Monbukagakusho Scholarship for Postgraduate!! [Archive] - Page 9

Crispy

Feb 13, 2009, 08:14

Hey. I became interested in the MEXT via a friend, and found this forum a couple weeks ago--it seems to have more information on MEXT than anywhere else.

First off, congratulations to everyone whose celebrating getting in. But I've got a few questions about the application process myself.

Does anyone know what the US and Boston consulates are like for the MEXT scholarship? I'm a little worried about the NY consulate distorting things and making the application process more difficult than it should be. Can a person choose between the two consulates if they live in NYS but live closer to Boston?

Also, does anyone know the likely interview times of the two places? Every consulate seems to be different, and I have yet to read about anyone applying in the Northeast. I'm going to be in-between jobs starting in April and am considering grabbing a short-term English-teaching job in Japan to pass the time.

And last question for now, does anyone know much about going at MEXT from a history/economics angle?

menrui

Feb 13, 2009, 08:40

Embassy websites. you can find deadlines there:
http://www.boston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/eng/Culture_Education/MEXTguidelines.htm
http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/h/03.html

menrui

Feb 13, 2009, 09:58

Ok, as for your other questions.

I think all the consulates follow the same guidelines:
http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/en/h/research/2009kenkyu_en.pdf
What is it exactly that seems difficult for you?

Hmm, I know you have to give them an address of course. But I don't know if you are only allowed to apply at the consulate that covers your address. Call them and ask, tell them about your situation.

I posted the consulate website. Looks like the exam/interview will be held mid june~late june. You should call and confirm these dates too. My consulate website said early july, but delayed it till early august.

I don't know about history/economics, but I know everyone goes through the same process(app/exam/interview).

Crispy

Feb 13, 2009, 10:29

Well I feel a bit sheepish. I don't know how I missed the deadline part. Thanks for the quick reply though.

kimberleylhj

Feb 13, 2009, 10:49

congrats ooilingfan and menrui!!!! more and more good news around here.. am so happy for everyone....

kouki

Feb 13, 2009, 13:44

Wow! All of a sudden, the great news are popping up!!!:cool:

Congratulations to emreduman, ooilingfan and menrui!

>clockworkorange
Is your name on the list mentioned by emreduman?

I guess all of us will have to wait until next week... :(

Moelypoly

Feb 13, 2009, 14:14

^ I thought it was an hour for each Japanese exam, a total of 3 hours. But I'm not sure and I would like to know the answer to that question as well.
I have a question of my own. After looking around, I noticed some embassies place a "if applicable" next to the "abtract of thesis" requirement. My embassy did not and I never had to write a graduation thesis. I'll call them on monday, but does any know if I could replace this with anything? I've taken plenty of class laboratory and I read some where that I could replace it with my best lab paper.

I've been skimming through most of these posts because I'm actually thinking about applying for the 2010 scholarship. I saw this post by Menrui but I didn't see an answer. I also was not required to write a thesis or even complete any research in school. Do you think it's still worth me applying even though I don't have any relevant research experience? How important is this. I have plenty of lab experience but just no research history. I want to study some sort of science that focuses on sustainability and I was biology major at an Ivy League in the US.

Thank you everyone for the wealth of information!!

clockworkorange

Feb 13, 2009, 14:53

Hi everybody,

To kouki,

You were correct. It's because I applied to go in October. Emreduman was kind enough to look my name up in the list but its not there. So i emailed the Office of International Student and the representative there replied that its because I'm going in October. She was pretty helpful. She told me she had done the application procedures for me already and that I needn't worry.

So I'm very relieved. Anyway, to kouki, ooilingfan and emreduman, thanks!!!

kouki

Feb 13, 2009, 16:15

>Moelypoly
I am not sure in the case of US, but in my country, there are some who did not have a thesis was called to the interview. I think if you do not have any theses, then you would have to prove that you have experience in lab work. Perhaps that's when the recommendation letter comes in play. From what I heard, the thesis is the proof of you being responsible to assignments given to you. Perhaps this will help. You might want to find those under sustainability engineering or relevant. I think University of Tokyo has that course.

>clockworkorange
Congratulations! Then I guess you are in the line of celebration now too... I am still waiting mine... :|

menrui

Feb 13, 2009, 16:25

Moelypoly,
I was told by my consulate, that I can replace the abstract of a graduation thesis with the abstract of one of my lab reports, which I'm sure you should have plenty. I normally don't even write abstracts for a lab report, but sometime, I have to write a "formal" lab report, which includes an abstract. So I simply just used the abstracted of one of my formal lab reports. Honestly, I don't the the abstract is very important at all. They won't even ask to see your thesis or lab report. Seems like its just a formality.

Is it worth applying? haha, trust me it is. I didn't have any research experience either, just lab experience that came with my degree. I'm sure research experience would help, but it isn't required. The most important part of this application process will be your research proposal and interview.

Oh, and not to be mean but, they won't care if you are from an ivy league school or not. But I'm sure your experience will help you a lot. good luck~

ooilingfan

Feb 13, 2009, 16:45

that means....CONGRATULATIONS clockworkorange!
=)
So enjoy yourself, spend great time with your loved ones for a few months before leaving in Oct.

I think kawabanga called the embassy today. Still no news yet. Perhaps we'll hear something next Monday/Tuesday.

kouki

Feb 13, 2009, 16:58

E-mail from the embassy:

We will only be informed the earliest on 20 February 2009... If you have been contacted by your professors, please follow the instructions...

So another long haul week to go...

ooilingfan

Feb 13, 2009, 17:02

I didn't have any research experience either, just lab experience that came with my degree. I'm sure research experience would help, but it isn't required. The most important part of this application process will be your research proposal and interview.
~

Same for me here. I don't have much research experience apart from my lab experience during my degree. I have been in Marketing for 1.5 years, i'm so grateful they gave me this opportunity. This is a very noble program, to train 300,000 international students in Japan, hence they open their arms to all individuals who are passionate.
So, just go for it, start contacting the universities, draft up a damn good research proposal, get a reputable professor who has a good history of accepting MEXT scholars every year.
=) good luck.

ooilingfan

Feb 13, 2009, 17:19

E-mail from the embassy:
We will only be informed the earliest on 20 February 2009... If you have been contacted by your professors, please follow the instructions...
So another long haul week to go...

yup.
And we sort of can see the list of nominees in the CC list :p

athz

Feb 13, 2009, 17:37

Ooilingfan!
Guess what? We're going to be school mates! I just woke up to that email too!
finally.... congrats ooilingfan & menrui :confetti:

kshoo

Feb 13, 2009, 22:46

Congrats ooilingfan & menrui. Sorry about this (might have been raised earlier in the previous posts...)but which unis are both of you attending?

cktey

Feb 13, 2009, 23:22

Congrats to those who confirmed the seat of this scholarship.

Just wandering anyone is already tenderred resignation of the job to those who are working? Serving the 2-3 months notice from now would be troublesome :(

ooilingfan

Feb 14, 2009, 10:35

Congrats ooilingfan & menrui. Sorry about this (might have been raised earlier in the previous posts...)but which unis are both of you attending?

Thanks
we're with Osaka University
anyone else from m'sia going to OU?

cktey,
you might want to tender your resignation now if you haven't
if you can't finish the notice, you have no choice but to pay the penalty

cktey

Feb 14, 2009, 13:56

ooilingfan,

haha~ i have thought about resignation since end of December 2008 so that I could properly serve the notice until end of March. My professor did send me the e-mail asking for the details for the accomodation this coming April. But still, without the official notification from embassy, i feel insecured to tender the resignation

just for sharing, my ex-colleague, also former coursemate in uni granted this scholarship last year and the company required him to come back serve the remaining 2 months notice after finishing study in Japan... sounds funny but better than commit the penalty right?

menrui

Feb 14, 2009, 14:10

uh, what exactly is "the penalty"?

Crispy

Feb 14, 2009, 14:36

I've been skimming through most of these posts because I'm actually thinking about applying for the 2010 scholarship. I saw this post by Menrui but I didn't see an answer. I also was not required to write a thesis or even complete any research in school. Do you think it's still worth me applying even though I don't have any relevant research experience? How important is this. I have plenty of lab experience but just no research history. I want to study some sort of science that focuses on sustainability and I was biology major at an Ivy League in the US.
Thank you everyone for the wealth of information!!

I'm in a somewhat similar boat, but in the humanities rather than science. My major was in philosophy, and the thesis I wrote is unrelated to the section of history I desire to study in Japan. Is this likely to be a drawback? I was hoping that I could compensate with a well-written research proposal and being able to talk casually about my topic.

Congratulations to those whose plans are coming together. I'm not looking forward to all that waiting that you guys have already endured.

menrui

Feb 14, 2009, 15:30

cktey

Feb 14, 2009, 16:17

uh, what exactly is "the penalty"?

Most of the company requires the employee to serve the notice period (1-3 months) before quit. If you resign and quit immediately you would have to compensate the company according to the agreement that being signed when join the company.

ooilingfan

Feb 15, 2009, 22:02

Just curious, anyone here has plans that one or more family members might join you after you settled down there? A spouse, sibling or parent(s).

skfer

Feb 16, 2009, 05:57

did anyone get the official final acceptance from MEXT? if not .. when will it come?
I am really nervous..

kouki

Feb 16, 2009, 09:16

skfer,

Be patient. We have just received an e-mail from our embassy here saying that we will only know the results of our application the earliest this Friday (20 February 2009). I am nervous too...:relief:

Crispy

Feb 16, 2009, 11:01

^This was listed as one of the qualifications in the guideline:
(4) Major Field of Study: Applicant should apply for the field of study he/she studied at the previous university or any related field.

I don't know how much that will affect you so please be careful. I know there is an example of someone who had a degree in graphic design, but did research on Japanese line art.

Thanks, I read that too. That's why I'm a little worried. Philosophy is closely related to history, and much of what I studied can be applied. Just not my thesis. I wrote my thesis in metaphysics.

I figure I'll be fine if I write a good research proposal, get a recommendation from a history professor and demonstrate my knowledge during the interview. But at the same time, I'd like to hear from a few people who did history. I'm also researching something philosophy related, but that idea is still nascent.

menrui

Feb 16, 2009, 15:57

ooilingfan,
when do I get to meet your family? :-)

skfer,
Some of us have only received something from our university, but nothing official from the embassy.

hehe, the malaysian embassy sent everyone an email? Seems like you guys are annoying Ms. Yin. :blush:

ooilingfan

Feb 16, 2009, 19:45

Ms Yin says they're expecting the confirmed list of universities + Supervisors by this friday, however, it's not promised by Japan officials. If it comes we should be receiving phone calls first, then the hardcopies the following week.
Universities should be contacting respective recipients any time soon, given the load of paperwork to file. The embassy will not provide us on the orientation details or anything related to the program, we will be liaising directly with the Admissions office of respective unis on accommodation, program registration, and many other stuff.

>Menrui
when i can afford to bring them in =p

c0ok1e

Feb 16, 2009, 23:39

I got the confirmation letter from my supervisor to study in Hokkaido University around 3 weeks ago. In the letter it state that I will start my programme on the 1st of April. However, in Ms Yin email, she said if we applied for April intake, we will be leaving in April meaning that I will reach Japan after the start date. Will any issue occur because of the different dates?? I dont want to email my supervisor yet until I get the confirmation from our embassy. just to share my situation and what u guys think??

Also, if any unfortunate event occur, near the date of departure, is it possible to change my start date to OCtober intake?? Anyone heard of this?

Thnx

menrui

Feb 16, 2009, 23:57

ooilingfan

Feb 17, 2009, 00:21

> cookie
Usually class starts during the first or 2nd week of April.
Why don't you write to the admissions office and ask for your academic calendar
Personally i don't think it's good to delay your departure till October just to avoid missing a few days' classes. By doing that you're actually 6 months short of the education.
Even if you have to arrive late, i'm sure you can catch up over a couple of days.
The embassy doesn't have our departure date yet. Hence the best is to check with our respective Unis.
wow, hokkaido, samui desu ne!
such an extreme switch from malaysia (freaking hot) to hokkaido =)
I wish i'm as brave, read that hokkaido is a beautiful place

kimberleylhj

Feb 17, 2009, 09:30

normally there will be an orientation week so being 1-2 days late is okay. classes only begin on the 2nd week so u won't be really missing much.

yeap, i heard that hokkaido is a very nice place too. would wanna make a trip there!

Nall-ohki

Feb 17, 2009, 10:52

I got the confirmation letter from my supervisor to study in Hokkaido University around 3 weeks ago.

Look forward to seeing you there. That's where it looks like I'll be ending up in April (paying my own way, of course).

kimberleylhj

Feb 17, 2009, 11:05

Ah, so that's your plan D?? :D

Grieverheart

Feb 17, 2009, 12:03

Hello,I'm "most probably" finishing my Physics undergrad this September.I'm currently doing research on polymers although I have decided to continue my studies theoretical physics.
Anyways,I searched the forums and couldn't find the next question.It is stated in the application details that a certificate of graduation should be attached with the rest of the application papers or an attested document certifying that I will graduate.Despite this it is stated that scholarship will not be awarded to people concidered future-graduate and are unable to graduate on the set time.So,how does the application work in such a "future-graduate" case,if possible at all?
Also does it matter that the field I want to continue my studies in (theoretical physics),is not related to my current research (Indirectly meaning the thesis abstract)?
And one more :) .A recommendation of the principal or advisor of the university is needed.Unfortunately we have no advisor and the principal should not be able to comment on me since,well,the principal and me had no contact what so ever.Should this be replaced by just a recommendation of an other proffesor?

I so hope I can get the scholarship:-)!And congrats to everyone admited.

kouki

Feb 17, 2009, 12:13

>c0ok1e
You can find the academic calendar of your university on their website.

>Nall-ohki
Good luck to you!

>Grieverheart
I think as long as your studies has a little relation on what you planned to do in Japan, it is ok. Try confirming that with your embassy or consulate. You should consider applying.

I am not sure the case in other countries, but in Malaysia, as long as you graduate before you are leaving to Japan, it is ok for you to apply. For us here, if we are still studying, we should submit a letter or certification saying we will finish our studies before a certain date (which complies to the period before leaving to Japan).

As for recommendation, it can be your dean, supervisor, professor or lecturer. That's the case here in Malaysia. Try confirming that again with your embassy or consulate.

Good luck!

Crispy

Feb 17, 2009, 12:22

My suggestion is to talk to the principal (dean?) anyways. Then add in the recommendations of two people who actually do know you well. If the principal is the only one who fits the bill, then go with him. Just make sure you ask in the right way and clearly explain why you specifically need HIS recommendation. If you ask in the way, you will have answered most of the questions for him. "How are the applicant's interpersonal skills?", "well, the applicant did an amazing job smooth talking me into giving this recommendation".

You'll be helped along in your quest by the fact that it is the man's job to help out students and see that you do well. And, if they aren't satisfied with his recommendation, you still have a pair of recommendations from professors or advisers that know you well.

The risks of a bit too much are far less than the risks of a bit too little.

maaya

Feb 17, 2009, 22:10

ooilingfan

Feb 17, 2009, 22:58

Hello everyone,
I'm applying as a research student at Kyodai, and I hope to continue mu education there in master studies in sociology department. I didn't hear anything from the university yet (or my adviser), and as everyone else I'm very anxious and waiting for the results.
I was wondering about one thing. Does anyone know how one 'upgrades' his/her status from research student to a regular, in my case, master student? I guess we have to take entrance exams, together with Japanese students, right? Unfortunately, my adviser decided that I don't need the 日本語予備教育, so I will have to work on my own to improve my Japanese so that it will become good enough to take exams and follow classes. But I guess that even if I don't follow the 'Japanese preparatory course', I can still take part in the entrance exams?

Please check with the graduate school / admissions office. They should be able to advise you on that.
Entrance exams are regulated by the University itself, so you can't really compare with other Unis or you might be misguided.
The entrance exam will be some time next year February. So don't worry too much for now. You can write to them / ask them when they contact you. I'm sure after they compiled the list of International students soon before end of Feb, they will make contact with you to get your details and guide you on the registration process.

abeeyo_q8

Feb 17, 2009, 23:31

Hello everyone,
I'm applying as a research student at Kyodai, and I hope to continue mu education there in master studies in sociology department. I didn't hear anything from the university yet (or my adviser), and as everyone else I'm very anxious and waiting for the results.
I was wondering about one thing. Does anyone know how one 'upgrades' his/her status from research student to a regular, in my case, master student? I guess we have to take entrance exams, together with Japanese students, right? Unfortunately, my adviser decided that I don't need the 日本語予備教育, so I will have to work on my own to improve my Japanese so that it will become good enough to take exams and follow classes. But I guess that even if I don't follow the 'Japanese preparatory course', I can still take part in the entrance exams?

students attending kyoudai that are government sponsored international students, that would be us :), are exempt from taking the entrance exam
so no need to worry about that at all

Nall-ohki

Feb 18, 2009, 05:10

Ah, so that's your plan D?? :D

Yeah, pretty much. It'll cost me all my savings, but it's what I want. :-/

c0ok1e

Feb 18, 2009, 08:49

ooilingfan,
:shock:
cookie,
usually April 1rst is within the spring holiday, and the semester doesn't start until several days after. do you know your academic calender? well, even if it is a day or 2 late, it should really matter.

U r right.. I duno my academic calendar... In fact I dun even bother to know it... I thought research student are suppose to work whole year round and doesnt follow the academic calendar... isnt the calender only for undergrads where they go to classes??? Can someone explain plz... If we r following academic calendar im afraid i might not finish my research..

Yeah, pretty much. It'll cost me all my savings, but it's what I want. :-/

Then u can come alittle later than april... After i get to know the place we can meet up and ill show u around.. or maybe we'll explore together since im also new there... :p

kimberleylhj

Feb 18, 2009, 09:20

Nall-ohki, ganbatte ne!! Am really glad at least you are getting what you want, though in another way.... shall visit you guys in Hokkaido then! Haha..

Cookie, research students DO follow the academic calender. So it's important for you to know...

ooilingfan

Feb 18, 2009, 09:31

>Cookie
not the postgraduate program academic calendar
But the 6 months intensive japanese language course academic calendar (if it's any different from the main calendar)
You are taking the intensive japanese language course right?
usually the course is parked under a separate school/faculty/dept - international students centre / language centre etc, so they have their own calendar on that.

kouki

Feb 18, 2009, 09:43

>c0ok1e
Have they informed you where will you be studying your Japanese Langauge? It will be important for you to know that in order to inquire things...

I think when you are in your lab, you will have to follow the academic calendar, you might find nobody in the lab during holidays. However, most labs are opened 24-7, according to my lecturer, who was previously studying there.

As for Master course, you will have to take a few credits in studies, therefore, academic calendar is important. Unlike the other countries, students studying in Japan will have to cope with studies and research in their Master period.

MakKuro

Feb 18, 2009, 16:29

Hey guys!
Phew!
Just got an e-mail from the Admissions Office, informing me, that I’ll stay at the Shugakuin International House for the first 6 months.
Now, I guess, it’s just the call from the embassy I must wait for. WoOhoOOo!
Anybody from the Turtle squad goin’ to Shugakuin?!
Congrats to everyone with confirmations! :balloon:
@menrui / @ ooilingfan a friend of mine is also going to OU, she’s a heck of a fun to be with. Hope ya get along. ^^

oronen

Feb 18, 2009, 21:58

ooilingfan

Feb 18, 2009, 23:45

MakKuro

Feb 19, 2009, 00:14

3 9 10.000 guys! ^^
@oronen,
Your first choice was Shugakuin? Ph, ya get in, few more days maybe. It depends on graduate schools, each inform on a different date.

looking forward to meeting your friend =)
.....same here….we should gather. Osaka and Kyoto are close after all! ^^ :beer:

c0ok1e

Feb 19, 2009, 01:04

menrui

Feb 19, 2009, 01:09

nall-ohki,
awesome. good luck to you. I'm sure it will be worth it.

makkuro,
yeah it would be great if we could meet your friend. As they say, "the more the merrier." Oh, and it would good if we could gather with the kyoto students too. We can make some plans later.

ooilingfan

Feb 19, 2009, 08:04

I would like to go for the japanese language course but i think that my supervisor doesnt feel that i need to because in his letter he didnt mention about that and just say that i will start on 1st april in his lab..
Something i dun understand by the academic calendar..
In Malaysia usually masters student in research will go over to the lab and work 24 hrs a day until they finish their research.. They dont foillow a specific calendar or anything just their research..
So do u guys mean that in Japan I will be sitting for classes every week and only have a specific amount of time to work in the lab just like my undergraduate degree? No working in lab until i complete my research?

I suppose you only need to spend less than 6-8 hours a week in classes. Taking only 1-2 subjects per semester.
In Malaysia, i'm not sure which Uni you're referring to, but in govt. Universities such as UPM, postgrad students have a compulsory 8 credit hours to fulfil, which they can take any advanced level courses. You can either spread them out over 4 semesters, or finish them in 1 or 2 semesters.
Don't worry too much about the classes. Your research might still takes up 90% of your time.

kouki

Feb 19, 2009, 09:53

>c0ok1e,

I know what you are trying to say... Yes, in Malaysia research mode students will be 24-7 in the lab doing their research. There is another few types of studying mode in master, and Japan is sort of like a mixed mode study: classes+research. For research, possibly you will have a big meeting in the lab every week, it is called zemi. And you might need to meet your supervisor personally on a basis agreed before hand.

oronen

Feb 19, 2009, 12:39

Finally got the dorm email from my faculty office -- unfortunately, I didn't get my first choice of Shugakuin, and got Ohbaku instead. This is kind of depressing, since Shugakuin is a walking/biking distance from campus, while the other two require a 60 minute train/bus commute (which, in addition of taking time, costs money).

Oh well. I'll manage. Good to get some kind of official information from anywhere, at least.

Now just waiting for confirmation from the embassy...

kimberleylhj

Feb 19, 2009, 14:41

Don't worry.. at least we will get to experience the long train rides. Haha..

MakKuro

Feb 19, 2009, 15:53

@ororen / @kimberleylhj d’oh!

At least we’re having our classes in Yoshida Campus! Meet ya there! ^^

cktey

Feb 19, 2009, 15:55

Oronen,

We are on the same boat man.... The professor informed that my accomodation would be in Obaku instead of Shugakuin, which requires 1 hour walking distance to Yoshida campus :( somehow he told that the rent is much cheaper in exchange that we have to spend on the train ticket (unless we walk or cycle to save some bucks)...

oronen

Feb 19, 2009, 17:22

@cktey,
Looking at the official pages, the rent seems to be the same for all three dorms... What might be encouraging, though, is that ohbaku is the newest of them (the others were built in the '80s, Ohbaku in '99), so I hope the facilities are in better shape. Uji also seems to be a very interesting place to live in. Yeah, I'm trying to spin as many positive angles as I can... :)

Walking doesn't really seem feasible. Biking might, though it's still a pretty long way according to the maps I'm looking at...

abeeyo_q8

Feb 19, 2009, 20:29

i haven't heard anything from my prof in kyoudai :(
i want shugakuin too :( i'm so jealous

i'm too lazy to wake up super early to make the commute :(

i was looking at the emirates and qatar airways' websites and i can only take 1 bag that's 20 kg...that's NOTHING!! that pretty much sucks
for those of you travelling from the states i think you guys get 2 bags cause it's a transatlantic flight...lucky

cktey

Feb 19, 2009, 20:45

Looks like i mistakely read the e-mail from my professor as he said 1 hour walk + train from Obaku to Yoshida campus~

At least I'm not alone here to commute from Uji to Yoshida :)

MakKuro

Feb 19, 2009, 21:47

@ ororen
Just saw some pics from Ohbaku int. house. Yup, indeed-o looks goody. The bathroom is practicaly in the room O_o! Congrats! ^^
Have you browsed wikimapia, quite amazing, you could measure the approximate distance from the dorms to the campus ya interested in. ^^

@ abeeyo_q8
Women’s single – 4 ! Fingers crossed ;) You might get double, though!

oronen

Feb 19, 2009, 21:57

@MakKuro
I think you're looking at the same pics I was looking at this morning... :)

Why use wikimapia when you can go directly to the source at Google Maps? They even have StreetView info for the entire area -- I already had a virtual walk through the neighborhood and found the nearest Lawson's...

skfer

Feb 19, 2009, 22:53

Now, I am ReLieved..Alhamdo Lellah....The Embassy called me ....I Have been accepted....:happy::yeahh::cool:

skfer

Feb 19, 2009, 23:07

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

menrui

Feb 19, 2009, 23:45

abeeyo,
i think some airlines are charging for the 2nd bag nowadays

skfer,
nice~~ I will be next to my phone all day

abeeyo_q8

Feb 20, 2009, 00:04

abeeyo,
i think some airlines are charging for the 2nd bag nowadays

skfer,
nice~~ I will be next to my phone all day

oh i didn't read anything anywhere about buying an extra bag. i know that if you fly british airways you can. it's like only $150. i'll have to call the travel ppl and see how much. that's definitely an option. i have way too many shoes lol

oh and yeah i saw the ohbaku house pix online...did you see the pic of the room that showed the bathroom!! that was aweseom!!!
i hope i get a single with a bathroom in it...i've never had a roomie before...nor ever had to share a bathroom...but still have my fingers crossed for a single...i remember sending an email to my prof and asking if i could request a single with my own bathroom no matter what the cost and he just replied that they all have bathrooms inside...so i'm thinking that maybe the female single rooms have their own bathrooms or something like that...hmmm yes the power of wishful thinking

ooilingfan

Feb 20, 2009, 00:32

c0ok1e

Feb 20, 2009, 01:10

So meaning I have to attend 2 or 3 classes then at the same time d my research in lab. So I need to follow the academic calendar when attending classes. How about the research part? I still continue my research when it is semester break in academic calendar or I am not allowed to enter lab to continue my reserarch? :souka:

ooilingfan

Feb 20, 2009, 01:37

I don't think there is a "semester break" for postgraduate students. Even is there is, i doubt it'll be more than 2 weeks. It's pretty much like working. And given the culture of japanese, break time is the time they catch up on work. =p

I am not sure how many classes you have to attend, but I don't think it will take up much of your time. Especially if your research is in Science. Lab work is still your main priority. I can sense the 'weight' of the research through the laboratory website. =)
So, chill ya. I'm sure it'll work out fine.

Fiveonefive

Feb 20, 2009, 03:40

Hello

New poster here. I'm getting ready to apply for the 2010 scholarship(October intake). I'm applying through the US and want to study for an MBA. My first choice is ICS at Hitotsubashi but I am also planning on applying for IUJ and Waseda.

If anyone out there has experience applying for MBA programs through MEXT I'd love to get in contact with you regarding the initial stages of the application.

A little about myself. My undergrad is in economics. My work experience is 2 1/2 years in the military before starting my undergrad and I currently live in Japan as an ALT through the JET program. I recently passed 2 kyuu and hope to pass 1 kyuu before entering any MBA program. I have not taken the GMAT yet.

Thanks, hope to continue talking about the MEXT process with everyone.

Nall-ohki

Feb 20, 2009, 03:49

Immigration's giving me crap. I might be rejected again...

<sigh>

abeeyo_q8

Feb 20, 2009, 04:10

=)
Qatar and Emirates airways?
I thought it's standardized to be JAL.
Perhaps different if flying from Europe.
Malaysians! Luckily we're not on Air Asia. HAhahaha.
I hope to get more baggage weight allowance as well. 20kg seems like nothing for a 3 year trip!!!!! i can't even fit my books in!!! let alone clothes and CDs. hehe. Yea I'm a BT junkie, got loads of downloaded movies.

well the woman at the embassy told me the previous year's students flew emirates...i think it's cheaper...cause JAL doesn't fly through any of the airports around kuwait i believe

yeah i'm thinking of getting some stuff shipped and maybe paying for an extra bag

kouki

Feb 20, 2009, 09:52

>ooilingfan
Ya, true true, luckily we will not be on Air Asia, imagine 6 hours on that plane... But maybe years later on our trip back here we might have to take that. I heard Air Asia is flying to Japan this end of year.:wave:

>Malaysians
While we are still discussing here, has anyone got the confirmation from Ms Yin? I hope the confirmation wouldn't be delayed again?:relief:

>c0ok1e
Somehow there will be longer holidays, such as the Golden Week in May, Obon in August (this is the longest - summer holiday) and year end holiday December-January. Generally, you will get one week of holiday at the beginning of each of your semester. However, I think it would not be a problem for you to opt for staying back in the lab during the holidays. I have even heard of people assuming their labs as their home, staying there 24-7 in real.:-)

kimberleylhj

Feb 20, 2009, 10:00

yeah, i will get my stuff shipped too. coz i won't be able to handle more than 1 20 kg bag alone when i reach.

nall-ohki, visa problem? i really hope you pull it through this time....

midorineko

Feb 20, 2009, 10:04

I got final confirmation of acceptance from my embassy today. Still no word from my university on housing arrangements though...

kimberleylhj

Feb 20, 2009, 10:06

wow... at least u got the final confirmation from the embassy! congrats...

menrui

Feb 20, 2009, 10:21

fiveonefive,
seems like you are good to go to apply, and well ahead with your Japanese language skills. We all go through the same application process, so if you have any general questions, feel free to ask.

Nall-ohki,
wow, that really sucks. I hope you(or they) can solve everything soon.

abeeyo,
wow, you have a lot of stuff! i think i can fit my life(clothe, no computer) is 1 case... yeah im a boring guy.

everyone,
I receive an email from my embassy today~ They said that everything has officially been approved, including which university I will enter! I'm very ecstatic now. I think you guys should be receiving official results soon too. keep your phones charged.

ooilingfan

Feb 20, 2009, 12:15

Midorineka,
COngrats!
don't worry, i haven't got my arrangements for Dorm either.
Guess they're busy with the convocation. We still got one month to do that, a few emails and filling some forms should do the job.

Congrats Menrui!
haha, finally REALLY relieved right
=) HOpe mine goes smoothly as well....fingers crossed, twisted....

kouki

Feb 20, 2009, 12:25

I got a feeling that we are going to receive the call next week, rather than this week...

Ms Yin just sent an e-mail informing us about the change of her phone number, rather than the results of our application...

kimberleylhj

Feb 20, 2009, 13:05

Haha.. she probably knows that we are all anxious and will panic even more if we can't get through her phone.

Menrui can finally jump up and down now!! I seriously can't work now... just waiting for emails, phone calls, or updates from others here....

kouki

Feb 20, 2009, 16:02

:( Not getting calls at this time means the chance receiving confirmation today would be rare... No... another dragging weekend... (since embassy closes at 4pm, and it is 3pm now)

kouki

Feb 20, 2009, 16:17

Fiveonefive

Feb 20, 2009, 16:31

I have some general questions about the MEXT application process.

I am interested in a specific masters course. I want to go try to enter a masters course right off the bat skipping the 'research student' status. Does anyone have any experience doing this?

Second question, related to the above question. The programs I am interested in do not require a traditional thesis and some do not require much independent research at all. How should I describe my research plan? Just write up a very detailed essay about why I want to study for an MBA, what I want to specialize in, and how I can contribute? Or should I concentrate on presenting a more specific traditional research plan?

I'd love to get in touch with people entering MBA programs with the MEXT scholarship. PM?

kouki

Feb 20, 2009, 16:42

Fiveonefive

Feb 20, 2009, 16:53

>Fiveonefive
Research Student Status
You can skip the research student status, but I don't think you can do that under MEXT Scholarship. This is because you already missed the entrance examination in April, and you can only sit for the October entrance examination. However, there are possilbilities that you can go into your MBA after the first six months of language class(most probably you will have to take that)
Research Plan
I would rather say that it is sort of like a proposal.
Please confirm with other. That's my opinion.

The MBA program is in English. I attend to apply for the scholarship this year for an October 2010 start. I live in Japan so I would be available to take the entrance exams in May. But I'm not sure if I'm supposed to try that before I get embassy approval, since I'm not going for domestic selection.

The reason I am asking is because I haven't really received any concrete information from any school. When I asked Hitotsubashi the same question I got this reply...

This is Hitotsubashi Graduate School of
International Corporate Strategy Admissions Office,

Thank you for your interest in ICS!!

We have some MEXT scholarship students.
However, we do not know their exact process.
Every year just we got their applications through Japanese government.

People who contact with applicants directly before enrollment each university is Japanese embassy in a country applicants are reciding in.

So, The best way for you is to ask the Japanese embassy.

It looks like if you get embassy approval then you might get some sort of mysterious backdoor entrance to the school.

MakKuro

Feb 20, 2009, 16:56

Wowza! Almost everyone is online! ^^
Congrats to those with confirmations. :cool:
Results from the embassy are out here in snow covered Bulgaria.
Zi end of zi Big waiting! ^^
Next week all of the applicants will have to go to the embassy. Must sign some papers, stating that we’ll obey the laws in Japan.
Flying to Japan – 1st or 2nd of April.
I’m going out to make a snow-man in honor of the great news! HohoHO! (silly me):p

kouki

Feb 20, 2009, 17:04

>Fiveonefive
I am not sure about US. But in Malaysia there is a clause saying that while applying for the scholarship, the applicant should be in the country he/she is applying from. I would suggest you to ask the international student office again for the domestic application.

>other receipients
Should we start creating a social group or something to discuss the preparations and so on?

Fiveonefive

Feb 20, 2009, 17:09

>Fiveonefive
I am not sure about US. But in Malaysia there is a clause saying that while applying for the scholarship, the applicant should be in the country he/she is applying from. I would suggest you to ask the international student office again for the domestic application.

It's a bit different. As long as we fly back to the US for an interview we are okay.

menrui

Feb 20, 2009, 17:54

(Note: If I receive a lot of calls, there may be a slight delay for the posting of your documents.)
I suddenly have the urge to call Ms. Yin a bunch of times...
anyways, we can make a group after EVERYONE gets results.

makkuro,
congrats, does everything feel lighter now?

fiveonefive,
I don't have exact answers, but I will try to give you some info.
jumping into masters:
It's much more common to enter as a research student, so everyone is quite use to that. So jumping into the masters course is much more difficult I think. The following is just my assumption: First you would have to be accepted into the universities masters course before you even apply for the scholarship. Then when applying, you explain to them that you have already have acceptance into the masters course. Finally, if you past the first round, MEXT will handle the rest. It seems like there is a lot of trouble using this route.
1. taking the exam/interview and waiting for results
2. maybe you will only be able to apply to 1 univ.
3. risk not getting the scholarship even though you were accepted into the univ.
we really don't have exact answers here, please ask your embassy.

research proposal:
I think kouki is right, it is a "proposal". I think you are on the right track and you can also tell them that you have already been accepted into a univerisity.

Fiveonefive

Feb 20, 2009, 18:28

menrui

Feb 20, 2009, 18:50

kouki

Feb 20, 2009, 20:36

I think the international student office are talking about either of this two:
1 University Recommendation
2 Domestic Application
Try find out more from your embassy and admission office.

abeeyo_q8

Feb 20, 2009, 21:18

menrui>

That seems like solid advice but it conflicts with the info the schools are telling me. The admissions department said they get applicants directly from the Japanese embassy. What I'm getting from that is if you get mext support and the school likes you they will let you in the back door. I guess I need to get in contact with people in MBA programs through MEXT and ask them what happened in their situation.

yeah that's what happened to me. i applied thinking that i had to start off as a research student. then when i was accepted my professor asked me if i "really" wanted to do the research part. i said "no." so now i'm starting my masters right away in april. no entrance exam no grad applications nothing. just the initial application that i gave to the embassy. i didn't even get a LoA. so mext definitely has back door magical powers :D

ooilingfan

Feb 20, 2009, 21:47

This is interesting:
From Ms Yin
Final Confirmation Out
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. (Note: If I receive a lot of calls, there may be a slight delay for the posting of your documents.)
I guess she was quite frustrated all this while...:blush:

I can sense she's very damn rush while typing the email.
I guess the post from Tokyo reach the embassy very late afternoon today and they are scrambling to send them out on Monday. Perhaps even working late today to get them ready.
It's no point calling her now. I urge everyone NOT to call her. :p
If you receive the email, means you are part of the official list. So congrats to all who receive the email!!! It's equivalent to "THE CALL" d. =) obviously she can't call all 29 of us within 1-2 hours.
So guys, get ready for departure! =)

ooilingfan

Feb 20, 2009, 22:03

so you are saying that, if you receive the scholarship, the university will accept you into the masters course without the masters course application process(exam/interview/app)? If that is truly the case, then you should be fine by just applying.

Actually, throughout this whole year, i think this MEXT scholarship thing is a bit tricky.

When applying, you might get something like this:

Uni replies: We will accept you into the lab/program provided you are granted the scholarship.

MEXT replies: We will offer you the scholarship with the condition you are accepted into a University.

hence we got bounced back and forth waiting for one side to take the first move. That's why when we got confirmed at one side, we still need to check the other, both are inter-dependent, both has the authority to deny us the scholarship. =)

Anyway, it's all behind us now. Congrats again, guys!

>Kouki,
I think we can continue on. As the preparations might be relevant/useful to future applicants =p
By the time many of them start using this forum to discuss about application procedures, we would have "vacated" it already.

kshoo

Feb 20, 2009, 22:55

Hey guys, I managed to get through to Ms Yin this afternoon (I was in long meetings the entire day, so was so hurried that I only saw my email when I was speaking to her). Anyway, she told me the good news personally, but I could sense she was feeling winded from all the work.

Yes, i got it too :):):):):):) (you can't see this, but I was almost ready to cartwheel in front of my client).

Good point from ooilingfan. Let's all give her a break shall we? The letter is definitely on the way.

maaya

Feb 20, 2009, 22:58

ooilingfan:
I'm going to wait with asking about the master programs until I'm at the university.
abeeyo_q8:
It would be great if I didn't have to take the entrance exam, in that case I would have to work on my Japanese only, so that I can follow classes. Great news!

I got my results from the embassy yesterday, as well as the dormitory information. Starting from April I'll be at Kyodai, staying first half of the year at Shugakuin International House. Congratulation to everyone who already got their results!

kouki

Feb 20, 2009, 23:17

Until it is official prepared, let us discuss here first.
>Malaysians
These are what I gathered from Ms Yin this afternoon:
Visa
You should apply the visa 1-2 months before departure. For those who are departing in April, I think you can apply now.

Passport
Your passport should have validity longer than six months while you are applying for your visa.

Documents
Documents are on the way. They are still waiting that document from MEXT in Tokyo. We will have to send back a letter of pledge by a certain date.

Date of Departure
Not confirmed. But expect it to be one or two days earlier or later. For April ones, end of March, say 31 March - 2 April?

I am posting here so that we can reduce the same questions being asked to her. I think she was on really good mode today. Others, please do the same. Thank you for your co-operations.

abeeyo_q8

Feb 20, 2009, 23:35

Maaya

Oh congrats on getting into kyoudai. I'll def be seeing you on campus then. What department you studying in btw?

menrui

Feb 20, 2009, 23:43

Okay, seems like we need to start a "group" now before we fill up this forum with more irrelevant stuff. I think some of us agreed on using facebook. Is that ok with everyone?

About passports, if you don't already have 1, I would suggest you apply immediately. It can take up to 3weeks(or more) to receive it once applied. I already have one, but I wonder why the embassy didn't tell us to get one earlier...

c0ok1e

Feb 21, 2009, 00:26

I just read the email by ms yin and saw the note: if i got a lot of calls the posting might be delayed..lol... hinting us not to call her so much

We have to apply visa?? I thought they shortened the process for monbusho scholars.. if apply now seems like it will take up a lot of time..
menrui, u create the group and let us know the name then we join.. hehe :cool:

abeeyo_q8

Feb 21, 2009, 00:37

visa?? I thought they shortened the process for monbusho scholars.. if apply now seems like it will take up a lot of time..

i'm unsure about other embassies, but mine told me to bring my passport and a couple photos in the last week of march for my student visa and they'll take care of the rest...that it takes just 1 week to process the visa

but it might be different for those i other countries like in malaysia..cause i remember readng soemwhere they accepted like 29 people...so the process may take a lil bit longer

if you're not planning on your using your passport atil april you might as well start applying for your visa from now i suppose

maaya

Feb 21, 2009, 07:38

Maaya

Oh congrats on getting into kyoudai. I'll def be seeing you on campus then. What department you studying in btw?

I'm looking forward to meet you as well. I'll be at the sociology department. I'm sure we'll have a lot of opportunities to meet each other.

kouki

Feb 21, 2009, 10:28

>c0ok1e

Visa in the embassy of Japan in Malaysia only takes three days to process. Perhaps Ms Yin will help those who are going in April to deal with their visa problem. Mine is in October, so I asked her in advance. She just mentioned that you CAN start applying for your visa 1-2 months before your departure.

I think we called her too much... before this, we dailed through the operator, and now when we call to the operator, she knows that we are looking for Ms Yin. Perhaps she got frustrated too... Perhaps next year they would set a rule that not simply calling the embassy, or you might be hindering the process of application. :blush: (Just joking:p)

MakKuro

Feb 21, 2009, 16:06

@maaya @_@
.....Starting from April I'll be at Kyodai, staying first half of the year at Shugakuin International House.
Congrats!
We're goin' to be dormmates!:-)
@menrui
congrats, does everything feel lighter now?
^^ You bet it does!:-)
Why don't open a new thread here in jref?!

skfer

Feb 21, 2009, 16:36

I've been asked buy the embassy to bring 2 photos and copy of my valid passport and of course my passport .. for visa purpose..and they told me that I am going first week in april .. but they told me nothing about the university .. and I've recieved nothing from the university either.. anyway .. my cogratulations for guys who have been accepted ...and hard luck for guys who haven't..

@maaya @_@
Congrats!
We're goin' to be dormmates!:-)
@menrui
^^ You bet it does!:-)
Why don't open a new thread here in jref?!
I prefer that too..

ooilingfan

Feb 21, 2009, 19:07

menrui

Feb 21, 2009, 20:10

wow 2 hours!? do they just iron your picture on?

We can also pay an extra 60 USD to have it "rushed." Also, timing depends on volume demands and your departure date too. For example, when I applied for a passport 2 years ago, demands were really high, and I wrote that my departure date was in 5 months. So I got my passport in 2 months.

c0ok1e

Feb 21, 2009, 23:57

yup the malaysia only takes 2 hours..

it is a new system just developed recently.. before that we also have to wait a few weeks..

ooilingfan

Feb 22, 2009, 01:01

Hey guys,
Since there are some who suggested that we move to a new thread. Hence i took the liberty to create one:
[MEXT Scholarship for Postgraduate 2009: Post Application]
http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?p=620869#post620869
Feel free to continue our discussion there. I've also scrambled a simple list of where we're heading, it's not complete, so do update me for those i left out, didn't actually keep track.

Fiveonefive

Mar 5, 2009, 17:01

Nall-ohki

Mar 6, 2009, 04:18

Hi everyone,
Quick question. I majored in economics and finance and never had to complete a thesis or major research project in undergrad. What should I do about the 'abstract of theses' or 'research papers' requirement in the application?

You write one up. :)

Seriously.

They want to know what you're planning to study, not what you have studied.

menrui

Mar 6, 2009, 06:20

don't NOT turn one in. You have to give them something. It doesn't have to be a major research paper. An abstract of an essay or report you did related to your field will do. I didn't do any major research either, so I turned in an abstract of one of my lab reports. It was fine.

DaiUso

Mar 6, 2009, 07:00

to Fiveonefive:

I think i didn't submit one at all and it went ok - i was in the middle of the thesis when applied the papers

but i like menruis' idea, just show that you are serious about what you are doing

Fiveonefive

Mar 6, 2009, 08:59

The thing is that I never did any reports related to my field. I took a bunch of written tests and math courses and the only reports I ever did were for unrelated humanities or english comp/creative writing classes.

Would it be better to go ahead and start working up on a report now independently or concentrate on my research proposal?

menrui

Mar 6, 2009, 09:35

Nall-ohki

Mar 6, 2009, 17:05

honestly, I don't think that abstract is very important. They never questioned me about it, and I never heard of anyone else being questioned about it. I think its just a formality. The research proposal and interview are the icebreaker. So find something, or make something up(don't write a full report, just the abstract), asap so you can concentrate on other things.

My interview talked about my abstract extensively, both years I applied. It mattered enough that someone at the school I went to translated it into Japanese to send to Immigration to prove that I was serious.

Do not discount it.

arap

Mar 6, 2009, 22:46

Ok....it's gonna be quite long one I guess considering this is my first post.

First of all Nice to meet you I'm a new member of this forum and as you guys may already know, I'm also one of the guys planning to apply for MEXT research scholarship this year. When I'm trying to google some data for MEXT, I found this amazing forum so here I am.
Okay to avoid double posting I will put my Introduction and question on the same post.

I take a quick peek on the first page of this thread but I guess everyone here start the thread after being passed the document selection.
Frankly speaking I apply for this MEXT research student last year but I failed miserably even in the document selection, well I must say last year I kind a notice this scholarship too late so I've only had more or less 1 week to prepare it all plus I got so busy in my work also, in the end I submit my document at the last day of the due date so I think there are too many reason for my failure...T_T

Obviously I don't want to make the same mistakes this year, so if it's ok with you guys, could you tell me what are the checkpoint that I should keep in mind for my document ?

For me, important checkpoint and question that I want to confirm are as below :

1) My GPA, Frankly I don't have that high exceptional of GPA, mine is only 3.1/4.00 (well I should be more serious in my bachelor..). So Is it Okay to apply for this scholarship ? I am always thinking maybe my failure last year also comes from this point.

2) Recommendation letter, as I remember from last year in recommendation form we should put in on a "confidential" envelope and then put the document and the recommender should seal and sign the envelope. I didn't follow this procedure last year so should I strictly follow it ?
Is it okay to put any other kind of recommendation letter (I got two recommendation letter from my former employer) except the designated form ?

3) Field of study and study program. Probably this part is the most obvious part that made me failed. As I told you I just have so little time and hectic at my office so I don't concentrate much in writing this part, so after I read again, I realize that my plan is so vague and unclear. I will try to be more prepare this year.

4) I don't know if this a good move or not but just in late January I was resigning from my work. I'm planning to seek scholarship more seriously but related to the application form in MEXT which said :
"Present status with the name of the university attending or employer"
so what should I fill in this part ? Is it okay to say that I'm unemployment right now ? will I dig my own graveyard ?

5) And also just recently I got reply from my Japanese professor (Five of them) that they will accept me on their Lab as Master degree (I explain to them maybe at first I will come as research student). So I guess the order kind a switch right ? supposedly you should pass exam & interview from embassy first then search your Professor rather than contact first then apply for the scholarship. But then again I already discuss my research topic with all the Professor and I think I can get real and concrete research topic to be wrote in the application form or can I just send letter of recommendation/acceptance from them to increase my odd of passing document selection ? Actually this is also one of the reason why I'm so eager to apply for this year MEXT scholarship.

Okay that's is all from me. I will really appreciate it if someone can spare their time and share their experiences.
Btw it would be really helpful if there are any Indonesian in this thread which can share their experiences in MEXT coz I'm Indonesian too.
Thanks

ooilingfan

Mar 7, 2009, 00:11

Hi Arap, welcome to the thread.
I shall try my best to answer some of your questions.
First of all, I will not speculate on why you didn't get through last year, it could be 1001 possibilities. But i can comment on what's important to you.

1. GPA is important, critical or not, i'm not really sure. They do look at past results and your track record, but somehow I got the feeling they are more concerned of your future plans. I'm not sure whether they'll penalize you on GPA alone, but it's worth a try. Never try, never know, right?

2. How you submit the recommendation letter doesn't really matter. Last year we actually submitted the letter during the interview, which is not sealed (cause we need to make multiple copies of it, obviously we can't do it in a sealed envelope). As long as you have a good recommendation, it's fine.

3. Indeed, this is the most important part, you need to be as specific and as clearly as possible. However, I did badly in this part as well, hence during the 2nd submission (after passing the written test), i almost re-wrote the whole thing as per advised by the Embassy. Depends on how lenient your Embassy's committee is. They will only submit your application and documents to Tokyo in Sept/Oct so there's still time to amend if it's not well written.

4. Your employment status won't matter much. But I would advise you not to resign just to focus on applying for the scholarship. Reason no.1, the whole process takes approx. 1 year, and involves a lot of waiting time. If you have nothing else to do, it will be wasting your time, perhaps you can take up a full time japanese language course if you haven't learn it before. No.2, your scholarship is not secured yet at this point, in today's economy situation, having a job is better than nil. It will get worse, hence, JUST in case you don't get the scholarship, you still have a job. The scholarship is very competitive, you may need to try a few times. Don't risk your career. And you'll need some money when you're departing for Japan (about 2000USD), to buy your personal things and while waiting for your first stipend to be deposited. In fact, most of us only resigned after receiving confirmation or tentative confirmation of getting the scholarship (somewhere between Jan-Feb this year).

5. Getting a "verbal" consent from supervisor(s) is a very big plus!! If you read our posts, you'll see how much hardships we went through during the LoA application period.
Having a potential supervisor to advise you on your future project helps you a lot in drafting a very solid, concrete, specific, relevant and persuasive research proposal. Which will definitely help a lot during your application, especially during the interview stage, you will have a lot to discuss about and able to answer questions related to your research well.

I think that's all for now.
Most important thing now is to submit a complete application. Then pass the English written test. You may download past year questions from some of the websites (just google) and have a rough idea of how it looks like. You may need to score 80% and above on that paper to get an interview.
Good luck, and all the best ya.
p/s: there are Indonesians who got the scholarship this year. Athz being one of them but she might be busy with her work at the moment, haven't seen her posting replies lately.

menrui

Mar 7, 2009, 01:42

fiveonefive,
Ok, since nall-ohki mentioned it, you follow his advice instead.

arap,
what ooilingfan said is mostly correct. I will try to add some advice. keep in mind, the scholarship is a competition for a few limited slots. so your success also depends on how good other applicants are.

1. I too get the feeling that your future plans is much more critical than your GPA. As long as you have a decent GPA, or not bad, I think you should be fine.

2. The designated form is quite bland... I'm sure a regular recommendation letter will do just fine. I think it would be better if you did have it sealed. It looks more professional. The people at your embassy can open it and make a copy for you.

3. yes, this part is very very important. Be sure to spend alot of time on this, for them AND for you. If you read the previous post, you can find some horror stories. Some people were told that their proposal was too short. Some others were ask specific questions they could not answer, so they were degraded, etc.

4. I applied unemployed. I did fine. But you should have a good excuse for being unemployed because they might question it.

5. Same as ooilingfan. What you are doing is completely correct and will give you a huge advantage.

good luck to you. feel free to ask any more questions.

arap

Mar 7, 2009, 13:17

@menrui & ooilingfan
I really appreciate your reply, thanks for the information

In Indonesia, last year application started at April so right now I'm still watching embassy websites daily to see when the app. start for this year.

Ok I will take heed all of your advices hopefully I can get my scholarship this Year and join you guys in Japan (God I really wish that).

ooilingfan

Mar 7, 2009, 15:24

@menrui & ooilingfan
I really appreciate your reply, thanks for the information
In Indonesia, last year application started at April so right now I'm still watching embassy websites daily to see when the app. start for this year.
Ok I will take heed all of your advices hopefully I can get my scholarship this Year and join you guys in Japan (God I really wish that).
Application in Malaysia for 2010 has started, yours will be opening soon.
Oh, you need one more ingredient - Confidence!
=)
All the best.

qiyang

Mar 7, 2009, 17:45

hi,i am new here...i am quite confused with the proposed study program that is required to fill up in the application form...what is the format...maximum words? Anyone care to help me out ?

cktey

Mar 7, 2009, 19:53

hi,i am new here...i am quite confused with the proposed study program that is required to fill up in the application form...what is the format...maximum words? Anyone care to help me out ?

There's no pre-set format & maximum words, but your proposal has to be understand-friendly, and of course short and sweet.

Just my 2 cents here:

1 - Introduction of your study
2 - a - background
b - how you are going to conduct the study
c - outcome of the study
3 - Conclusion

Hope it helps. (btw I'm from engineering background)

menrui

Mar 8, 2009, 01:38

I remember, there was a Malaysian person on this forum that said, during his/her interview the judging panel criticized the length of her/his research proposal by saying something like, "other applicants have 5 pages..." .

Of course, your proposal doesn't have to be 5pages long, but you should give enough details to show that:
1. you know about your research very well, because you could be questioned about it.
2. your research is important and perhaps important to be carried out in japan.
3. You will be able to carry out your research upon arrival
4. Your research will last a long time(not necessarily 2 years)
etc

qiyang

Mar 8, 2009, 03:35

kouki

Mar 8, 2009, 10:40

>qiyang
Of course you can extend your final year project. But please follow up the current trend in the field, because Japan is quite advanced in the engineering field, if compared to Malaysia. So you might want to consider what is your project significances, judging from the Japanese view point.
Well, I did almost the same thing as cktey has done. I am an engineering student too. Following those points would not get you less than two pages. :-)

cktey

Mar 8, 2009, 12:45

thanks for the informations guyz...so i have to think for a research title...
Cktey,i am from engineering background too. Maybe i should go for something i am acquainted with, like extending the research of my previous final year project. Anyone here done the samething as i do?

Yeah, I proposed to extend my research of my FYP during degree. But the professor that accepted me said that he's not so into my topic recently, instead he proposed another topic for me and i accepted it.

As long as your topic sounds interesting, you can make it no worries ^^

athz

Mar 8, 2009, 13:44

hi arap!!! ^^
sorry i haven't monitor this thread lately, i'm quite busy packing my stuffs and prepare things though i have resign from my current job now.

i think menrui and ooilingfan have given a very good answer for your questions. i try my best to answer your question, hope it will be useful:
1. GPA sure is very important, i don't mean to let u down. but i'm sure that wouldn't matter if you had prepare an excellent research topics & proposal that could impress the judge. i don't know about other countries, but in indonesia submitting a research proposal is a must.
2. i have two recommendation letter, one is sealed, the other is not. i think you don't have to worry too much about it. sealed or not, you still have to make 4 copies on each of it, right?? oh ya, you have to use the form given by the embassy (official form), so i think two recommendation is enough.
3. well, as what ooilingfan have said just try to make it as clear as possible. if think the judges prefer a simple but well written one. just don't make it too long.
4. don't quit your job ^_^ you know that the waiting part for the final result is really killing us... i might space out thinking about the result everyday if i we're not busied by my job. i even think that one of us got insomnia while waiting for the result, right ooilingfan??:-)
you've gotta work harder for your thesis from now, use your spare time. it doesn't mean that you dig your own grave when you being unemployed. some of my friends who received the scholarship even haven't graduated by the time of the application.
5. it's a really good thing that you already have a prof who is willing to be your prospective supervisor in Japan. i bet it would strengthen your chance to get the scholarship. he would be a great help to make perfection for your thesis:cool:

just give it a try ok!! i also failed on the interview round for this scholarship when i was applying for diploma degree, who knows that i would managed to get this for my master degree... ganbatte!! :lol:

qiyang

Mar 8, 2009, 15:22

arap

Mar 8, 2009, 15:40

@qiyang
Actually Athz already got her scholarship, if I'm not wrong it's in Nagoya Institute of tech

@Athz
Thank you for your reply, glad to have you back in the forum.
Congratulation on getting the scholarship, btw one of my Professor is from NIT so Nagoya will become one of my prospective destination, although in my case I still have long way to go.

Btw Athz do you know how many people which got the 2009 scholarship in the end ?

athz

Mar 8, 2009, 15:49

Hi qiyang,
yeah i already been confirmed a seat in the scholarship ^^
wishing the best for your application this year ^o^/

>arap
i think 47 people been selected for 2009 (postgraduate course), just wondering why i'm the only one posting in this forum hehe...

kawaiixsarang

Mar 9, 2009, 16:23

Hello! I am a new member here, and I was wondering if any of you have information about the Undergraduate program for the MEXT Scholarship.

I am currently a Junior in High School and is supposed to graduate May 2010, but I am planning to graduate early (5 months earlier), and will be eligible to apply for the MEXT scholarship for 2010.

Here are a few of my questions:
How do I retrieve an application form?
How do I send it (post office, FAX?)
How will I know if my application got accepted/rejected?
If I get accepted, when will the testing period begin?
How will they notify me if I do not pass/or pass the exams?
How difficult are the exams?? What should I work on to get a better chance of passing?
Around what time of year will the interview be, if I do pass?
And from there... when will MEXT make the final decisions of who will get into the scholarship (around what time)??
How many Americans have been accepted as far as you guys know?

I am leaning forward on the "when" questions more, so I can plan out a back-up plan if I don't get it.

=) Thank you!

I hope you can help ^__^

cktey

Mar 9, 2009, 20:41

Cktey,Kouki
I actually created a robotic hand for my FYP, the average is around 80 for the project. But in Japan, it seems like i am reinventing the wheel again. So cktey, ur initial proposed study program during the application is your extended FYP..u get to change it after u being accepted to MEXT oR Jap uni?
athz
So are u applying the MEXT scholarship 2010?

hmm let me clarify... corresponding with the professor can be only done once you pass the interview stage. When I proposed my FYP extension topic to the professor, he explained that he's not specialized in that topic. Instead he asked me whether i'm interested in the topic that he is specialized in, and I accepted it gladly. After that he wrote the LOA and submitted to MEXT. The rest is the history ^^

menrui

Mar 9, 2009, 23:08

kawaiixsarang,
I only applied to the "research student", but I will try to answer your questions.

First of all, are you applying in the US? If you are, please go to the website of the consulate nearest you to find more information about deadlines etc. You can also download application forms there. There is also a guideline you can download, that will help you alot.
How do I retrieve an application form?
- consulate website or http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0307e.html#2

How do I send it (post office, FAX?)
-by post mail mail is fine. I think you can fax some items too.

How will I know if my application got accepted/rejected?
-they will either call you, or send you an email.

If I get accepted, when will the testing period begin?
-check your consulate. Its usually around the july~august.

How will they notify me if I do not pass/or pass the exams?
- phone call or email.

How difficult are the exams?? What should I work on to get a better chance of passing?
-according to the guidelines, there are 2 fields of study(social and humanity, or natural science), each will take certain exams. Please look at the guidelines for more info. Since it is also a competition, I'm just going to say that the exams are very hard. Your can look at sample exams at this website: http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0308e.html#1

Around what time of year will the interview be, if I do pass?
-check your consulate.

And from there... when will MEXT make the final decisions of who will get into the scholarship (around what time)??
-tentative selection is usually around early January. Final selection is mid-february.

How many Americans have been accepted as far as you guys know?
-From what I heard, only 1~2 is selected from the US. The undergraduate scholarship is dedicated to "developing" countries, US is not one of them.

There is about 9 months between application date and final selection, and the acceptance rate seems very low... so I would strongly advise you to have a back up plan.

wkl

Mar 11, 2009, 12:03

Hi all,

really nice to meet so many ppl here especially from Malaysia!

i am also going to apply MEXT this year and from engineering background as well!:relief:

from you all information, during the time in university, i have a chance to work as research assistant with my lecturer and with a professor from a japanese university.

recently, i have sent email to that professor and he has agreed to accept me to do master under his supervision.

hence, i would like to ask that do i have any advantages if i apply for MEXT scholarship?

Do i still need 2 sit for the exams which conducted by the embassay even though i had obtain the letter of acceptance?

Besides, regarding to the field of study and study program in Japan, can i ask professor there to send me a sample or i need to create a new topic by my own?

i now feel really headache abt it especially is the study program part, i really hope that somebody who had obtained the scholarship can give me a hint of it!!

Thanks!:bluush:

sandippurane1

Mar 11, 2009, 13:06

Hi all,

This is sandip from India, i am very new to this forum.
As like others, i am also a Monbukagakusho aspirant.

I have one query here, probably same like what wkl has mentioned.

I have been reffered as a candidate for Monbusho by one of the Japanese University this year.

i just wanted to know, whta are the chances of selection for monbusho?
i have been already accepted by that particular university as a candidate for Masters Course in Mechanical Engg. and reffered for Mnbusho. Out of 17 candidates university has named 8 candidates for Monbusho and my name appears in those luckiest 8 candidates.

just bit concerned about the selection for scholarship.
if anyone has any idea, share with me on this forum

thnaks in advance

sandip

clockworkorange

Mar 11, 2009, 13:41

Hi everyone,

Its exciting how everyone is preparing for the trip. I don't think it'll be this "meriah" in october. :P

Neway, my main intent of posting is to thank kouki for answering my question on who to address the acceptance letter to. Sorry for the delay in expressing my gratitude - i get really busy at work and so I don't post much. and while i'm thanking kouki, i may as well say thanks to everyone else who's answered my questions at one point or another. For example, those who answered my question on sui to bak fot (correct ka?), thanks a lot.

To wkl, hello!! I'll try to answer your questions.

1) I think the advantages to the scholarship are pretty apparent. Japan is an expensive place to study in. Also, i really liked the fact that I get to study Japanese for 6 months 1st. I don't know though if you already know Japanese so this might not be such a big deal to you.

2) I think you do need to sit for the exams held by the embassy. Obtaining an acceptance letter indicates acceptance by the university. It has nothing to do with the nomination by the embassy. The embassy will nominate you based on the test results and the interview. While it is no doubt an advantage that you already have an acceptance letter, you still need to go through both the test and the interview.

3) Regarding the study plan, i think it depends. Did you not discuss a research topic with your professor when u asked him to be your supervisor? If you have not, then u should discuss it with your professor. For me, i proposed a topic which my professor accepted. I haven't really heard of anyone asking the professor for a topic although i have heard of some of the scholars here having their research topic put aside and having their professors suggest a topic. But in all cases that i know, the applicants have suggested the topics first. But since u know the professor and have worked with him, i do not see the harm in asking for his advice.

If you are asking on what to write for the study program, i can only tell you what i did. I don;t believe there is a set format though. what i did is include my objective, methodology of research and a timeline that outlines how long each step in my research should take. I also explained why my research is important and why japan would be the place to do it.

Hope it helps and all the best.

clockworkorange

Mar 11, 2009, 14:12

Hi sandip,

I don't really know about india, but in malaysia the chances of being selected for the scholarship are pretty good. At least this is true for the embassy recommended candidates. This year, i think 29 of us were selected. I think last year the number was 33.

I don;t know anything about university recommendations but i think if the university is already recommending u, u stand a pretty good change.

Good luck!!

menrui

Mar 11, 2009, 14:14

wkl,
Getting acceptance from a professor before application will give you an advantage(how much? I don't really know). There is a place for it in in the application and you can use it during the interview. I think it shows a little bit more determination.

you still have to sit for the exams. No one gets out of that.

You can use a research proposal from your professor... but I think there are some disadvantages. 1: it seems kind of rude to ask your professor to write out a whole research proposal for you 2: There might be some questions during the interview that you can't answer because you didn't write it yourself. Maybe you could ask your professor to give you suggestions, then you write the proposal yourself?

sanddip,
I'm not aware of how the university recommendation works, but if it is anything like the embassy recommendation, your chances are high. Should I dare say... greater than 95% ? For the embassy recommendations, each embassy is given a certain number of slots by MEXT. The embassy then only recommends the same amount of applicants as slots. So, applicants that receive the recommendation "usually" go on to receive the scholarship. Hopefully, your university recommendation is the same way. good luck

sandippurane1

Mar 11, 2009, 19:48

@clockworkorange

Dear Friend,
thanks a lot for your information.

I know, in India there are very less chances of selection through Embassy Reco.
hardly hundreads of students prefer to go to Japan from India, rest prefer to stay in US.

I was just little bit concerned about the unversity Reco. that's why posted my thread here to get teh answer.

I am sure if uni is recommending you, chances are much more.

Let's see what happens

keep updating and keep posting the latest things

bye for now

Regards,

sandip

qiyang

Mar 12, 2009, 20:34

hi everyone, regarding the "Field of study SPECIALIZED (NOT list of subjects) in the PAST (be as detailed and concrete as possible)"

is it about my past research? recently concentrate on writing my study program proposal and have taken granted on that part.

sandippurane1

Mar 12, 2009, 21:16

@ menrui

Thanks a lot for information.

I have been selected in "nagaoka University of Technology, Niigata". It's a national University.
I think if they are recommending for Monbusho, then it should be almost confirmed.\
If anyone is going through the same condition, please share your views.

thanks.
sandip

menrui

Mar 13, 2009, 06:32

qiyang,
I'm not 100% sure about how to answer that question either, but I will say what I did. First, I wrote what degree I graduated with. Then I wrote about what "subjects"(oops?) my degree mainly comprises of. Last, I wrote about the types of labs I experienced. All my labs were required within my major, I never had any outside research experience. Since you do have research experience, you should include that.

Hopefully someone else can give you their thoughts too. Anyways, keep focusing on your research proposal. I don't think that question is as important.

kouki

Mar 13, 2009, 12:10

>qiyang

Please try confirming this again with person in charge in the embassy. Last year we are told to write something like this:

electrical engineering majoring in robotics

and that's all. I am not sure what is their specification this year.

menrui

Mar 13, 2009, 13:22

wow, seems like I wrote too much haha.

qiyang

Mar 13, 2009, 14:33

oh...thanks guyz...i will will confirm with embassy

wkl

Mar 13, 2009, 16:19

oh...thanks guyz...i will will confirm with embassy

To qiyang,

I also dunno how to write....
plz update any news when u get it from embassy later ya!!

Thanks!!:blush::cool:

arap

Mar 13, 2009, 20:22

Dear all,
Another question from me...right now I'm in the middle of preparing the research proposal so I wonder should we mention about the Lab/Universities that we are planning to apply in Japan ?
As I mentioned before, fortunately I have found Professor that agree to supervised me so is it okay to put on something like below in my research proposal :
" Prospective Labs which I wish to conduct my research are as below :
1. ...
2. ... "
So do you guys put something like that in your study plan ?

ooilingfan

Mar 14, 2009, 01:58

arap

Mar 14, 2009, 11:37

@oolingfan

As always, thank you for the info. I am really appreciate it

Shaun

Mar 17, 2009, 09:21

I am planning to apply the scholarship. Can someone guide me how to actually fill in the details below?
i) Field of study
is it just mention what is the course you have graduated would be enough?
ii) STUDY PROGRAM IN JAPAN in detail
this column should i mention which course i would like to enrol in or topic of research program which i am interested... ?i am graduated in mechanical, anyone can give me a guide how should i write?

echoccc

Mar 18, 2009, 19:03

abeeyo_q8

Mar 18, 2009, 20:47

hai im newbie here. im applying MEXT postgraduate - research student 2010. however, i have some question to ask...
1. do i need to submit 'recommendation letter'? if yes, where should i get this letter? is it from my graduated university?
thanks

they say that the recommendation should be from the principal or the advisor of the last uni you attended...but even a professor that you knows you well will work just fine

arap

Mar 18, 2009, 21:14

@Shaun
Actually if go back few page in this thread, someone had already given some answer to this kind of question but I will try to add it.
Well I'm not exactly the right person to answer this because I'm also in the middle of applying for MEXT this year but I hope it can give you some information.
I am planning to apply the scholarship. Can someone guide me how to actually fill in the details below?
i) Field of study
is it just mention what is the course you have graduated would be enough?

I don't think is enough, you know regardless of every source that I ask and look up in the internet, they always said that this part is very important for the selection process. So what I wrote in here was my proposed research topic which I will conduct, background and also some outline/general description about how I will conduct my research.

ii) STUDY PROGRAM IN JAPAN in detail
this column should i mention which course i would like to enrol in or topic of research program which i am interested... ?i am graduated in mechanical, anyone can give me a guide how should i write?
For this part I focus on the detail of my research and study plan, I include my research methodology and my prospective lab which I would want to join to do my research, I also collaborate the Professor work with my research.
I believe you can free to write anything as long as you can describe clearly, detail, and concrete about your research plan.
Well that's what I filled in my form but then again I'm also one of the applicants so it would be great if any last year successful applicants can confirm this.
Anyway Best Luck to both of us

echoccc

Mar 18, 2009, 23:05

they say that the recommendation should be from the principal or the advisor of the last uni you attended...but even a professor that you knows you well will work just fine

:cool::cool:thanks for your info, i will get it done frm uni. by the way, is this 'undergraduate scholarship' also need a recommendation letter? but how come there's no mention on this 'recommendation letter' in the guideline? thanks:p

Shaun

Mar 19, 2009, 00:00

@Shaun
Actually if go back few page in this thread, someone had already given some answer to this kind of question but I will try to add it.
Well I'm not exactly the right person to answer this because I'm also in the middle of applying for MEXT this year but I hope it can give you some information.
I don't think is enough, you know regardless of every source that I ask and look up in the internet, they always said that this part is very important for the selection process. So what I wrote in here was my proposed research topic which I will conduct, background and also some outline/general description about how I will conduct my research.
For this part I focus on the detail of my research and study plan, I include my research methodology and my prospective lab which I would want to join to do my research, I also collaborate the Professor work with my research.
I believe you can free to write anything as long as you can describe clearly, detail, and concrete about your research plan.
Well that's what I filled in my form but then again I'm also one of the applicants so it would be great if any last year successful applicants can confirm this.
Anyway Best Luck to both of us
Thanks arap:-)
wo... if need some details, then probably need to add more pages on that.
i still not sure on my research topic/ title yet. arent it has to be decide later by those proffesor after selection? because i have no idea which topic has been done by others so far.

:cool::cool:thanks for your info, i will get it done frm uni. by the way, is this 'undergraduate scholarship' also need a recommendation letter? but how come there's no mention on this 'recommendation letter' in the guideline? thanks:p
you are rite...
i also dint see any recommendation letter needed for the application.
so... dun see the necessary of attaching this.
Hopefully can get a chance for the interview section.

kouki

Mar 19, 2009, 11:16

>Shaun
Yes, the recommendation letter would be required at the stage of interview. (At least it was last year) At the moment, please focus on your study plan. For Area of study, please make sure that you follow whatever given in the Guideline....

For example, if you would like to major in automobile, you should fill the area of study like this (if I follow the instruction given last year)
Natural Sciences - Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Automobile

You will go through the following with the sequence
1. Primary Selection - informing you to sit for the written test
2. Written test
3. Interview
4. Getting Letter of Acceptance
5. Waiting for reply from MEXT in Tokyo

Shaun

Mar 19, 2009, 12:02

>Shaun
For example, if you would like to major in automobile, you should fill the area of study like this (if I follow the instruction given last year)
Natural Sciences - Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Automobile
You will go through the following with the sequence
1. Primary Selection - informing you to sit for the written test
2. Written test
3. Interview
4. Getting Letter of Acceptance
5. Waiting for reply from MEXT in Tokyo

Oic... May i know how long does it take for each procedure?
as i know the written test is fall on 31/5/09.when was the interview roughly? if successful , we have to take 6 months japanese language course in Malaysia? then later they will inform whether we was accepted?

i dun really know how to fill in the study program actually. Sigh...
i only used out the page for the application form but no additional.. will it be too short? :(

kouki

Mar 19, 2009, 12:10

>Shaun
I will be talking based on my experience last year.

Our written test was in Mid-June. The interview was in early August to Mid-August. The letter of acceptance period was in August and September. The last stage is the longest -from then until 20 February this year.

Have you ever written a proposal for your projects? It should be some sort of things like that (according to a call to the embassy last year) If your study plan is concrete and concise, I don't see any reason they will be rejecting your application. But anyway, do look back to the posts in March 2008 to April 2009. Call the embassy if you need any help which we cannot explain. Follow their instruction will do. And the person in charge is very friendly and helpful.

Shaun

Mar 19, 2009, 16:06

>Shaun
I will be talking based on my experience last year.
Our written test was in Mid-June. The interview was in early August to Mid-August. The letter of acceptance period was in August and September. The last stage is the longest -from then until 20 February this year.
Have you ever written a proposal for your projects? It should be some sort of things like that (according to a call to the embassy last year) If your study plan is concrete and concise, I don't see any reason they will be rejecting your application. But anyway, do look back to the posts in March 2008 to April 2009. Call the embassy if you need any help which we cannot explain. Follow their instruction will do. And the person in charge is very friendly and helpful.

Do you how many person normally sit for the written test and number of person will succeed for the interview?
really hope can get a place for this scholarship but no confidence at all...
god bless...

Thanks for sharing..
i will try to work out a complete proposal tonite!~ :-)

kouki

Mar 19, 2009, 17:58

>Shaun
Last year, there were about 200 of the applicants called for written test. About 70 were chosen for the interview. In the end, 33 persons were recommended.

Good luck!

Shaun

Mar 19, 2009, 18:19

>Shaun
Last year, there were about 200 of the applicants called for written test. About 70 were chosen for the interview. In the end, 33 persons were recommended.
Good luck!
:bawling: yup... after listening this , i do really need lucks....

ooilingfan

Mar 20, 2009, 01:16

Coco68

Mar 20, 2009, 04:01

Hello everyone,
I would like to apply for this scholarship for 2010 and sometimes I got slightly confused by the guidelines, so I would like to ask you several questions:
1. the Recommendation letter-so, I get one from my supervisor and should I ask him/her to make two additional copies and then seal it in envelopes? or is it some other way around?
2. I need just one supervisor and one rec. letter, right? or should I get more recommendations?
That would be all my questions for this moment. Thank you very much, all your help would be highly appreciated :haihai:

menrui

Mar 20, 2009, 05:41

coco68,
1. It great if you could get copies sealed in envelopes. That would save your embassy(or who ever your MEXT coordinator) some time. But if you can't, it shouldn't be a problem. Just ask your embassy to make copies for you. I did just that.
2. 1 supervisor/recommendation is "enough".

menrui

Mar 20, 2009, 06:07

i will try to work out a complete proposal tonite!~ :-)
Umm, a complete proposal in 1 night? I don't think that will be detailed/concise enough. And yes, 1 page might be too short. You have about 2~3weeks till the deadline, so please spend more time on it. I spent about 3~4 weeks on mine. And much like you, I wasn't sure about how to write a research proposal. So I had to take some time to learn how to write a research proposal before I actually started writing. good luck to you. I know its not easy.

Anyways, I think the success rate is a little over 10% here too. Which is really good for a scholarship, especially one of this magnitude

Coco68

Mar 20, 2009, 07:28

menrui, thank you.
I think I will come back soon with more ridiculous questions.....:blush:

Shaun

Mar 20, 2009, 08:41

Umm, a complete proposal in 1 night? I don't think that will be detailed/concise enough. And yes, 1 page might be too short. You have about 2~3weeks till the deadline, so please spend more time on it. I spent about 3~4 weeks on mine. And much like you, I wasn't sure about how to write a research proposal. So I had to take some time to learn how to write a research proposal before I actually started writing. good luck to you. I know its not easy.
Anyways, I think the success rate is a little over 10% here too. Which is really good for a scholarship, especially one of this magnitude

Ya... I still have 2 weeks to go before the dead line...
hm... i only finished one page. maybe will try to find some thesis or publication for reference. seem tough .. aiks
Thanks for the advice so much!:blush:

arap

Mar 20, 2009, 09:09

@Shaun
Well...I just want to set up some bad example

Last year I wrote my research plan in one night and as expected I didn't even pass the document selection so don't make the same mistakes as I did, spend more time on this part

Shaun

Mar 20, 2009, 17:21

33 is a higher number compared to undergraduate applicants, which can be lower than 10. And by looking at the total applicants, the success rate is over 10%, which is much higher than JPA scholarship. Hope that'll boost up your confidence a bit.
Moreover, you can always (touchwood), keep trying until the age of 35 should you not strike this time.
35?? i am goin to faint... ha

@Shaun
Well...I just want to set up some bad example
Last year I wrote my research plan in one night and as expected I didn't even pass the document selection so don't make the same mistakes as I did, spend more time on this part
I am looking up some materials now for the study program
luckily have guidance from you guys... else my application will be in the dustbin in the 1st selection.. hohoho

menrui

Mar 20, 2009, 18:10

Here is a websiite that may help you out:
http://larsmartinson.com/how-i-got-the-monbusho-research-scholarship-part-1-of-4/

This person wrote in detail how he got the scholarship, as it says in the title. Many people say that he did too much. He did much more than me, for sure. Anyways, have a look. I think it could help you on your study plan.

minister

Mar 20, 2009, 18:47

Hi guys
I've tested me out monbukagusho 2005 exam material. But I don't know which ones are correct. Please share with me 2005, 2006 keys

Shaun

Mar 21, 2009, 08:43

Thanks a lot Menrui!!
its great to have someone sharing experience in such details

hi Minister,
where you get those pass year ques and answer?
i only manage to get 2008...
any web to download?

menrui

Mar 21, 2009, 09:31

I can only find exam questions/answer from 2006~2008:
http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0308e.html

Shaun

Mar 21, 2009, 09:46

ありがとうございます　メンルイさｎ:-)！

Coco68

Mar 22, 2009, 01:58

One more question. Does anyone knows when the application for 2010 would be published? any ideas? they say start of April, but I'm getting impatient, especially if the application deadline would be at the end of April. Or has anyone some interesting information from their embassy? God, I am already stressed and it hasn't even started :?

Thank you

NeWbY

Mar 22, 2009, 07:52

* Applications for Japanese government (Monbukagakusho) scholarships 2009 have been closed. Details regarding applications for 2010 scholarships are scheduled to be distributed from around March 2009.
Source: studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0307e.html
If the embassy in your country (UK) didn't offer specific scholarships (like those for undergraduate student) for 2009, don't expect them to offer it for 2010. The embassy in NL told me that :'(

Coco68

Mar 23, 2009, 03:53

NeWby.....I see, I am just impatient
Anyway, another question regarding the transcript. My university would not issue me with transcript until September(when I officially finish my MA). Any ideas how to deal with it?
I can give them my BA transcript, but I'm not sure if it is the right solution. I think I'd need to write the embassy, but if anyone has any experience with this, I would really appreciate any advice.
Thank you

minister

Mar 23, 2009, 12:24

Hi Menrui,
thanks a lot

Hi Shaun,
2006-2008 exam materials are on the web.(stated above)

menrui

Mar 23, 2009, 12:54

coco,
seems like we cant answer all your questions. Don't be afraid to call your embassy and ask. That would be the best solution. hmmm, I think its a bit weird that they wont give you your current transcript.

Coco68

Mar 24, 2009, 03:41

Menrui,
I am sorry to overwhelm you with all my questions. As I remember you would be heading to Japan soon, so you must be busy. I already talked to my embassy about that, so we will see. I found it weird as well that I won't be issued a transcript.....well, so many obstacles, but I try my best.

Shaun

Mar 28, 2009, 09:55

I have posted my application yesterday... actual deadline is 7th of april
anyone have idea when we will know the 1st round result?

arap

Mar 28, 2009, 10:18

ooilingfan

Mar 28, 2009, 10:21

I have posted my application yesterday... actual deadline is 7th of april
anyone have idea when we will know the 1st round result?

1st round you mean the shortlisting for the written test?
probably 2-3weeks before the actual test date.

Shaun

Mar 28, 2009, 10:33

@Shaun
It's nice to know that MEXT already open the scholarship, in Indonesia, I still don't know the exact date about when the application will start.
Is the schedule in Malaysia for application the same as last year ? Coz last year in Indonesia, MEXT star on April 25.
I already called the embassy and they said it will open on next April but they don't know when, just keep checking the website. well I just take my time preparing the document, but sometimes I do got scary thought that they won't open the application this year.
Hi Arap,
I am not too sure about indonesia, but malaysia open the application on 2nd or March. For government applicants the closing date is 30th March and non government applicant is 7th April.
Its not surprising the open date is bit later than us because the application ongoing process is ard 1 year... Ganbatte!

1st round you mean the shortlisting for the written test?
probably 2-3weeks before the actual test date.
IC.. then probably will receive the notification in mid of May if suceed.
So worry now... dun know can get it or not for 1st round.
god bless...

ooilingfan

Mar 28, 2009, 11:09

>shaun
don't worry, more than 90% of applicants will be called to at least sit for the exam first.
You'll be surprised to see the hall full of applicants when you go.
Haha, freaked me out last year.

oula

Mar 28, 2009, 21:33

hi.....
well i have some questions, maybe the answers were written above, but there are lots of information to read, and after what i read from other websites, i'm really confused now XD

well i want to ask if it was necessary to have 70% or more as a degree after graduation to be accepted in the manbukagakusho?.....
i mean the total of my years at university should it be 70%???

and if i'm still a beginner in japanese, will it be a barrier for me???....

i think that's all for now, i may have more if i remembered any... XD

thanks for all in advance

menrui

Mar 29, 2009, 16:13

70%? what is that? is it a grade, score, or gpa?

your japanese skill will not be a barrier. but it could help.

oula

Mar 30, 2009, 06:58

70%? what is that? is it a grade, score, or gpa?

well yeah it's the gpa...
actually i come from syria, and here i hear everyone saying that they accept only students who had 70% as their gpa.....
sometimes i wonder if they are lying cause i searched for that information too many times and couldn't find anything related with...

beside, i wonder on what they depend when they choose one student from 4 or 5 trying to have this scholarship.... i mean i knew a guy who was an engineer and another one who studied art.... they took the art guy although the engineer guy was better in japanese.... so i really don't understand what's their system!!!!???...

and well finally, if i want to have 2 scholarships "with my husband" (if i was married) is it possible? or should i trick them and say that i'm single ??

and thanks again ^_________^

menrui

Mar 30, 2009, 08:11

gpa: I never found any information about GPA requirements either. Also, no one ever talks about their GPA. So I can't give you any advice about that. My guess, as long as your GPA is average or above, you should be fine.

what major and how well a persons' japanese is, should not matter. I think we all agree that the research proposal and interview plays a large role in the decision making. So maybe the art student had a better proposal/interview.

I'm just going to assume that you are indeed married. Hmmm, the guidelines does not state that a spouse can not also receive the scholarship. So I think it would be ok for you and your husband to apply separately. you should ask your embassy and confirm.

lastly, please don't try to "trick" your embassy or MEXT

oula

Mar 30, 2009, 08:33

well i really thank you menrui......
and no i won't trick anybody, but i imagined my situation if i was married and it depressed me .... -_-!!! sound stupid sorry....
so so so i have another question XD hope you're not bored from my questions and specially this one cause it may look silly....
emmmm.... well actually i read that i have to contact a professor in the university that i want in japan.... emmmmm well i've just read some comments from another thread and everyone was saying my professor did that and my favorite professor does that....
so the question is....... how do i contact a professor???? and what should i do/say???
i'm still a third year student and waiting to graduate to apply, but i really know nothing... so please be Patient with me ........ <3

:relief::relief::gomen::gomen:

pilarika

Mar 30, 2009, 08:52

Hi oula!

I think that, as have been said before, many things depend on the embassy procedures and how they carry out the applicatin process. For us, at some point they hinted at the embassy that they had really looked closely at our transcrips as that reassures them we are capable of very good results and will not let them down academically wise. That said, many here have said that in their cases it didn't matter much.

Also I agree the reasearch proposal and clarity of why studying in Japan is the how they make the final decision. Least important should be, and is, the major you have. As long you can prove you have a good study plan and are focused on what you want to do.

As for the spouse question, it is not my case but, for example two marriend couples from my country, they both hope to get the scholarship eventually, but as places are limited and it is a very sought after scholarship they decided to keep their chances high by not competing against each other. The idea is either wait for next year for the other to apply, or travel as a dependant but use the contacts of the spouse who got the scholarship to gain a University Nomination. So far no one at the embassy has told them it is not possible for them to both recieve the scholarship, whether by this method or just applying at the same time. In any case asking directly your embassy would be better.

I too would strongly recommend not tricking your embassy or MEXT, such things always end for the worst; and a great opportunity may go down the drain because of a stupid decision like lying on the aplication form. ( Sorry, I didn't see your last post, so it was a hipotetical question after all! I'll leave this bit in just in case anyone else get funny ideas)

Shaun

Mar 30, 2009, 08:57

>shaun
don't worry, more than 90% of applicants will be called to at least sit for the exam first.
You'll be surprised to see the hall full of applicants when you go.
Haha, freaked me out last year.
Yo... thats also freaked me after listening this.
thats mean need to have a good result for the test...
i dun have any confidence at all...
can advice how to improve myself before the test?
will they look at the japanese language test? i am also in beginner level
is it possible for someone who get a bad result in English test but score in Japanese test still can get the scholarship?

menrui

Mar 30, 2009, 12:03

oula,
Go to the university website and find your desired professors' contact info. You can contact him by phone.... or you can simply email them. I think emailing is more convenient, for you and them. Most of us(maybe all of us) contacted our professors by email. Please prepare your self for some rejection and no-replies. I'm sure everyone gets plenty of those. As for 'what to say', tell them that you are a MEXT scholarship applicant and that you are looking for a supervisor to study under. If you have your MEXT application and research proposal, you could send that to them also.

shaun,
take the practice test to improve.
From what I was told, it is required for applicants to pass(I don't know what the passing score is. I think a malaysian person said it was 80%) at least 1 of the 2 language test

clockworkorange

Mar 30, 2009, 12:26

Hi shaun,

A lot of ppl showed up for the test. But I don;t think thats something to worry about. Just do your best.

I only took the English test but not the Japanese one. At the time, I knew nothing about Japanese. I'm currently at the "kindergarten" level.

Last year, it was NOT possible for someone who scored badly in the English test to advance to the next stage regardless of how well he or she did in the Japanese test. If you fail to score above a certain cut-off mark (70 or 80%, i forget) in the English test, then you don't advance regardless of how well you scored in your Japanese test. Conversely, if you did well in the English test, they see how well you did in the Japanese test only as a means to assess your Japanese level. And nothing more. So its ok if you choose not to take the Japanese test.

My advice is the same as menrui's. Get the past year papers and practice on them as much as you can.

Good luck.

Shaun

Mar 30, 2009, 14:43

80% to pass ? -_-"
I bet i can do it...
I think this is the right time to start to get the pass year and practice it
Thanks menrui and clockworkorange!

kouki

Mar 30, 2009, 15:25

>oula

I am not sure about other countries... But indeed, Malaysia has those requirements that you have mentioned:

1. 70% or more or second upper class honours or more
2. spouse who has received MEXT scholarship cannot accept the scholarship

Just curious, any Malaysian obtained MEXT scholarship with a pointer lower than 3.2/4.0?

I think last year's English test mark is 70%... not sure... any receipient got lower than that?

oula

Mar 30, 2009, 20:52

oula,
Go to the university website and find your desired professors' contact info. You can contact him by phone.... or you can simply email them. I think emailing is more convenient, for you and them. Most of us(maybe all of us) contacted our professors by email. Please prepare your self for some rejection and no-replies. I'm sure everyone gets plenty of those. As for 'what to say', tell them that you are a MEXT scholarship applicant and that you are looking for a supervisor to study under. If you have your MEXT application and research proposal, you could send that to them also.
ohhhhhh thank you very much...... another question:hihi::hihi:
did it happen that someone was accepted in a japanese university and a professor, but was rejected by the scholarship?????

thanks AGAIN :blush::blush::blush:

menrui

Mar 30, 2009, 21:52

After reading koukis' post, I did some searching and I found the following statement in some older guidelines(2006 and before)
*** The applicant whose spouse has already won a Japanese government (MEXT) scholarship will not be selected as a grantee, and likewise in the case of a couple applying at the same time.
If this concerns you, you should ask you embassy about this before you apply.

Okay, for your next question, keep in mind that you have to receive your embassies' recommendation before the university can accept you. The professor can accept you whenever. From what I know, after you receive the embassy recommendation, your chances of receiving the scholarship is very high... but I do know of 1 person(and only 1 person) that was rejected after receiving the embassy rec, univ acceptance, and prof acceptance. I think it was because he has received a gov scholarship before, though we are not exactly sure.

ooilingfan

Mar 31, 2009, 01:59

Yo... thats also freaked me after listening this.
thats mean need to have a good result for the test...
i dun have any confidence at all...
can advice how to improve myself before the test?
will they look at the japanese language test? i am also in beginner level
is it possible for someone who get a bad result in English test but score in Japanese test still can get the scholarship?
Shaun,
Sorry for the late reply.
Well, to be honest, I went there unprepared last year. I received the letter late as I was on a long business trip. I've only got 1 week left when I knew I'm going for the exam.
Like others have shared, the English test is of utmost importance in Malaysia. Though some country's embassy may place japanese language test above english. But here in M'sia, it's definitely English.
I would not advise you to sit for the japanese language paper unless you have at least JLPT 3 or 2.
But i guess there are some (who doesn't have sufficient proficiency) who wish to try their luck and sat for that paper last year. Also there are some who stared at the paper, and decided to give up. (It doesn't affect their overall results as long as they pass the english paper).
I remembered vaguely that the passing mark was 80%. (English test)
as for GPA, I also remembered vaguely that i read somewhere, that we need at least 1st class or 2nd class upper (CGPA 3.5 and above) to apply.
Of course you can always try your luck even if you don't have 3.5. No harm trying.
Submission deadline is less than 10 days away. All the best to this year's applicants!
Regarding the spouse question, menrui,
I still don't understand one point about the clause "....and likewise in the case of a couple applying at the same time"
Does it mean both will not get it, regardless of how good they are, or they will only consider one of them?
So it's to say that a couple applying will be penalised (both of them), because they acted too greedy and wish to get 2 scholarships at the same time? :p
What if one gets it, and the other apply the following year? Will the latter be penalised? I remembered in the form we're required to declare whether we/or any family members has received the scholarship.
(btw, i'm not married, just curious)

menrui

Mar 31, 2009, 03:22

I almost certain that means that only 1 spouse will receive the scholarship, in the case that both are accepted. And in the case that your spouse has already received the scholarship, you will not be able to receive it in any following years.

oula

Mar 31, 2009, 08:42

emmmm then what i have to do is to stay single right now XD....
ok so another question???....
well i'm asking cause there is a chance that i get married after 2 years XD.... so if i applied for the scholarship as single, and my friend (the one i want to marry i mean) applied as single, and then we went to japan, is it bad to marry when we are in japan???? i mean, like that i'm not lying on anyone, and we had a separate scholarship, so is there any harm if we get married after going there???...

sorry for the bothering.... and i'd like to ask the embassy in syria, but actually i'm not in my country right now XD

ooilingfan

Mar 31, 2009, 09:42

menrui

Mar 31, 2009, 12:58

Um, I can't answer that question because I really don't know. It seems like it would be fine... but again, I really don't know.

This might sound a bit insensitive... but can't you guys just wait!? Like, get engaged first, and hold off the wedding? It's like you are asking for trouble haha.

there is a chance that i get married after 2 years XD
There is a chance? That's a bit odd to say... :?

oula

Mar 31, 2009, 18:48

i think changing your status from single to married AFTER both of you secured the scholarship should be fine.
I'm sure there are MEXT scholars out there who met each other during their studies and got married. So they shouldn't penalise you on that.
yeah i think it would be fine too, but as menrui said, we really don't know....
This might sound a bit insensitive... but can't you guys just wait!? Like, get engaged first, and hold off the wedding? It's like you are asking for trouble haha.

i'd like to, but my parents won't accept that i go alone to japan T0T
and well if we're engaged aren't we like a couple too???
There is a chance? That's a bit odd to say...
LOL yeah well..... cause actually it depends on him if he graduated at time, cause i only have one year to finish, but he has 2 years XD.... so you know....

thanks again for the help guys:-):-):blush::blush:

kouki

Apr 1, 2009, 10:15

Fiveonefive

Apr 3, 2009, 16:55

Pfft

Anyone have a good example or tips for a good research proposal relating to an MBA program?

I'm still not quite sure how exactly to approach writing one up when I am interested in studying for an MBA. It's not exactly the same type of research.

Shaun

Apr 7, 2009, 12:37

>Malaysians
Updates from the send-off ceremony:
Last year there were 500 applicants for the postgraduate scholarship.
From what I gathered in last year's information, 170 were called for the written test. About 70 were called for the interview and 31 got the recommendation from the embassy. However, two of them rejected, which left with 29 of us now.
500? aikz...
the chances very slim.. :(

anyone can open 2006 exam paper?
i can open it but its not readable at all...
anyone can send me? arigatou gozaimasu.

kouki

Apr 7, 2009, 12:56

[QUOTE=Shaun;628733]500? aikz...
the chances very slim.. :(
QUOTE]

It is not as slim as the undergraduate:

5 chosen as receipient out of 1500 applicants...

arap

Apr 7, 2009, 14:51

It's been a long time since I checked this thread and here I am..getting surprised again, mostly because of the below comment

as for GPA, I also remembered vaguely that i read somewhere, that we need at least 1st class or 2nd class upper (CGPA 3.5 and above) to apply.
Of course you can always try your luck even if you don't have 3.5. No harm trying.

So....all the 29 successful applicants from Malaysia got their CGPA >= 3,5 ?
Man...if that's true then it will be a hard fight for me.
Here in Indonesia we got GPA > 3,0 requirement (at least from last year information) and my GPA is 3,1, yeah I understand it's barely fulfill the requirement and that's why I spent a lot of time in my research plan but if GPA plays bigger role than I expected than I guess I have a hard & long road in front of me.:(

ooilingfan

Apr 7, 2009, 15:51

It's been a long time since I checked this thread and here I am..getting surprised again, mostly because of the below comment
So....all the 29 successful applicants from Malaysia got their CGPA >= 3,5 ?
Man...if that's true then it will be a hard fight for me.
Here in Indonesia we got GPA > 3,0 requirement (at least from last year information) and my GPA is 3,1, yeah I understand it's barely fulfill the requirement and that's why I spent a lot of time in my research plan but if GPA plays bigger role than I expected than I guess I have a hard & long road in front of me.:(

sorry for alarming you
You don't have to worry about this as different embassy has different way of screening their applicants. My comments are based on Malaysia applications. And like i said,i wasn't 100% sure.
Please check with your embassy on their selection criteria to see whether you meet the requirements.

Goodluck.

clockworkorange

Apr 7, 2009, 15:53

Hi arap,

Don't be discouraged. I know that in Malaysia, even those with a GPA lower than 3.0 got called for the test. So while good results help, they don't determine everything. You're right to focus on your research plan. If your research plan is solid and ppl see you're determined to do it, it'll be hard to dismiss you.

Good luck!!

Shaun, you can't open the exam from the website itself? Its the english exam?

yipiyaya8

Apr 8, 2009, 16:05

my CGPA only 3.15 and my proposal only one page!really hope can get the chance....my field is aerospace propulsion....really not easy to find reference to write a precise and detail proposal cz aerospace is a very sensitive field....:(:(:(

clockworkorange

Apr 8, 2009, 18:01

Hey yipiyaya8,

I dun really think how solid your proposal is is measured by how many pages you have. But i do think you must be clear on what you want to do. This is my opinion but even if you don't have any references, it would be good if you have a clear methodology on how you are going to perform your research. I understand the deadline for this year has already passed so you must have submitted your proposal already. So don't worry too much. Just prepare for the exam and maybe fine tune your proposal when you get called for the interview. i think that they call quite a large percentage for the test. at least in Malaysia. So good luck!!

yipiyaya8

Apr 8, 2009, 20:45

Hi clockworkorange,
Thanks for your reply....
I did told them clearly in essay format what i wan to do and how important my research field to the global and also the professor i wanted to follow.But i did not mention at all the methodolody.
I wont worry too much and will prepare for the exam from now...

Shaun

Apr 8, 2009, 22:35

Hi arap,

Shaun, you can't open the exam from the website itself? Its the english exam?
Hi Clockworkorange
Not only english exam, i cant open all exam paper for 2006
u know wats the prob?

rihoko

Apr 9, 2009, 01:13

yipiyaya8

Apr 9, 2009, 01:23

Just out of the blue, is japan a good place to study this field? :souka:

YES:bluush::bluush::bluush::bluush:

clockworkorange

Apr 13, 2009, 14:08

Hi Clockworkorange
Not only english exam, i cant open all exam paper for 2006
u know wats the prob?

Hi Shaun,

No i don't know exactly what the problem is but i used to not be able to open it because i did not have the correct version of Adobe reader.

If u want, i can try to download it for you and email it to you. if you would like that, pls pass me your email add and also where to download the papers from. Are you applying for the postgrad or undergrad scholarship?

If u've already solved the problem (because I know this is a rather late response, sorry about that), then just ignore this message. I wish u guys the best of luck!:p

conanf

Apr 14, 2009, 02:46

Hello guys, I don't see many Canadians/Americans here :)

I graduated last year with a B.Sc in Computer Science and a certificate of Japanese Studies. This year, I am applying for the monbusho as a post-graduate research student. I have already completed my proposal (around 3000 words, well documented; with an a brief timetable to what I am going to do..etc). I also have a joint paper that I did last year with one of my profs; I am planning to present that as a "past work" to show my academic research capabilities. So good so far. Now here is my current (and probably everyone's dilemma):

-Whats the best way to approach university professors? For those of you who have already secured a LoA, did you have to email in very formal/polite Japanese? How "strong" was your proposal when you email them? What did you have to do to secure a LoA? What did you write (or should write) in the email?

I am bit confused to what I should say since the instructions in the scholarship are a bit ambiguous. Any help would be appreciated! Good luck to all! :)

kouki

Apr 14, 2009, 12:17

-Whats the best way to approach university professors? For those of you who have already secured a LoA, did you have to email in very formal/polite Japanese? How "strong" was your proposal when you email them? What did you have to do to secure a LoA? What did you write (or should write) in the email?

>conanf
You can send in e-mails in English. General speaking, most Japanese professors are well-versed in English.

You can just send in your proposal you have submitted for your MEXT scholarship to the professors, telling them that you are applying for the scholarship at the moment.

However, take note that not every e-mails comes with reply. Do read back the posts in the previous years in this forum. You should be able to find posts talking about their proposal being turned down by the professors, or even received no reply from the professors. For your information, they have just began their academic year, and you should do it fast. Early May would be the Golden Week, it a one-week-long holiday to the Japanese, so they might be not free to answer your e-mails at that time.

You can also call directly to the professors, but it sounds a bit difficult... Just take any action you think suitable.

I think you should contact menrui, he's from Texas. Perhaps he can help you more with that. There are a number of Americans around, and I believe they will come appearing when you call them. :-)

clockworkorange

Apr 14, 2009, 15:55

Hi conanf,

You've actually made some really good preparations. Erm, i don't really have much to add to kouki's suggestions. But in case it might interest you, I'll just share what i did.

I emailed the professors in English as I don't know any Japanese. I don't really think English is a problem. I attached my CV, research proposal, scanned copy of my degree cert and a scanned copy of my academic transcripts with my 1st email to the professor.
In the email itself, i just said i was applying for the scholarship, that i passed the interview, i named the research i was interested in and why i thought this research was relevant to what the professor's area of research was.

Finally, i asked him if he was willing to be my supervisor. and his reply to me was a two-sentence email which was: Thank you for your interest in my lab. Yes, I am willing.

I realise that i was very lucky to get a positive reply so fast but my back-up plan if the professor did not reply was to contact the International Student Office instead.

Most university websites provide an outline on how to contact professors as part of applying for the Monbukagakusho scholarship. The outline lets you know what u must include in the email and the documents that you must attach with the email. In the case of Todai, the International Student Office also assists you in contacting professors too. Its probably the same with other universities.

Good luck and hope that helped.

conanf

Apr 14, 2009, 22:32

Hello clockworkorange and kouki!

Thank you for your responses. The information that you gave me was very helpful. I realize that this thread has lots of information, but given its size; its taking me time to read through all these posts. Perhaps someone could volunteer to make a quick FAQ or a summary for new applicants.

Now that being said, I totally forgot about Golden Week. This makes it more imperative to contact the professors right now! My application deadline is still a month away, but getting things done now would be better. I have a question regarding the study plan. It seems like coming up with an academic timetable of some sort (ie: taking courses A,B, C at semester 1, then course D, E,F at semester 2...etc) is important. Now how do you decide which courses should you be taking? Shouldn't that be after speaking with your potential supervisor? Or can that be done based on your research topic and what you feel is necessary to compliment your understanding and execution of your research plan...?

Or maybe I am just thinking too hard...? :)

clockworkorange

Apr 15, 2009, 10:15

Hi conanf,

Regarding the study plan, what i did was plan a schedule of what i would do during my one and a half years as a research student. True, we don't have an exact timetable regarding courses so my schedule is based on my research. My scholarship is for October 2009 to April 2010 as a research student so in my plan i did a very simple timeline. Something like: October 2009 to January 2010 - Collect meteorological data..etc...

My opinion is that you have to show that you've given your research topic some thought. I think thats the thing they want to see the most. That you haven thrown some topic together in the hopes of getting the scholarship. You might not get to follow your schedule as a research student in Japan. In some cases, i think you don't even get to do much about your research topic as a research student but the main idea is to show that if you were given the chance, you have some idea how you're gonna go about your research.

I think after passing the entrance exam, then more emphasis is placed on your research because you are then a Masters student. By that time, you would have discussed with your professor regarding your research topic.

This is all based on my opinion and from what I gather from other students. Other ppl might think differently.

So hope this helps.

persian

Apr 16, 2009, 13:54

Good morning, ‎
I posted a single thread but no reply:worried:. I'll be glad if you answer my couple ‎questions:cool::‎

‎1-‎ In the MEXT application, if I want to apply for a degree program master or MBA: Do ‎I need to write study plan for a research too???‎
‎
‎2-‎ What are the good Japanese universities that have international accreditation and ‎also their master programs including the MBA are in English language?‎

Thank you all,‎

kouki

Apr 16, 2009, 16:34

‎1-‎ In the MEXT application, if I want to apply for a degree program master or MBA: Do ‎I need to write study plan for a research too???‎
‎
‎2-‎ What are the good Japanese universities that have international accreditation and ‎also their master programs including the MBA are in English language?‎
Thank you all,‎

>persian
Hi, welcome to the forum. I am from engineering background so I can't answer all your question. However, I will try to answer those which I know.

Yes, in the MEXT application, ALL study field SHOULD fill in their study plan. Tell them your interested research topic, in a proposal form (that is my suggestion).

For Question 2, I would suggest you to wait longer for other replies, as currently most of them (those studying in Japan) would be very busy, because they have just started their new academic year. In the mean time, do you mind checking whether such information is available anywhere? :-)

Good luck!

BlueCheese

Apr 17, 2009, 03:06

I am looking for a bit of advice, for the 2 letters of recommendation, I have one person in my field (Computer Science) at my old university that would give me a good reference.

I also took some modules in Japanese of my choosing and since graduating I have been studying Japanese part time (a Saturday morning course) at another university. The course I am on now is at the university that is considered to be the best place to learn Japanese so I wanted to know whether it would be ok to use my teacher there for one of my references.

If it should be from my old university would my old Japanese teacher be acceptable as it was part of my degree?

kouki

Apr 17, 2009, 11:25

>BlueCheese

I will try to answer on my experience. I applied for the scholarship last year, from the embassy of Japan in Malaysia.

The person-in-charge told me that any two person, whom you think can give you the best recommendation, would be acceptable for the two letters of recommendation you are going to submit.

However, I am not sure whether it is the case in UK. You should try confirming that with the embassy or consulate in UK. Good luck!

mozart

Apr 17, 2009, 22:01

Shaun,
.......But i guess there are some (who doesn't have sufficient proficiency) who wish to try their luck and sat for that paper last year. Also there are some who stared at the paper, and decided to give up. (It doesn't affect their overall results as long as they pass the english paper).
I remembered vaguely that the passing mark was 80%. (English test)
as for GPA, I also remembered vaguely that i read somewhere, that we need at least 1st class or 2nd class upper (CGPA 3.5 and above) to apply....
)

The information about the CGPA 3.50 is not correct, it should be 3.20 above (for Malaysia,you can check from the description in PDF file under the website for Japan embassy in Msia). Maybe other countries demand 3.50 and above. :-)

Thank you :-)

mozart

Apr 17, 2009, 22:10

Dear all:

Hi everyone, nice to meet you all.

I am applying this scholarship through university recommendation (Master studentship) & I was selected by the committee in Kyoto University & now being recommended to the ministry on behalf of Kyoto Univ.

May I know anyone here go through the same process as mine?

Hopefully can get some information, thank you. appreciate much :-)

Coco68

Apr 18, 2009, 17:49

BlueCheese and others,
we do need 2 letters of Rec.? I thought only one is needed, but the truth is I am sometimes confused by the guidelines. I got already one letter from my professor.
Anyway, is anyone taking the Japanese test as well?

BlueCheese

Apr 19, 2009, 19:05

This is what it says in the application notes:

(8) Two letters of recommendation (on forms provided) from academic advisors or present employer (if applicable). At least one must be an academic reference. 2 sealed letters.

Coco68

Apr 20, 2009, 02:12

I see. where did you get the application notes? I only got the application guidelines from study in Japan and it says:
(7) Recommendation from the principal or the adviser of the last university attended
(8) Recommendation from the present employer (if currently employed)

well, I think I would get second rec. letter, just in case, but I am confused.....

BlueCheese

Apr 20, 2009, 03:48

The ones I have are from the Embassy of Japan in the UK

Coco68

Apr 20, 2009, 05:11

Ah, thanks, I checked it out, now it makes all sense, thanks

ellen joy

Apr 29, 2009, 12:53

how to apply scholar in Monbukagakusho Scholarship?

bek

May 2, 2009, 20:10

Hello,
I applied Monbukagakusho scholarship for postgraduate, and have to sit for the English language written test this weekend. Anyone know what kind of test is this? Is it subject specific or generel English test?
I am from Malaysia by the way. Thanks in advance.

Hellp WIngmaker.

I am wondering if you can give some info about the structure of your study plan. DId you make a research plan or just wrote study plan in the chronological order?

I am about to apply for MEXT and have to submit my application soon, but confused to develop the research plan....

By the way, I am a final year undegraduate student at MEdical Uni in Uzbekistan

Thanks in advance

megherdesh

May 3, 2009, 18:38

kouki

May 3, 2009, 19:47

>ellen joy
Find out from the embassy of Japan in your country. Please contact them for more information. We can't do much here.

>bek
You will have to confirm that with the embassy of Japan in your country. In our countries, most of us wrote some sort of proposal of a project or something. Perhaps this will help. In the proposal, we touched on title, introduction/background, objective, methodology and expected outcomes.

>megherdesh
Welcome. Try confirming with the embassy of Japan in your country. Different countries have different standards.

Why don't you apply for a Ph.D instead? It is still applicable under the MEXT Postgraduate Scholarship.

ooilingfan

May 3, 2009, 19:56

hi all,
found this forum while googling for info on monbukagakusho, looks like a lot of useful information have been gathered here for the last few years. i really appreciate all your contributions.

Does anyone know if you are ineligible to apply for the postgrad (masters) scholarship if you have already completed your masters in your home country??

thanks in advance.

hi, yea, it may be possible. I do remember someone among my classmates having 2 master's or doing a 2nd master's here.
Please read the guidelines again to see whether anything is mentioned, and the safest way is to consult your consulate/embassy who screens applicants.

On a sidenote to all other new members. Please read previous posts so as to avoid asking the same questions and wasting other members' time as everytime you post a reply/question here, a notification will be e-mailed to other members.

One suggestion for the new MEXT 2010 batch is - compile an FAQ of all questions and answers from previous posts if any of you have the time to do it. I believe it will help you guys tremendously.

megherdesh

May 3, 2009, 23:36

ooilingfan

May 4, 2009, 08:39

Kouki & ooilingfan, thanks to both of you for your quick responses.
i have actually tried reading the previous posts and completed up to page 16/17 so far. it's a huge thread you know.
oolingfan, sorry if this post of mine again sets off an e-mail your way :-) but you might get rid of these e-mails by unsubscribing from this thread, then again, we would be needing your opinion every now and then, so may be it was not such a good idea to let you know you can unsubscribe. :worried:
thanks again mates.
best regards.

no worries, yours is a new question. I'm actually referring to someone else.
Thank you for being thoughtful, I'm aware of being able to unsubscribe, but i promised some members here that i will stay on for a while even after starting my program in Japan.
Anyway, all the best to you.

Shaun

May 8, 2009, 08:33

yo~ i received a notification to attend the written test this coming 31st May
:-)

isumasama

May 8, 2009, 09:29

yo~ i received a notification to attend the written test this coming 31st May
:-)

hi
when did u received the letter? i wish i would receive one too :souka:

Shaun

May 8, 2009, 15:26

hi
when did u received the letter? i wish i would receive one too :souka:

I received an notification email yesterday, probably i did not put mailing address in Malaysia thats why i received this email. In the email, Yin (from Japan Embassy) informed that they will send the official letter by this week.
Hope you will receive it soon.

Coco68

May 8, 2009, 16:41

hey Shaun, good for you! good luck. :-)

isumasama

May 9, 2009, 11:16

oic, thanks for replying.. wish u all the best too ^^

mobos

May 16, 2009, 05:51

Hi Arap, welcome to the thread.
I shall try my best to answer some of your questions.
First of all, I will not speculate on why you didn't get through last year, it could be 1001 possibilities. But i can comment on what's important to you.
1. GPA is important, critical or not, i'm not really sure. They do look at past results and your track record, but somehow I got the feeling they are more concerned of your future plans. I'm not sure whether they'll penalize you on GPA alone, but it's worth a try. Never try, never know, right?
2. How you submit the recommendation letter doesn't really matter. Last year we actually submitted the letter during the interview, which is not sealed (cause we need to make multiple copies of it, obviously we can't do it in a sealed envelope). As long as you have a good recommendation, it's fine.
3. Indeed, this is the most important part, you need to be as specific and as clearly as possible. However, I did badly in this part as well, hence during the 2nd submission (after passing the written test), i almost re-wrote the whole thing as per advised by the Embassy. Depends on how lenient your Embassy's committee is. They will only submit your application and documents to Tokyo in Sept/Oct so there's still time to amend if it's not well written.
4. Your employment status won't matter much. But I would advise you not to resign just to focus on applying for the scholarship. Reason no.1, the whole process takes approx. 1 year, and involves a lot of waiting time. If you have nothing else to do, it will be wasting your time, perhaps you can take up a full time japanese language course if you haven't learn it before. No.2, your scholarship is not secured yet at this point, in today's economy situation, having a job is better than nil. It will get worse, hence, JUST in case you don't get the scholarship, you still have a job. The scholarship is very competitive, you may need to try a few times. Don't risk your career. And you'll need some money when you're departing for Japan (about 2000USD), to buy your personal things and while waiting for your first stipend to be deposited. In fact, most of us only resigned after receiving confirmation or tentative confirmation of getting the scholarship (somewhere between Jan-Feb this year).
5. Getting a "verbal" consent from supervisor(s) is a very big plus!! If you read our posts, you'll see how much hardships we went through during the LoA application period.
Having a potential supervisor to advise you on your future project helps you a lot in drafting a very solid, concrete, specific, relevant and persuasive research proposal. Which will definitely help a lot during your application, especially during the interview stage, you will have a lot to discuss about and able to answer questions related to your research well.
I think that's all for now.
Most important thing now is to submit a complete application. Then pass the English written test. You may download past year questions from some of the websites (just google) and have a rough idea of how it looks like. You may need to score 80% and above on that paper to get an interview.
Good luck, and all the best ya.
p/s: there are Indonesians who got the scholarship this year. Athz being one of them but she might be busy with her work at the moment, haven't seen her posting replies lately.

hi ooilingfan i applied to the embassy and they just called me few days agooo , plz i need a direct link to previous released English test , thi will be very helpful and thanx.
mobos