Julianna Molnar

In this post:

1. Journeys to Japan
2. The reason why I chose the MEXT Scholarship
3. The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship (5 years)
4. Application procedure for MEXT
5. In-depth interview with Japan Travel about my university experience
6. My personal experience at the scholarship application
7. My thoughts five years later
8. Information about the pandemic situation

Journeys to Japan

Many people dream of visiting Japan one day. To travel, to explore, to experience the culture and meet people, to learn the language, maybe to work, or to get a degree in Japan as a stepping stone to an international career. If you are one of these people, this post is for you, as below I introduce different opportunities that can help you realize your dream.

First of all, there are many ways to get to Japan, and there are different types of visas for each purpose, so everyone can choose the one that suits their situation best. However, since the pandemic, the tourist visa applications have been quite complicated, so many people will have to wait a while before traveling to Japan. (I link to the latest news below.)

The reason why I chose the MEXT Scholarship

If you are interested in Japan and want to take your studies to the next level, I think it’s a very good idea to try student life in Japan. Not only can you learn the language perfectly, but you can also study your chosen profession alongside it. 

Many universities offer short-term exchange programs, and private universities also have their own scholarship programs. Even better, the Japanese government itself supports foreign students through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship scheme.

(image source: Embassy of Japan in New Zealand)

There are five different scholarship categories within MEXT, which you can find more information about on the Japan Consulate website. Overall, there are differences in the level and duration of training.

The MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship (5 years)

I opted for the MEXT Undergraduate Scholarship, because it supports not only the university education, but also the living cost. This way, students can really focus on learning and gaining more experience without the burden of finances. I wouldn’t trade my years in Japan for anything else!

During this program, students receive a full year of basic Japanese language training, after which they can continue their studies in their chosen field at public universities. The first year is largely spent among foreign students. They study Japanese language, culture, history, economics, and science, and are admitted to the public university of their choice on the basis of the grades and credits they earn during this period. Once admitted to the university of choice, the environment switches to almost entirely Japanese, and there, students face additional challenges that contribute greatly to their development. 

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, where I spent my first year in Japan
(image source: Study in Japan Week 2020)

Although the MEXT Scholarship is only available to public universities, private universities and organizations also have many scholarship programs of their own, often in English, usually focused on foreigners. For a list of other scholarships and universities, see this website: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/.

If you are serious about studying in Japan, the key is to choose the program that best suits you and your future plans.

Application procedure for MEXT

On the following website, (https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-undergraduate.html) you can find all the documents you need to fill in to apply. You will need an application form, transcripts of academic results, proof of medical examination, and a letter of recommendation from a past teacher. 

Application guide: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/_mt/2021/04/2022_Guidelines_Undergraduate_E.pdf. 

The entire application process is in English, so it is important to read the guidelines very carefully to ensure that all documents submitted comply with the forms and guidelines. It took me about two weeks to prepare all the documents, but it is better to start sooner as some documents may take longer to obtain.

In-depth interview with Japan Travel

My personal experience at the scholarship application

If you are sure you want to apply for this scholarship, here are some tips to keep in mind. First of all, you should aim to send your application at least a week before the deadline. Preparing the paperwork is a challenge and requires a lot of help, but it’s worth it, just start early! It’s good to have a teacher or mentor who can support you professionally along the way.

The written exam includes several subjects: English, mathematics, Japanese and Science, depending on your chosen field of study. It is worth focusing on what you know best and trying to do very well in at least one subject. Japanese language is not a criterion for success, but if you have studied a little Japanese, don’t leave the papers blank, try to fill in as many questions as possible. I tried to fill in the Japanese and English questions as well as I could.

Many questions will be asked at the interview, but examiners are most interested in whether you are clear about your future plans and motivation. I tried to show what I am interested in about Japan, and outline my future plan through receiving the scholarship programme as clearly as possible! 

When the first round is over, there is a wait of several months until the final result is announced. During this waiting period, it’s worth finding out more about life in Japan and connecting with seniors who have already lived there. For me, it was very helpful to be able to talk to several of my fellow senpais about what to expect. 

Once the final result is announced, you will unfortunately have to say goodbye to your home life and the people for a while. It’s not an easy process, and you need to think about what you’ll need when you leave. In the meantime, it is worth contacting your host university as soon as possible, and asking how you can prepare for moving to Japan.

My thoughts five years later

I think everyone chooses their own path, and for my twenty-year-old self, taking this leap was in fact the best choice. I wanted to be part of a completely new experience, so much that I didn’t think twice about trying this scholarship. Every now and then I remind myself why I came here and what my intentions are, and it always helps me to rethink my itinerary. 

If I can give you one piece of advice before you start: think about your own situation, your own goals, and choose the path that suits you best. If you have any questions about the scholarship, feel free to drop me a comment or an instagram message and let’s talk!

Information about the pandemic situation

Since the beginning of the pandemic, only a limited number of new students have been able to enter Japan. Many of the entrees sponsored were MEXT scholarship holders, because it is a public course, but there are other scholarship and private language school programs that have managed to issue visas to students.

Tourist visas are now limitedly available through travel agencies, and newly contracted workers from abroad, after two years, finally look set to enter Japan. For details, see the links below.

Current Japanese border measurements: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html

Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs:https://www.mofa.go.jp/