What does it take to meet the eligibility criteria and rise above the rest?
MEXT Scholarship GPA Requirements
My country uses a 6-level grading system, not 5- or 4- like the ones in your chart. How do I convert those grades?
If there are multiple failing grades (e.g. “E” and “F”), then group those together as one level. All failing grades convert to “0”. In many cases, that should solve the problem! You may also have to group non-failing grades together depending on the range available. For more information, see my article on calculating your GPA.
How will they calculate my GPA if I haven’t finished my degree?
Your GPA will be calculated based on the last 2 years (4 semesters) of grades/credits that you have on your transcript.
My GPA does not meet the requirements. Is there any way I can still get a scholarship?
Unfortunately, no. Not at this time.
My best advice would be to return for another degree in your home country, earn a better GPA in that degree, then try for the MEXT Scholarship again later. That’s going to take time and is not for everyone, but it’s the only option.
Does my GPA meet the eligibility requirements?
I get this question a lot, but you cannot simply convert a cumulative GPA from one system to another. You have to do it course-by-course, or the results will not be accurate.
See my article about calculating your GPA for how to do that.
MEXT Scholarship Language Ability Requirements
What is the minimum TOEFL score required by MEXT?
As of the 2019 University Recommended MEXT Scholarship, MEXT has finally released language proficiency guidelines! However, these guidelines are only for MEXT and universities (for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship or applying for LoAs) have the right to demand a higher score.
MEXT now requires a minimum English proficiency equal to B2 on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment). For common tests, that equates to:
TOEFL iBT: 72 (minimum)
IELTS: 5.5 (minimum)
You can find MEXT’s complete chart, including TEAP, TOEIC L&R, GTEC, and others at:
http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/houdou/30/03/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2019/01/15/1402610_1.pdf
The chart is in Japanese, but the numbers should be self-explanatory!
To find the university’s minimum requirement, I recommend looking up the specific university’s website and looking for their application guidelines for fee-paying students at your level. They may list specific requirements there.
Can I use my GCE O-level results as proof of English Language Proficiency? (Embassy-recommended application)
You can list them in your application, yes. For the Embassy-recommended application process, you are not necessarily required to submit proof of English language proficiency. You will take a language proficiency test at the embassy during the application.
Please note that this answer pertains only to the Embassy-recommended application process. For the university-recommended MEXT Application process, the answer will vary by university.
If I graduated from a degree program taught in English, am I exempt from submitting proof of English language ability? (University-recommended MEXT Scholarship)
MEXT will accept this as proof of English language proficiency, but individual universities can also set their own requirements, so you will have to ask them directly for the final answer.
Can I submit an alternative form of proof of English Language Ability?
For the Embassy recommended scholarship application, you aren’t required to submit any form of proof, but you can write in your scores from any official, internationally recognized test.
For the University-recommended MEXT scholarship, this is going to vary from university to university, since it is up to th euniversiy’s discretion. In most cases, official, internationally accepted tests will work, such as TOEFL iBT (but not ITP), IELTS, official tests than can be measured on the CEFR scale (B2/C1 or better is the usual target).
Unofficial tests, such as language center “TOEFL prediction tests,” Institutional tests (TOEFL ITP), and tests that are not internationally recognized or comparable to a TOEFL iBT score (CET, etc.) will not generally work.
One form of alternative proof that I have seen work in the past is to get a personal language ability evaluation from the head of your university’s English language department or a native English-speaking English department faculty member. That faculty member should evaluate you based on all four skills and relate your ability to a score on the TOEFL or IELTS test. Merely writing “student has sufficient ability to complete a degree in English” is not going to work.
If you don’t have any test scores that your university will accept, you could propose this as an alternative. There is no guarantee that every university will accept it, however.
If I passed the JLPT N1, can I apply for degree programs in Japanese language and culture?
In terms of the language requirements, yes. However, you still need to meet the field of study requirements (relevance to field studied in the past).
Residency Requirements
Can I apply while I am living in Japan? (University-recommended scholarship)
Yes, but you will need to return to your home country before you start the scholarship.
Additionally, your return to your home country must not be solely for the purpose of meeting the eligibility requirement to return home. That’s a little confusing, but here’s the simple explanation:
You must have a reason other than applying for the MEXT scholarship to return to your home country. For example, if you are currently studying in Japan and will go home as soon as your degree ends, that’s a good enough reason. If you are working in Japan and will quite your job and go home, that’s a good enough reason.
I earned my master’s degree in Japan. Can I apply for the MEXT Scholarship for a PhD?
If you earned your master’s degree as a self-financed student (or if you were financed by any scholarship scheme other than MEXT, then yes. Also, if you were a MEXT scholar, but you have spent more than three full years as a student or researcher since the end of your last scholarship, then you are eligible to apply again.
Have an eligibility question I didn’t answer here?
Let me know in the comments below!
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My husband came to Japan with me on a dependent visa. He would like to participate in the competition but already has a japanese resident card for 4 years (the length of my stay here as a researcher with a Mext scholarship). Can he apply or will it be rejected?
Hi Kate,
It depends on what type of MEXT Scholarship your husband is applying for. The University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship (general category) clearly states that applicants residing in Japan are not eligible to apply, but for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship (Priority Graduate Programs) there is a special consideration where up to 25% of a university’s nominees can be living in Japan. Of course, that makes the competition level higher for applicants in Japan, but it is possible.
For the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, at least as of last year, it was possible for applicants living in Japan to apply, but part of the application process takes place in person at the embassy in the applicant’s home country, so he would have to return for that (interviews and tests) and then return again just before starting his studies in order to apply for a Student Visa as a MEXT Scholar.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Kate, sorry to jump in like that! I have a question for you if you don’t mind me asking 🙂
I’m also likely going to Japan as a researcher/non-degree student with a MEXT scholarship and my husband would like to join me. Since you seem to be a few steps ahead, I wanted to ask whether your husband flew to Japan with you right away or whether you guys followed the MEXT’s instructions for you to go there first and have him join after a while? Thanks in advance and kind regards!
hey, I am currently in Tanzania for completing my high school. However, I am from Bangladesh and won’t be going back when the exam for MEXT takes place in the embassy in my home country. What should I do? Is it possible for me to apply through the Tanzanian embassy?
Hi Redwan Nayem,
Unfortunately, you can only apply for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship in the country where you have citizenship, so you would have to apply through the Japanese embassy in Bangladesh. You don’t need to go to the embassy in person until the tests and interview stage, but you would need to be present in person for that part.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi
I have just one question. Can I aplly to the MEXT, if I’m not in my own country
Hi Oraz,
You can apply if you are not in your country, but there are a few things to consider.
1) If you apply for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, you will have to complete part of the application in person at the Japanese Embassy (the exams and interview phase), so you will need to travel back there. (If you apply for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, there is no part of the application process that requires you to be present in your home country).
2) MEXT will not provide your plane ticket to Japan if you are not residing in your home country right before you depart for Japan, so unless you plan to move back before the start of your scholarship, expect that you will have to purchase your own ticket to Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day Travis,
I’m Francis Danganan from the Philippines, planning to apply for the MEXT scholarship University Recommendation Track. I am currently reading Book 1 of Mastering the MEXT Scholarship. And I have to queries which is respectfully ask for clarifications:
1. In the 2022 MEXT guidelines of some universities, they require an English Language Score, however there is also a statement after that if you cannot provide this particular score, you may submit a certification that the university you attended conducts the teaching in English. Is this still acceptable? I read from your article that it is best to have an English Language Score just to be sure.
2. In the conversion of grades I saw one table for the Philippines (from book 1) which is numerical grade. Although my university uses a numerical grade system, the grades in the table are not exactly the same as those used by my university. In the University of the Philippines (UP), the grading system is depicted in this link https://our.upm.edu.ph/sites/default/files/GRADING%20SYSTEM%20%28PDF%20FORMAT%29.pdf .
In general this is our grading system:
1.00 – Excellent
1.25 – Very Good
1.50 – Very Good
1.75 – Good
2.00 – Good
2.25 – Satisfactory
2.50 – Satisfactory
2.75 – Pass
3.00 – Pass
4.00 – Conditional
5.00 – Fail
I would like to seek your kind assistance if possible to have its conversion to the MEXT counterpart. We have a grade of 1.25 but based on the table for the Philippines it doesn’t have a MEXT grade counterpart.
I hope you can help me clarify these things. Thank you very much for the help you give to us students and most especially to the book series you created.
Sincerely,
Francis Danganan
Hi Francis Danganan,
1. For the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, the embassy does not require language proficiency test scores, since you take a language test at the embassy as part of the application process. Universities can set their own policies for whether or not to require a score, but in most cases that I know of, they will accept an application for a Letter of Provisional Acceptance without and English language proficiency test score.
For the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, MEXT will accept your language proficiency as being sufficient of you completed your qualifying degree primarily in English. It is up to individual universities to decide if they will accept that level of ability or if they will require test scores.
So, for MEXT’s purposes, completing your qualifying degree in English will be fine, but individual universities may ask for scores, so if you know what university you are interested, I recommend you try to find out what they required in the preceding year from their website, etc.
2. Thank you for sending that reference! The grading system that I had cited in the book was slightly different (it was from another university in the Philippines) and notably did not include number values for pass, conditional, and fail, making “satisfactory” the lowest possible grade for conversion.
In the example you shared, I would have used different conversions for the descriptive, percentage, letter, and GPA scales, so it’s a bit confusing, but if we emphasize the descriptive grades, then I would suggest the following conversion:
1.00 – 1.25 = Excellent = 3
1.50 – 1.75 = Very Good = 3
2.00 – 2.25 = Good = 2
2.50 – 4.00 = Satisfactory/Pass/Conditional = 1
5.00 = Fail = 0
When reading the table in the image you shared, I assumed that the lines that were blank in the descriptive column fell under the same description as the line above, not the line below. For example, 1.25 did not have a description, but I assume it is still part of “Excellent” since “Excellent” should remain true until changed.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you Travis for this valuable information. Will prepare for my application for the next application period. Hoping for the best.
Hi Travis,
I am currently studying a Bachelors degree in Japanese and Economics in my home country Australia. I am planning to apply for the MEXT scholarship once I graduate. I was just wondering if I am able to apply for 2 scholarships at the same time? Say undergraduate and graduate student. Also, once I graduate with a bachelor’s am I still able to apple for the undergraduate scholarship and receive another bachelor’s degree in Japan? Thanks!
Hi Lloyd,
You can only have one ongoing MEXT Scholarship application at any given time, even if they are different types of scholarships (undergrad/grad, university recommended/embassy recommended) or even for different years. Submitting multiple applications would get you disqualified for all of them.
You could apply for a MEXT Scholarship and another kind of scholarship as a back up. That is not against the rules, but of course, you would only be able to accept one of the scholarships in the end.
It is possible to apply for a MEXT Scholarship for a bachelor’s degree if you already have one, but you would have to justify why a second bachelor’s degree is more valuable to the contribution that you want to make to the world than a graduate degree would be. Frankly, given the level of education in Australia and Japan, I would not rate the quality of Japanese undergraduate education as being higher than Australian (quite possibly lower at most institutions), so I don’t think you would get that much value out of it, unless you were studying a degree that you didn’t have access to in Australia.
(There is also a maximum age limit for the undergraduate scholarship, so you’d have to make sure that you were still eligible in that regard, as well.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! Thank you for all the resources and information, they are very useful.
1) I was planning to apply for Master’s/PhD program after finishing my Bachelor’s and also after obligatory work of 2 years (because my education was funded by government and these are the rules). I’m kind of stuck with these two years but someone suggested that I can officially work in my country and then be officially sent to another country for a business trip (with prior assuarense that I got accepted somewhere) and it would be considered legal. I was wondering how Japan views such mechanism, if it violates any rules like one must not have any ongoing position in home country, etc.
2) I started researching universities to which I would like to apply and it turned out that the one I liked the most has its own internship and PhD fully funded programs (OIST). So I think it might be worth the shot to apply there directly first. But what concerns me is whether this will hinder my chances of being eligible for MEXT later on. For instance, if I get into the internship program for several months but then won’t be accepted to PhD program there. Or is the process of applying to another scolarship considered as a violation itself? Would it be better to go through MEXT in the first place (with chances to be accepted to other universities)?
3) In the articles you mention that recommendation letter has to be signed by dean but in the 2022 guidelines it says either dean or advisor. So is the dean’s signature necessary?
4) Is there an example of the academic transcript somewhere? Should it be in a certain officialy accepted form or just generally understandable?
5) Do we he have to verify every copy of a document with fresh signatures/seals from university? Or just a copy (with all the signatures in copied form) are enough?
Sorry for so many questions and thanks in advance!
Hi Yulia,
1. MEXT requires that you be able to arrive in Japan according to the schedule determined by MEXT/the university, so as long as your work doesn’t impede that and you are not working for the military (even in a civilian capacity), there should be no conflict, as far as I know. You would also need a Letter of Recommendation from your employer, which would indicate that they are willing to allow you to participate in the studies in Japan.
2. If you are already enrolled in a university in Japan with a “Student” residence status, that would make you ineligible to apply for the MEXT Scholarship, unless you are definitely going to finish your program (graduate) before the start of the MEXT Scholarship. So, I think it might be better to try to go through MEXT first and, if that doesn’t work, then try for the direct application at OIST.
3. The Letter of Recommendation needs to be signed by the Dean (or higher) for the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship process. But it sounds like you are applying for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, so in that case, a letter from your advisor is perfectly fine.
4. An academic transcript/certificate of grades/certificate of marks is an official document issued by your university that shows your grades/performance in all courses that you have taken. Usually, each university has it’s own format, but if you talk to your academic advisor or registrar, they should know what you need.
5. If a document is required to be original, then it must have fresh signature/seals. A photocopy would not be acceptable.
Good Luck!
-Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, thank you for replying and I have some more questions.
4. I probably worded it incorrectly but the thing that confuses me is the translation of courses and the scale of grades. Can these be done just as a table by me in free form, or they have to be verified by university or is there an oficial form for those?
5. So if the document is required as a copy then copied signatures/seals are fine? They don’t have to be freshly resigned?
6. And the last question, I’m not sure if you have the knowledge about this but maybe you’ve encountered something similar before or can provide insight due to familiarity with the process. I am worried that I might be denied the scolarship just because of political situation in my country of origin (Belarus). We already experience a number of sanctions, from Japan included, and even though the embassy doesn’t announce any negative information yet, I am still concerned that it can become an unwritten rule. What are your thoughts on the matter?
Hi Yulia,
4. The Grading Scale should be an official document from your university. Sometimes it is printed on the transcript, but otherwise, it had ought to be available somewhere in your university’s official regulations. If it is in the official regulations, then printing that and having a school offical sign that it is accurate should be sufficient. As for the translation of courses, typically if an official/original document needs to be translated, then it would need to be a certified translation done by a translator. For translations of non-official documents (e.g. your thesis abstract), you would be able to do that yourself. You can also check with the embassy to confirm.
5. If only a copy is required, then copied signatures/seals would be fine. You only need freshly resigned documents when the requirements ask for an original.
6. Unfortunately, I do not have any insight into that decision or previous examples to rely on. It is possible that as part of sanctions, Japan may not open the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship application process in a particular country. I have seen cases where Japan has closed an embassy in a particular country due to conflict, but still accepted applicants from that country, though they had to travel to another country where there was an open embassy to apply. I have also seen the application process suspended for a year in countries when it was not safe to operate it (e.g. I think it was cancelled in Iraq in 2020 over the COVID situation).
If it was to be cancelled though, I would think that they simply wouldn’t accept applications to begin with. If they open for applications, then that should be an indication that the scholarship will be available (unless the situation worsens, of course).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi
I have been reading all your answers to people comments and I hope you answer mine.
I am thinking of applying for veterinary medicine after am done with my BSc, am currently in my 300l in zoology at my current University and am aware veterinary medicine in Japan is an undergraduate course and they will need my High school transcripts. But am worried my high school GPA will be too low,so I was wondering if I can use my University GPA to get in.
And also if I did get the scholarship,do I need to go home by the end of the scholarship
Hi Rejoice,
There are graduate programs in veterinary medicine in Japan. Typically, a veterinary medicine program here consists of a 6-year undergraduate degree followed by a 4-year doctorate.
As far as I understand, even if you apply for the undergraduate scholarship, they should use your most recent completed academic program to calculate your degree, which would be your undergraduate degree, in your case.
If you find a job in Japan or are otherwise able to change your residence status in the country, then you do not have to leave at the end of the scholarship, but I think it would be very difficult to find employment in that field with being fluent in Japanese.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I’m still confused about the clause that states “return to home country”. If I apply before I enter in Japan(from my home country), will I still need to return to my home country after course completion? If yes, how do I change that? I mean I want to work in Japan after I complete my degree. Is it possible to apply for this scholarship even if I do not want to return to my home country?
Hi Nikita,
Could you be a little more specific about what part of the application guidelines or forms you are referring to?
As far as I know, it is not a requirement of the MEXT Scholarship that you return to your home country afterward, although I know some countries do make that a requirement for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship. If you could let me know where this clause is that you are referring to, I might be able to offer a more specific interpretation.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
There are some scholarships that mention that after course completion, one has to return to their home country, so in that context I wanted to know whether MEXT scholarship also has any such clause.
Hi Nitika Tiwari,
I see! No, MEXT does not have that clause.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hello travis, I am nebiyu from Ethiopia, I was having a little confusion whether the original transcript or temporary graduation certificate is eligible for MEXT scholarship embassy application. incase I have only the temporary bachelor of degree certificate
Hi Nebiyu,
As long as the document is an official document issued by your university with a signature or seal and indicates that you have graduated, that should meet the requirements!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I graduated from school 2017, and I want to apply for the 2022 mext scholarship, can I use my certificate from 2022 to apply for it?
Hi Emmanuel,
I’m not sure what certificate you mean, but even if you graduated years ago, you would still be able to apply, as long as you meet all of the eligibility criteria.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Just another quick question, if I apply for the scholarship this year but don’t get the chance to obtain it, can I try to apply again next year?
Thank you!
Hi Fati,
Yes! I have heard of applicants having success in the second or third year of applying in the past. You can continue to apply as long as you remain eligible.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I have a question related to the recommendation letter, I don’t really have a dean or president in my university since it’s a complicated system (there’s only a faculty and since I’m in my second year I only have general courses and therefore I don’t really know a specific supervisor, and there isn’t a dean).. So is it okay if I ask a simple teacher to recommend me? More precisely, he’s an English teacher in my faculty and he knows me really well since he teaches in small groups classes. He can recommend me so is it okay in your opinion? I asked a company who work in my city with everything related to scholarships and so on and they told me it’s okay but I wanted to hear about opinion since you seem to be an expert regarding the MEXT scholarship. Thank you!
Hi Fati,
Your letter of recommendation must be written by a supervisor, dean of the faculty, or university president. Even if you have a unique university organization, surely there must be someone in charge of the university or the faculty. The person in charge of the university would be the equivalent of a president and the person in charge of the faculty would be the equivalent of a dean, even if their titles are different.
If you do not have an advisor, is there anyone who overseas students in your department, in general? For example, someone that you talk to about choosing and registering for courses? That person could be your advisor.
If you have none of those things, then I would recommend you consult with the embassy, first, before asking another faculty member to write the letter. They should be able to give you more specific information. If you do have another faculty write your letter, though, I would recommend someone who teaches in the field that you want to major in in Japan.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank your for the reply Travis. And yes, now that you’ve explained it very well, I do have a supervisor in my university. The problem is that he doesn’t know me personally, so he most likely won’t be able to write the recommendation letter not to answer the questions about my personality and so on? And my grades are good but not that extraordinary to be recommended by someone who doesn’t even know me honestly. So what do you suggest me in that case? Can I try to contact him nevertheless or like I’ve said I ask the teacher who knows me and can recommend me sincerely?
Hi Fati,
When you ask for a recommendation letter, I always recommend that you write a draft of the letter yourself or that you give the person a list of your accomplishments or qualities that you want to highlight, with examples, if possible. That way, even if the person doesn’t know you well, they would still be able to complete the letter. Another option would be to work with both the teacher that knows you and your supervisor – as the teacher to help you write the letter and the supervisor (or both) to sign it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
Thank you for the info. Your blog is really helpful!
I intent to apply for the Embassy recommendation MEXT scholarship this year and I have a question regarding the English language proficiency requirements.
I have the University of Michigan Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE), which is C2 level according to Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Will this be OK to pass the screening process or do I have to get IELTS ? Will this be a problem later with the Japanese universities?
Thank you
Hi Billy,
For the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, you are not required to submit any language proficiency test scores to qualify. You will take a test during the Primary Screening, after the document review stage. You can list your Michigan test in the application form and submit the scores, though.
When you apply to universities later for Letters of Acceptance, then each university can set its own requirements for what they want you to submit. Many will not ask for any additional English language proficiency test scores, since they will understand that you passed the test during the Primary Screening, but some may ask for internationally-accepted scores like IELTS. In that case, each university determines its own requirements, so I recommend that you decide which universities you want to apply to and see if you can find their Letter of Acceptance application requirements from last year. That should tell you if you need IELTS or not.
(For what it is worth, I cannot recall having seen the University of Michigan Certificate of Proficiency in English listed as an acceptable test by any university, but that does not mean that it isn’t possible.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for the quick reply!
I will check then the requirements for LoA in each university.
Is it possible to submit an IELTS score to the university after passing the Embassy screening, even though I have not list it in the application in the first place?
Hi Billy,
Yes, you can submit an IELTS score to the university, even if you have not submitted it to the embassy. When you apply to universities for a Letter of Acceptance, you are required to submit a copy of all of the documents you submitted to the embassy (except for the Placement Preference Form and the Medical Form) as well as any additional documents that the university requires. So, adding documents is not a problem and may even be mandatory!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you again for the clarifications!
Hi Travis, my name is Fatmé and I plan on apply for the 2022 MEXT scholarship. I’m Belgian and even though I read practically every document about the matter, I still have a lot of questions left. So I hope that you’ll help me with the first ones!
1. I don’t have a Japanese level, but do I have to pass the written test to get the scholarship? Because there is, in the application form, a box “JPN level/ test” but I did not pass the test, so it is mandatory or I do not have to write anything?
2. Do I have to indicate somewhere that I want all of my classes to be in English or do they require a minimum of classes in Japanese?
3. They ask for a letter of recommendation from the rector/dean/ principal but I really don’t see how my university dean who does not know me can recommend me … what should I do?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Fatmé,
I am assuming that you are applying for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship for graduate students, but if I have that wrong, please let me know.
1. You do not need to have Japanese ability to apply. Typically, I recommend not leaving questions blank, so if you do not have anything to write, I would fill in “n/a” or “none” as appropriate. You want the reviewers to know that you have deliberately not answered the question (do not have an answer to the question), not think that maybe you forgot it.
2. It is possible to take all of your classes in English, but there is no place to indicate this in the forms. However, if you fill out the entire form in English, have no Japanese language ability, and fill in only English-language programs when you complete the Placement Preference Form, it will be clear that you are applying to programs taught in English, only.
3. If you are applying for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, then a letter of recommendation from your advisor should be sufficient. However, a letter from someone higher up will have more impact. The person does not need to know you personally, they just need to be willing to recommend you based on your academic performance so far.
I covered my suggested method for getting a Dean, etc., to sign your letter of recommendation in an old article about the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship (for that application, you do need the Dean or higher). Click on the link above for the article, then scroll down to the heading “HOW DO YOU GET THE DEAN TO SIGN IT?”
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much! I’m still going through your posts (great blog by the way) to prepare myself as much as possible. I have one more question though, quite important; I am still in my bachelor’s studies and here in Belgium, we do not plan any research work before the third year (even until the first year of master). Which means that I don’t really have a research plan. I know exactly what I want to study for my master degree and even the universities and subjects (Global studies, International relations-pretty much everything related to humans, relations, communication and so on) but honestly, I have never been taught anything about a “research plan” so I am stuck on this point. Therefore, do you have any tips for finding a good one, based on what you’ll be studying? And is it really mandatory to plan everything in the field including what I’ll do, who I’ll contact? Thank you in advance.
Hi Fatmé,
Thank you for your kind feedback.
I understand your struggles. I also never had to write a research proposal in my undergrad degree and it was something I struggled with the first time I dealt with it in grad school.
Unfortunately, yes, you do need to have a detailed research proposal when you apply for this scholarship. It is highly competitive and the research proposal is one of the keys to your selection. So, while you have a wide variety of fields that you want to study, you’ll need to decide on a specific research question in one of those fields.
I wrote a guidebook about how to develop your research topic from your fields of interest and then how to go from that topic to a proposal, which might help (you can always see if you can get your university library to buy it so you can read it!). You could also consult with a current professor in one of your fields of interest to ask advice on writing a Master’s thesis proposal.
Unfortunately, I do not have any articles on here yet about developing a research topic, though it is something I mean to write more about in the future (just as soon as I finish the current book in progress).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I have been in touch with a desired supervisor and he is ready to take me in. I want to apply for PhD through embassy recommended mext scholarship. My desired university’s medium of instruction is English. So I am just confused about the Japanese language test that I have to appear conducted by the embassy. Since my primary language will be English, will my japanese grades determine my selection? Or the Japanese exam will just be held to determine the level of japanese course I have to be a part of once i reach there? Will it effect my chances or is just to test the language ability apart from the main english test?
Hi Khalid Akram Mazid,
Even though the language of education of your program is English, your Japanese language test results could impact the selection results. For example, if the embassy is having a hard time choosing between you and another applicant who has an equally strong application, then they may choose the applicant with the higher Japanese language ability, assuming that person has put more effort and interest into learning about Japan and is better suited to help become a bridge between the cultures.
However, I don’t think this will be a significant factor, at least not compared to your grades from your previous degree and the strength of your Field of Study and Research Program Plan.
The most important thing with the Japanese language test is to not leave it blank! I have heard of applicants who were eliminated because they did not attempt any of the questions. But as long as you try to answer, you should be able to avoid that problem.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I’m going to try for MEXT this year for non-degree (as research student) in clinical psychology. I would like to ask what level of Japanese Language Proficiency I would require to have when applying for the scholarship as I assume that this subject being one which is highly affected by the culture of the country and the language would require me to have some amount of proficiency in the language. Should I try for the Japanese Proficiency exam or would write it in the exam suffice?
I would also like to ask if my research plan just be judged on the basis of how much relevant it is to the field that I want to study or it will be judged among research plans from different fields by other people as well?
Thank you
Hi Aditi Singh,
I would assume that for studies in clinical psychology, you would need native-level Japanese proficiency. The best way to find out for sure is to look at universities that offer clinical psychology programs in Japan and find out what their entry requirements are. You are going to need to meet the university’s requirements in order to get a Letter of Acceptance, anyway.
If the university requires Japanese language ability, I would absolutely recommend having Japanese Language Proficiency Test scores that meet their requirements. The language test at the embassy is not likely to be good enough. (Actually, most universities have never seen that test and have no way to evaluate applicants’ ability based on it).
For your research plan, it will be judged on its academic merit as well as its societal impact, and your application as a whole will be judged in comparison with all other applicants from all fields.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I also applied for Clinical Psych programs for MEXT. I did not take the JLPT, but I do have a JCAT score and a letter from my language professor at University stating I am approximately N2 level. I also did my undergrad degree in both Japanese Language and Psychology. I am worried about failing the second screening because I don’t have a JLPT score. Thoughts?
Hi Cassie,
Thank you for sharing your experience! That is great to know that you were able to pass the Primary Screening and get a Letter of Acceptance.
I think the embassy’s primary screening and the university’s screening for a Letter of Acceptance are where they are going to be strictest about your language ability – in particular, the university will take the hardest look at your language ability and is likely to be strictest about wanting to see language proficiency scores. MEXT will look at the letter of acceptance from the university as evidence that the university has said your language ability is sufficient for the program, so I do not think they will challenge the result based on that, that is not really the purpose of their review.
I do not see any reason that you would have to worry!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
If I already have an alternative proof of English language ability am I still required to take English language exam in order to receive MEXT scholarship?
Hi Dayana Serik,
If you’re applying for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, then yes, everyone is required to take the English (and Japanese) language tests at the embassy.
For the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship, you would just need to have a qualification that meets the university’s requirements.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis, I am a student from India. I am studying Engineering in a B.Tech college in India (and I am studying engineering in the English language). I have proficiency in reading, write, and speak English. Now my question is do I really need to give the exam in TOEFL and submit the score? Also, do I really need to learn Japanese? (If yes then what are the minimum criteria?). Thank you so much. Waiting for your valuable reply.
Note: I am going for University recommendations.
Hi Souvik Basak,
Even though your current degree is taught in English, you are most likely going to have to obtain a TOEFL or IELTS score. Each university will set their own requirements, so you can double-check the application guidelines at the university that you want to apply to in order to be sure.
Sadly, by this point, most universities in Japan have had an international student who supposedly graduated from a program taught in English, but really has almost no English language ability, so they do not accept “graduating from a program taught in English” as proof of ability, unless it was in a solely-English speaking country. (Again, this is going to vary from university to university, but that’s the general case).
As for Japanese, no, you do not need Japanese language ability unless you are applying for a program taught in Japanese. However, it would certainly help show that you are earnest about studying in Japan if you could show that you have been studying the language in preparation to go.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey , I recently graduated from bcom honors ( commerce bachelor degree). I want to apply for specialised training students category — animation.
Apparently , both are entirely different field.
Will my form be accepted? Should I even apply ?
Hi Bh,
My area of expertise is in the scholarship for graduate students, so I am not particularly familiar with the scholarship for Specialized Training Students. I do know that it is a lower level than an undergraduate degree, though. Since the STS scholarship is aimed at fresh high school graduates, there is no particular requirement that you have to continue the same field of study that you have previously studied.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks for replying.
I know it’s not related to your field but please help. But there are very less STS people around here through whom I could ask for advice.
I did ask my embassy regarding this but they gave me vague answer.
As in one of your articles you said “if you’re not eligible and u know that then it’s foolish to apply”.
I’m an undergraduate in my country and specialised scholarship eligibility is 18 to 24 years, atleast 12years of schooling etc . It seems it’s mainly for high school graduates but can I apply? Please , can u take some time out and read its guidelines once and give your advice.
Should I apply or leave it?
Hi Bh,
I can read the guidelines, but I don’t know enough about your particular situation to know if you meet them or not. I think it would make more sense for you to read them and consider whether or not you meet all of the requirements.
Since I don’t have any particular experience with that type of scholarship, I’m afraid there is nothing I could tell you for certain beyond what is written there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis! Are applicants for Specialized Training Scholarship also required to have an english proficiency score? I am certificated C2 for reading and listening but I haven’t undergone speech yet so I can’t convert it into a TOEFL grade. Should I write C2 on my application form?
Hi Gen,
My area of expertise is the scholarship for Research Students, so for the STS scholarship, I can only tell you what is written in the guidelines: It does not appear to be required, but you should submit any official language test scores that you have.
During the screening at the embassy, you will take and English proficiency exam there and that score will be used for your application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello transenz, thank you for your insightful article about mext as always
I want to ask regarding MEXT Embassy Recommendation. In my home country, the minimum score for TOEIC set by Japanese Embassy is 820. I have recently taken a TOEIC test and scored 830. Do you think it’s already safe enough to ensure me passing the document selection? Or should I take another test to enhance my score?
I do not really understand about the language criteria. Last year, Japanese Embassy in my country didnt hold a language written test, but they mentioned in its FAQ that mext applicants language capability was suppossed to be determined by the languange written test, and it’s okay if our score doesnt meet the score requirement. I wonder, does embassy actually regard our language score based on our certificate that we have submitted?
Thank you in advance
Hi Risma,
Thank you for your question.
I have actually never heard of an embassy having a requirement like this before. It is a local requirement, not a MEXT requirement, so the best I can offer is my suggestions based on related experience.
From what I see, in general, language proficiency scores are treated like a “pass/fail” criteria. Either you meet the criteria, or you don’t. At least at the university screening level, from what I have seen, if one applicant has a 92 TOEFL and another has 100, that’s not often going to be a deciding difference between the two. Other criteria, like grades and quality of research proposal will be more important. So, that’s my way of saying that I do not think you need to retake the test.
In general, the language test conducted during the Primary Screening is going to be what the embassies use for officially scoring applicants. Last year, it wasn’t held in some places due to the pandemic, but I would expect it to return in the future, once it is possible. In the meantime, embassies might use other means like asking for certificates during the document screening in case they have to cancel the tests again. Most years, though, submitting language certificates for the document screening stage is not even required.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
This is Longrio from the Philippines. I have a question regarding the eligibiilty. I have applied for embassy recommendation last year, but sadly I did not pass. Since then, I am still in communication with my prospective adviser in Japan, and I proceeded to apply for a university recommended scholarship. Again, the university cannot grant me the recommendation due to limited number of slots, but have granted me a different scholarship which is granted by university to international research students. This will happen if I will enroll as a research student this October.
However, I have also applied again for the 2020 MEXT Embassy recommendation this year, and have passed the initial screening. This news arrived later than the university scholarship, but I believe that this is the better option. My problem is whether or not I will have problems regarding eligibility. I have applied for MEXT, thinking that there wouldn’t be any problem as I will be enrolled as a research student from October to March next year and MEXT will start from April next year. Please advise me on what to do about this.
Hi Longrio,
Thank you for your additional explanation. When I answered your previous question, I was under the impression that you were only going to Japan for a distinct, short-term program that would be completed by March 2020. If the program that you would be enrolling in from October would be expected to last longer than March 2020 (for example, if it was intended to continue into the next academic year, with you as a research student or even as a degree student), then that would be a problem, as far as I know.
If you are going to be enrolled in studies in Japan and/or receiving any other scholarship during the intervening time, both your program and your scholarship must have a definite, predetermined end date that ends before your MEXT studies.
If that is not the case, then I think you would have to choose one and withdraw from the other. (The Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship would seem to be the better choice to keep, in my opinion). However, I would recommend that you first double-check with the university, first.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis, I am really confused about my research proposal… Actually, I have two research proposals in mind which I’m really interested in… Ophiolites and Coal. Do you think it will ruin my chances of getting screened for the 1st round if I include both (since they may think I’m simply taking chances); or will it rather boost up my chances of selection?
Also, I completed my Masters in 2016 and took a year of coaching in my home country for a national exam which I have cleared this year! But I’m really interested in carrying out my Ph.D from Japan given the opportunity (I learnt about MEXT only last year after the deadline was over and sadly I couldn’t apply then). Do u think the MEXT team will reject my form after knowing that I had completed M.Sc in 2016 but applying for Ph.D only this year?
In anticipation of a quick positive reply,
Arenla Longchar
Hi Arenla Longchar,
Neither ophiolites or coal is a research proposal. Both could be subjects, but a research proposal is a statement of actual independent research that you want to conduct. If you have not established a research proposal including a research question and a method that you would use to solve it, that would certainly hurt your chances.
Given how much work it takes to develop even a single research question, I honestly do not think you have the time now to develop research questions for two different subjects and have either one be of quality. Not having a strong Field of Study and Research Program Plan will seriously hurt your chances, and in order to create a good plan, you need to focus.
Taking a year off (or five years off, or more) will not hurt your chances for the MEXT scholarship. Depending on what you did during that year, it could even help, if you had relevant experience.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you very much for what you’ve done so far! It really helped me a lot on my application, especially your second book on writting the field of study and research. However, i still have some questions (Embassy recomendation, 2020):
– Regarding the letter of recomendation, have you seen the 2020 form? It explicitly states: Please fill in your full name above. Give this form and an envelope marked “confidential” and addressed to yourself to the person you have asked to recommend you. Ask this person to place the completed form in the envelope, seal the envelope, sign across the seal, and send it back to you.
Submit the unopened envelope with your application to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate General.
This contradicts one of your posts where you stated that applicants should write by themselves the letter of reccomendation and the dean should just sign it (http://www.transenzjapan.com/blog/mext-scholarship-application-letter-of-recommendation-required-documents/) How should i proceed?
Thank you very much
Hello Travis,
I found out new information regarding this on your blog (sorry!) “Note: The template letter is from previous years and includes out-of-date instructions. You no longer have to submit the letter in an unopened envelope. (in http://www.transenzjapan.com/blog/how-to-apply-for-the-2019-embassy-recommendation-mext-scholarship/), This means that the instructions given in http://www.transenzjapan.com/blog/mext-scholarship-application-letter-of-recommendation-required-documents/ are still valid despite not complying with the instructions? If the instructions are wrong as you say, why do they purposely include them then? Sorry for these questions i just do not want to commit any mistake here.
Again, thank you very much for everything!
Sorry for all the replies so far! i’ve also noticed that the template has a lot of difficult questions even if i write the recomendation leter by myself (eg. １．During which period of time have you had the most frequent contact with the applicant? What was the nature of your relationship?) The problem is that as you said students ususally do not have contact with deans and presidents, so how i am suposed to answer these questions? Am i suposed to lie when i write the recomendation letter?
Thank you and again apologies for the consecutive replies.
Hi Nabil,
Just for the record, I do not particularly suggest using the template.
Absolutely do not lie when writing the letter! Every answer should be true. The answer for when you had contact would be “he was a student in my college from YEAR to YEAR, for example.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Nabil,
It sounds like you were able to answer your own question before I could. I’m glad to hear that!
The second article you linked to is for the University Recommended MEXT Scholarship, so that does not apply to your application. Do not worry about the instructions in there.
I have no idea why MEXT continues to refer to a Letter of Recommendation format that includes out-of-date instructions, but if I had to guess, I would think it’s because it is just a sample and there is no format requirement now, so it is not worth MEXT’s effort to update it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Nabil,
There is no Letter of Recommendation form, just an optional sample. The letter can be freeform.
The sample form that MEXT has on their website is from several years ago, when it was required that the letter of recommendation be sealed. That is no longer the case. YOu do not need to submit the Letter of Recommendation in a sealed envelope (it would be in the instructions, not just an optional sample format, if that was the case).
I don’t think I recommended that you write the letter yourself and tell the Dean to sign it as-is. I do recommend that you provide the Dean, etc., with a draft for them to edit and sign, though.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I would like to Know if the scholarship will concern the water resources?
Hi Tshitende Kakanda Eric,
You can apply to study any field that is offered at a Japanese university in a language that you speak, so if you can find a water resources program, you can apply.
One of the eligibility requirements, though, is that you must apply to study in a field that you majored in previously at university or a related field.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
As I know admission schedule for University recommendation of one university in Japan (Ritsumeikan University) will begin late November~ December 2019.
My questions is :
1. Is possible to send them via email in April ? I want to ask about specific application.
2. Can you give me example or how to write email text to ask them if I want to apply the scholarship?
Hi Sagit,
I would not recommend asking them questions about the scholarship out of cycle. They most likely will not answer anything until the new guidelines are released.
In the meantime, though, you are free to try to get in contact with professors to establish a relationship based on mutual research interest (again, I would not recommend bringing up the scholarship just yet).
I do not have any example emails at this time, though it is something I plan to develop when I write the third book in the Mastering the MEXT Scholarship Series.
By the way, the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship application starts sooner – around the middle of next month – and generally has a higher chance of success, so I would recommend that you consider applying for that, first.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz