General
I have only just started considering studying in Japan. Where do I start? |
The Study in Japan website is an independent but government-approved source of information on everything related to studying in Japan, such as reasons to choose Japan as a destination, information on its education system, practical information on living in Japan, and much more. |
I want to study in Japan but, after reading the information above, the MEXT Scholarships do not seem like the right fit for me; what should I do? |
Anyone interested in studying in Japan should consult the Study in Japan website for its wide array of information on studying in Japan as well as its helpful lists of different universities, programs, and scholarships offered by various organizations. Also, some Canadian universities have formed partnerships with Japanese universities; there may also be opportunities to explore there. |
How should I submit my application? |
How can I get updates on the MEXT Scholarships? |
Future applicants are encouraged to check our website regularly, subscribe to our monthly newsletter the e-Bulletin, like our Facebook page, and follow our Instagram account and our X account to get up-to-date information about application cycles and deadlines, information sessions, etc. |
Application Documents
The new documents for the upcoming application cycle are not available yet; can I use the previous year’s? |
No. You may use them as reference, but submitting forms other than the prescribed ones for the current application cycles is grounds for disqualification. |
In the Application Guidelines, it is mentioned that we have to submit originals and copies of the different documents required; what does this mean? |
An original is a document with authentic pen-to-paper signatures, and/or stamped or embossed seals; it is not the result of a photocopy, fax, scan, etc.
A copy however is a reproduction of the original document via photocopy, fax, scan, etc.
PDFs, even if official and digitally-signed or -certified, will not be accepted. |
What translations must be included in my application file? |
All documents in a language other than English or Japanese must be submitted with an English or Japanese translation. If the original documents are in French, the translation does not need to be done by a certified professional as the MEXT Scholarship Desk will ensure the exactitude and validity of the translation upon reception. |
If possible, should I complete all application documents in Japanese? |
You are free to complete the application documents in Japanese; doing so may help prove your Japanese proficiency from an earlier point in the application process, but it is not required.
Additionally, while application documents in Japanese are welcome, an English translation of the documents should be included as members of the paper screening committee may not be fluent in Japanese. |
Is there a specific format for the Recommendation Letter? |
As indicated in the Application Guidelines, there is no specific format required, but a sample format is available.
However, candidates must clearly communicate the following instructions to their referee: (1) if possible, the letter should be written either in English or Japanese; (2) the appropriate number of copies should be included alongside the original; (3) the letter must be signed by hand, pen-to-paper; (4) the envelope containing the letter must be sealed; (5) and the referee must sign across the seal. Finally, the applicant must submit the unopened envelope with their application file. |
What academic transcripts should I submit? |
Applicants must submit the appropriate transcripts according to their academic backgrounds; details are available in the Application Guidelines.
However, while the academic transcripts do not absolutely have to be submitted sealed, they must be paper originals issued by competent and relevant authorities.
Moreover, should the applicant have obtained credits from other academic institutions – e.g. through school transfers or foreign exchanges –, and said credits have been/will be counted towards graduation, official transcripts from those other academic institutions will also need to be submitted. |
I want to keep my original diploma; if I submit it as proof of graduation, can it be returned to me after the application process? |
No. No document submitted will be returned. Applicants may instead submit a certified copy of their diploma issued and signed/sealed/stamped by competent and relevant authorities (e.g. their school’s registrar’s office). Uncertified photocopies or scans will not be accepted. |
My school cannot issue a Proof of Expected Graduation; what should I do? |
To this day, we have not come across any academic institution unable to produce a Proof of Expected Graduation, or certificate of prospective graduation. The problem is most likely in the wording of the request. The required document is a letter issued by a competent authority at your university (e.g. the registrar’s office) stating that, based on your current academic track, and if the program/university conditions are met, you are expected to obtain your degree in (insert month and year). It should be made clear that this is in no way a document confirming graduation. |
Scholarship-specific
(Undergraduate) One of the basic eligibility criteria is having completed 12 years of education; what does that entail? |
For the majority of Canadians, twelve years of education entails graduating high school. Quebec residents however will have only completed 11 years of education upon graduating from high school due to differences in the province’s educational system. Quebec high school graduates will need to complete at least one year of college (CEGEP) education to be eligible for this scholarship.
That being said, as noted above, the Japanese high school curriculum being largely different from Canada's, Undergraduate Students Scholarship applicants should refer to past years’ examples of the scholarship’s qualifying examinations available on the Study in Japan website and pay extra special attention to the material covered therein. |
(Research) Am I supposed to contact potential supervisors and universities before submitting my application? |
Applicants are not required to contact potential universities until after successfully passing the first screening. However, it is highly recommended that applicants do in-depth research – which may include establishing contact – regarding universities and available programs, and laboratories and supervisors in their field of study early on in the application process. This is a vital step in clarifying one’s purpose in wanting to study in Japan and applying for a MEXT Scholarship. Moreover, applicants who have done preliminary research will be better equipped to write and submit a precise, concrete and detailed research proposal. |
(Research) I want to complete a master’s/doctoral program, why could it be recommended to start off as a non-regular student (non-degree-track)? |
If an applicant wishes to begin a degree-track program right away upon their arrival in Japan, they may do so. However, most graduate programs require examinations and/or interviews to be conducted in person before applicants can be accepted into the program. In those cases, a trip to Japan must be arranged ahead of the start of the MEXT Scholarship period; it is thus the applicant’s responsibility to make all arrangements and cover any related fees (transportation, accommodation, etc.).
Another option is to travel to Japan and begin their studies as non-regular/non-degree-track students. They would then be on site and in an ideal position to apply to their university’s graduate program of their choice. This option may extend somewhat the total duration of the studies in Japan, but it is also less expensive and relatively hassle-free.
It is the applicant's responsibility to adequately research the application procedures and deadlines of the different programs and universities in order to make an informed decision. |
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