Every year, potential awardees face a dilemma as many need accurate information about the MEXT application procedure. This article will help you prepare well to receive the golden opportunity to study in Japan. I will go straight to the process to avoid wasting your time.

The secret to winning 2023/2024 MEXT Scholarship

First, applying from the Embassy of Japan in your specific country is mandatory. If your country doesn't have an Embassy/consular in Japan, look for the nearest country that allows you to submit your application legally.

Second, you need to have all the required application documents when applying. It's important to note that some documents should be original, while others require copies of the original document. Be reminded that some documents need certification, such as degree certificates and transcripts. When submitting, ensure you have three copies of each document; kindly don't staple them.

You can only apply for the following categories

1. Undergraduate student(Bachelor Degree)
2. Research Students( Masters and P.h.D)
3. College of Technology Training 
4. Specialized training college student

Documents required for submission for MEXT scholarship

Mandatory Documents

1. Application Form- Downloaded from the Embassy of Japan website in your country
2. Placement Preference Application Form- Downloaded from the Embassy of Japan website in your country
3. Field of Study and Research Plan (12 pages, A4 size)-describe the applicant's past and present area of study and research theme and plan in Japan. It is essential to write a motivational letter. Make sure to attach the motivational letter to the research plan! 

NB* I have a whole article on writing a convincing motivational letter; kindly check my previous article.

1. Academic transcript for all academic years attended- Submit a certified copy from the university.
2. Certification of graduation or degree certificate from the university attended-Submit certified copy from the university
3. Recommendation letter from the president/dean or the academic advisor at the current or last university attended
4. Medical certificate-Downloaded from the Embassy of Japan website in your country, dully filled by a medical practitioner, and stamped.
5. Abstracts of theses-Make sure the applicant's name is on the first page of the abstracts.
6. A passport-size photograph (4.5 x 3.5 cm) that shows the upper body, full-faced, and no hats. Please write the applicant's name and nationality on the back of the photograph. The photograph can be pasted onto the Application Form and printed out.

NB* Since the documents are bulky, remember to counter-check all pages of each paper; make sure the documents are complete and clean copies made.

Don't submit any forged documents or fake certificates!

Don’t submit original certificates(school transcripts, graduation, etc.); the Embassy may not return them!

Optional Documents

1. Certificate of language proficiency -If you have sat for the Japanese Proficiency Language test
2. Recommendation letter from the present employer-A free sample drafted by the employer
3. Photograph(s) showing the applicant's works of art or a digitally recorded media of musical performance -Should submit if the applicant is to major in fine arts or music.

NB* All documents should be in either English or Japanese. Otherwise, attach a translation in either of these two languages.

Most frequently asked questions.

1. Is 2023/2024 MEXT scholarship opens? 

Each Japanese diplomatic mission has a different application document submission deadline. Verify the deadline at the website of the Japanese Embassy in your country. I am aware of April in some regions, but some vary.

2. How do I choose a course? 

When looking for an ideal course, remember you may not find an exact match due to apparent reasons such as country-specific curriculum. Applicants must conduct a thorough investigation of the field of study. To find the course, browse as many universities as possible, look at the course objectives and content and evaluate if it matches your area of interest.   

3. Do you need publication?

It's optional to have published a paper or journal before. However, if you pass the scholarship and your professor/university request for your past publication, ensure you have one. If you don't have any published paper or journal, explain yourself or select a university that may not require publications. If you have, go ahead and showcase your paper or journal.

4. Must I have an English Proficiency test?

Again, the English test score/ certificate is optional. However, it is vital if you have one, as most universities will demand the certificate upon acceptance of your application.

5. Must I have a Japanese Proficiency test?

Japanese test is not required. However, if you already have the proficiency certificate, you can submit it.

NB: You will sit for the English and Japanese exams at the Embassy during your first screening; please prepare well for the English test. Browse for English past papers and practice. Aim for 90 marks out of 100. Japanese level doesn't matter; don't struggle to revise. I hope the scores won't scare someone, do your best.

6. How is the GPA calculation done?

GPA scores may vary from one Embassy to the other. The Embassy will calculate an aggregate average and give a particular minimum score. Of course, you don't expect to know the decision as an applicant. However, you can assess your grades from the previous transcripts; if you have more A scores, you stand a higher chance than B scores and C scores.

7. How much does the application cost?

The MEXT scholarship is free of charge! Please don't pay any monies to someone claiming to help you win the scholarship. The Embassy of Japan doesn't solicit for any payments!

8. What does the interview process entail?

The interview process is the final screening stage, and this article may give only some details. I will provide comprehensive information in a separate article. Nevertheless, the interview is solely based on the submitted documents, emphasizing your research study.

9. How do I find a supervisor?

The most asked question from the applicants revolves around finding a supervisor. Kindly search for a supervisor if the Embassy has given the go-ahead. That said, I will provide more details on how to contact the supervisor. Keep a closer eye on the following article, as supervisor search is the most critical aspect of the scholarship. I will also explain why by giving my own experiences.

10. What is the age limit for MEXT Scholarship?

The age differs with the year of application. That said, the Embassy will post the application procedure, and you can see the age limit for the various programs.

11. What happens after the end of the scholarship?

After the end of your scholarship, the MEXT program provides a return ticket to your country; however, you have the following choices:

• Advance your degree, for example, Bachelors-Masters-P.h.D(this may not apply to those pursuing P.h.D)
• Search for a job in Japan
• Get a job or scholarship in a different country

It is vital to note that since the scholarship is a unique opportunity, what you do after the scholarship depends on your decisions.

Tips to keep!👀☺

• The scholarship period may appear long, but time in Japan flies very fast(for those who can relate, say hi); please plan yourself wisely.
• If you wish to work in Japan, kindly learn Japanese as much as possible (Ganbarimasu!)

The article mainly focuses on research students' application procedure. Kindly beg my pardon if you want to apply for the undergraduate, college, or specialized training program. I may have to write an article for the three programs which are also important. The composition may have left some crucial details; kindly check the Embassy of Japan website for further clarification. You can also drop a comment here; I will gladly help. As I always say, if you don't meet the threshold, please share this information with your loved ones and save a soul from the hassles.