Japanese Government

(MEXT)

Scholarships

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

(MEXT)

Two programmes available to UK students:

• Undergraduate scholarships for Japanese Studies

• Postgraduate scholarships for research or study

• Available to UK students enrolled on undergraduate Japanese studies courses at UK Universities

• One fully-funded academic year at a Japanese university – language, culture, history etc

• Recruitment takes place in January of each year• 4 scholarships available per year

Undergraduate scholarships for Japanese Studies

• Independent research – no formal qualification gained

• Masters (2 years)

• PhD (5 years)

Postgraduate scholarships for research or study

• Open to students of all disciplines

Exclusions - majors in traditional entertainment subjects that require practical training in specific technologies

Former MEXT Scholars

• Archaeology• Biomechanical Engineering• Fine Art• Gender Studies• Particle and Theoretical Physics• International Relations• Marine Biology• Paediatrics• Japanese video games

• NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OFJAPANESE LANGUAGE IS NECESSARY

What can be studied?

• High educational standards

• Superior research, IT and library facilities

• Course studies and research programmes

in virtually any field

Why Japan?

Engineering and Information Technology Natural Sciences6= University of Tokyo 8 University of Tokyo16 Kyoto University 10= Kyoto University19 Tokyo Institute of Technology 36 Osaka University47 Osaka University 48 Tokyo Institute of Tech 49 Tohoku UniversityArts and Humanities13 University of Tokyo20 Kyoto University49= Waseda University

Life Sciences and Biomedicine7 University of Tokyo13= Kyoto University36 Osaka University

Social Sciences 16 University of Tokyo 29 Kyoto University

Times Higher Education World University RankingsTop 50 by core subject areas

1 Multi-disciplinary 1.32

2 Immunology 1.19

3 Space Science 1.15

4 Plant & Animal Science 1.07

5 Chemistry 1.04

6 Physics 1.03

7 Material Science 1.01

8 Geosciences 1.00

Relative citation impact by research field in Japan

• 132, 720 foreign students studying in Japan (as of 1 May 2009)

• Japan aims to receive 300,000 international students by 2020

• In 2009, 13 universities were selected to be core universities for internationalisation

1) Expansion of course programmes by which degrees can be earned

through English-only classes

2) Enhancement of systems for receiving/hosting international students

3) Provision of opportunities to learn about Japanese language and culture

4) Promotion of strategic international cooperation

Global 30 Project

Diverse mix of:Old and new

East and West

Natural and artificial

Exposure to a rich culture

Get involved with university clubs

Choice of 2 departure dates:

• 2 years from April

• 18 months from October

• Tenure can be extended upon

completion of relevant

examinations and procedures

How long does the scholarship last?

• Hold a UK passport

• Be graduates or due to graduate by September of the year depart for Japan

• Be under the age of 35 as of April of year depart for Japan

• Must demonstrate a real interest in Japan, it’s language and culture

Eligibility

• Monthly allowance of ¥ 150,000

• 6-month language course**This may not be necessary in all cases

• Return airfare to Japan

• Help with finding accommodation

• Health cover

• Visa allowing part time work

Benefits

• Network of MEXT Alumni in the UK

• Funding available for projects linking UK and Japan:

exhibitions, book launches

British Association of Monbukagakusho Scholars (BAMS)

• 13 Scholarships per year

• Apply by June of year previous to year you wish to depart for Japan – suitable for final year students who can depart in April at the earliest, or penultimate year students who can depart in October

• Independent research: detailed plan of research, including aims and methodology

• Taught courses: statement supporting course choice

• Academic records and 2 references

Application Process

• Evidence of extra-curricular activities

• Desire to further UK-Japan relations upon completion of tenure

• Examinations on the Japanese and English languages

• Japanese results are largely used as a gauge to place successful Scholars in suitable language classes in Japan

In addition...

• Application period opens April –

• Application deadline Wednesday, 9 June

2010

• Interviews Late June/early July

2010

• Interview results Mid-July 2010

• Confirmation of University placement January – March 2011

• Visa processing 3 weeks prior to departure

• Departure for Japan April/October 2011

Application timetable

“My time in Japan will stay with me my whole life. Not only did I have opportunity to research in wonderful locations with excellent mentors, but I also made friends from Japan and around the world. The experience has made me a stronger person and I would absolutely recommend anyone to go for it as well.”

Tom Bouquet, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima (Volcanology)

“My two years as a MEXT Scholar gave me academic and life opportunities in a way that no other scholarship could. The experience of studying at a Japanese university and living in Japan is one I would strongly recommend to anyone, regardless of what career they’re thinking of developing.”

Martin Dusinberre, Kyushu University, Fukuoka (History)

From previous Scholars...

• www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp

• Japan Information and Cultural Centre Embassy of Japan 101-104 Piccadilly London W1J 7JT

t: 020 7465 6583

e: scholarship@ld.mofa.go.jp

For further information...