with your husband before the results are released. In that case, you should be eligible to apply, but you will have to be careful about how you manage your residence status when you move to Japan. It would be best to stay on a Temporary Visitor status (up to 90 days at a time) and avoid applying for a longer term status that would clearly extend into your scholarship time, if you can avoid it. You will also need to return to your home country once to apply for a new student visa as a MEXT scholar immediately before your scholarship starts.
2) I’m not familiar enough with your field to be able to offer academic advice, but based on what you described, it does sound like there is a difference in field between your previous research and what you plan to do in Japan. There would be no particular problem in switching the “name” of your field, for example from biology to pharmaceutical studies or life sciences, but I would suggest you look for a more specific research topic – ultimately, you should have a specific research question that you want to explore before you apply – and relate it to some previous research you have done. Is there some way you can compare the biological effects of biomedicine and CAM using the theories or practices from your previous evolutionary-development biology research? (Sorry, like I mentioned earlier, my familiarity with your field is minimal.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you very much for your reply and for your advice.
While the one year long practical research for my thesis is based on insects, I do have a background as a pharmacy technician and have taken classes where I’ve made warfarin (not tested it though or studied it’s effects) and have taken classes studying biomedical drugs and it’s effects on the body in theory through published literature for various classes. Would this allow me to still pursue this topic? I assumed I had to have done practical research for my thesis on this topic to pursue it?
Thank you very much again for taking the time to reply to my questions.
Hi Farah,
Ultimately, it all comes down to how well you can justify the connection when you write the Field of Study and Research Program plan, and if the graduate school in your new field is satisfied that you have the appropriate academic background to enroll in the degree.
Your research in Japan does not have to be directly based on your previous thesis, any field that you have studied can be technically eligible. It is just a matter of how well you make the case!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi there i would like to ask since i am now starting with my research plan for the scholarship, but i don’t know where to start, my academic major revolve in information technology, in the field of gaming and animations, any advice to help me out?
Hi Rainne,
Going from your general field to creating and evaluating your research question is exactly the process the book covers, so I think it could help you significantly. If you cannot afford to buy it yourself, see if you can get your local library or university library to purchase it for you so you can read it at no cost!
Good Luck!
– Travis from Transenz
Hi, Travis! I am hoping to study Masters in Psychology and I am from Philippines. I know a bit of the standing of Psychology in Japan. Do you think the scholarship will treat my application the same as other courses? I am asking this because I saw some social media posts from foreign countries talk about Psychology as not actually a priority course in Japan.
Hi Louielyn,
As far as the Japanese universities go, your field of study should not negatively impact you, provided that you can find a degree program taught in English. Any graduate program should have an equal chance to earn a scholarship via the university-recommended MEXT scholarship.
Where you might run into trouble, however, is with the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, and that has nothing to do with Japan. The Japanese embassy works with the various home country governments to determine their priorities and may narrow the fields accordingly. So, your bigger concern should be the Philippines government’s priorities, if you apply via the embassy.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Noted with lots of thanks! God bless you!
Please can you direct me about, universities that offers mext scholarship in Japan
Hi Jal Peter,
In general, the MEXT scholarship is available at all universities in Japan. I have an article about how to find the best university for your field of study that should help you with your personal search.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Please I’ll like to know if it’s possible for me to give my waec and jamb result cause those are the only results I have
Hi Okoro Favour,
I’m afraid I have no idea what either of those things are, and neither would anyone else in Japan. So, I think it is safe to say that they would not be accepted, at least not by Japanese universities. Only internationally-accepted standardized tests with clear frames or reference are typically accepted by universities.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Please I need a research plan sample. And it’s really urgent as I have only couples of hours. Thank you
Hi Yaaqub Uthman,
A research plan should take you weeks to prepare properly, if you want to have any chance of success with the application.
If you have so little time, then my best recommendation to you would be to wait and apply next time, giving yourself more time to get ready.
While I have a template for how I recommend you write a research plan, I do not have any sample plans in the current format, since they changed it just this year. The book described on this page includes links to and analysis of research plans written based on the old formats, but again, I do not think it would be possible to make use of them in so little time.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
please inform me I’m too interesting Japan scholarship.
thank you for given this big opportunity if potential of this big opportunity it will be one of my dream because I so much love japan.
Hi Farah Mumin Garad,
If you’re just getting started learning about the scholarship, then I do not recommend starting with this book. I have dozens of free articles about the scholarship (Start with the one about “What is the MEXT Scholarship and How Do You Apply“) and different parts of the application process on this site, and I think you would find those more helpful at first. This book is really more advanced, for when you understand the scholarship and are ready to start working on the research proposal.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good evening Sir. I am Chukwuebuka Duru from Lagos, Nigeria. I got the information about the Embassy Recommended MEXT scholarship very late and I have issues with choosing three Japanese Universities that offers the MEXT scholarship and a degree course in Applied Microbiology or Microbial Biotechnology and which lectures are in English Language.
Please kindly assist sir
Hi Chukwuebuka Duru,
I would recommend that you read my article about how to search for universities and professors that teach your field of study in English in Japan.
If you follow the suggestions there, you should have no trouble locating many universities in that field!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
What there no place to fillable or there no embessy in my country what should i do
Hi Mohamud,
Even if there is no Japanese embassy located in your country, there is still a Japanese embassy that serves your country. I would recommend doing a google search for “Japanese Embassy in “+your country name and see what it turns out. There’s a good chance that it’s located in a neighboring country. That site should have the instructions and forms that you need!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz