Mext Research Scholarship 2024

The MEXT Research Scholarship offers applicants the chance to conduct independent research for 18 to 24 months under the guidance of a Japanese professor.

Qualifications:

To be eligible for the MEXT Research Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria.

1. Age: Must be born on or after April 2, 1990.
2. Japanese Language: Willingness to learn Japanese is required.
3. Nationality: Must hold nationality from a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
4. Education: Must be a university or college graduate.
5. Field of Study: Must intend to continue a previously begun course of study, not starting a new field.
6. Provisional Acceptance: After passing the first selection process, must obtain a “Letter of Provisional Acceptance” from a Japanese professor willing to supervise the study.
7. Language Instruction: If necessary, applicants may be required to learn and receive instruction in Japanese.

Benefits:

Below are the benefits of the MEXT Research Scholarship that support applicants’ academic journeys in Japan.

• Allowance:
  • The scholarship amount varies depending on the course enrolled in.
  • A supplemental regional allowance of 2,000 yen or 3,000 yen per month is added for those studying or conducting research in designated regions.

• Education Fees
  • Fees for the entrance examination, matriculation, and tuition at universities are covered by MEXT.

• Traveling Expenses
  • Transportation to and from Japan is covered by MEXT.

Explore additional benefits available in other MEXT programs as well.

Requirements:

To apply for the MEXT Research Scholarship, you must prepare and submit the following documents. You can download the necessary forms directly from the MEXT website or here:

1. Application Form
   • Complete the official MEXT application form with accurate and detailed information. Application Form
2. Placement Preference Application Form
   • Indicate your preferred universities and professors for your research. Placement Preference Application Form
3. Field of Study and Research Plan
   • Provide a comprehensive description of your intended research, including objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Field of Study and Research Plan
4. Academic Transcript
   • Submit transcripts for all academic years attended, detailing your grades and courses taken.
5. Certification of Graduation or Degree Certificate
   • Obtain a certified copy of your graduation certificate or degree from your university.
6. Recommendation Letter from University
   • Secure a letter of recommendation from the president, dean, or an academic advisor of your last attended university, highlighting your academic abilities and potential.
7. Medical Certificate
   • Provide a certificate from a licensed physician confirming your physical and mental health status. Medical Certificate
8. Abstracts of Theses
   • Include abstracts of your academic theses or research papers, summarizing the main findings and significance.
9. Certificate of Language Proficiency
   • Submit certificates proving your proficiency in languages relevant to your study, such as Japanese or English.
10. Recommendation Letter from Current Employer
    • If currently employed, obtain a recommendation letter from your employer, emphasizing your professional skills and suitability for the research. Recommendation Letter
11. Portfolio (for Arts Applicants)
    • For applicants in the arts, provide photographs of your own works of art or digitally recorded media of your musical performances to showcase your talents and accomplishments.
12. Agreement on Document Submission
    • Sign and submit an agreement to confirm that all provided documents are accurate and that you understand the application requirements and procedures. Agreement on Document Submission

For the most current forms and detailed information, visit the MEXT Scholarship Official Website. While on the website, you can download all required files and view the detailed application guidelines and forms. See the provided images for additional visual references.

Application Deadline:

Deadline: May 24, 2024 (Friday)

Non-Regular Students:

• April Term Arrival: Scholarship lasts from April 2025 to March 2027.
• October Term Arrival: Scholarship lasts from September/October 2025 to March 2027.

Note: The first 6 months will include preparatory Japanese language education for those who need it. For arrivals outside these terms, MEXT will determine the scholarship period separately. If university terms begin mid-month, no scholarship payment will be issued for that month.

Regular Students (Master’s, Doctoral, or Professional Courses):

• The scholarship period covers the necessary duration for completing the respective course. ➡️Read Mext important dates

Application Process:

To apply for the MEXT Research Scholarship, follow these steps:

1. Research and Preparation

• Visit the MEXT Website: Gather detailed information about the scholarship.
• Select a Field of Study: Ensure your research aligns with your previous academic background.
• Prepare a Research Plan: Develop a detailed research plan.

2. Contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate

• Obtain Application Forms: Contact the embassy or consulate to get the forms or download them online.
• Gather Information: Seek any additional information needed.

3. Prepare Required Documents

• Application Form: Fill out accurately.
• Placement Preference Application Form: Indicate preferred universities and professors.
• Field of Study and Research Plan: Provide a detailed description.
• Academic Transcripts: Collect from all academic years attended.
• Certification of Graduation: Obtain from your university.
• Recommendation Letters: From university officials or current employer.
• Medical Certificate: Submit a health status certificate.
• Abstracts of Theses: Provide abstracts of your academic papers.
• Certificate of Language Proficiency: Submit relevant certificates.
• Portfolio: For arts-related fields, submit relevant media.
• Agreement on Document Submission: Sign and submit.

4. Submission of Application

• Complete and Review: Ensure all sections are filled out accurately.
• Submit to Embassy/Consulate: Submit all required documents by the specified deadline.

5. First Screening (Around June 2024)

• Document Screening: Initial screening of submitted documents.
• Interview and Examination: Attend if required.

6. Obtain Provisional Acceptance (Until August 9, 2024)

• Contact Universities: Secure a “Letter of Provisional Acceptance” from a Japanese professor willing to supervise your research.
• Submit Provisional Acceptance: Submit the letter to the embassy or consulate.

7. Submission of Placement Preference Application Form (Around Mid-September 2024)

• Form Submission: Submit the completed Placement Preference Application Form to the Japanese diplomatic mission.
• Preference Indication: Indicate your preferred universities and research supervisors on the form.

8. Final Selection (From October 2024)

• MEXT Review: Conducted by MEXT in Japan.
• Notification: Official notification sent to successful applicants in January to February 2025.

9. Prepare for Departure

• Follow MEXT Guidelines: Follow guidelines for travel and study arrangements.
• Attend Orientation: Participate in orientation sessions to help you adjust to life and studies in Japan.

10. Arrival and Enrollment

• Travel to Japan: Arrive as per MEXT’s schedule.
• Enroll in University: Complete the enrollment process and begin studies.

For more details about the application process, visit the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Mext Research webpage here.

Additionally see the image below; these are important i t can also be seen at the pdf file guidelines

Contact Information:

For inquiries about the 2024 Mext Research Scholarship Program, Check the contact details here.

Final Thoughts:

The MEXT Research Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for international students to pursue graduate studies in Japan.

It supports both regular and non-regular students, covering financial support, tuition, and travel expenses.

Non-regular students benefit from six months of preparatory Japanese language education, while regular students receive support throughout their master’s, doctoral, or professional courses.

Additionally, exploring other scholarship programs at local, national, or international levels can further support your educational journey.

Check the scholarship guides on this website for more opportunities.

Good luck with your applications!

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