Post on 06-May-2015
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...