If you started your MEXT Scholarship Award as a Research Student and want to join a degree program, or when you complete one degree and want to move on to the next, you have to apply for a scholarship extension.
Updated as of the 2024 application extension cycle.
In many cases, no information is available about how to extend your MEXT scholarship before it is time to apply, so scholarship winners worry about this extension. Here are just a few of the questions I often receive in blog comments and by email:
- It is easy (or guaranteed) to extend your scholarship?
- Is it possible to extend my scholarship to move up to the next degree?
- Can I extend my scholarship and move to a different university?
- What are the requirements to extend a MEXT Scholarship?
- Am I eligible to extend my MEXT scholarship?
- How/when do I apply to extend my MEXT Scholarship?
In this article I will explain how the MEXT scholarship extension application system works, who is and is not eligible to extend their scholarship, and everything you need to know about eligibility and requirements. I will explain each type of extension separately, so scroll down to the scholarship extension type you are most interested in for more details. (But read the next section first!)
When is it Impossible to Extend your MEXT Scholarship?
There are a few situations where it is impossible to extend your scholarship. Fortunately, these situations will apply to a very, very small number of students, but let’s get them out of the way first:
- If you will not be moving on to a new level. You cannot extend your scholarship period while staying in the same status.
- If you are already a doctoral degree student. (There is no subsequent level to move on to!)
- If you are in a degree program and want to become a research student.
- If you are a University Recommended MEXT Scholar and want to change universities.
- If you are a PGP Scholarship Winner, but your university has no PGP scholarship slots in the next degree level for the year you would advance.
Note: In the 2023/2024 University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, it is possible for past winners of the Undergraduate PGP scholarship to apply for a new University-Recommended general category scholarship, but not to extend their previous scholarships.
- If you require permission from your employer or home country government to extend your MEXT scholarship and fail to obtain it.
- If you intend to conduct fieldwork or participate in an internship outside of Japan after extending your scholarship.
- If you fail to obtain acceptance to the degree program at the next level that you plan to apply for. (You do not have to have acceptance before applying for the extension, though. Those applications will likely move forward simultaneously.
If you are not in any of the situations above, you should be able to apply to extend your scholarship in order to move up to the next degree level. Read on for the instruction!
Who Can Extend Their MEXT Scholarship?
Here is a list of the different scholarship extension types and who is eligible. You can find more details about each extension in the sections below’
| Started As | Current Status | Extending To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category I: Research Student | Research Student | Masters or Doctoral Degree Program (including professional degree programs) |
|
| Category II: Non-PGP: Research Student or Master’s Degree Student or Professional Degree Student | Master’s Degree Student or Professional Degree Student | Doctoral Degree |
|
| Category III Non-PGP: Bachelor’s Degree Student | Bachelor’s Degree Student | Master’s Degree, Professional Degree, or Doctoral Degree (in the case of a 6-year undergraduate program in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or veterinary studies) |
|
| Category II-2 Non-PGP: Bachelor’s Degree Student, or College of Technology Student, or Specialized Training College Student | Master’s Degree Student, or Professional Degree Student (for former Bachelor’s Degree students, only) | Doctoral Degree | |
| Category III-2 College of Technology Student, or Specialized Training College Student | Bachelor’s Degree Student or Advanced course at the College of Technology student | Master’s Degree or Professional Degree | |
| Special Category PGP: Master’s Degree Student, or Professional Degree Student | Master’s Degree Student or Professional Degree Student | Doctoral Degree |
|
| College of Technology Student | College of Technology Student | Bachelor’s Degree Student (3rd year transfer enrollee) or advanced course at the College of Technology | |
| Specialized Training College Student | Specialized Training College Student | Bachelor’s Degree Student (3rd year transfer enrollee) |
MEXT Scholarship Extension Application Requirements
Here are the requirements, conditions, and number of slots available for each type of extension.
Category I: Extending from Research to Degree Program
In order to extend from Research Student Status to a Degree Program, applicants must:
- Be expected to receive admission in the appropriate degree program
- Be strongly recommended by their advising professor
- Be appropriate for recommendation, as determined by the president of the university or Dean of the Graduate School
Changing Universities
For Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholars, it is possible to change universities when moving from research student to degree-seeking student status. You can fill in up to two choices of university/graduate school for your next degree. However, the student’s current advising professor must clearly explain the need for the change in the adviser’s section of the extension application form if you list another university or graduate school as your first or second choice. If you end up pursuing your next degree at a university/graduate school other than one of the ones on your list, you would lose the MEXT Scholarship.
University-Recommended MEXT Scholars will lose their scholarships if they change universities.
Slots
There is no limit to the number of scholars that universities can nominate in this category. However, that does not mean that all nominees will automatically be accepted for extension by MEXT. The number of successful nominees will be determined by the contents of the nomination and MEXT’s budget.
In practice, I have never heard of anyone in this situation being unsuccessful in their extension application. The caveat about MEXT’s budget is always there because they are not allowed to commit to any spending in advance of the fiscal year. It is nothing to worry about.
Category II and III: Extending from Master’s to Doctoral or Bachelor’s to Master (Non-PGP)
This category does not include students who started as undergraduate MEXT scholars, previously extended to a Master’s degree, and are now applying to extend to a PhD. Please see Category II-2 below if you are in that status.
Both of these categories have the same requirements and share a combined slot limit, so I am addressing them together.
In order to extend to the next degree level, applicants must:
- Have a GPA of 2.50/3.00 in their current degree program
- Be expected to receive admission in the appropriate degree program
- Be strongly recommended by their advising professor
- Be appropriate for recommendation, as determined by the president of the university or Dean of the Graduate School
- Be expected to complete their current degree within the standard years of enrollment*
*The standard years of enrollment is 4 years for a bachelor’s degree (6 in the case of some medical, dental, pharmaceutical, or veterinary programs) and 2 years for a master’s degree. If you take longer than that to earn your degree, you would lose your scholarship at the end of the standard years (or as soon as it became apparent that you would not finish within the standard years) and would not be able to extend your scholarship.
Changing Universities
The same condition applies as to research students extending to the degree program.
For Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholars, it is possible to change universities when moving from research student to degree-seeking student status. You can fill in up to two choices of university/graduate school for your next degree. However, the student’s current advising professor must clearly explain the need for the change in the adviser’s section of the extension application form if you list another university or graduate school as your first or second choice. If you end up pursuing your next degree at a university/graduate school other than one of the ones on your list, you would lose the MEXT Scholarship.
Slots
The base number of students a university can nominate for these two types of extension combined is equal to the average number of nominees for the two types combined over the past three years, rounded up (e.g. 2.01 would be rounded up to 3).
In addition to the base slots calculated above, each university receives additional slots as determined by the table below:
| Number of MEXT Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree Scholars in Categories II and III finishing their studies in AY 2024 | Number of additional slots for the extension application |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | 1 |
| 3-4 | 2 |
| 5-9 | 3 |
| 10-15 | 4 |
| 16-20 | 5 |
| 21-25 | 6 |
| 26-30 | 7 |
| 31-35 | 8 |
| 36-40 | 9 |
| 41-45 | 10 |
| 46-50 | 11 |
| 51-55 | 12 |
| 56-60 | 13 |
| 61-65 | 14 |
| More than 65 | 15 |
*This chart applies to the extension application in AY2024 and may change in future years.
If a university has not nominated any students for extension in either category over the preceding three years, the number of nominees is capped at two. (The additional slots calculation does not apply in that case.)
Unlike the condition for research students advancing to the degree program, above, there is no statement about not all nominees being accepted.
If you are applying to change universities when you advance to the next degree level, you would still need to be nominated by the university that you are currently attending and you would count toward their limit of nominees.
Category II-2: Former Undergraduate MEXT Scholar Extending from Master’s to Doctoral Program
In order to extend to a doctoral degree, applicants must:
- Have a GPA of 2.80/3.00 in their current master’s degree program
- Be expected to receive admission in the appropriate doctoral degree program
- Be strongly recommended by their advising professor and the dean of their graduate school or president of the university
- Be expected to complete their current degree within the standard years of enrollment
The standard years of enrollment for a master’s degree program is 2 years. If you fail to complete your degree within 2 years, you would lose your scholarship at that point (or as soon as it became apparent that you would not graduate within 2 years) and would not be eligible to apply to extend your scholarship.
Slots
There is no limit to the number of scholars that universities can nominate in this category. However, that does not mean that all nominees will automatically be accepted for extension by MEXT. The number of successful nominees will be determined by the contents of the nomination and MEXT’s budget.
In practice, I have never heard of anyone in this situation being unsuccessful in their extension application. The caveat about MEXT’s budget is always there because they are not allowed to commit to any spending in advance of the fiscal year. It is nothing to worry about.
Category III-2: Former College of Technology MEXT Scholar or Specialized Training College MEXT Scholar Extending from Bachelor’s (or advanced courses at a College of Technology) to Master’s Program
In order to extend to a master’s degree, applicants must:
- Have a GPA of 2.80/3.00 in their current bachelor’s degree program
- Be expected to receive admission in the appropriate master’s degree program
- Be strongly recommended by their advising professor and by the dean of their faculty or president of the university
- Be expected to complete their current degree within the standard years of enrollment
The standard years of enrollment for a bachelor’s degree program is 4 years. If you fail to complete your degree within 2 years, you would lose your scholarship at that point (or as soon as it became apparent that you would not graduate within 4 years) and would not be eligible to apply to extend your scholarship.
Changing Universities
The same condition applies as to research students extending to the degree program.
For Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholars, it is possible to change universities when moving from research student to degree-seeking student status. You can fill in up to two choices of university/graduate school for your next degree. However, the student’s current advising professor must clearly explain the need for the change in the adviser’s section of the extension application form if you list another university or graduate school as your first or second choice. If you end up pursuing your next degree at a university/graduate school other than one of the ones on your list, you would lose the MEXT Scholarship.
Slots
There is no limit to the number of scholars that universities can nominate in this category. However, that does not mean that all nominees will automatically be accepted for extension by MEXT. The number of successful nominees will be determined by the contents of the nomination and MEXT’s budget.
In practice, I have never heard of anyone in this situation being unsuccessful in their extension application. The caveat about MEXT’s budget is always there because they are not allowed to commit to any spending in advance of the fiscal year. It is nothing to worry about.
Special Category: PGP Scholars Extending from Master’s to Doctoral
In order to extend to the next degree level, applicants must:
- Have a GPA of 2.50/3.00 in their current degree program
- Be expected to receive admission in the appropriate degree program
- Be strongly recommended by their advising professor
- Be appropriate for recommendation, as determined by the president of the university or Dean of the Graduate School
- Be expected to complete their current degree within the standard years of enrollment
The standard years of enrollment is 2 years for a master’s degree. If you take longer than that to earn your degree, you would lose your scholarship at the end of the standard years (or as soon as it became apparent that you would not finish within the standard years) and would not be able to extend your scholarship.
Changing Universities
It is not possible to change universities as a PGP Scholarship recipient.
Slots
A university can only nominate students for scholarship extension if the PGP program was originally able to nominate students at both the Master’s and Doctoral level and is still able to nominate Doctoral students in the year that you apply for the extension.
The rules about when it is possible to extend have changed several times and are subject to future change depending on the year that the PGP program was approved, so ultimately you are going to have to check with the university that you want to apply to to see if it will be possible to extend or not.
Since PGP programs are approved to accept new students over a three-year program, if you enroll as a Master’s student in the program’s first year, you would be eligible to apply for extension at the conclusion of your degree, since the program would still be in its third year of approval and accepting new students. (Though you would be competing with those new Doctoral level students for a slot).
If you enroll in the Master’s degree in the PGP program’s second or third year, though, the possibility of extension can vary, so you would need to contact your university to find out for sure. In past years, it has not been possible in some cases, possible in all cases, or possible only if the university applied for an extension of the PGP program period as a whole (regardless of whether that extension was approved or not).
College of Technology MEXT Scholar Extending to Bachelor’s Program or Advanced Courses at the College of Technology
In order to extend to a bachelor’s degree transfer student or to advanced courses at the College of Technology, applicants must:
- Have a GPA of 2.80/3.00 in their current program with a class attendance rate of 95% or better
- Be expected to receive transfer admission into the third year of the appropriate bachelor’s degree program or to the advanced program at the college of technology
- Be strongly recommended by their advising professor
- Be appropriate for recommendation, as determined by the president of the university or Dean of the Graduate School
- Have a clear connection between their current field of study and the field of study to be pursued in the subsequent degree
Changing Universities
Allowed (required if transferring to a bachelor’s degree). Applicants may select up to two universities, two advanced courses at colleges of technology, or one of each, that they want to proceed to. Only national universities or colleges of technology are eligible (you cannot apply to private or local public universities ).
If you end up pursuing your next degree at a university other than one of the ones on your list, you would lose the MEXT Scholarship.
Slots
In general, up to 1 nominee per College of Technology. If the College of Technology determines that there are two or more equal applicants, they may nominate more than one, but must indicate their order of priority. Not all nominees will automatically be accepted for extension by MEXT. The number of successful nominees will be determined by the contents of the nomination and MEXT’s budget.
Specialized Training College MEXT Scholar
In order to extend to a bachelor’s degree transfer student, applicants must:
- Have a GPA of 2.80/3.00 in their current program with a class attendance rate of 95% or better
- Be expected to receive transfer admission into the third year of the appropriate bachelor’s degree program
- Be strongly recommended by their advising professor
- Be appropriate for recommendation, as determined by the president of the university or Dean of the Graduate School
- Have a clear connection between their current field of study and the field of study to be pursued in the bachelor’s degree
Changing Universities
Required. Applicants may select up to two universities that they want to proceed to. Applicants may only select national universities. (It is not possible to extend to a private or local public university).
If you end up pursuing your next degree at a university other than one of the ones on your list, you would lose the MEXT Scholarship.
Slots
Up to 2 nominees per Specialized Training College. However, if the Specialized Training College determines that there are more than two equal applicants, they may nominate one additional applicant, but must indicate their order of priority. Not all nominees will automatically be accepted for extension by MEXT. The number of successful nominees will be determined by the contents of the nomination and MEXT’s budget.
Payment of Application and Matriculation Fees
When you apply to degree programs for admission, you would be responsible for paying all application and matriculation fees for the programs that you want to apply to. However, the fees would be refunded to you as follows, based on the success of your MEXT scholarship extension application.
If your application to extend your MEXT scholarship is successful, the application and matriculation fees to the university you enroll in will be refunded. (In the case of Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholars, MEXT will refund your fees. In the case of University-Recommended MEXT Scholars, the university will refund your fees.)
If you apply to multiple universities (Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholars are allowed to apply up to two during the extension process), then your fees for the university that you do not end up attending will not be refunded.
Your fees would also not be refunded if you failed to pass the entrance exam or if your MEXT scholarship extension application is not approved.
Application Timeline
In 2023, MEXT released the application guidelines for the Extension application in early December and the deadline for universities to submit their nominations is January 16, 2024. So, expect the university’s internal deadline to be much earlier!
This is the application period for students who want to extend in either April or October 2024. There is no separate application period later for the October extension, so this is you one and only chance to apply for that year.
*The only exception to the timeline is for applicants who start their scholarships in April as research students and then apply to extend to a degree program starting in that October.
Your university should let you know when it is time to apply, but if you do not hear from them by the beginning of December, it would be a good idea to contact your university’s Center for International Affairs to follow up.
Results
MEXT aims to release results of the extension application to universities in early March. Universities must then inform their nominees of their individual results.
Progression Timing to Your Next Degree
There cannot be a gap between the end of your current scholarship/degree and the start of your extended scholarship.
If your current degree or status ends in March, then your next scholarship must start immediately in April. It is not possible to have a “gap semester” and start your next degree in the fall (September or October).
Exception for Gaps that Occur Because of Semester Date Differences
The only time that you can have a “gap period” of any length between the end of your current MEXT Scholarship and the start of the extension is if you change universities, and the two universities have different academic calendars that do not line up exactly.
This should only be a factor with the fall semester, since all universities start their spring semester (and academic year) on April 1. But for the fall, some universities start the semester on September 1 and some on October 1. If you are currently studying at a university where the spring semester ends on Aug 31 and want to extend to a university where the fall semester starts on Oct 1, then you would have a one-month gap. It is possible to extend in that situation, but the following conditions would apply:
- During the gap period, you would need to maintain a “Student” residence status. (If you change your residence status, your extension permission would be cancelled.)
- You would not receive a scholarship stiped for the month(s) during the gap period.
- During the gap period, you are still the responsibility of the university that nominated you for the extension (your previous university) and they must continue to provide an environment offer guidance for you to be able to pursue your student life.
- This exception only applies in cases where there is a difference in the academic calendars between the universities. It does not apply to cases where the scholar finishes their studies has a full semester gap before starting their next degree.
- If scholars return to their home country during the gap period, it is considered a temporary return home and MEXT will not pay for travel expenses.
Application Documents
You will receive the forms from your current university, but they should not pose any difficulty.
Application Form
The application form itself is similar to the initial application form, but shorter and simpler. Since you have already completed the application form once, it will be no trouble.
Research Plan or Research Status Report
The second form you have to submit is a Research Plan or Research Status Report. If you are applying to advance to the next degree, your Research Plan would be similar to the type of document you submitted for your initial Field of Study and Research Program Plan, except simpler. In this case, you would not be submitting your application for a competitive evaluation to professors/a university that is unfamiliar with your performance. So, your plan can be a simpler explanation of what you plan to research. Your current adviser should be willing to help you write it, as well.
If you are extending from research student status to degree status, and continuing your ongoing research, then you would write an update on your progress.
Essay (Category II-2 or III-2 applicants, only)
Former undergraduate or college of technology MEXT scholarship winners extending from Master’s to Doctoral degrees and former college of technology students extending from a Bachelor’s to Master’s degree must also submit a short essay. However, MEXT’s application guidelines have no instructions for this essay, so please follow up with your host university for more details (and let me know in the comments below!)
Proof of Language Ability (University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship Category I applicants, only)
This requirement only applies to applicants who were initially accepted as University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship “Research Students” (i.e. Non-Degree Students) and who did not submit documentary evidence of their language proficiency, such as language proficiency test scores showing CEFR B2 level English or N2 level Japanese or proof of completing their qualifying degree in English/Japanese at the initial time of application.
If the university accepted you under the condition that they judged your language ability to be “equal to a person with B2 level English or N2 level Japanese” without any documentary evidence, you would be required to submit test scores in order to extend to a degree program.
Thank You, Supporters!
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Questions?
Let me know in the comments below!
Hi Travis,
First of all I would like to thank you for all the help.
I used your guides and I became a successfull MEXT scholar, currently doing my masters.
I plan to extend to Phd, however I am planning to change to another university.
I am currently a student of my original second choice university (national) and I would like to transfer to my original First choice (private). I talked with my supporvisor who is really supportive and accepted to help me with the process.
However, the risk of losing my scholarships makes me want to play it safe and just stay at my university. I know you answered similar questions before, but I would like to ask for clarification.
If i submit my current (national) and wanted university (private) as my 2 choices of universities, could that undermine the transfer to the university I really want to go?
Hope my message is clear and thanks again for all your help!
Hi Kaihaku,
Thank you for your feedback. I am thrilled to hear that my guides were able to help in your original application!
It sounds like you’re doing everything right for the extension. Getting your advisor on board is important.
Putting your current university first and your preferred university second should not be a problem at all. Unlike the original application process, MEXT does not choose a university off the list, you get to choose which of the two you go to (assuming, of course, that both accept you!)
Good Luck!
– Travis S.
Thank you so much for your Reply!
I would like to follow up with another question, if its Ok.
So far all my prospective supervisors for my extension havent replied to my mails (except of course, my current supervisor). This is really worrying me because I need to submit my university choices for extension by december.
My question being, is it an option to submit universities I plan to transfer to without having an informal acceptance from a prospective supervisor?
Thanks again for everything!
Hi Kaihaku,
Your welcome!
You said “all your prospective supervisors”, but you’re only allowed to list two universities total in the extension application, including your current one, if you include it, so there should only be one other prospective advisors.
As far as getting their informal acceptance in advance, it isn’t necessary for the MEXT extension application, but since you also need to apply to your target university via their usual fee-paying application process, you should follow the university’s instruction about whether or not it is necessary to get informal acceptance from advisors and how to do so.
Good Luck!
– Travis S.
Hi Travis,
Thanks for this post. (Otsukaresamadeshita)
Let me briefly explain my situation. I arrived in Japan in April 2024 as an embassy-recommended MEXT scholar. I took an entrance exam in August for April 2025 enrollment, but unfortunately, it didn’t go well. I didn’t pass, and I also haven’t applied for an extension. My professor wasn’t happy with my result and told me to take another exam in November for April 2025 enrollment. Then, a few days later, he suddenly said that I am not studying very well and should study more, suggesting that I consider taking the exam again for April 2026 enrollment, which would mean waiting two more years. I didn’t like the idea, but I had to agree because it wasn’t really a suggestion but rather a requirement from him.
Now, however, I am considering changing universities, not just because of this situation but also due to my research area. I don’t feel like I fit well in my current laboratory. I have found a potential professor at another university who has agreed to be my supervisor. I’m thinking about telling my current professor and submitting the extension form this December, then taking the exam at the other university in early March, with the hope of enrolling in April 2025.
My professor isn’t happy with my exam result and believes I am not performing well. So, I’m not sure if he will support the idea of me changing universities. He might agree, but there’s a chance he could give a negative recommendation on the extension form regarding why I want to transfer universities.
I’d like to know the worst-case scenario in this situation. Do you think my extension could be denied if I manage to get admitted to the other university but receive negative feedback from my current professor on the extension form?
If the extension is not approved due to his feedback, even though I gain admission, would that mean my current research student scholarship would be terminated? And what if I don’t manage to get admitted to the other university?
Another concern is that the laboratory I am considering at the other university is somewhat different from my current one. Is there a chance my current professor will find out what type of lab I am joining? Do you think MEXT will oppose this move? The professor at the other university mentioned that my background being a little different from his lab’s focus wouldn’t be a problem.
Lastly, my question is about the timing of the extension result announcement, which is in early March. I will be taking the exam at the other university in early March, with the results being notified by March 10. Do you think this exam schedule might conflict with the extension result announcement? Will I still be able to extend my scholarship after receiving my admission results on March 10?
I hope to get your reply as soon as possible.
Thanks.
Hi Eyu,
I am sorry to hear about your situation. There were several questions in your comment and I will try to address them all, but if I miss something, please let me know.
1. Possibility of extension denial: This is always possible. It really depends on your performance, so a negative relationship with your professor could be a challenge. As part of the extension, you have to submit a research progress report that should show your research to date and how you intend to continue it, so between that and the requirement to list up to two universities that you will apply to, I think your current professor (who will see the application and write their recommendation) will figure out what kind of program you want to go on to.
If your professor writes a negative recommendation about your potential as a scholar, it is possible that the extension could be denied, so in the little time between now and the application period, I recommend you demonstrate renewed dedication to your studies to your professor.
2. Research Student status if extension denied: I am not completely certain in this case, but an extension denial should not cancel the remaining time on your Research Student status, so you would have the opportunity to apply again for April 2026. I am more familiar with cases where applicants’ extensions were approved, but they did not pass the admission exam. In those cases, applicants were able to decline the extension at the time and continue as research students, then apply again later.
One thing to consider, though, is that if you apply for the extension at another university, your professor will see that. Then, if the extension is denied, you will be right back in that professor’s lab for the year remaining on your scholarship. That could lead to an awkward relationship and may make it more challenging to apply for an extension next year at your current university or another one.
3. Timing of announcements: I’m not sure what you mean about a conflict in the timing. You would need to pass both applications and nothing would be final until you do. I do not know exactly how the process goes after the extension results are released, such as when you confirm the university where you will study and submit the proof of acceptance, so maybe someone else with experience can chime in.
But if the university admissions results come out before the MEXT extension results, you would still need to complete any procedures with that university (including paying admissions fees, etc.) while you wait for MEXT’s results. If you get the extension and study at that university, then you will get all of your fees refunded later. But if you do not, and have to withdraw from that university before enrolling, you would forfeit anything you had already paid them.
I hope that helps. Let me know if I missed anything or if you have further questions.
Good Luck!
– Travis S.
Thank you for your insights.
I should mention that I officially enrolled as a research student this October, so there won’t be much progress to show by the time of the application. However, I’ve been working on my research since my time at the intensive language course before official enrollment. While I wouldn’t say that my relationship with my professor is negative, I can tell he’s not satisfied with my exam performance and believes I’m not doing my best, even though I feel I’m putting in maximum effort.
I am at one of the top universities and the exam was really hard. When I speak with my professor about changing universities, I want to explain that I would like to try applying to other universities where the entrance exams might be less challenging for me, with the hope of enrolling as a regular student sooner. I also want to mention that I’m having difficulty with the current lab’s research focus, and I would prefer to work on the research topic I had originally planned before coming here. I also want to tell him that this issue is bothering me to the point i don’t feel well which hinders my progress. I wonder if these reasons would be acceptable, especially since waiting until April 2026 feels too long for me. What do you think of the reasons for extension?
I’m concerned that my professor may not take this well, especially since I previously told him I was interested in the lab. I’m not sure what he might write in the recommendation or in the explanation for changing universities, even if I explain my reasons honestly.
Regarding the research progress, the initial research plan I submitted to the embassy was somewhat different from my current lab’s focus. My professor said he would accept me as long as I showed interest in the lab’s work, so after arriving, I updated my research to align more with the lab’s direction. However, I’ve been struggling with this adjustment. I had other LOA from other university which was not a top one which aligns perfectly with my previous plan. I wonder if mentioning this to him also would ease the issue.
So, if I write the research progress report explaining that I’ve been studying, doing some preliminary research, and that I plan to update my methodology at the new university, would that be considered a red flag for the extension?
As for my professor’s feedback, I’m not sure whether he will write something negative or not—it’s just a concern that’s on my mind at this point.
What I meant to ask about the timing is, if the admission results from the university are announced a bit later than the MEXT extension results, would that cause any issues? Specifically, does the extension approval depend on having the admission results from the university beforehand, or can I still receive the extension even if the admission results come out after the MEXT announcement?
Thanks again, Travis.
Hi Eyu,
Since I don’t know the details of the situation between you and your professor, I’m not comfortable giving you specific advice on how to approach that conversation.
In most cases, if there are multiple possible reasons for a “breakup”, as it were, I would suggest that you focus on the most critical issue. Is it the entrance exam? The direction of the research? Is there one thing that, even if everything else was resolved, would make you want to switch?
Again, for most situations, I would also suggest that you approach your professor to “consult” not to “present a decisions”. Tell them you’re concerned about the issue and are considering extending to another university if you can’t resolve it. Give the professor a chance to present alternative ideas before you make a final decision.
Of course, there are situations where that process wouldn’t apply, based on your relationship with the professor, so I can’t say that is the best or only solution.
As for the dates of the results, that should not be a problem. You would apply in December for the extension even if you planned to extend your degree starting in the fall, so it is conceivable that the admissions results would not come out until months later in that case. So I can only assume that there must be some process to submit the admissions results later.
Good Luck!
– Travis S.
Hello! I have already extended from research student to masters. Now I wish to extend further to PhD. The problem is that I graduate in march, but the PhD program I wish to enroll to starts in September, not April. Would it be allowed for such a gap to exist? Thank you so much.
Hi Maria,
Unfortunately, no. You need to find a PhD program that begins in April.
MEXT does not allow a semester gap between your masters and PhD program and you cannot extend to be a research student between your masters and PhD while waiting for the next program to start.
I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Good Luck!
– Travis S.
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Hey Travis
I plan to apply for PhD through MEXT Scholarship in 2025 session via the embassy recommendation route. So if I get selected, I will be entering as a non regular student right? Is it possible to continue in that status if I fail to get the extension to tha status of a degree student . Does universities conduct entrance exam for the students enrolling through the embassy recommendation to transfer from non regular student status to degree seeking student?
Hi Elsa,
It depends on the university as to whether you will start as a non-degree student or a degree student. It is possible to start directly with the degree, if they allow it.
If you start as a non-degree student then yes, you can take the entrance exam at the university and apply for the MEXT Scholarship extension in order to transfer to a degree-seeking student and extend your scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much..
But what if the student fails in the entrance exam… Can they continue as a non regular student for 2 year?
Hi Elsa,
The maximum period of enrollment as a non-regular student (including the Japanese language program) is 2 years if you arrive in Japan in April or 1.5 years if you arrive in the fall. You can remain in the non-regular status until the end of that period and take the entrance exam (and apply for the scholarship extension) multiple times, but you would have to pass the entrance exam to gain admission no later than April of the year that your non-regular student status ends.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis
I plan to apply for PhD through MEXT Scholarship in 2025 session via the embassy recommendation route. So if I get selected, I will be entering as a non regular student right? Is it possible to continue in that status if I fail to get the extension to tha status of a degree student . Does universities conduct entrance exam for the students enrolling through the embassy recommendation to transfer from non regular student status to degree seeking student?
Hi Arya,
It depends on the university as to whether you will start as a non-degree student or a degree student. It is possible to start directly with the degree, if they allow it.
If you start as a non-degree student then yes, you can take the entrance exam at the university and apply for the MEXT Scholarship extension in order to transfer to a degree-seeking student and extend your scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for the information
So when I write my FSRPP, do I have to mention in that in the timeline as to whether I’m starting as a non regular student or degree seeking student. I m not yet sure about what I will start as?
Please help me
Hi Arya,
You should write your FSRPP based on your study plan. So, if you say in your application form that you want to start as a degree student, write the FSRPP research timeline as if you will start as a degree student. If you say that you want to start as a non-regular student, then write the FSRPP research timeline with one semester as a non-regular student. (It should never be more than one semester, at least in your plan.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for your response
But I’m still not sure whether to start as a regular or non regular student. In that case how would I know what will be better for me?
Hi Arya,
It might not even be up to you in the end, but as far as your decision goes (what to put in the application form) the only question you need to ask yourself is: Do you want one extra semester to settle in to Japan and start work on your research, or do you want to get started with your degree right away to finish as quickly as possible?
I typically recommend the former, but it’s entirely up to your situation.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, I have finally received my results and I got the scholarship! I was asked by my supervisor what would I like to start as – as a non degree student in April 2024 and then joining the regular problem in October 2024, or joining straight away as a regular student in October 2024. I chose the former, because I wanted to get acquainted with the place and get started on my research. That would mean that I would have to apply for extending the scholarship to start as a regular student in October 2024 right? When do I have to apply for that? Is it after I go Japan or should I inquire about it beforehand?
Hi Ava,
Congratulations! That’s great news!
Since you will extend from non-degree to degree student in fall of the year that you arrive, you will have to apply for the extension almost immediately after you arrive in Japan, so I recommend that you talk to the administrative office that handles the scholarship procedures once you arrive.
Typically, universities have to submit their nominations for the fall scholarship extension for new arrivals in the first half of May, so you would need to submit the documents to the university admin office even earlier than that.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I hope you are doing Well and Thanks for your Support every time you are doing.
I am going to Apply For College Of Technology this year. After I get diploma Certificate, Will I able to extend the scholarship period for undergraduate certificate ( As COT is for 3 years and wanted to extend it for 1 more year). Is it possible For COT students?
Hi Franklin John Paul,
As explained in the article above, at least as of this time, it is possible to apply to extend your scholarship from College of Technology to transfer into a Bachelor’s degree, but you would transfer into the third year and have to finish two more years at the university to earn your degree.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
HI Travis, Because I’m worried that my comment isn’t in the right article title, I’m writing it again here..
Thank you for your wonderful blog. You helped me so much. Thank you so much.
Travis, currently I am a Research student funded by MEXT by University recommendation. I was a research student for 1.5 years due to language problems. Then this year I applied for an extension to the master’s program. I was surprised that I was ranked last in the recommendations given by the university to MEXT due to the long research student period (I was ranked 5th out of 5 recommendations). The university also said that it is possible that not everyone the university recommends will be accepted. I was really shocked and confused about what I should do. Please give me suggestions. Thank You
Hi Rafa,
Thank you for your kind feedback!
I am sorry to hear about your situation, but at this point, there really isn’t anything that you can do. If the university has already submitted the nomination to MEXT then all you can do is wait for the results. (I assume you’ve already finished your admissions application.)
However, there is no limit on the number of students that universities can nominate for extension from Research Student Status to Master’s and, in general, all should be accepted, so I think there is still plenty of reason for hope! The university is essentially required to tell you that there is no guarantee that all applicants will be accepted, since they do not make the final decision and cannot guarantee something that is out of their control. It’s something they tell everyone, so you shouldn’t worry about it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Traviz,
Thank you very much for your answer. Has there been a slot cut from MEXT at this stage before? So is there anyone who doesn’t pass this stage?
Hi Rafa,
There is not a set number of slots for extending from Research Student to Master’s degree student. It is assumed that all students who were accepted as research students will continue on to Master’s degrees, though usually as soon as possible.
There could be a budget cut that could mean that not all qualified applicants are accepted, but I have no idea if that is likely or not at this point. The only other reason I can think of for not being approved was if your performance was weak and the university indicated that they did not think you were capable of completing your degree.
However, I should stress that I have never heard of a case of an extension from Research Student to Master’s student being rejected by MEXT. (If anything, it is more common to hear about MEXT scholars failing to pass the entrance exam to enter into the degree program, but even that is very rare.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
How can i continue my study to doctoral if i dont get extension from Master study
Hi Justin,
If your MEXT extension isn’t approved, then the only way for you to continue your studies in Japan would be by paying for it yourself.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Your website is amazing! Thanks alot!
In case we wrote 2 universities for extending the scholarship, is MEXT will decide which one to go, or we still can decide after approving our extension?
When usually we get approval on our extension? February?
Hi Sato,
Thank you for your kind feedback!
You get to decide which of the two universities you will go on to, assuming of course that both accept you!
According to the guidelines, MEXT’s target date for the results of the application is early March. They will inform the nominating university of the results and the university is to inform each of its applicants.
I will add that information to the article!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, thank you for this very helpful post.
I am an embassy-recommended 4th-year undergraduate chemistry student in Kanazawa University and I am applying for the extension for master’s in the same university.
In a reply to someone else’s comment you said that the research plan will be primarily reviewed by the university you are applying to. How do you know that information?
Hi Henric Mezzomo,
It’s a simple matter of personnel and processing. MEXT is a government ministry. It does not have experts in each of the fields of study that come up in applications, so it cannot review research proposals from an academic perspective. The only evidence I have seen of content reviews by MEXT is that they look for research topics that could be related to military technology and/or weapons of mass destruction and eliminate those (although the universities are supposed to do that, too.) Universities have the expertise in the various research fields, so MEXT leaves the decision to them as to whether the research is appropriate and something that they can support.
As for process, MEXT pre-determines the number of slots offered in each category to each university and embassy, depending on the process. As long as a university’s nominees are within the allotted slots, there are no budget cuts that reduce the slot numbers, and the applications meet all eligibility requirements, then in general, MEXT approves them. They do not conduct a competitive screening. (Even in the event that there is a budget cut and slots need to be reduced, the universities will have submitted nominees in priority order, so MEXT would simply start cutting from the bottom.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for your reply, Travis
I’d like to know too if we can choose only one university, instead of two.
Hi Henric Mezzomo,
Yes, of course! You can choose “up to two”, so only choosing one is perfectly viable.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis! Thank you for your amazing website! I am currently a non-regular student planning to apply for an extension to PhD. My research period started in October. I was wondering about the Research Status. I would be continuing with the same research, but a little over three months hasn’t really been enough to get any substantial results – I have mainly been improving my existing research plan, doing literature review and preparing for the PhD application. May I ask, how is the Research Status Update supposed to look like? Should I just include all the progress I’ve made, even though it is only theoretical knowledge? There is a lot of information on the research plan itself, but I am struggling with the research status update and any guidance would be a huge help.
Hi Anke,
After one semester, it isn’t expected that you would have made much progress on your research proposal, so you don’t need to worry about having much content there.
My suggestion would be to explain what your initial FSRPP stated for your first semester target, what your end goal is (briefly), and how your progress so far matches with the progress you expected at this point.
Your advisor might also be able to help you, as I would assume that they have worked with students in the same situation in the past.
Overall, I don’t think it’s something you have to worry about too much when applying to extend from research student to degree student. All you need to do is show that you are on target as expected!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis
I wanna ask you something important about scholarship extension form master to phd. Application form has a place callled as 論文 thesis asking for most recent thesis, as I master student naturally Ido not finish my master thesis during the application that’s why (I am not wrong) I cannot write the title of my current unpublished master thesis, but if I should write my bachelor thesis, I didn’t have a bachelor thesis because my undergraduate program did not have a bachelor thesis system,. What would I do?
Hi Jan,
You should write the title of your thesis for the current degree that you are enrolled in. It doesn’t matter that you haven’t written it yet, you can still write the title or at least the working title. Since it’s still a work in progress, it won’t hurt you if the title changes in the end.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello travis!
Thanks a lot for your help, it was very usefull in 2019when i applied and got the scholarship by embassy track.
Im graduating master in March and am going to apply to PhD.
I’m changing university because there no professors available to guide doctoral course in my current Univ.
I’m also changing research plan and faculty. Currently there’s no teachers on my field in other doctoral program at arts universities.
Research topic is also different but related.
Do you think this may affect the result of the result of the Mext screen?
I already have the approval of the Teacher of the new University.
Hi Chapa,
That seems like the most straightforward reason to change universities!
As long as your new research topic is related and you can explain in your application how it emerged from your current research, it shouldn’t negatively affect your extension application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
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Dear Travis,
I hope this message finds you well! I am writing as I have been a bit worried about the MEXT extension from master to phd. Is it normal for candidates to have their extension denied? If so, under which circumstances this happens?
As far as I know if you have good grades, makes a good master thesis and receive a recommendation letter from your advisor you should be fine. Is this correct?
Thank you very much for the wonderful assistance you have been providing us throughout the years!
Best regards,
Grilo
Hi Grilo,
I don’t think it is particularly “normal” to have extensions denied for General Category scholars or Embassy Scholars. I have not heard any stories of it happening. For “Good Grades” your GPA needs to be 2.50/3.00 or higher on the MEXT Scale, so that is the one clear, objective criteria.
There are a limited number of extension slots available at each university each year, but it is based on the average of the previous three years, so as long as your university didn’t experience a sudden explosion of extending scholars, you should be fine. (There is also a provision to add bonus slots based on the number of eligible applicants, so everyone should have a chance).
The only exception is for PGP Scholars, since they can only extend if there are PGP slots available that year in the PhD program, so that becomes more difficult.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Firstly, I hope this message finds you well!
Secondly, thank you for the fast and informative reply! You certainly help us a lot through your kind support!
I have another question regarding the sloths! What I want to know is:
If we got informed by our university office that we were indicated by our institutions to receive the MEXT extension, should we consider this as already as an informal acceptance result?
I am asking this since I assume that the university will send the names already under the sloths available to them by MEXT, which means that the possible internal selection process is conducted by them rather than by the MEXT officials.
The second one is: my professor add two of my publications on my recommendation letter. Even though they were small ones, published on a Journal in my home country, do they still count as extra points in my application?
These are all my questions!
Once more, thank you very much for your kind assistance!
Best regards,
Grilo.
Hi Grilo,
If your university office indicated that the university has selected you for nomination for the extension, that is not informal acceptance or really any sort of milestone. There generally isn’t any sort of competition at the university level. I have never heard of a case where there were insufficient slots.
In most cases the extension is all but guaranteed, so there aren’t any significant milestones along the way other than the final answer from MEXT and the results of your applications for the degree programs.
There is no point system in the evaluation, so there is not a direct link between the number of publications and your evaluation score or priority, regardless of where they were published.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello!
Your blog is live-saving!
I am a MEXT scholar who will graduate in September 2024.
I received the notification of an extension of my scholarship from my university.
But my question is, until what period do I have to have a letter of acceptance, from a program for a Ph.D in October 2024? , do I need to do it now in January-February, to get a letter in March or could I have it later on, like, for example, in July (the date of examination results come out for the program I want to apply), for October entrance 2024?
Thank you!
Hi Maria,
Thank you for your kind feedback!
I’m surprised that your university notified you about the extension application already. As far as I can tell, the official guidelines aren’t out yet.
When you extend your scholarship, the scholarship extension application and the admissions application are completely separate processes. You do not need to already have admission into the program to apply for the scholarship extension. In the scholarship extension application, you will identify up to to universities/programs that you would like to attend. If your scholarship extension is approved and at least one of those universities accepts you, then you can enroll there and continue with your scholarship. But as far as I understand, that process occurs after the scholarship extension application is complete.
So, when you apply for admission to the PhD program, you should follow the standard application process for that university. If they do not release results until July, then that should not be a problem as far as I know.
(On the other hand, if you find out in July that you didn’t get into the program and that was your only chance remaining, then you would also lose the ability to extend your MEXT scholarship and would have to return home.)
I hope that helps!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you so much for all your helpful info on the scholarship! I’m currently a research student and will be applying for extension to do my masters soon, and I was hoping to change universities. Do you know if I will be required to identify a research supervisor at the new university as part of my extension application? I wasn’t sure given the fact that I won’t have a “research student” period at the new school.
Thank you!
Hi L,
Typically, MEXT expects you to continue on to your degree at the same university where you are enrolled as a research student, so it is very rare for a student to change universities at this point, unless there is a compelling reason, like your advisor retiring/moving universities and there being nobody else who can supervise you.
If you indicate in your application that you want to change universities, your current advisor must also write why they support that change.
You do not need to identify an advisor at the new university for the MEXT Scholarship application paperwork, but you will also need to apply for admission to that university following all of their usual procedures for fee-paying students. (Once you are accepted as a fee-paying student and your scholarship extension is approved, you will be able to continue as a MEXT scholar, but you do have to apply as a fee-paying student, first.) When you apply to the new university, they may require you to identify a potential supervisor. Having a supervisor is just as important-or more important-as a degree student than it is as a research student!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for your reply! I wasn’t sure of the circumstances for other students when they change universities, so that’s good to know. My supervisor isn’t retiring or moving universities, my reason is linked to the fact that my time as a research student has shown me that the program itself might not be the best suited to support the research I want to do. I’ve already spoken to my supervisor about it, and he told me to follow what I think would be best for my research.
Do you think that if I pursue applying to the other university without my supervisor retiring that would be a red flag to MEXT? I hadn’t assumed so before but now I’m not sure… I wouldn’t want to hurt my relationship with MEXT, but I also want to make sure I’m at a university that’s the best fit for me. I reached out to my home embassy about it but they didn’t even know such a thing was possible, and the MEXT coordinators at my current university in Japan simply said it’s possible but only happens with around 1 or 2 students a year from the university, so I wasn’t sure where else to ask. Thank you so much again!
-L
Hi L,
If your advisor is not strongly opposed, then I think it would be possible in your case.
I do not know of any rule saying it is strictly not allowed and I have never heard of someone failing the extension application or losing the scholarship over applying to change universities, so I do not think there is a particular risk of that or of damaging your relationship with MEXT. (For better or worse, MEXT probably knows you only as one name on a list, anyway. They’re not likely to remember something like this, hold a grudge, etc!)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey L!
Current master degree student who changed univ from Research here!
I dind had any problem. My Univ and proffesor asked me if i wanted to change or not. i didnt knew it was possible untill then.
i changed because i would be the only one post graduate student on my course and i though it would be better for me and my reseach to have more classmates. My professor agreed. i applied both, passed both exams and went to the new Univ.
Now im trying to change to a new Univ because litterally theres no doctoral teachers in my Current program
Hi Chapa,
Thankyou for sharing your experience! I haven’t heard many cases of applicants successfully changing universities between research and degree, so this is a very useful reference!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis.
Thank you so much for all the information and guides you have provided over the years.
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student in the 文学部 at Hokkaido University.
I plan to graduate in March 2024 and I’m looking to extend my scholarship towards a master’s degree. As such I have a few questions about the extension process:
1) I’ve been looking at a number of graduate programs but the majority of applications for an April 2024 entry seem to already be over. Would it be possible to enter a program from Fall 2024 and still extend the scholarship? That may result in a “gap-period” but I would highly appreciate it if you could clarify.
2) In this guide you stated that it is possible to apply to a maximum of two universities in my situation. To clarify, does this mean “two separate universities” or does this mean “two different programs”? For example, would it be possible to apply to two different graduate schools at my current university in addition to a program in another university?
3) In one of the programs I am interested in, it states the following in the section about test fees: “本学の国費外国人留学生は納入不要。” From this guide, I gathered that we would have to pay the test fee and later have it refunded in the case that we passed the test plus renewed the scholarship. Should I work under the assumption that I will have to pay the test fees upfront?
4) Do you happen to know any Masters 文系 programs in English that are still accepting applications?
I highly appreciate your hard work. Thank you.
Hi Justin,
You didn’t say, but I’m assuming that you’re an Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholar already. If you’re not, then my answers below may not all apply.
1) No. You cannot have a gap period of a whole semester. You need to find a program that starts in April.
2) It means a total of two programs. However, in general, you should only apply to one program at each university. There is going to be one best fit for your research, in terms of the field. If you apply to two different programs at the same university, you would need different research approaches for each one, which would indicate that you don’t really have a focus.
3) In general, you will be applying for the general admission process for fee-paying applicants. (Note: Universities might have a separate application process for University-recommended MEXT Scholars, but that would not be the right application for you.) In most cases, assume that you will need to pay the application fee yourself, but you might get lucky and find other programs with a similar exemption.
4) I’m sorry, but I do not keep track of the individual application deadlines for different universities and programs. That would be a nearly impossible task! 文学 is a really broad category. I think you need to get a lot more specific about what program you are interested in and your research focus. That should help narrow down the schools, as well, so that you can focus your search.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for the swift reply. I would appreciate it if you could answer some questions I have about what you have mentioned. Please note that I am an embassy recommended MEXT undergraduate scholar.
2) What if there are two potential programs at the same university that would allow me to carry out a similar research project? For instance, my current research is about Japanese pop culture (manga in particular), And if possible, I would like to. continue researching in a similar field.
More specifically, I was wondering if I could then potentially apply to Hokkaido University’s “Graduate School of International Media, Communication, and Tourism Studies” under a professor specializing in pop culture and also apply to Hokkaido University’s “Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences” (for my current research lab *映像現代文化論研究室*) under a professor also specializing in pop culture.
Conversely, if I were to apply to two different universities in different fields (i.e. one school for media studies and another for pedagogy) each with unique research proposals, would that also likely ruin my chances of renewing the scholarship?
3) Just to confirm, if I see the phrasing “本学の国費外国人留学生は納入不要”, this phrase would only apply to university-recommended scholars, NOT embassy-recommended scholars? I tried asking my registrar to which they said “you probably won’t need to pay”, but they did not seem very confident in their answer as the papers for this year’s scholarship renewal have not come out yet.
4) Thank you for the advice. Just as a general rule, is this around the time of year where universities start listing the 募集-related documents for the second semester entrance exams with an April entry timeline or is that a bit later?
5) Also, do you happen to know a way to search programs that are available to MEXT scholars (perhaps filtering by 国立大学？) I have followed the instructions on your guides to seraching finding universities, but I was wondering if there are certain programs even at 国立大学 that are perhaps unavailable to MEXT scholars and whether there may be a way to know whether I am (dis)qualified or not to apply.
Thank you so much,
Justin
Hi Justin,
Thank you for your follow-up questions!
2) As mentioned in my previous comment, you can only apply to one program per university. So, I recommend that you choose the one that is closest to your interest. You might also want to factor in the course requirements of the two programs. Of course, you should still be able to consult with the other professor during your research, but only one can be your primary supervisor.
You can also only submit one research proposal within the context of the MEXT extension application, so you would not be able to apply to two different fields with different research proposals. (You could submit different research proposals for the individual applications to those schools, but not for the MEXT application.)
3) Without seeing the phrase in greater context, I cannot say for sure. My assumption is that it would apply to any MEXT scholar currently enrolled at that university (Embassy or University-recommended) who is applying to extend at that university. (But not to those who are currently enrolled at another university.) But I cannot say for certain.
4) I honestly don’t know. You would be looking for the admission requirements for fee-paying students, which vary from school to school (and graduate school to graduate school within the same university, in some cases). I have never tried to keep track of that. My focus is on the dedicated MEXT application procedures.
5) All programs at all universities are available to MEXT Scholars, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for the programs and the university is willing to support MEXT scholars. You shouldn’t have any problems at national universities, but some smaller public or private universities might not have the staff to accept MEXT scholars (it takes a lot of paperwork on the university’s part!)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you for the very detailed responses.
1) I would like to ask about what you mentioned in response #5. I am thinking about applying to a program at ICU (Int. Christian University). I know it depends on the program, but do private universities tend to support fewer MEXT scholars than national/public universities and would the free tuition/stipend be the same?
2) I have been suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and pain in my wrist from 2020 (a condition which began during my scholarship period), and which my current university has accommodated me for the past three years. When applying for the scholarship extension and/or for individual universities, would requesting reasonable accommodation and submitting a new medical certificate put me at a disadvantage? I know that MEXT requires scholars to be in-good-health, so I am wondering how I should deal with my situation.
3) When submitting our MEXT research proposal for an extension, is it okay if our proposal differs heavily from the 専攻希望理由 sheet we submitted during language school 4 years ago? I originally wrote about wanting to learn literature to become a J-E translator, but now I’m more interested in international media and pop culture for my research.
4) Is it okay to submit two relatively different research proposals to the two universities I have applied to? For example, I would like to apply to Hokkaido University in the field of international media with a focus on pop culture, and a program at ICU related to general international relations and international media (more politics-focused). I would imagine I could focus on my desire to research in the field of international media in the MEXT scholarship’s research proposal, but would it be a problem if I do not specify the exact research theme (i.e. Japanese subculture in its relation to international audiences perception of Japan) and details such as my desired supervisor?
Thank you as always,
Justin
Hi Justin,
1. If you are applying for an extension, then your selection would come out of the number of scholarship slots allotted to your current university, not the university you might transfer into, so you do not need to worry about placements offered by ICU. The benefits of the scholarship are the same regardless of whether you study at a national, public, or private university.
2. I am sorry to hear about that. Remember that applying to universities and applying for the scholarship extension are entirely separate procedures. There is no reason that you would need special accommodation for the MEXT scholarship extension. So, it would only be a factor for the university admissions, and then, only really if you needed accommodation on a written entrance exam. Otherwise, as far as I know, you would apply for academic accommodation for class after your enrollment at the new university. The MEXT requirement that you be in good health basically wants to make sure that any condition can be managed in Japan and does not prohibit you traveling to Japan (in the case of new scholars). Your situation, troublesome as it is for you, should not be a problem for the scholarship process!
3. Yes, it’s OK. I don’t think anyone is going to look back at that motivation statement. The more important connection is with what you have been studying since enrolling, but as long as you can explain the progression, then you should be fine.
4. You do not need to specify your researcher in the research plan that you submit to MEXT for the extension application, but it does have to be pretty specific about your research question and methods, similar in details to the Field of Study and Research Program Plan that new applicants for graduate level scholarships would submit (although the form is different). I think the requirements for level of detail in the MEXT research plan would make it impossible for you to apply with two different plans to the universities.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
It’s Justin. Thanks for all your help so far.
Just as a reminder, I am looking to extend from a bachelors to a masters program.
Now that the actual extension forms have been released, I have a couple of extra questions:
1) The research plan extension form states that we must write the research proposal within two or three pages. I was wondering if we were allowed to edit the document they have provided to save space, instead of writing it entirely in the box that they have given us. Also, are we perhaps allowed to delete the part that says
“For the research plan of your intended graduate school, create a “Research Plan or Research Status Sheet” either in Japanese or English. （進学先研究科での研究計画について、日本語又は英語で本「研究計画又は研究状況シート」に作成すること。）（図表を入れた場合も、Ａ4で2～3枚程度とする。）”
in order to save space?
2) What are you recommended fonts to complete the research plan in English and Japanese, respectively? For example, is it a problem if we make the font “size 9” for Japanese?
3) I ended up applying to ICU for a program in English (with an English research plan), and Hokkaido University for a program in Japanese (with a Japanese research plan). I believe I can basically submit the exact same research proposal which I submited to either university as the MEXT research proposal form. But do you think MEXT has a preference for which language I write the proposal in?
I have listed Hokkaido University as my first choice, and ICU as my second. However, I believe that my English research proposal is a bit better due to my native language being English.
4) Who is supposed to write the “推薦調書（申請区分Ⅰ）” section of “06-2_申請書ファイルＡ” (the applicaiton form which isn’t the research plan)? The word 推薦調書 makes me think it should be filled in by a professor who recommends us. Though the information seems like it could only be filled in by myself.
5) Are we supposed to submit two different files (the aformentioned 申請書ファイルＡ) ? One for our supervisor, and the other for our 教務担当？If this is a confusing question, I will definitely reach out to my 教務担当 on Monday.
6) At this stage, if I am looking to switch faculties in the same university (Hokkaido University) as my first choice, and ICU as my second choice, do I need to explain to my supervisor and MEXT why I have decided to switch faculties? The research topic I am planning to pursue is not so different from my current field of study, but the faculties will be different.
Thank you for you help. I really appreciate it.
Justin
Hi Justin,
Since you are applying to extend from Bachelor’s to Master’s, your application would be “Category III” and you need to use the application form for 申請区分III, not I.
1. You need to fit it within the space given, without editing the form, deleting anything, or shrinking the text. Since the limit is 2-3 pages, that is actually MORE space than new applicants for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship are given. The only thing I can say to you is: be more concise. I have never seen a MEXT Scholarship research proposal that needed to be more than 2 pages long to make its point! My article about how to write the Field of Study and Research Program Plan includes advice for what to include and how long each section should be.
2. I recommend Century and MS明朝 respectively, both at 10.5 size. Those seem to be standard for Japanese documents. (Incidentally, 10.5 Century is roughly the same size as 12 Times New Roman, so if you use a font other than Century, you would need to increase to 12.) 9 would be much to small.
3. Since Hokkaido and the program in Japanese is your first choice, I recommend filling in the form in Japanese.
4. You only fill out the 申請書 page (the one in English and Japanese). After you complete that, follow the instruction from your university for how to submit it so that they can complete the rest. In general, the administrative office should complete the 推薦調書 portion and your advisor should complete the 指導教員の意見書, but the university should take care of completing those protions.
As mentioned above, make sure that you use the form for 申請区分II、III、II-2、III-2、特別枠, not the one for 申請区分I
5. No. You should only submit one. The admin office would be the place to consult for any procedural question about how your university handles the paperwork.
6. Since you mentioned another university as your second choice, your advisor will have to give their opinion on that potential switch. As far as I know, it is not necessary for them to comment on your switching faculties within the same university.
Obviously, you would want to let your advisor know about the switches in advance, before they get this form from the admin office to fill out. You don’t want that information to come as a surprise! (I’m sure you’ve already taken care of this, but I mention it for the reference of future readers, too.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you again for your insight! It’s Justin.
Hope you are having a good time as we get near the end-of-the-year.
Here are some things I would like to hear your opinion about based on your response:
1) I have decided to write the research proposal in Japanese as you recommended. For a Japanese research plan, would you recommend the same subtitles in the same order specified in your “Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship Field of Study and Research Program Plan” article? If so, how would those subtitles be best translated and/or ordered for a Japanese research plan?
For reference, I used the following subtiltes (which are somewhat different from those you recommend in the article) in the research plan I submitted to Hokkaido University:
１．はじめに
２．研究の背景と先行研究
３．研究の目的
４．研究内容と方法
５．研究の意義
I apologize if this is a difficult question…
2) I noticed that you mentioned in another comment that “it isnt particularly “normal” to have extensions denied for General Category scholars or Embassy Scholars. I have not heard any stories of it happening. For “Good Grades” your GPA needs to be 2.50/3.00 or higher on the MEXT Scale, so that is the one clear, objective criteria.”
As an embassy scholar who has about a 3.6/4.0 GPA (not sure how that compares to a 3.0 GPA scale), am I right in thinking that having a perfect research proposal is not all that important to receive the extension in my case? Given that you have not heard any stories about embassy scholars having their extension denied (please correct me if im misinterpreting), would I better use my time on studying for entrance exams/interviews for the universites which I applied to rather than worrying about improving my research plan submitted to MEXT? I have very little time until the deadline for both, so I am thinking how I can best use my time.
3) Would you recommended attaching our research timeline (研究予定表？) and selected references (参考文献) as attachments for the extension research proposal as well? If so, how would I go about doing so, given that I have to fill out my research plan within the document provided? Perhaps making a seperate word document labeled 追加書類 and submitting it alongside the research plan I will submit to my 教務担当 would be best?
I appreciate your help in this matter once again.
Justin
Hi Justin,
One important thing to consider is that your research proposal is primarily for the university’s review–and only the university that you are applying to for nomination. MEXT doesn’t necessarily have people with expertise in your field and they are not going to be reviewing it competitively for content. They leave that judgement to the university. So, if your current advisor (or the one you want to work with after extension) thinks that it’s good enough, you do not have to keep polishing it.
1. Since the university reviewing the proposal is the one that awarded you your bachelor’s you can leave out the “Past and Present Field of Study”. That would mostly be to introduce yourself to a cold audience. Focus on the second question.
I don’t think はじめに is necessary. I don’t know what you would put there, but you should jump right into the content. I recommend starting with 研究テーマ which would be your title and introduction paragraph. 目的 should come before 背景, but the rest seems fine.
2. I have an article about how to convert your GPA to the 3.0 scale that you can use for your reference. You shouldn’t have a problem with your GPA, but you can not convert overall averages. It won’t necessarily be accurate.
The research plan doesn’t have to be perfect (see note above about who reviews it), but it does need to be competent and thorough.
3. You only need to attach the research timeline if it’s necessary. Does it add value and understanding to the proposal? Often, it is only really necessary when you have a complex research plan with multiple data collection and assessment steps and you want to show that you’ve worked out how to make it all fit in the time allotted.
As for the references, I would recommend including at least a few. Since the form mentioned up to three pages, that should be plenty of space to fit them!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you for always being available for the endless questions. They have helped me so much and continue to do so during my academic and scholarship related problems in Japan. So, I am currently a masters student (graduating Sep next year) and I am struggling a lot, and I don’t know if I want to do Ph.D. anymore. However, my options are tight considering I don’t want to stay in Japan anymore or look for jobs here(it has been way too stressful for me here). So, I might go back to my country after Masters, however, my option after masters is a if thing(back in my country), which makes Ph.D. my back up option through MEXT. If I extend my scholarship, go to Ph.D. and decide to drop out (and go back to my country) what will be the consequences? Will I have to repay the money, or face some really bad consequences like being banned from entering Japan ever?
Hi Haru,
Thank you for your kind feedback. I am sorry to hear that you have struggled so much with your studies here. Japan can be quite stressful!
If you were to drop out of the PhD, I do not think that you would have to pay back the scholarship money that you received. But you would have to give them a reason for withdrawing. As long as you don’t fail out with bad grades or get kicked out for a crime or violating university rules, there should not be any lasting consequences, like a ban on entering Japan. It is likely that you wouldn’t have a chance to apply for a MEXT Scholarship again or return to that university, but it doesn’t sound like that would be high on your list of things to do, anyway!
If you drop out of the MEXT Scholarship, they would not pay for your travel back to your home country, and you would lose your stipend as soon as you decide to withdraw (and have to leave the country within 2 weeks, in general), so you would have to be prepared for the financial costs and for a quick move.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, I am a regular master student enrolled in 2022 fall and I am going to be graduated in fall 2024. I wanna extend my scholarship to PhD. I have two questions.
1. My university has two entrance examination period April and September. Can I enter to spring examination of 2024 (before my graduation from master) or should I wait until September?
2. MEXT extension application process starts around October 2023, are extension results announced before entrance examination? If so, when we pass entrance examination of the university then will it be reported to the MEXT for enrollment and start of payment of scholarship?
Thank you! (I also gained MEXT master scholarship thanks to your publications)
Hi Can,
Thank you for your feedback! I am glad to hear that the resources here helped you in the past!
1. You should take the entrance exam corresponding to the semester that you want to start the PhD program. Typically, each entrance exam cycle is only for a specific start date, so if you pass the entrance for April 2024 start, that would not qualify you to start in September 2024.
2. As far as I know, the extension application process usually begins around December. If you’ve heard that it’s going to be early this year, though, please let me know! (Unlike the entrance exams, there is one extension application that applies to both Spring and Fall 2024)
The results of the MEXT Extension may not come out before the entrance exam. They are entirely separate processes. Once you pass the MEXT Extension, you should be given more information about the follow-up procedures, including how to report to them which university you will enroll in and submit proof of acceptance to that university.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, I wanted to ask you, if my research student status is for a year and then I apply to join a two year masters course, when do I have to apply for an extension? And will the extension cover the entire of my two years of masters?
Hi Arundhati,
Typically the call for the extension application comes in December of each year and is for applicants who plan to apply for an extension to cover the next level of degree starting in either April or Sept/Oct of the next year.
So, if you were planning to start your Master’s course in Fall semester 2025, for example, you would apply for the extension around December 2024. You would also have to apply separately for admission to the master’s degree program. Once you pass the extension application and the admissions exam to the Master’s program your extended scholarship would start at the same time as your Master’s degree and would cover the two years necessary for that degree.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you so so much for all the detailed information, Your guidelines are extremely helpful!
I want to extend my scholarship from a master’s to a Ph.D. program but at a different university.
The issue is that I was enrolled in my current master’s program in September and I will graduate in September ’24. However, most of the universities I have in mind, only have enrollment periods in April.
Therefore, in this case, how can I extend the scholarship (if possible) taking into consideration that MEXT doesn’t support a gap period when extending from one program to another?
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
I hope you have a nice day and I’m sending you kind regards,
Ivanka
Hi Ivanka,
Thank you for your feedback.
I double-checked the guidelines, including a directive MEXT issues in 2019 about changes to the handling of “gap periods” when extending your scholarship, but unfortunately, it looks like your only option is to find another program that accepts students in the fall semester, if you want to keep the MEXT Scholarship.
MEXT’s change to the handling of “gap periods” only covers minor differences in the Academic calendar within the same semester. For example, if you graduate from a Master’s at University A on Aug 31 and want to proceed to a PhD at university B that starts on Oct 1, that would be allowed (though you would not receive a scholarship stipend during the gap month of September). But they explicitly state that this condition does not apply to students who have to wait for a whole semester to start their next degree.
So it looks like there is no way to extend to an April-start program if you graduate in the fall.
I am sorry that I do not have better news for you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
Thank you so much for everything on this blog, it’s life-saving. I got informed last week of my passing the primary screening.
It actually didn’t occur to me before the difference between non-regular and degree students. However, since I unexpectedly passed, I panicked about too many things and am looking for info I may have missed before applying, and now I need to understand the difference, is it right to say that if I got enrolled as a non-degree student, I will have to finish its 2 years program, before applying for an extension?
Hi Miracle,
Congratulations on passing the primary screening!
If you start as a research student, you do not need to complete a full two years in that status. In fact, it is most common (and almost expected) that you will be a research student for one semester, only. During that time, you will take the entrance exam and apply for your scholarship extension so that you can move into the degree program.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
I’m doing some early planning but if you apply for the mext scholarship at 33 would you still be able to extend your scholarship even though you’d be 35 at that point? I know the intial cutoff is 35 but the extension doesn’t mention age. I’m currently 30 I have two years left of my bachelor’s degree and I was wondering if I could take a break after graduating before applying.
Hi MA,
There is no age requirement for the MEXT Scholarship extension, so you can extend if if you are older than the cut off date.
I would caution you about taking “a break” after your bachelor’s, though. It’s one thing if you are taking a break from education to gain working experience in the field that you want to study in Japan, but if you do something unrelated or aren’t engaged in anything in particular, that could hurt your eventual application chances. MEXT is going to want to see a consistent history of dedication to work and studies in your field as prove that you are dedicated and the kind or person who can make a difference as a leader in your field after your studies.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis.
Thank you so much for all the information and guides you have provided. I´ve been consulting your blog since I first applied to the MEXT scholarship and has been really helpful ever since. I’ve recently started as a non-degree research student (Embassy Recommended) and I plan on extending my scholarship to Masters (if everything goes right). Thing is, since I arrived I´m having some trouble with the university I´m currently enrolled in. Not with the advisor in particular (she´s very nice), but with the Japanese level used in classes (even though I have N2 I’m struggling a lot) and this has been detrimental to both my emotional and my time dedicated to research. Also, since I arrived my research took a bit of a turn and I’m starting to think that a university with a more international and multidisciplinar approach (with a English program) would be better both for my research and for my sanity. But I´m concerned that that’s not a solid reason for MEXT to approve me changing universities. In addition, the university I’m currently enrolled in is a national one, and I plan on applying for a private uni. Do you think I can fail the extension application if I’m applying to change from a national to a private university? Thank you!
Hi Chloe,
Thank you for your kind feedback and congratulations on winning the MEXT Scholarship!
I am sorry to hear about your struggles with the program you’re in now and I certainly understand your concerns.
As an Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholar, you can choose up to two universities that you would like to apply to during the scholarship extension (note that you have to apply for admission to the universities separately). So, you could list your current university and the private one then (unlike the initial application) you get to choose which one to go to, assuming the extension is approved and you are admitted to both. So, in that case, I do not think that the extension would be denied because you are applying to a private university.
One thing to note is that if you are considering changing universities, your current academic advisor must give their opinion on why the change would be beneficial to you in the application form, so please make sure that you have discussed your plans in advance with your advisor!
I think that the evolution of your research topic would make a more compelling reason for the switch than the language difficulties. If you can explain how your research has taken a different direction and why that makes the other university more appropriate, that seems like a reason that MEXT should accept.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi!
Thank you for your insightful writings, for some of us it means a lot.
However, I am currently a Master’s degree student in my second year(Embassy recommended). I have recently reached out to the Academic Affairs office to ask as to when the extension period will begin for us who want to extend our scholarship for April 2024. Unfortunately, they seem very unware, do you have any information as to when the extension period will begin?
Hi Jack,
Thank you for your kind feedback!
The extension application guidelines usually come out in December for anyone who wants to extend in April or September of the following year. Once they come out, you won’t have much time to complete the application, just a week or two, if I remember correctly.
You’ll also need to apply for admission to the degree program(s) that you want to extend to, separately. You can list up to two programs on your MEXT extension application, but you need to be accepted into at least one of those programs and pass the MEXT application, so make sure that you know the start dates for any of the Ph.D. programs’ application processes as well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks Travis,
Usually, when is the result usually released after applying in December?
Hi Jack,
Last year, universities had to submit their nominations for the extension by Jan 26, 2023, and according to the guidelines, results were due to be released in early March. That’s been a fairly consistent timeline in past years, too, as far as I can remember.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Pingback: How to Apply for the 2022/2023 University MEXT Scholarship
I hope you are well.
Thank you for your support…
Please, if a student starts as a “non-regular student”, won’t that affect their research plan?
How do we deal with?
Thank you
Hi Martial,
In general, starting as a research student would meant that you have one extra semester to complete your research. Assuming that you intend to start as a research student, you should still write one research proposal that covers both the research student term and your degree, then mention that you will adjust the timeline as necessary if you start directly into the degree program.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Pingback: How to Apply for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship in 2023/2024 | TranSenz: MEXT Scholarship and Visa Information for Moving to Japan
Hi Travis,
It’s Sarah again: didn’t want to keep commenting since that thread was getting kind of squished but I still had questions. Firstly, thank you for all the help–not just in answering questions on this blog but the articles and books you’ve written.
Secondly: if I’m an embassy recommended MEXT Scholar and my scholarship (for the research student phase) ends in April 2024 and the university I’d like to switch to starts in October but I didn’t write them on my extension form, am I out of luck? If I got rejected from the program I applied to (and presumably the extension form thus invalidated?) could I resubmit the extension form next year and apply to a different program (at a different graduate school or a completely different university)? If yes, I take it this program would have to start in April before the research student period ends right?
I ask because at my program’s interview my professor really grilled me on things I had previously–very specifically–asked him for help on (that he never responded to) and then at the end of the interview asked if I had a backup plan for if I was rejected from the program. Which wasn’t a great sign in my opinion. I understand switching universities would likely be difficult due to needing your supervisor’s recommendation but I don’t think that would be difficult as my professor unfortunately seems more and more disinterested in my proposed research. And I really don’t want to lose this extremely generous scholarship and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, the comment space does get progressively narrower and harder to read with each reply. I’m not sure yet how to fix that, but I’ll look into it.
Unfortunately, I lost the thread to refer back to your situation, so I’m making some guesses here. I assume that you’ve applied for the extension for April 2023 or October 2023 already, although your research student period runs until April 2024 at the latest.
You can only extend your scholarship at a university that is on your form, so if you didn’t include the October-start program on your extension application this year, you would be out of luck. As you said, if you extend at the very end of your research student period, then it would have to be to a program that started in April.
I’m sorry to hear that your interview experience was so poor. If you do not pass the entrance exam procedure in your current university this year, you could withdraw your extension application and apply again next winter for extension in April 2024. In that case, you could choose different universities.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
For various reasons I’ve decided to postpone graduate school and turn down the (embassy-recommended) MEXT Scholarship. My question is: if, in a few years, I decide to pursue graduate school again would I still be eligible for the University-recommended scholarship?
I understand turning down the scholarship isn’t a good look and so it’s unlikely the embassy would ever recommend me again, but was just wondering what other impacts it might have.
Thank you so much for all your help,
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Turning down what is possibly one of the most generous scholarship opportunities is a big decision, but I assume you had overwhelming reasons for doing so.
As you mentioned, it is likely to hurt your your chances significantly if you apply through the embassy in the future. Other than that, though, there should be no effect. If you apply via the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship (as long as it is not to the university you were assigned to via the Embassy Scholarship!), then there is no way they would know about your past application unless you told them. I do not think MEXT keeps records that would be held against you, either, as long as you withdraw before traveling to Japan/receiving any of the scholarship benefits.
Of course, you should keep in mind that the University-Recommended MEXT Scholarship is much more competitive in general and there is no guarantee that you would be accepted in the future.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you for all the advice you have been providing on this page, they have been extremely helpful for me since I started the process. I am currently an Embassy recommended MEXT scholar in my masters degree. I want to go to Ph.D. in a different university with a slightly different field. The subject of my field is very similar to what it is now, but it is categorized into a different department. My research area will also be hopefully similar(the methodology of research is different), if everything goes well. But, I am worried that considering the fact that I am changing to another department, MEXT would not allow me to extend my scholarship. Should I apply for the extension to another university or just try to fit in my current study which I am not sure I want to get a Ph.D. in?
Hi Haru,
Thank you for your kind words.
Based on what you have described, I do not think you should have a problem with MEXT regarding changing to a different university. The department name is not so important. The important thing is the continuity of research.
In your extension application form, you will need to explain your proposed PhD research and your current advisor will need to fill in a section with his/her opinion on why changing universities would be advantageous for your research.
Of course, in the extension application, you can name up to two universities and then choose which one you want to attend after the extension is approved and you successfully apply for admission to both programs, so you could put both in your application, to have a back-up plan.
I hope that your master’s degree ends in March or October 2024 and that you plan to start your PhD in April 2024, since the extension application deadline for April 2023 and October 2023 has already passed.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for your reply. I feel much more relieved now. My Masters course ends in 2024 so its all fine. Have a nice day!
Hello, In case of extension from Master to PhD; as the university will have to screen before sending potential candidates to MEXT. Does the university notify its screening result to students or everybody will know the final result from MEXT?
Thank you!
Hi Kody,
Usually, there is not a competitive screening at the university level for the extension and everyone’s application gets forwarded to MEXT, but in the case of having more applicants than slots, some applicants might be eliminated at the university level. In that case, the university should tell you, as far as I know, but there’s no official policy, so it would be on a university-to-university basis.
The deadline for universities to submit extension applications to MEXT is this Thursday, so the university should have already made its final decision and you can ask them.
You’ll also need to apply separately for admission to the PhD program, so don’t forget that step, too!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis! Thank you very much for your reply, it really helped me to stay calm when waiting for the notification. And today, I have just received a mail from my University informing me that my extension has been approved! Good day to all the team, you are doing a great job!
Hi Kody,
Congratulations! I’m sure it wasn’t easy to wait, but I’m glad to hear that you finally got word! Thank you for sharing your results!
Good luck with your continuing studies in Japan!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
Bit of an odd question & situation: I think my professor missed my university’s deadline for submitting the extension application; if my time as a research student is set to end in April of 2024 can I submit the extension next year? Or will that be too late (I’m not sure how long it takes them to process the paperwork)?
To make a long story short: due to the ongoing pandemic and a medical condition I’ve been a remote research student since October (expected to head to Japan in April though). This has complicated things because my professor seems endlessly busy–too busy to reply to emails–and so I haven’t been able to communicate well with him. I tried checking in with him to see if he submitted the document but he didn’t reply (which is typical of him). The university I’m at needed me to compete the first part of the form and him to complete the 2nd part so he was CC’d on all emails and knew the form had to be done. Next year I’d be there in person and think I could more easily get the form filled out/check-in with him which is why I ask if there’s a possibility there.
Thank you!
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
If your time as a Research Student is set to end in April 2024 and you want to extend to the degree program at that time (not earlier), then next year would be the appropriate time to apply, so there should be no problem. The application that just ended was only for extensions to start in April or October 2023.
In the future, if you’re struggling to get in touch with a professor or get a response, I recommend going through the administrative office of the graduate school. They are usually more likely to reply immediately to email than professors are.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks for such a speedy response, I really appreciate it! That’s good to hear about the extension timeline and also good advice for going around my professor a little bit.
Hope you don’t mind I had an additional question: if we wanted to switch majors/graduate schools (same university, same professor) is that possible without a provisional LOA? For context: I’m currently a research student of graduate school A which I got a LOA from, but am thinking I’d like to do my master’s program with graduate school/program B. Both are affiliated with the same university and my professor is affiliated with both schools. So if I were accepted into program B and put that on the extension form (for going from research student to master’s student) would that be allowed? Despite not receiving an initial LOA from that particular graduate school? Hopefully that made sense, please let me know if I can clarify anything!
Hi Sarah,
When you apply for the extension, it does not matter what universities you originally received LoAs from. You can choose up to two universities and programs on the extension application form. You would also need to take the entrance exams for both of those degree programs separately.
In the case of changing universities or programs, your current advisor needs to write his/her opinion on why it is necessary/appropriate for your studies to do so, but that shouldn’t be so much of a problem if you are switching to a different program in the same university that your advisor is also a part of!
I recommend you talk through your plan with your advisor in advance once you can come to Japan and get a hold of them in person!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
Thanks again for your reply. Please correct me if I’m wrong but from what I understood from your reply: when switching from research student to master’s student it’s possible to switch into schools or programs that you didn’t get an LOA from as long as your supervisor is ok with it (and presumably there’s a professor in that new program wanting to take you)?
I’ve come to realize that I don’t think my current supervisor is a good fit, and have found another professor I think would be a better fit but they’re at a completely different school (that I didn’t get an LOA from). So I’m just wanting to know if it would be possible to switch before looking too much into it.
Hi Sarah,
You are correct in understanding that your original Letters of Acceptance are no longer relevant. When you apply for the extension, you will be able to list up to two universities/schools that you want to be able to continue your studies at. At that point, you would only be able to extend your scholarship if you move on to one of those two schools in the extension application form. It does not matter if you had LoAs from them during the initial application or not. This is an entirely new process.
Instead of applying for LoAs this time around, you will apply to each of those universities/programs as a regular fee-paying student in order to get admitted. You need both the MEXT Scholarship extension and admission from one of the universities in your form. MEXT will not provide any assistance with the admission process this time.
My last reply was in the context of switching graduate schools within the same university with the same professor. I know that is possible because there was one graduate program that was infamous for not accepting research students or direct degree student applications from MEXT Scholars. The only way to get in there was to be a research student in another graduate school in the same university then switch at the extension.
In general, MEXT expects that you will stay in the same university/program when moving from research student to degree student. (The research student stage is usually looked at as a waiting period to get into the same degree, because of timing with the entrance exams, etc.) You mentioned that you want to change “schools”. If that is “graduate schools” within the same university, it should be possible. But if you’re talking about “universities” then you might face more of a challenge, so I do not want to imply that would be easy.
In either case, you will need your advisor to explain in your application form why it is important for you to change programs in order to continue with your research.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you for all the support, really helpful.
I am a MEXT scholar. Applied for extension already for PhD. I’ve got an online full time paid internship at an international Organization for six months. I would like to know if I am allowed to go for it due to the fact that students are not allowed to work.
Hi Karim,
I’m really not sure what the work permit and tax reporting requirements would be for an online internship with an organization located overseas, so I recommend you seek advice from someone familiar with those fields, like an immigration lawyer and a tax accountant.
I can say with a fair level of certainty that the university would oppose you taking part in the internship though, if for no other reason than the time demand. In general, part-time work permits for international students in Japan allow you to work up to 28 hours per week, and even then, MEXT Scholars are typically highly discouraged from working at all because the purpose of the scholarship is for you to focus full-time on your studies. I don’t think it’s possible to be a full-time PhD student and a full-time intern at the same time. One of the two is going to suffer, and if it’s your grades, there’s a chance that you could lose the scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Karim!
Sorry I don’t have any advice for you but I was wondering: could you update us on what you end up doing about the internship? I’d like to do a remote internship during my time as a MEXT Scholar as well and if you were/are able to do it I’d love to know how!
Thank you!
Hi Sarah,
My professor signed a letter and made it official that it’s an academic activity, so I I’ll be doing the internship and I will get 2 credits out of it at the end of the semester. In my graduate schools, internships are part of the program so that helped me a lot.
Hello!
Referring to specialized training college extension. I can only choose National University?
Thanks.
Hi Green,
That’s correct. This is the first year I’ve noticed that requirement in the extension guidelines, but only national universities are available if you are extending from Specialized Training College to a bachelor’s degree (third year transfer).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I am an embassy-recommended MEXT scholar who is in their master’s degree right now. This university is not a good fit for me and I know that it is impossible for me to change universities during the degree. I am deeply considering changing universities for a PhD after this (extending MEXT and switching schools). You said that the current advising professor would need to know that you intend to switch schools and that the “current advising professor must clearly explain the need for the change in the adviser’s section of the extension application form”. I already know that my advising professor wants me to extend to a Ph.D., and it sounds like they would happily write a good recommendation to MEXT if I stay at the university I am at. I do not think they would write me any recommendation at all if I decided to switch universities. I do not have proof of this, no one in my research laboratory has had the guts to try this. Knowing what I know about my supervisor so far, this is my fear. I know if I switch, this is the kind of supervisor where the bridge would likely be burned. This professor will never change, and I do not believe that anyone in the university or my department could do anything about it if my advising professor decided to against writing a recommendation for extension in retaliation for me not staying their student at this university.
Do you know if it is possible to apply for a MEXT scholarship extension (embassy recommended, master to PhD) without telling your supervisor that you might switch schools (or are applying for another university as a second option)? Is it possible to have my professor submit their recommendation letter without this knowledge and then for me to inform the embassy that I’d also like to list another potential university for transfer? Am I completely stuck without my supervisor’s explicit approval?
Many thanks,
Crestfallen
Hi Crestfallen,
Unfortunately, for the extension application, I don’t think there’s any way to not let your professor know your plans. The form where you list your desired schools for the extension is the same one where the professor gives their opinion, and there is a specific question there for the professor to give their opinion on why it is necessary to change universities.
So, you’re either going to have to risk the professor’s ire but give a good reason, preferably one related to how the research at the other university is closer to your interest (it would be even better if it was something your current professor was not as interested in) or how they have particular facilities that are better suited for your research, if that is relevant. If you can give a practical reason, that would be best.
The other thing you could do is, when you list the two universities you want to consider for your PhD, put your current university first and the university you really want to go to second. That way the professor sees that his university is on top and the other looks like a back-up. However, this isn’t like the Placement Preference Form in the original application. Once you are accepted, you should have the ultimate choice which of the two you want to go to (as long as you pass both entrance exams and the scholarship extension application), so you could choose the other uni then.
Even though you are an Embassy-Recommended Scholar, this extension application goes entirely through your current university and the embassy is not involved in any way. (You do have to apply separately to the other university as a fee-paying scholar, too, though).
I hope that helps.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for the guidance. I would like to ask if the MEXT give a return flight ticket to the MEXT scholar who has successfully extended from Master to Doctoral course. I mean the time span between the completion of the Master program (September) and commencing PhD course (October). Thank you
Hi Kyu,
No. You only get a flight ticket home at the end of your entire studies. Applicants who extend from Master’s to Doctoral programs are considered to waive the flight ticket home at the end of the Master’s. (Incidentally, MEXT would also not provide a flight ticket home if you were planning to work in Japan after graduation, even if you job did not start for a month or so).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I found this comment important for my case.
You mentioned that the extension form isn’t like the Placement Preference Form in the original application, but i have read in one university websites that if students are thinking to change to their universities, they should make the university as their first choice on the extension form.
So, which information is really legit? I need this information badly.
and after making the university i want to go to second, I don’t have to pass both university exams. Right? I mean like failing the exam for the university i am in and passing the exam of the second university which i intend to change to would still be enough to change university.
My last point is you mentioned that the professor sees that his university is on top and the other looks like a back-up. is it really necessary to ask the professor beforehand if i could write other university in second place or that i am applying to the second university as fee paying student for backup? Or would it be fine if i don’t mention about it at all?
Thanks,
Hi Eyu,
I don’t think the two comments are in conflict. Ultimately, you choose which of the universities (that accepted you) that you will continue to, so the order isn’t important for the process, only for appearance.
But in your case, I thought you said that you did not pass the entrance exam for your current university. In that case, there would be no point in putting it on the list at all, since it is essentially a wasted spot.
You do not need to pass the exams for both universities. If you pass one, and pass the scholarship extension application, then you can extend your scholarship there.
If you include another university on your list, regardless of whether it is first or second, your advisor will be required to write their opinion about you changing universities in the application form. I think it’s better that they hear it from you, instead of from the admin office contacting them directly to complete it.
Good Luck!
– Travis S.
Hi Travis,
Thanks for all the important information.
One last comment.
As I told you I didn’t pass the first examination in my university. I am planning to take another exam in June for October 2025 enrollment in my current university, but this time i am also gonna apply to other university that i really want to go to as a fee paying student and take an entrance exam which is around the same time. so, my plan is to apply for the extension this December and list the two universities in the form.
So, help me here figure out something one last time, Dear Travis.
What reason would be nice to tell my professor for putting other university on the list that can guarantee me an extension?
My reason so far is that incase i didn’t pass the exam in my current university again. Just for a back up. So, i believe that maybe this is the reason that he is also going to write on the extension form for changing university. Do you think this reason would be acceptable by MEXT to guarantee an Extension?
Thanks for everything,
Hi Eyu,
I think explaining to your professor that you are including the other university as a back-up in case you do not pass the exam again in your current university would be fine as a reason. In that case, you should list your current university first. If you tell your professor that the other one is a back-up but list it first in your form, that would look suspicious.
I also think that reason should be fine with MEXT. Of course, nothing can “guarantee” that your extension would be approved. There are many other factors. But at least that reason should not ruin your chances.
Good Luck!
– Travis S.
Dear Travis,
Thank you for being amazing as always.
I have the opposite problem of this article. I’m currently a research student who does NOT want to extend to a masters degree program. I told my uni about this and they said we have never faced this situation before since everyone extends and so you have to talk to your graduate school and our graduate school knows less about MEXT than the international office does so I’m in a bit of a mess right now. I know for a fact that i can keep studying at least for 3 to 4 semesters (saw this on kyoto uni website) even if i dont extend but my university doesn’t know this. Can they force me to extend even though I don’t want to? I mean MEXT gives scholarships to you to study without expecting you to extend to a degree student right? I have the right to use the MEXT scholarship to study here without having to extend.
I would really appreciate your opinion on this
Thank you
Hi Anna,
Thank you for your kind words!
Are you a University-Recommended MEXT Scholar or an Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholar? If the latter, you should be able to remain a research student without enrolling in the degree program for 3 semesters (if you started your studies in Japan in the fall) or 4 semesters (if you started in the spring).
If you are a University-Recommended MEXT Scholar, you might have to double check the application guidelines from when you applied to make sure that they didn’t have any restrictions on Research Students. For example, there might be programs that will only accept a research student for a maximum of one semester, for instance, if the program only accepts new degree students in the spring semester. If that was in the application guidelines, then you would have been considered to have agreed to that condition when you applied.
I’m not sure how the university would handle it if you pressed your case. The Scholarship is up to MEXT, but the university has final say on your enrollment. The biggest question I would have is whether or not there was something in writing in advance that limited your time as a research student.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks a lot for your guides – they have been really useful. I am currently an Embassy Recommended Scholar in the non-degree seeking research phase. The application process was really confusing and during the time of application, I was under the impression that the master’s program would be in English in my current university, however it is conducted in Japanese. I wonder if it would be possible to continue my time here as a research student and then transfer to another University that provides an English program when transitioning into a master program. The field of study would be the same, however my research topic might have to be adjusted slightly. If possible do you know how the process would work.
In Japan right now and absolutely streeeesssssssssssssssed. I don’t want to leave here without a degree under my belt.
Thanks!
Hi P.F,
It is possible to change your university when you apply for an extension of your scholarship from Research Student to Master’s student if there is a good reason for doing so – and it certainly sounds like you have one!
However, your academic advisor needs to give his or her opinion about your transferring universities in the extension application form, so I encourage you to talk to you advisor as soon as possible and get them on board. I don’t think there would be hard feelings if you don’t have the language ability to pursue the Master’s Degree there!
When you apply for the scholarship extension, you will be able to select up to two universities that you would like to attend for the Master’s Program, so that is were you will state your preference. You would also have to apply separately to those two universities for admission to their degree program through their normal application for fee-paying students. Once you are accepted to the degree program and have been approved for the MEXT Scholarship, you will be able to transition your scholarship to the new university.
You are going to have to be the one to take responsibility for all of the applications and timelines, though, so I suggest that you start researching potential universities for your Master’s and their application processes as soon as possible. Your current advisor might even have some recommendations for you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
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Dear Travis,
Thanks for your continued hard work.
I am embassy recommend MEXT and will start my M2 in september. I want to extend my scholarship to phd but the problem is the GPA.
My course require 30 credits and i have 40 credits if I pass 4 more exam by next week. For all my compulsory (30 credit), I have good (As) grades but my extra classes are B and Cs.
I am wondering if Mext count the extra class credit as well or not for total GPA.
Your reply is very much appreciated.
Hi Rayne,
As far as I know, all grades on your transcript count, regardless of whether they are mandatory or not.
For what it’s worth, though, a “B” should convert to a 3.0/3.0 grade, the same as an “A”, so you just need to worry about those “C”s.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Sir, thank you for your very insightful article. I would like to know ìf it is possible to have my university changed after MEXT placement and a University acceptance. I have recently received a Teacher Training scholarship, however none of my University choices were picked by MEXT. Can I request a Univeristy change?
Thank you.
Hi OS,
Unfortunately, no, it is not possible to change your university. It is ultimately up to MEXT’s decision.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
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Hi Travis,
First of all, I would like to thank you for all the effort you put into this website, it helped me a lot when I was preparing for the MEXT scholarship and since then.
I will be finishing my Master’s degree this September and I am thinking of extending the scholarship for a PhD. I already passed the screening in January and got the extension, but I still have one more week to decide whether to submit the actual application documents for the PhD course.
However, I do have some concerns.
I’ve also been thinking lately that maybe a job would be a better option for me, but I don’t have a clear idea of what kind of work I want to do and I also feel that I need to study more. A PhD would be a good way to gain experience and apply the knowledge I have gained/learn more. Now I have the opportunity to try it out, I would feel bad if I turned it down right away without trying it out, as I might end up liking it. On the other hand, I might have to cancel the scholarship later if it does not work out.
My plan is to stay in Japan, but if I cancel the scholarship, I will have to leave the country. I have read that to change to a job-hunting visa, I need to submit a Certificate of Degree, which I will not have due to dropping out (but correct me if I am wrong). So, if the PhD program does not come through, I would start looking for a job during the time of the PhD program and only cancel the scholarship once I have secured a job. In this case, have you heard of anyone who had to pay back the money they received during their unfinished studies? Or would this have a negative impact on my job hunting? Companies are usually looking for fresh graduates, but I would be applying as a MEXT Scholarship student in the middle of her studies who wants to quit…
Do you have any information on this?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Shiran,
Thank you for your kind words!
If you haven’t already started looking for a job and got pretty far along the application process, then I don’t think this is a good time to give up the scholarship and start looking, especially if you don’t have a specific direction. If you already had a job offer at this point that you were excited about, that would be a different story, though. You said that you don’t know what kind of work you want to do, so I would say you definitely should not make a snap decision to go into the working field now. You would not be able to go back to studies in Japan under the MEXT Scholarship later if you changed your mind!
In addition to thinking about what kind of work you want to do, I think you should explore what the working environment in Japan is like in that specific field. It can be tough to find a comfortable working environment in some cases!
To apply to switch to the job hunting visa, you need a degree certificate and the support of the university that you graduated from, which they certainly wouldn’t grant if you dropped out. So, if you were to try to give up the scholarship partway through to switch to a job, (which I never recommend, just for the record), then you would need to have all your paperwork approved from your employer, first. But even then, it would look like you were deceiving the university and just using them to stay in the country for job hunting, so I don’t think this is a good approach, either. I would suggest finishing your degrees unless you are really miserable in the academic world and have decided that you never want to study again.
I have not heard of anyone having to pay back the scholarship after dropping out, but I also have not heard of anyone who planned to use the scholarship period to job hunt and drop out if they were successful. In that case, it could be considered dishonest behavior and the university or MEXT could take punitive action. I don’t know for sure, but I wouldn’t rule it out.
It sounds like you have some hard decisions ahead of you, but I encourage you to give it some thought and talk through all of the potential options in detail with someone that you trust.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I’ll make this as short as I can:
first semester on MEXT. doing Japanese training thing. Miserable. intensive courses (no option for non intensive) AND two other classes (intensive Japanese courses are not enough credits apparently). No time to do anything other than go to class and study. The little “free time” I get is spent running errands. Completely exhausted. Mental health in the gutter. teachers don’t care. Talked to MEXT scholars from other unis, seems it’s only my uni that’s like this. No way I can take another month of this. Want to just wing it from now on bc can’t do this anymore. I will go to classes, do the bare minimum, but not care if I do a good job. I will get a passing grade. But not good grades. I have done great until now but Idc anymore.
My question: will mediocre to low grades IN JAPANESE PREP CLASSES prevent me from extending the scholarship? I know I will do great in my actual classes. Already attended some of them for fun, was a breath of fresh air compared to the current misery.
PLEASE tell me I can wing it and still extend if I ace my actual classes. I’m so desperate here and no one is helping me. Thank you
Hi Miserable,
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. That sounds like . . . your name.
I’ve never heard of anyone else having an experience like yours in the language program before.
I don’t think you necessarily need to ace your Japanese language classes, but it sounds like the Japanese language program is at the same university where you will be studying for your degree. In that case, I would be concerned that they might talk to the instructors of the Japanese program when they review your extension review application. When I worked directly with MEXT Scholars, it was at a private university and our scholars attended the language program at a nearby national university, so we never heard about their performance in that program, as far as I know. That tells me that the Japanese language program shouldn’t impact your extension application, but I am mostly concerned about unofficial connection.
If the language program is at the same university where you will study for your degree, I recommend that you don’t check out completely and aim for the minimums. It shouldn’t be a problem to take your foot off the gas a little bit and settle for just “good” instead of “great” for the month-ish you have left.
By the way, have you already applied for an extension to the degree program to start in the fall semester? If you have already filed your extension application, then whatever happens after that extension doesn’t get factored in to reviewing your case, as far as I know. So, in that case, winging it probably wouldn’t be a problem.
So, to summarize, if your language program is at a different university than your degree studies or you have already applied for the extension, then winging it shouldn’t hurt you too much. Also, if you have a good relationship with your advisor and think they will not be concerned with your performance in the language program (if they even care) when they go to write your recommendation for the extension, then you should be safe as well.
But if your Japanese language program is at your degree university and your studies are close to Japanese language/culture in content, then I might be concerned that your advisor might talk to the language program unofficially and that could color their perception when they write their recommendation for your extension. Your grades in the language program should not be a factor in your extension application at all, so it’s really just the unofficial conversations that could be a concern.
Also, I don’t know if your university offers counseling services in English, but this seems like an area (burnout over intense studies) that university counselors should be very experienced in dealing with, so you might want to talk to them in the meantime, as well.
I’m sorry if that wasn’t very helpful, but I hope you can find someone to talk to about your situation and figure out a way to coast through the last month without giving off the impression that you have completely checked out.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much. That was actually quite helpful. I did talk to a counsellor and inquired about this issue. While the Japanese language school is part of the same university, I asked my advisor and they said my Japanese classes shouldn’t even matter as long as I don’t want to study in Japanese or anything Japan-related (I don’t). I’m sure my advisor will put in a good word for me too and there will be no conversations between them and the Japanese language school. And I think that the grades will be separate from the grades of my actual classes when calculating my GPA for extending or keeping the scholarship (I hear there’s a GPA requirement for extending the scholarship or even not losing it. I’m not sure though, I would appreciate your input on this).
Also, I will be applying for admission to the master’s program as soon as I’m done with these classes (I’m a special research student now). I need to apply for admission and take an entrance exam but I am not sure about the exact steps. The counsellor reassured me that I can take it easy but I am just too worried and there’s no one here to explain things for me. Everything is so vague and I’m just being crushed under a mountain of homework and stress.
Hi Miserable,
Thank you for your follow-up comments! It sounds a little more positive than your last message.
As far as I know, the grades from your Japanese language program, even if it is at the same university, will never be considered to calculate your eligibility for extending your scholarship and will not affect your GPA for your degree.
There is no GPA eligibility requirement to extend from Research Student to Degree Student (but there is a GPA requirement (2.50) to extend from Master’s to PhD). Typically, most students who apply to extend from research student to degree student do so during their first semester as a research student, so they wouldn’t have any grades yet. That said, once you start taking courses from your degree program, even if as a Special Research Student, you should try to maintain high grades and performance in those!
If you haven’t already applied for a MEXT Scholarship extension to start your degree in the fall semester, it is too late. In that case, you would have to continue as a Special Research Student this fall at your university, but in your actual degree program/studies, not the language program. During that semester, you would apply for the MEXT scholarship extension, typically around November/December and also for admission to the degree program, separately. They scholarship extension is typically going to go through the international office and the admissions application would go through your graduate school, so you’ll have to check with both.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis
You are suggesting that if everything is in order (GPA, etc.), then it’s not hard to extend the MEXT scholarship from master’s to PhD. But I’ve heard it’s very difficult and you have to be a star student basically and even then there are very limited spots for extension and I shouldn’t count on it. I don’t know what to believe anymore. I really want to extend my scholarship (doing a master’s degree now). But if it’s as hard as they say, I should be thinking about applying to PhD programs elsewhere. I would really appreciate your comments on what “they” say! Thank you
Hi Anna,
There are limited spots for the extension, but there should also be a limited number of students applying for the extension each year and the number of extension slots is based on the average number of students who successfully extended over the previous three years at your university. So, it is going to depend on your particular university and how intense the competition is there. But as long as they have a track record of students extending each year, then the possibility should certainly be there.
You might want to try to find out how many students successfully applied for the application last year. That could give you an idea of the places available. And if you have an idea how many other MEXT Scholars might be applying for the extension from one degree to the next this year, you can calculate how competitive it might be for you.
Anecdotally, I have not heard of any applicants who were turned down for the extension as long as they were doing well in their studies, met all of the eligibility criteria, and successfully earned admission in the PhD program.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much! Great advice as always : )
Dear Travis.
Thank you very much for all the counseling you offer in your website. I have the following question, currently I am enrolled as PhD student with Embassy Recommendation scholarship. I’m afraid that 3 years won’t be enough to finish my program and it will probably need one or two more years to finish it. Is it possible to extend the MEXT scholarship given this scenario? If not, which other options are available?
Thank you in advance, I hope my doubts can be clarified soon.
Hi JorgeD,
Thank you for your kind words.
I’m afraid it is not possible to extend your MEXT Scholarship without continuing on to a subsequent degree, so in your case that would not be possible.
Furthermore, if it becomes apparent that you cannot complete your degree program in time due to your academic performance or absence from the university, then you would lose the scholarship immediately.
I recommend that you do everything possible to finish within the three years, but if it isn’t possible, then in your last semester, start consulting with your university about staying on as a fee-paying student after the MEXT Scholarship is done and see if they have any options like tuition reduction or a TA/RA position to help you with funding. (In the meantime, try to be frugal with the scholarship stipend so that you can sustain yourself after it ends).
I hate to keep piling on bad news, but you should also know that if you do not finish in three years, then MEXT will not provide you with a flight ticket home, so you would need to provide that on your own, too.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
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Hi sir, I have a serious question. I am currently in masters program with mext scholarship but I want to change university. The program already started in april.
I wonder if it is possible to change university at this point. the change would be to the second university that accepted me in mext on the first place.
Of course I need to talk to the teachers but I want to know if its possible?
Hi Alison,
Unfortunately, it is not possible to change universities partway through a degree program on the MEXT scholarship. The only time you can change universities is when you extend your scholarship to the next degree level (e.g. PhD). Of course, that is assuming that you are an Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholar.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day Sir!
Hi, this is me again. I’m planning to apply for Specialized Training Program under Technology, probably I will major in engineering, like ME but can I ask if I can extend it to a bachelor’s degree later on? Because there might be selected major can extend to undergraduate.
Hi Melanie,
At least as of this time, Specialized Training College students are able to apply for a scholarship extension to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program, starting from the third year of studies.
As far as I know, this is not restricted to any particular major. Anyone should be eligible to apply for the extension.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much sir and God bless <3
Hi Travis
Correct me if I am wrong, but as far as I understand from the article, application for extension of scholarship opens once in a year around october-december. But my friend’s grad school asked for some documents this month for applying for extension so She can take the entrance exam for October admission. Is that possible to apply for extension in April?
Hi Aida,
In general, the extension application is held once per year, as you said.
However, there is a special extension application period exclusively for applicants who arrive in Japan in April and need to extend their scholarship starting in September/October of that same year (e.g. applicants who spend one semester as a research student before starting their degrees). As far as I know, that application period is only for applicants who newly start their scholarships, since they weren’t scholarship students at the time of the “usual” application period. It is not allowed for scholars who should have applied in December but missed the application period to then apply in April instead.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Good day sir!
I apologize I ask this again I could not find the first one I commented. Can I ask regarding to my school matters, I planning to transfer to a new university this coming next school year is it okay while applying for MEXT scholarship this april?
Hi Melanie,
Here is where you asked that previously and my answer.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Pingback: Hola, me quiero postular a la beca MEXT… – 夢の形
Dear TranSenz,
Your website is simply the most resourceful about MEXT Scholarship. I highly appreciate your assistance for us.
I have a question regarding my situation. I am currently a MEXT Embassy Recommended master’s student. I started as a research student (Sophia), then extended for a master’s degree (Waseda). I wonder if it is possible for me to extend for a Ph.D. at another university with a different but related field (PoliSci -> Law)?
For example, suppose I am graduating from my master’s with 2.50 or above with an M.A. in Political Science, and I want to pursue a Ph.D. in Law at Kyushu University. In that case, I’d need a recommendation from my current professor at Waseda, a recommendation from the dean at Waseda (?), and an acceptance from Kyushu?
Thank you for your help!
Hi Mobu,
When you extend your scholarship, I’m not sure that it’s possible to completely change your research field, but if you are continuing to pursue research into the same topic/field and that field of study falls under “Political Science” at one university and “Law” at another, then that should be a problem. (The name of the graduate school does not matter so much as the research content).
I think you are familiar with the process from when you extended from Research Student to Master’s Student, but for the extension, you have to apply separately for the MEXT Scholarship extension and for admission to new degree program (as a fee-paying student). For the MEXT Scholarship Extension portion, you would apply through your current university and will need your current academic advisor to fill in part of the application form giving his/her approval for you to change universities. You should not need any other recommendation letters for that process or any documentation from the new university for the MEXT Extension. You will also need to look up what Kyushu requires for fee-paying admission to the Law PhD program and make sure that you collect all of those materials separately.
Also be aware of the deadlines for both application processes. The deadline to extend your scholarship for new programs starting in spring/fall 2022 is already long-since passed, so hopefully your extension will be starting in spring 2023 or later.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Mobu,
I will be applying to Sophia as a research this year in the TESOL field. Any recommendations?
Regards,
Hello. Thank you so much for all the useful information always! I remember I checked your website a lot the last time I applied to the scholarship. It has been an enormous help.
I am an embassy-recommended student, now in the second year of my master’s. My question may be simple and I apologize if it has been asked before: I remember when I applied to the scholarship that I checked in one of the forms that I wanted to do the research student period + master’s (and nothing else), per recommendation from the people in my country’s embassy. After giving it some thought, I would like to pursue a PhD and apply for it while extending the scholarship. Is there any chance that my answers in the forms I submitted back in my home country can hinder the possibilities of extending the scholarship next year? I guess it may be difficult to determine something like this, but I keep having this thought in the back of my mind and it worries me.
Hi Margarita,
Thank you for your message and your feedback. I am glad to hear that you found this site useful when you applied in the past!
As far as I can tell from past experience, even if you checked that you only planned to study in Japan until the end of your master’s degree in your initial application, that will not stop you from applying for an extension or hurt your extension chances in any way.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, Travis. Glad to know! Thank you so much, now I can keep the hopes high.
Dear Travis,
thank you so much for all the information you provide on this blog! It has immensely helped me get where I am now.
I am currently a Master Student (Embassy Recommended), with the prospect of continuing for the PhD programme at the same university. However, I would like to change my supervisor during this extension, in the same department but just a very different research field.
Is it necessary that I obtain the recommendation from my current supervisor, or the future supervisor? Or both are necessary? I could not really understand from the explanation.
I am deeply concerned that my current supervisor would not approve of this, as supervising MEXT students also brings money to him personally, so letting me go would mean less funding for him, even though the reasons for my shift would be of academic nature.
Thank you for your response in advance!
Hi Ahmed,
Thank you for your kind words! I am very happy to hear that you found this blog helpful during your application!
For the extension, as far as I am aware, MEXT does not care about who your advisor is. I do not remember the university having to report that to MEXT at all. They only care about the university and graduate school of your enrollment. So, when you apply for the extension, you would simply be applying to extend at the same university.
However, you are still going to need to get both the old and new advisors’ approval for the change on a practical level. Since both professors are colleagues and will have to continue working together long after you graduate, I don’t think the new advisor would risk forcing a change that would anger your current advisor and create bad blood between them. So, you’ll still need to work that out.
Incidentally, I’m not sure what you mean about supervising MEXT students bringing money to your advisor. MEXT does not give any additional money to supervisors of MEXT scholars, to my knowledge. Is that something your university does?
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
thank you for your reply! I understand that the situation is tricky in that competition sense, but I feel that if I just dont want to continue working in my current field, my current supervisor should let me go.
About the last topic, I would like to clarify further.
I heard from sources close to the Embassy in my country, who are also MEXT alumni, that all supervisors of MEXT students are given additional funding from MEXT itself in order to cover expenses for the student such as materials, conference participation fees, books etc. Now, this might all be hear-say, so I am willing to check this further with more relevant sources. Since I consider you one of them, I have also decided to raise that concern here.
Hi Ahmed,
I have heard the rumor about supervisors receiving additional funding from MEXT from other scholars, but I have never seen any evidence to confirm that was the case. It is not mentioned in the application guidelines and even though I worked in the office responsible for administering the MEXT Scholarship at a major university for three years, funding for faculty members never came up in conversations between staff members or in our staff meetings. Since we were the ones responsible for providing all of the account information to JASSO for students to receive payments and keeping track of their enrollment, I think we should have been the office that would have handled funding for faculty, too, if it existed.
However, I am willing to concede that some universities might offer a bonus payment to faculty members who supervise MEXT scholars and that supervising MEXT Scholars might make it easier for faculty members to apply for other grants from MEXT directly. I just don’t think that there is some universal, automatic payment.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis Praveen Here again,
Thank you for the wonderful article,You did really great Job out here, Helping us. Thanks for That, stay safe,Take care.
Thank you.
Hello Travis!
Thank you for your guidance it helps a lot. I am MEXT embassy recommended master scholar and I heard that my gpa should be higher than 2.5 while applying for extension. I have some questions please.
First what happen when at the period of applying for extension I do not have the 30 credits necessary for my master graduation will MEXT only consider my available credit or wait for my graduation?
Second does it negatively impact my extension if I got a C or a B grade in my Gpa?
Finally do you have any idea when the extension result are generally available for students?
Thank you!!!!
Hi Abdoul-Karim Soubeiga,
Thank you for your feedback!
I think everyone who applies for the extension does so before they have earned enough credits to graduate. As long as you can earn the credits and graduate by the time that you would actually move on to the next degree and graduate (whether that is the spring or fall semester), you should be fine.
Having a B or C on your grades hurts you because it brings down your GPA, but that’s about it. As long as your GPA is still over the requirement, you should be fine.
The results will be released in approximately early March to the universities, and they should let you know as soon as possible after they receive the information.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thank you again. I am afraid I will fail one class. do you think That will have a negative effect on my MEXT scholarship extension?
Thank you.
Hi Abdoul-Karim Soubeiga,
Yes, failing a class will have a negative impact on your extension in a few ways. First, unless you are extending from research student to degree student, then you have to maintain a minimum GPA in order to apply for the extension, so a failed class obviously hurts that. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program, you also need to make sure that the failed class doesn’t delay your graduation.
Finally, when you extend your scholarship, you also need to apply for admission to the degree program that you are extending to. That failed course could negatively impact your admissions consideration, as well.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, Travis
Thank you again. How about failing one class, I took so many classes that I end up failing one of them? Does it mean I will automatically lose my scholarship or it will still depend on my GDP?
Regards,
Soubeiga Abdoul-Karim
Hi Soubeiga Abdoul-Karim,
Failing a class will have a negative impact on your extension in a few ways, but it shouldn’t necessarily mean that you will automatically lose the scholarship.
If your GPA dips below a certain level, or it becomes impossible for you to graduate on time because of the course that you failed, then you could lose the scholarship for those reasons, but not just for failing it.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis! I am Alex. Your guides have been really helpful in this complicated process!
I have a question regarding the “EXTENDING FROM MASTER’S TO DOCTORAL: PGP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS”:
I am applying a PGP scholarship (master degree) and this scholarship program currently is on its second year period.
When I ask the admin if the scholarship extension is applicable (from master to doctoral program) if I received the scholarship in program’s second year period, they said YES: ” even if the scholarship program is ended before the my master degree completion, or not successfully adopted by MEXT when the university apply for “renewal”, you can still apply for the scholarship extension.”
Apparently, it is contradicting with your statement of:
“Essentially, this means that only scholars who received the PGP scholarship during its initial year would be eligible to advance. Scholars selected in the second or third year of the program implementation, would graduate from their master’s degrees after the program’s selection period had ended, so there would be no available slots.”
Therefore, I am doubting what said by the admin and thinking the admin is brushing me off just to accelerate the application.
So, may I know is the rules has changed recently or is there any special circumstances to allow this kind of situation?
Thank you.
Hi Alex,
As far as I can tell from re-reading the application guidelines for the PGP scholarship as well as the extension application guidelines, my statement about only being able to extend if the university still had PGP places at the next degree level in the year that you plan to extend still applies.
If something has changed, then I was not able to find that information. (Unless, perhaps your program is a 5-year integrated doctoral program? The rules might be different in that case.)
That said, I am no longer working with this application process on a daily basis, so I am not 100% confident contradicting the university staff who are working with it and might have access to clarifying guidance from MEXT. (If so, I would like to find that information for myself so that I can be sure to present the most accurate info here!)
I would not count on having the extension available, but if it is, then consider that a bonus.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Alright, Thank you!
I am confirmed with them.
For the MEXT scholarship extension terms and condition, may I ask is there any official website or source for me to find out the answer myself?
Like official MEXT website, I tried to search before, but get nothing, maybe I didn’t look thoroughly carefully.
If you know one or two, do you mind to tell me (Japanese website is fine. I know Japanese)?
Thank you!!
Hi Alex,
Yes, I’m happy to share the resources I use. I get all of the guidelines from the official MEXT page for the scholarship. The website is all in Japanese, but some of the guidelines (typically for the Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholarship, only) are available in English.
There is also a sub-page specifically with the application guidelines and forms for the scholarship extension (also entirely in Japanese).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
So sweet. Thanks!!
I suppose what I said above is correct.
They have made the changes since 2019.
You can refer to this link (under Q and A pdf file):
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/ryugaku/boshu/1419613.htm
Anyhow, thank you so much.
The website like a maze to me. Luckily, I am able to find the answer.
Hi Alex,
Thank you for your follow-up research! It did not occur to me to dig into those Q&As (for the universities to apply for PGP program approval) to find information on the extension. Good catch!
The Q&A you sent was for programs seeking approval in 2019 and indicated a change from 2018, but I double-checked the Q&As for 2020 and 2021 programs as well, just to be sure. In 2020, that question didn’t exist at all in the Q&A, so I can’t be completely sure about how it would be handled. Assuming the same as 2019, but I can’t confirm.
For 2021 programs, there was a slight variation: For programs that were approved for both Master’s and Doctoral slots, students who started at the Master’s level in the second or third year can apply to extend to the Doctoral program through the PGP slot even if the university’s application to extend the program as a whole is rejected, but if the university does not apply to extend the program at the end of its validity period in the first place, MEXT will consider the program to be complete and individual students will not be able to extend after that time.
So, it looks like the conclusive answer is the typical Japanese response: “It depends.” Each student is going to have to check with their own university for the rules at that time. . .
Thanks again!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
PS, I’ve updated the article and included a shout-out to you for your help!
Hi Travis
Thank you for this blog it has been really informative and helpful. I need some advice regarding the MEXT extension process. I am extending from Research student to Doctoral student (Embassy-recommended). I have to change universities because my supervisor is retiring. She has recommended me to another supervisor at a new university who has unofficially accepted me. I am still waiting for the official outcome of my entrance exam for the new university which will be released in February. I did pass the entrance exam at my current university in August for April 2022. In the preliminary MEXT extension documents, I put the new university as my first choice, of course, with my supervisor’s recommendation. The International student office has advised me to put my current university as my second choice just in case (even though I won’t have a supervisor). I agree too but I’m also worried. I just want to ask if this is a good idea in your opinion or it’s risky if maybe MEXT prefers keeping students in the same university. Should I just have the new university as my first choice with no second choice and hope that everything goes smoothly with my acceptance process?
Hi Jess,
Thank you for your kind words.
My understanding of the scholarship extension process is that, unlike the original application, you ultimately get to choose the university. MEXT does not force you into one choice or another.
You can only choose one of the two universities that you indicate in your choices, but in the end it should be your decision.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much for the information, Travis! I really appreciate it. Happy New Year and season’s greetings.
Hi Travis!
Thanks for all the information and explanation.
I have a question regarding the situation of students from the Teacher Training Program by MEXT. As such, I will be taking non-degree graduate courses throughout a year, and I wonder if there is the chance to continue studying to the completion of a master’s degree.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Florencia,
Unfortunately, Teacher’s Training Program students are not eligible to extend their MEXT Scholarships to continue to a degree program. The application guidelines for the Teacher’s Training Program specifically say that it is not allowed to continue to a degree program (even as a self-financed student).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis!
Thank you for all the valuable info you’ve made available! I had started assuming all these details about MEXT scholarships would be kind of a secret out of my reach.
I’m a non-PGP, embassy-recommended student expecting to extend to a doctoral program starting in 2022. Is it possible for a student in my situation (non-PGP; embassy-recommended) to change to a doctoral program in another university? I should be getting a contact from the university about my extension to a doctoral program soon.
I’ve been kind of worried that I might not get an extension even if I pass the doctoral program tests and enroll in it, in part because universities don’t seem to have the kind of information you provide about MEXT. It’s just I heard of the case of a student in my university who had extended(?)/changed from undergraduate to master’s, then tried to extend from master’s to the doctoral program, but although she passed the program’s tests, she didn’t get her this second scholarship extension. Do you think that would normally be a bugdet problem, or there might be a reason related to the amount of years she had spent getting scholarships? Back when I extended from research student to master’s, I changed to this university. Before that, it seems that they even tried to discourage me to come to this university if I was intending to extend to a doctoral program later, and I thought that might be because of the older case of the student I mentioned, but then I thought there might be some kind of university ranking and I’m just in a place too low for it, etc.
Thank you in advance, and sorry for the lengthiness. I just feel I should know a bit more about my own process as a scholarship recipient, and any further piece of information could help relieve me from this anxiety. In general, would you say I should I stick to “In practice, I have never heard of anyone in this situation being unsuccessful in their extension application.” ?
Hi Pablo,
Thank you for your kind words.
As an Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholar moving from a Master’s Degree to Doctoral Degree, it is possible to change universities.
When you apply for the extension, you can fill in up to two universities that you would like to enroll in for the Doctoral Program. You also have to apply for admission to those two doctoral programs separately, but since you changed universities when moving from research student to degree student, I think you’re already familiar with the process!
The extension is not guaranteed. Unlike the extension from research student to master’s student, where there is no limit on the number of students that can be nominated, each university has a limited number of nomination places for advancing from Master’s to Doctoral, and they might be more likely to prioritize students who are advancing to a doctoral degree within the same university, instead of someone who wants to leave to attend another university, so that is always a consideration.
(For the other student you mentioned that started as an undergrad, then tried to extend from Master’s to Doctoral, that is a separate category and has a stricter screening criteria, so that could have been part of the problem in that student’s case).
I cannot think of any reason why a particular university would have a worse chance of nominating a student for an extension than another, except that the number of places is based on the university’s recent history of nominating students for extension, so if they did not have many students extend in the past, that means they would have fewer slots available for future nominations. But there should still be slots available, no matter the university. It might just be more competitive.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
Thank you again for your prompt and complete answer! Many doubts about the process are being dispelled. I guess I’ll try to stay in my university. I was taking some time to formulate a question, just to confirm the nomination mechanism.
So, I want to enter my university’s doctoral program and, if I’m accepted there, the university (or supervisors?) will nominate students as candidates for scholarship extension, and there are slots for that, is that so? This number of slots is for each university, and it includes only my university’s MEXT candidates for extension, doesn’t it? So it won’t include all people who have entered the program this year regardless of funding/scholarship or recommendation type? So, that’s where you say it could become more competitive, if X number students who have become accepted in the program want to extend for the same university but there have been, say, less than X in previous years, right? Still, probably this number of slots also has to be limited by or within the general number of places for new students in that program, doesn’t it? So before any screening by MEXT, the university (say, with a maximum enrollment capacity of 12 people for the program) can still also control or decide the “intensity” of the recommendations (“strongly recommend” or only “recommend”) for nomination to manage the proportion of MEXT students they want within their maximum capacity, can’t they?
Thank you again, and sorry if I’ve been repeating myself too much. I think I’ll finally have get a grip of the process, even if I’m a bit late for this.
Best regards,
Pablo
Hi Pablo,
Applying for the Extension of the MEXT Scholarship and applying for the Doctoral Process are two completely different processes and you would have to complete each one separately, yourself. If you just apply for the doctoral program, the university is not going to automatically pick up your application and nominate you for the scholarship extension. Both application processes will have their own deadlines and requirements, so make sure that you are following the instructions for each one.
The number of extension slots is for each university, so you are only competing against other MEXT Scholarship students who also want to extend during that year (including both embassy-recommended scholars and university-recommended scholars, and also including scholars extending from bachelor’s to master’s and from master’s to doctoral). So, it could be competitive if there are more candidates than places. The number of places is not directly related to the number of new scholarship slots, it is only related to the number of extensions approved in the past.
When the university nominates candidates to MEXT, there is only “nomination” or “no nomination”. While the university does give a priority order among the candidates, there are no tiers like “strongly recommended” or “recommended”.
I hope that helps.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much, Travis! I’ll bear all that valuable information in mind and do my best!
Pablo
Hi again, Travis!
I have two questions now the extension paperwork period is about to begin. In an earlier post I think I told you that I might have to change universities, for PhD (I’m embassy recommended). Actually, after talking to a professor from a national university, he said he’s willing to be my supervisor (my current supervisor had also said I could choose my own options of universities, as the professors he found himself were in women’s universities or universities without a PhD program). So I was wondering two things:
1) How much can the order of my two options for the extension affect the selection? My options here tend to be “asymmetrical”.
The first time, when I was in my home country, I got accepted as a research student by two professors. One from a city university (first preference) and the other from a national university (second preference). MEXT sent me to my second option, the national one. I think it gave me a clear hint that the government has its own preferences for universities, sometimes prevailing over one’s own choices.
Then, for my extension to master’s degree, I included two universities again, in part because my professor would have to retire. Then I put the national one I was attending as my first preference (another faculty, though), and then again the smaller university where I hadn’t been sent by MEXT before as second preference. I didn’t pass the first option, and I was finally sent to the smaller university. Sadly, some things haven’t been going the way I was expecting here, and some university staff themselves have recommended me to add my second choice again, as it seems they’re not too confident that the government will extend my scholarship if I stay here, even if I pass the exam.
So now, for the PhD, it’s again another national university (different from the first one) and the smaller I’m attending. I need to choose the order. I got the impression that even my current teacher would allow me going for the national university in first place, because he seems to be overwhelmed with work. Do you think national universities are so much more prioritized by the government that even if I put it it in second place, and if I get accepted at both, I’d be sent to the national one anyway?
2) My second question is, what kind of arguments given by me professor will be considered reasonable in case I choose to change to another university? It seems I have to get my own professor to justify that change. Is it really only “professor’s retirement”? It’s really not the case now. But isn’t the content of the research itself or professor’s availability in terms of his/her area also a good reason?
I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to cut to the chase here, adding so much detail. The way they’re treating this at my university has felt weird from the beginning. Even during the entrance exam here last year, I was told by my soon-to-become supervisor himself that I shouldn’t have come to this university, but stay at the former one (I think he didn’t mean it unkindly, though). Also, the professor from the university I’m planning to move was so kind and committed during the interview.
Any tip as to preference order and university change justification (though this doesn’t really depend much on me) would be so helpful at this stage.
Thank you in advance!
Best regards,
Pablo
Hi Pablo,
1. My understanding for the extension application process is that you get to choose which university you will attend once you pass the extension, as long as you pass the entrance exams at both. I couldn’t tell for sure from your question which one you prefer, but it sounds like the national university is your preference. I would recommend that you put that as your honest first choice if that is the case. (For your placement on your initial selection, that is MEXT’s choice and they make no secret that they prefer national universities then, but I have not heard of applicants being forced into a second-choice university on extension before.)
2. “Professor’s Retirement” is one of the few justifications I have seen for switching universities when moving from Research Student to Degree Student, but a move at that point is much more difficult. MEXT assumes that almost all students will continue their degree studies at the same university where they have been a research student. However, when moving from Master’s to PhD, other justifications are possible and the best justification should be based on your research. If the other university is better prepared to support your research interests – for example, the professor’s research there is closer to your own, they have more extensive facilities, ongoing projects, etc., those are all possible justifications. Your suggestions about the research content and the professor’s availability are perfectly good reasons, too.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
Your last message has helped me set my mind about this. I just hope my professor won’t be against my preferring the national university as first preference instead of the current one. He says it’s ok, but the paperwork itself seems to tire him. It’s kind of painful to have them write the whole recommendation and justification thing for me after having them read the information I’ve already written on the documents.
Next time I ask you something, I think it’s going to be on your Patreon site.
Thank you again for all the knowledge you share!
Hi Pablo,
Thank you for your reply.
I understand it must be difficult to ask a professor to write a recommendation for you to transfer to another university for your next degree, but hopefully that process will be over soon and you can stop worrying about that and just focus on the entrance exams.
Thank you very much for your support on Patreon! Please do feel free to ask any questions you have there and I will respond as quickly as possible.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
As always, your blog is the ultimate guidance for different processes for MEXT scholars. Thank you so much.
I have a question regarding the number of chances you get to apply for the extension. Right now, I am a MEXT research student, and I am planing to join the Doctoral program from October 2022. For that, I have to apply for the extension next month (December 2021).
If at the worst case scenario I failed the examination, do I have another chance? Like for April 2023?
I started my reserch program from October 2021, so I get to stay as a research student as long as 18 months, right? So if there is another extension application period during these 18 months, am I still eligible to apply for that? After the first failed attempt?
Best,
Shaghayegh
Hi Shaghayegh,
Since you started in October 2021, you can stay a research student until March 2023. So, if you do not pass the extension application in December 2021, you would have another chance to apply in December 2022 (there is one application per year), but in that case, your degree would have to start in April 2023 – you could not start the degree in October 2023.
Typically, I have not seen anyone fail the MEXT extension application from Research Student to Degree Student. What happens more often is that applicants pass the MEXT extension but fail the university entrance exam, so they can’t get into the degree program (and therefore can’t extend). In that case, I have heard of applicants withdrawing from the extension and trying again in the next year.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey travis Good information, I just have a few questions regarding my situation.
I’ll explain to you, I arrived to japan in October 202o, did 6 months of Japanese Language Training, and then in April 2021 started research in an university. The thing is in this university I failed to enter (because I had some issues with documents) the examination in august that would allowed me to start the Master Course in April 2022. So my question is, 1) there is another possibility I could take for extending the scholarship?. I already recived an email from the international center from my uni that the extension application would be in december, but I don’t have options for now.
2) “Start of the degree program must be within 2 years of starting research student status (including Japanese language education period”. In my case this means I should start up to October 2022, so there are another universities that I could apply for that semester?
3) “Be expected to receive admission in the appropriate degree program”
What does this exactly means? We should present a document from university or from the sensei? What they are expecting you to do so they know you will be accepted?
Hi Ale,
1. If you arrive in October, then the maximum length of your scholarship as a Research Student is 18 months, so in your case, you would have to extend your scholarship/start your degree beginning in April 2022.
If if is no longer possible to apply to your current university for acceptance in April 2022 (I recommend double-checking first), then you would have to apply to another university. (You can apply to up to two.) In that case, you would apply by following their procedures for fee-paying students. You would also have to apply separately for the MEXT Scholarship extension through the process that starts in December.
2. Unfortunately, the maximum length of 2 years only applies if you arrived in April. For October arrivals, the maximum length is 18 months. (Essentially, regardless of whether you arrive in April or October, the last month of your scholarship is March.) You cannot apply for October 2022 admission and extend your MEXT Scholarship to cover that degree. You would have to start in April 2022.
3. If you have already been formally accepted by the university, then you should submit a letter of acceptance. If you are still in the application process, as long as your application is being considered and has not been rejected, you can apply for the extension. As far as I know, there is no specific documentation to show this. However, your scholarship extension would be conditional on getting acceptance to the degree program.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Once again I’m very grateful for your help and the time you take to go through all the comments and answer them accordinlgy.
(Thanks to you) I was accepted as a MEXT research student for autumn 2021 and I’m enrolled as a non-regular student in my university.
I have already started the ‘regular’ application directly with the university to become a regular Master’s student from Spring 2021 (6 months after I began). The results are supposed to come out by mid/end November.
Have your heard how these applications of extensions are currently being handled by MEXT due to the COVID situation? Is there any chance they may reject or reduce the number of spots intended to extensions?
Reading your article, I’m somewhat relieved to see that an extension from research to master’s is basically reduced to a series of acceptances from the university. Is there anything else I should address to during the process?
And just as a last question, when I’m supposed to approach to my embassy and let them know about my intention of extension of scholarship? Or do I handle everything through the university?
Thank you again!
Hi Tomas,
Congratulations on earning the MEXT Scholarship and starting your studies in Japan!
If I understand correctly, you’re currently applying for admission to the university for the degree program, right? As far as I can tell, it looks like MEXT has not yet reached the application guidelines for the Extension application for Spring 2022. However, I have no reason to think that they would reduce the number of places or make it more difficult to get the extension. If anything, given the extremely low number of international students in Japan now (since only MEXT Scholars are allowed to newly enter the country), I would think that they would want to keep the scholars they have!
Once the application guidelines come out, your university should inform you of anything you have to submit. It will generally be a short deadline, but I don’t think any of the materials should require much time to obtain. You will conduct the whole process through the university and should not need to contact your home country embassy.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello! Thanks for your information! I have a question I was hoping you can help me with. I am a mext scholar, in a master’s degree program, and i plan to marry a japanese within the scholarship period. I won’t change my visa status. Will i lose my scholarship somehow if i marry?
Thanks!!
Hi Aren,
No, you won’t lose your scholarship for getting married, as long as you don’t change your status of residence until after your last scholarship payment goes through. As soon as you sign for your last scholarship payment, then you can go to the Immigration Services Agency office and apply for a Change of Status of Residence. (The process is very similar to applying for a Certificate of Eligibility, as I described in that article, except you can do it while in Japan.)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you very much for this useful blog. This helps me become MEXT Scholar. I will begin studying at one of Japanese university this fall as MEXT embassy recommendation. Unforunately,
I was already accepted as regular master student not research student.
Due to personal reason regarding to family issue, this makes me become interested to transfer to other university (master degree) at this time. I’m writing to ask that Is it any possibility or way for me to transfer to another school in this fall?
Hi Siriwat,
Congratulations on earning the MEXT Scholarship!
Unfortunately, it is not possible to transfer universities as a MEXT Scholar. The only time you have the opportunity to change in general is when you move up from Master’s to PhD. (Even when you move from Research Student to Degree, you are expected to stay at the same university).
I hope you are able to overcome the issue and succeed in your studies at your current university!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
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Thank you for your blog Travis.
I cant express how much this help me during the journey.
I just want to know one thing.
I am currently a master degree student 2yrs programme and I intend to extend my scholarship to PHD. The PHD programme would take 3 years. Would the scholarship cover the whole 3years if I were accepted?
I heard that MEXT only allow 4 years total.
Again thank you for your marvellous work.
Hi Hsu,
Thank you very much for your kind words!
Yes, if you extend your scholarship to cover the PhD, it would cover all three years. There is no rule that MEXT will only fund a maximum of four years. (In fact, I have seen many students do a year as a research student, a masters, then a PhD for a total of 6 years!)
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thanks again for your continue support for MEXT students and potential candidates.
I am currently struggling with choosing my future perspective.
As I mentioned before, I am currently a first year master degree student and I will need to apply for extension soon.
I want to know if it is possible for me to change Supervisor for Phd. My university has two possible phd courses I can take and my current supervisor is different from the course I want to take.
Can you please share some advice for this?
Hi Hsu,
Thank you for your kind words.
As far as I know, it should be possible to change your advisor for your PhD, but that is really more of a university-level decision. If the university will support the change, as far as MEXT is concerned, you are staying in the same university and, I presume, your overall general field of study will remain the same, just with a different research focus, so it should not be a problem for the scholarship. I recommend asking at your university if they will allow you to change. That could be an awkward conversation with your current advisor, but if you explain the research that you want to conduct and ask his/her opinion on which PhD program and track would be most appropriate for that research, that could be a diplomatic way to move forward.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I have a question regarding the MEXT Scholarship University recommendation, I have enrolled in a university since 2018. First-year I spend as a research student and since 2019 I have been enrolled as a Doctoral student. I wanted to know that if in case I am not graduated by 2022, do I need to pay the money for the scholarship if in case I do not have the money to live further in Japan and I plan to go back home country.
Hi Anonymous,
If you cannot complete your degree on time, then you would lose the MEXT Scholarship as soon as it becomes clear that you cannot graduate on time, but you do not have to pay back the money/award that you have received so far.
Among other things, you would forfeit the MEXT-funded flight ticket home, though, so keep that in mind in your financial planning.
I hope you are able to graduate and that this is all a non-issue!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis
One question, if I plan to leave my studies in middle and wanted to go back to my country, what’s the process for that in that case do I need to pay back the scholarship amount in that case as well?
Thanks for the support! it’s a very useful blog for all the questions related to MEXT and life in Japan
Hi Anonymous,
If you need to leave Japan during your studies and cancel your scholarship, you should not be required to pay back any of the funds received in that case, as far as I know, but you’ll want to check with the university. It may depend on the reason and whether or not it’s beyond your control. In the past, I have only dealt personally with cases where the scholarship recipient had a family emergency requiring them to return home. I have never worked with anyone who wanted to leave for their own reasons.
Aside from that, the only penalty you would suffer would be burning the bridges with the relationships you had made in Japan.
For the process, you should talk to the office at your university that administers the scholarship to get started, if necessary.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
First of all your blog is really helpful for MEXT applicants…Thanks and keep it up.
I found your blog recently as I am also planning to apply for MEXT scholarship next to next year. I am currently in the 2nd year of my bachelor in computer science and hoping to get admitted to Osaka University in Information Technology department to pursue my masters.
My questions are as follows.
1. If I apply as a research student will it be tough to get an extension to Masters, as I have heard that we need to pass the entrance examination to get in masters. So Osaka being a prestigious university, will it be hard to pass the entrance exam later?
2. What are the chances that I will be selected if I apply directly for Masters…as doing graduation is my ultimate goal….so are there greater chances to get admitted as a research fellow or directly to a masters program…
Hi Vishal Thakur,
Thank you for your kind words.
1. Applying for the scholarship extension and applying for admission into the degree program are two different processes. I can say that applying for the scholarship extension is relatively easy (certainly easier than applying for the scholarship in the first place!). As for the entrance exam, if you’re planning to apply for the MEXT Scholarship next year, then it is going to be at least two years before you take the entrance exam. That should give you plenty of time to prepare so that you won’t have a problem with the exam!
2. The most difficult stage of the application process is the Primary Screening at the Embassy, so that is what you should be focused on for now. In your application form, you will have the chance to say whether you want to start as a Master’s Degree student or a Research Student, but that is just your preference. If you tick Master’s Degree student, there is still a chance that the university will instead accept you as a Research Student, since it is ultimately their decision. It is going to be up to each university as to how they prefer to accept students, but it should not affect your chances of acceptance one way or another.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello again,
So I was wondering what should one (as a IPGP master’s student) do in case they want to move to another university for the doctoral degree? Would it be possible to just simply reapply for the scholarship in the second year?
As another somewhat unrelated question, would one still be eligible for the scholarship if they are permanent residents?
Thank you very much!
Hi Anony,
Do you mean PGP? If you are a University-Recommended MEXT Scholar, regardless of whether you are general category or PGP, you cannot change universities and keep the MEXT Scholarship. You would have to become a self-funded student if you were to change universities.
If you want to apply again for the MEXT Scholarship at another university, then you would need to have three full years of education or work experience counting from the end of your current MEXT scholarship before you would be able to start a new scholarship.
Permanent residents are not eligible for the scholarship. You would have to give up your permanent residence status and obtain a new Student Visa and residence status as a MEXT Scholar to be eligible. In that case, there is no guarantee that you would be able to reobtain Permanent Resident status later.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for your response.
The university calls it “International Priority Graduate Programs”, but I think they are the same?
I am currently accepted for masters and I do not want to change universities at this point, but I would like to go to some other university for my doctoral degree. Would I still need to wait 3 years? (sorry if I wasn’t clear in my first comment)
Hi Anony,
I think that is the same. I did a little searching and saw the International Priority Graduate Program term used on MEXT’s website in places, too.
Unfortunately, all PGP (including IPGP) programs fall under the umbrella of University-Recommended MEXT Scholarships, so you cannot change universities. If you want to study a doctorate at another university with a MEXT Scholarship, you would have to wait three years (of full-time employment or study) to be eligible again.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
You mentioned that for the PGP extension, there must be enough doctoral-level space.
At my university, each year for the same PGP program, there are 2 Master’s courses & 5 Ph.D. course positions. I wonder if all 5 Ph.D. course positions are taken for the year (newly admitted MEXT scholar), will this affect the extension application?
If the PGP program is cut or canceled (is this possible?), will this affect current Master’s students to extend to Ph.D. courses?
Thank you for your answer in advance!
Hi Coco,
The total number of slots available includes slots for both new and continuing students. So if the program selects five new PhD students that year, it would not be possible for the Master’s students to extend.
PGP programs can accept students for a total of three years, starting in the year they are approved. So, if you start in the first year of the PGP program as a Master’s Student, you have a chance to extend to the PhD, since that would be in the third year of the program. But if you were to start a year after the PGP program was approved, then you would not be able to extend, since the PGP program wouldn’t be able to accept new students anymore at that point.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Thanks for your detailed response!
I looked into the approved PGP list each year. It seems that some universities constantly renew their PGPs every three years. Mine was approved in 2018, so I might have to wait for the 2021 PGP list to come out.
I wonder if the existing PGP students will have the priority to extend their MEXT scholarships, as they already settle in Japan and started their research?
One more question: what would happen if the professor retired during the PGP program? Will this make it more difficult to extend the scholarship?
Thanks for your work and support!
Hi Coco,
I’m not sure if PGP programs are “renewed” or if the university applies for a new, replacement program. If it is considered a new program, you might not be able to extend under that situation, but I would recommend that you ask your university, since they will know better about the program administration details.
I do not think there is any priority given to current PGP scholars just for being in Japan, but you do have the relationship with the university and professor, so that could offer an advantage.
However, if your advisor retires and there is nobody able to take his or her place and supervise your research, that could make it more difficult for the university to accept you as a Doctoral student.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, Travis!
As always, thank you for your guides, as they have helped me get accepted as a research student starting this October through the Embassy-Recommendation route! I would like to clarify a few things though.
– I’m not certain what is meant by the following:
“Students may designate up to two universities for where they want to move up to the degree program, but if they move up to another university, they would lose their scholarship.”
I realize as I’m writing this that it more than likely means I would lose the scholarship if I chose to attend a University other than the two listed in my application to MEXT, but I feel I should get it clarified nonetheless.
– Is it possible to apply for the Master’s degree extension after I get confirmation that I passed the entrance examinations for the universities I want to attend?
– I understand that I have to specify two universities to MEXT but would I get in trouble for applying to three or more universities for a master’s degree?
Thank you once again for all your troubles.
Hi Bruce,
Your understanding about the “two universities” is correct. You can only extend your scholarship at the universities that you have listed in the form. However, when extending from research student to degree student, it is expected that you will stay at the same university unless there are extenuating circumstances (such as your advisor retiring) that make it difficult to do so.
The timing for the scholarship extension is fixed and not flexible. Universities need to submit the extension application to MEXT by the beginning of January, so the application deadline will be in December. So it is all a matter of whether or not you can get your Master’s degree acceptance before that.
You would not get in trouble for applying to more than two universities, but you would have to pay all application fees yourself and if you proceed to any of the universities not on your list, you would forfeit the scholarship. Your advisor might also be unhappy if he or she finds out, since you are expected to extend at the same university.
Good Luck!
-Travis from TranSenz
Hello.
I am really sorry for this but what is PGP and non PGP? I dont quite understand this and I cant figure out which category I belong to.
I am 2021 embassy recommend mext scholar student and will start my master in October. I’d like to know my options ahead of time.
Hi Red,
PGP and non-PGP only apply to University-Recommended MEXT Scholars (they are different categories of slots within that scheme). As an Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholar, you do not need to worry about that.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, Travis. Thank you so much for your help. I am very grateful, I’ve been struggling with access to education, and this scholarship really gives me hope, as well as people who are willing to help. Thank you so much!
I have one question about the connection between the fields. I have reviewed the available fields in the Specialized Training Program, and it says we can choose Nursing. I was wondering if I could extend the scholarship so I would be able to graduate as a doctor, or if this is impossible. The connection would be between Nursing and Medicine, but it can be different.
Thank you again, and I hope God bless you!
Hi Chocolat lover,
You will be able to apply to extend your MEXT Scholarship at the end of your period of study at the Specialized Training College to enroll in a 4-year university program, starting from the third year.
In terms of meeting the continuity requirement, it should be no problem to transfer from a nursing program to a pre-med undergraduate program. However, you would have to find a university that would be able to accept a 3rd-year transfer student into its medical program.
If your goal is to earn a medical doctorate in the end, another option would be to apply for the Undergraduate Scholarship and start directly in a bachelor’s degree of medicine.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
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Hello!
First of all, thank you for your guide. It helped me get accepted and now I’m in the last semester of my Master’s degree.
Some questions though, about the extension.
Due to the pandemic, my fieldwork has been affected. And while I have enough data to finish writing and graduate by September, I feel like my research is “raw” or half-baked coz I only did qualitative interviews and no fieldwork. With the vaccines reportedly coming this summer, I think that my fieldwork may get a good chance to happen if I wait it out.
My questions are:
1. Is it possible to extend my Master’s student status for one (1) more semester? and;
2. With the said extension, will MEXT also extend my tuition and stipend?
Thank you coz I’ve been really thinking about it really hard.
Thanks and stay safe!
Hi Des,
While I understand your frustration with the state of your research, unfortunately, it is not possible to extend the duration of your MEXT Scholarship while remaining in the same degree program.
You should be able to extend your enrollment at the university for another semester, but you would lose the scholarship during that time, so you would have to pay tuition on your own and would no longer have a living stipend. You would also forfeit the MEXT-funded plane ticket home from Japan (if you are in Japan now).
Your university might have other scholarship opportunities that you could try for if you extend for a semester, but that’s really going to be up to them.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis! Your guides have been really helpful in this complicated process!
I am an embassy recommended student from the 2020/2021 batch that hasn’t heard the Second Screening Results yet. Nevertheless, my advisor asked me to do the entrance exam to the University of Tokyo in advance from my home country, and I got admitted.
In the application form I selected “Research Student” as I didn’t consider getting admitted in my first attempt. My LOA also mentioned the same thing, as I had not taken the test at that point. As I haven’t been a research student in Japan yet (arrival to Japan is still uncertain for Fall Semester) do I have to apply for the extension/changing my status to Masters Student?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Ana,
Congratulations on passing the entrance exam!
Even if the university was planning to admit you as a research student, if you pass the entrance exam before arrival, the university should be able to report that to MEXT and change your status to degree-seeking student from the time that you arrive. In that case, you should not need to apply for the extension process.
However, once you get your final results in June, then I recommend you follow up with the scholarship office at University of Tokyo to double-check the procedures with them.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello sir,
I wanted to ask that is it possible to change the graduate schools under the same university while extending the scholarship from research to masters?
Thank you
Hi Palak,
I have heard of cases where this is possible. I remember hearing about one (multidisciplinary) grad school at the University of Tokyo that does not accept research students, so all MEXT Scholars have to start as research students in another related graduate school then matriculate to the degree program by changing schools. Unfortunately, I do not have any more specific details, but I think this is only possible when the schools are very closely related and your research topic does not change significantly.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I am 2021 MEXT scholar (research category) who is waiting for the second screening result in June. I received LOA from Waseda Uni (1st choice) and Kyotodai ( 2nd choice). Since MEXT will possibly place me at Kyotodai, would you please recommend me how to transfer from Kyotodai to Waseda? Kyotodai admission is on April 2022 and Waseda is on September 2022, so do you think it is possible for me to change to Waseda?
Hi Skyler,
Unfortunately, once MEXT places you in a university, it is not possible to transfer unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as your advisor retiring and nobody else being able to advise your research.
The only real opportunity you have to transfer universities is if you complete a Master’s degree at one university then apply for an extension to a PhD. In that case, it is possible to transfer to the PhD at another university.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Transenz ,
I am so grateful to you ,your blog helps me so much in application forms and research plan .I have question to ask .please ,could you tell me if I apply to MEXT 2022 as a non-degree student and after that I want to extend my MEXT to Master degree should I do acceptance exam first to extand it or can I apply for MEXT extention then do acceptance exam and if I pass acceptance exam ,can I enroll on Master Degree at the same university then extend MEXT !?
Hi Ghadeer,
Thank you for your kind words.
When you apply for an extension, you may end up applying for acceptance to the degree program and for the MEXT extension simultaneously. Or one may come before the other. It depends on when the university’s entrance exam is relative to the MEXT Scholarship Extension Application. You will have to complete both processes separately, so be sure to check the application timing for each one.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I received LOA from Waseda (1st choice) and Kyotodai (2nd choice). And I am waiting for my result. As MEXT would prioritize national one, I am considering to change the university if I have been placed at Kyotodai. But the Kyoto university entrance exam date is on April 2021 and Waseda is on September 2021. So would you please advise me on how to get into my first choice? Thank you.
Sorry for my mistake. The Kyotodai admission is on April 2022 and Waseda admission is on September 2022. I am in the research student category.
Hi Skyler,
I’m afraid that I do not understand where you are in the application process. You mentioned receiving Letters of Acceptance from two universities, which makes it sound like you are applying for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship and are waiting on the results of the Secondary Screening and University Placement. If that is the case, they you do not have any input on what university you will be placed in. It is MEXT’s decision.
However, if you are applying to extend your scholarship after completing your degree (since that is the article that you commented on), then my understanding is that you would be able to choose the university if you were accepted to both and your extension application was also accepted. Please note, however, that it is not generally possible to change universities when moving from Research Student to Degree Student when you first arrive, except for extenuating circumstances.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Sorry for the confusion. Yes I am applying for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship and are waiting on the results of the Secondary Screening and University Placement. Since MEXT will perhaps place me at the national university( Kyotodai) over my preference list, I am planning ahead to apply my extension application to Waseda university after my research student life at Kyotodai. However, Kyotodai’s admission period is on April 2022 and Waseda admission period is on September 2022, I don’t know how to try my extension application to Waseda university. Would you please recommend me on this?
Hi Skyler,
In my experience, it is expected that if you are moving from research student to degree student you will not change universities unless there are extenuating circumstances such as the professor who was supposed to advise you retiring. I do not think they would accept an application to change universities based on you not getting the placement that you prefer.
In the extension application, your current advisor has to write an explanation as to why they approve of your move to another university, too. That could be difficult to obtain and you would risk alienating that professor in the process, so I really can’t recommend it.
If you are still determined to move forward, there is typically one extension application process per year and you can list up to two different universities at that time. You would apply for that extension then apply for both admissions processes separately. When you have all the results, then you would complete the paperwork to move to enroll and extend your scholarship. Your international office should have more information about what is necessary at that time.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much for your recommendation.
Dear Travis,
Can you please tell me that when do we receive the final notification of our MEXT scholarship extension result? My Masters course will end in September and doctoral course is bound to start from October.
Thank you.
Hi Aadya,
The extension application guidelines say that MEXT will “target” informing universities of the results by the end of February, and then the universities are supposed to inform the applicants. So, you should hear the results any time now.
However, MEXT is often late with their announcements, so if you have not heard anything yet, please don’t take that as a bad thing – it is most likely just a delay.
If you are concerned, you can ask the office at your university that handles the scholarship application procedures.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you very much for the information. I am deeply grateful to you.
Thank you!
Dear Travis,
Greetings and good day! Thank you so much for your great guides which had been helping me from the application of MEXT scholarship, university admission and life in Japan. I have some questions to seek for your guidance and opinion.
I’m currently a D3 student, and I’m expected to graduate in Autumn 2021. However, my research has been affected and progress had been delayed due to the current COVID situation. After discussion with my supervisor, we are thinking of applying for extension in order for me to fulfill all the graduation requirement.
I realize that it is not possible to apply for semester extension for PhD in normal condition, but under special circumstances or with special reasons, is it possible to apply for an extension (just for one semester – until next April will do)? If so, how should I apply for it as I can’t seem to find much information about this?
I appreciate your reply and thank you so much for your kind attention on this matter.
Hi Faye,
Thank you very much for your kind words.
Unfortunately, as far as I know, it is not possible to extend your MEXT Scholarship in the event that you do not complete your degree in time and I am not aware of any special provisions that have been made for COVID-19. (If you were stuck outside of Japan for a semester and not receiving your scholarship during that time, then there could be some consideration, but I have not heard anything made public about that, so I would recommend checking with your university if that is the case).
Even under normal circumstances, you can certainly extend your enrollment at the university, though. In that case, you would no longer be covered by the MEXT Scholarship and you would forfeit the MEXT-sponsored flight home at the end of your studies.
As I write this, today, January 14, is the deadline for universities to submit the scholarship extension application paperwork to MEXT, so if you think that you might be eligible for some sort of special consideration, as in the situation I described above, I would recommend talking to your university office today!
I’m sorry I was not able to be more helpful.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis
Last December Ive applied for a scholarship extension to cover my doctors course . I’ll be done with my masters in sept and hope to continue a doctors course afterwards.
As far as I know there are two screening processes – one is by the university to see who gets recommended to mext, and second is by mext to see who actually gets granted the scholarship.
I’ve been informed i passed the uni screening and my application got forwarded to mext, and I should get the results of that end of this month.
My question is, what is the likeliness of me passing once Ive been recommended to mext hq? Ive been told im out of the woods and not to worry but to not celebrate yet. At the same time, itd be really nice to know what I should be prepared for in the future.
Thanks,,
Thomas
Hi Thomas,
If I understand correctly, you are already a MEXT Scholar in Japan and applied for an extension from Master’s to Doctorate, right?
I have never heard of anyone getting rejected during MEXT’s screening process. The university has a set number of students they are allowed to nominate, so as long as you are within that number and meet the eligibility requirements (grades), I see no reason why there should be any concern. If you haven’t done so yet, you’ll also need to pass the entrance exam to the doctoral program separately.
The advice you were given – don’t worry, but don’t celebrate yet – sounds spot on to me.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks for the response Travis. And thanks for making these guides as it helped me get the scholarship in the first place.
Yes, I came to Japan under the embassy recommended MEXT as a research student for nearly half a year then extended to do a Masters. My entrance exam will be around July since I’ll be starting in Oct. I finish my Masters in Aug/Sept this year. As far as I know, for my entrance exam they’ll just check my documents and my performance during my Master’s degree…but I’ll reconfirm.
One source of worry is actually Japan’s economy lately due to Covid. They might decide on budget cuts and reduce scholarshp availability. That could be just me worrying too much though hahaha.
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for your reply. I’m very happy to hear that my blogs and guides were helpful in your scholarship application!
I’m concerned about Japan’s budget, too, moving forward, but so far the funds for all of the COVID-19 programs have come from emergency funds, not from taking budget away from other agencies, so in the short term, I do not think this should impact the scholarship extension application for this year, at least.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello TranSenz,
I am currently a research student under MEXT Embassy-Recommended Scholarship (2020) at Sophia University. I am taking the Preparatory Japanese Language courses Online right now, and I am expected to file for MEXT Extension if I am going forward with the degree program for the 2021 Academic Year.
On the MEXT Extension form, I can list two universities that I am going to apply for the degree program (Research Student->Master’s). I am listing Waseda University as the other university I am applying to for the September 2021 Admission. The Admission Office asked the professor that supervises me to write a recommendation letter explaining why I am placing another university as a second preference.
My question is as follows:
1. As the Admission Process is expected to start in February 2021 onward, I wonder if I will be able to take the Entrance Exams at both universities?
2. If both universities accept my admission, will I be able to choose which one I will attend?
3. During the whole admission process, my supervising professor will remain the same unless I get admitted to the other university, correct?
Thank you very much!
Hi Desi,
In general, when applicants are extending from research student to degree student, MEXT would expect them to stay at the same university, unless there was some compelling reason they could not (e.g. the professor that had originally agreed to supervise them was retiring and nobody else could supervise instead). There is no requirement to fill in both universities on the list, but I suppose it isn’t a problem.
1. Yes, you should be able to take the exams at both universities. Your scholarship extension and the entrance exams are separate processes and as far as I understand, your scholarship extension results would be conditional on your getting accepted by at least one of the universities. (By the way, you have to pay all the application fees and exam fees out of pocket. You will be reimbursed later for the fees only for the university that you move on to.)
2. I’m not completely certain. I have never dealt personally with an applicant extending from research to degree and listing multiple universities. I think you would be able to choose, but it might be a good idea to double check with the person at the university who is managing your application.
3. Yes.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis from TranSenz,
Thank you so much for all your help with MEXT, the information you provide is like a gold mine!
I know this is all early and I still haven’t passed the secondary screening, but I have a question regarding changing universities.
I have received a LOA as a non-degree research student for the University of Tokyo. My problem is that, if I am research student there for the first semester and take the entrance exam to become a masters student and fail it (as it is apparently super hard), would I be able to change to my other different university choice?
I know you can take the entrance exam twice but I am scared to rely solely on one university to get in for a masters degree.
Also, can you do two different university entrance exams at the same time whilst already being a research student at another?
Thank you again for all of your help.
– Louise
Hi Louise,
If you arrive in Japan as a research student, you can remain in that status for a maximum of three semesters (for a fall arrival). I have heard of applicants who took the entrance exam during that time, failed once, and remained in their research student status then took it again later and passed. As long as they were able to pass the entrance exam and extend their scholarship during the duration of the research student time, they were able to continue.
When you apply for the extension from research student to degree student, you will be able to list up to two universities in your extension application form. This has nothing to do with what universities you originally received LoAs from. From what I have heard, it is extremely rare for an applicant to be able to change universities when moving from research student to degree student, and I do not know if “not being able to pass the entrance exam” would be accepted as a reason to change. However, it is technically possible to apply.
You would need your academic advisor at Tokyo to comment on whether or not they think it is appropriate for you to change universities in the extension application. You would also have to take the entrance exams at both of those universities (paying for it yourself) and pass. It is possible to apply to another university and take the entrance exam there while still a research student at University of Tokyo, but that’s going to be a lot of effort to prepare for both exams.
Given all the work involved and the uncertainty, it would seem to make more sense to me to focus all of your time on studying to pass Tokyo’s entrance exam, instead.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I would like to ask you about extending a doctoral scholarship. I am now a Master student under the Mext Scholarship. I have already decided to extend Mext scholarship to be a doctoral student and I will have an interview for Mext scholarship at the end of this month. Is there any chance to fail during an interview for extending Mext scholarship? In addition, I would like to ask your advice on how to pass the interview for extending Mext scholarship.
Thank you in advance for your suggestion.
Hi Panda,
It is not guaranteed that you will be able to extend your scholarship from a Master’s to a Doctoral scholarship, but I have not often heard of applicants who failed the interview to extend the scholarship. From what I gather, as long as you have been an excellent student in your current program and have your advisor’s support, there should be nothing to be worried about.
Actually, I had never heard of an interview being part of the extension application process before, so I’m afraid that I cannot help with anything specific to that. But if it is an interview by your university, then it is likely to focus on your research goals in your extended studies, I would think.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I have one more question to ask you. Now, My GPA is 2,7. Is it enough for me to extend Mext schorlaship for my docotoral course?
Thank
Best regards
Panda San.
Hi Panda San,
As long as you started your MEXT scholarship as a research student or a master’s degree student, then a 2.7 (out of 3 on the MEXT Scale) is sufficient to apply for the extension to a doctoral program.
However, if you started your MEXT scholarship at a lower level, for example if you were originally an undergraduate student, then the minimum requirement to apply for an extension to a doctoral degree would be 2.8/3.0
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
When does the process of extension usually begin each year? I am currently enrolled for the 2-year Masters course scheduled to end in September 2021. I have not received any information regarding extension application (for my 3-year doctoral course) from my University yet.
Thank you.
Hi Aadya,
Looking at the past few years, the extension application guidelines have typically been released right around the first week of December by MEXT. Last year, it was on Dec 6, but they have not been published on MEXT’s website yet this year.
Once the university gets those guidelines, they might need a day or two to process them and make sure their internal processes are up to date, but then they should start the application process.
I would expect the application materials to be due within the month of December to the university.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you very much for your reply. I am really grateful to you.
Thank you!
Hi.
I’m Christine. Just want to ask if do I have a chance to be a MEXT scholar even though I already in 2 year college. I’m currently taking Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Is there any chance for me to have scholarship and study in Japan? Thank you
Hi Christine,
Are you studying in Japan or your home country? Considering a MEXT Scholarship for your undergraduate degree or graduate?
If you’re already in your second year, I would recommend that you consider finishing your current degree and applying for a MEXT Scholarship for your graduate studies. If you were to apply for the scholarship for undergraduate studies, then you would have to start your degree over from scratch in Japan, which does not seem like it would be worthwhile.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you so very much for your help and detailed information when answering our questions, thanks to the information in your site and valuable advice I was awarded a MEXT scholarship in 2019 to study a master’s degree here in Japan. I want to extend my studies and apply for a PhD in my current university and to a extension of my scholarship. I have 2 questions regarding this matter that I would be so grateful if you could help me answer.
1) is it possible to apply more than once to the scholarship extension? The PhD course starts in October next year, I will graduate in September 2021, I know that around this period Nov-Dec 2020 the process to extend the scholarship for those who enter the course during April 2021 starts at my university, I would like to apply to the extension now and in case I fail apply again during April 2021 (the period to apply for those who enroll in October) to have more chances of success, is this possible or I can only apply during the period corresponding to my enrollment month.
2) I know we can select up to 2 universities when we apply to the extension, our current university and another one, my question is, do I need to obtain acceptance from the second university beforehand? In the case that for some reason I end up in the second university of my choosing, shouldn’t I make sure before that they will accept me in the PhD program? I’ve read that people just mention that we may write a second university in the application but no further information on how to proceed with said university is added.
Thank you very much in advance and good luck with your site and all your projects.
Best,
Grace
Hi Grace,
Thank you for your kind comments.
1) If you are applying for the extension from the Master’s Degree to PhD, you only have one chance to apply for the scholarship extension, which corresponds with when you finish the Master’s degree and start the PhD. For the MEXT Scholarship extension, there is typically only one extension application period per year, regardless of whether you plan to extend in April or October).
There is sometimes an opportunity to apply in April for an extension of the scholarship starting in October, but as far as I understand, this period is only available to students who have newly arrived in Japan as non-degree students that April and will be extending as degree-seeking students beginning in the fall. So that application period would not be available to you.
2) You will need to apply to the second university by following their regular application procedures for fee-paying students. Depending on the university, you may or may not have your final acceptance from them by the time of the MEXT Scholarship Extension results. You would have to pass both their application screening and the Extension application separately.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you very much for your thorough and fast reply, I will take this into account for my application to the extension. Just one additional question about the last part, even if I don’t have the final acceptance from the second university by the time I apply to the scholarship extension, can I still write the name of this university as my second option?
Thank you very much in advance,
Best,
Grace
Hi Grace,
As far as I know, you are allowed to list the university even if you do not have final acceptance at the time of application, but of course you will have to pass both the scholarship extension and the application to that university eventually to be able to extend your scholarship to cover your studies there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
thank you very much for your reply, I will take this into account when I submit my application this December.
Thank you again and I wish you the best luck and success in all your projects!
Grace
Hello!
Do all MEXT students who want to get their Master’s degree, automatically are enrolled in a non-degree program at first? Or can they be directly enrolled as Master’s degree students?
I don’t want to live in Japan for over 2 years (or 2.5 years if I am required to take the 6-months Japanese language course) what can I do to ensure that I am enrolled as a degree student directly?
Hi Fatema,
It is up to the university where you apply to determine whether you will start as a non-degree or degree student. Each university has their own procedures regarding the entrance exam that you need to pass to matriculate to the degree program. If you can complete that exam and be accepted to the degree program before arriving in Japan (or before completing your language program), the you should be able to start the degree program directly. Just keep in mind that the entrance exam may require you to be physically present at the university in some cases.
The standard program length for a Master’s Degree in Japan is 2 years, so you should plan on living in Japan at least that long!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Transenz,
my name is Khaled. I came to Japan in 2016 and have done my one-year research and 2 years masters degree in 2019 under the MEXT scholarship. Currently, i am working at a company but I am planning to move Ph.D. program.
So Is it possible for someone who was previously-awarded with a MEXT scholarship to apply again for a higher degree?
Hi M. Khaled,
I have covered this in my articles about eligibility for the scholarship, but if you have received a MEXT Scholarship in the past, then you would need to complete at least three full years of full-time work or research between the final payment of your previous scholarship and the start of payment for the new one in order to be eligible.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
hi,
I’m the recipient of MEXT (University recommended) as a research student (doctoral student). you have mentioned that we can lose our scholarship if we will change our university before moving to a degree program. I would like to know if we will lose the scholarship for the whole period of stay (3 years) or just one month at the time of changing university?. As we have signed the pledge that we won’t change university once we will be awarded the scholarship.
In addition, please let me know if we can change our student visa status to a working visa after one semester/1 year.
Hi Bilal,
As a university-recommended MEXT scholar, if you change universities, you would lose your scholarship from that point forward since you would no longer be at the university that recommended you. Deliberately violating the pledge may have other consequences as well, such as being asked to pay back the previous award.
In order to change your residence status in Japan to a working status, you would need an employer who would be willing to support your new status, but it might be difficult to find, since the employer risks angering the university if they do so. Changing your residence status would also be a violation of MEXT rules and would result in your losing the scholarship.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello TranSenz. Thank you so much for you deep and serious advices that helped me get the MEXT scholarship in 2020.
I was about to go to Japan this September 2020 but Covid situation postponed my travel to March 2020.
I have some issues concerning the extension of Mext scholarship, but hard to find answers on the net as it is very specific !
I am a PhD student in France, in second year. My period of Mext scholarship as a research student will cover April 2021 to March 2023 (with the first 6 months of Japanese Language Training). This period will help me to write my PhD thesis.
However, I wish to continue study in Japan afterward (making a Japanese PhD this time), that is why I wish to conclude and support my PhD thesis before the end of my Research Student statut (if a one time journey to France would be accepted by mext) so that I can apply for PhD in Japan.
Two questions :
– Do you think it would be possible to make a one-time trip to France (to support my PhD thesis) meanwhile I am a research student ? Should it be during Japanese holidays for instance? For information, I plan to support my PhD Thesis around January / February 2023.
– If my timetable is the following, should I take the Entrance Exam of PhD in the fall 2022 or is the Spring 2023 is okay, as my Research Student Period ends in Spring 2023 ?
– March 2021 – September 2021 : Japanese Language Training
– October 2021 – March 2023 : Research Student
Thank you warmly for your attention, and for all the care and advices you always give !
Hi Manon,
During your MEXT Scholarship Period, you must be present at your university in Japan each month to sign in and receive your stipend. You are permitted to leave the country for short trips, so long as you do not miss any academic work and return in time for your signature.
The signature period will vary by university. Where I used to work, we would have two signature periods each month, one at the very beginning and one toward the middle or end. If that is the case where you end up studying as well, then you could sign at the beginning of January, then leave for France and return by the second signature period in February.
(I should note, though, that at most Japanese universities, classes are in session through at least late January if not early February, so you would need to make sure that there was no problem with your class schedule).
As for the timeline for extending, you will probably need to apply for the matriculation to the degree program in Fall 2022 in order to have your acceptance in time to start with the Spring 2023 semester. The MEXT Scholarship extension application should also occur around December 2022, if my memory serves. But in any case, you will have plenty of time to confirm the exact schedule with your university after you start your studies there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis ! Thanks for your answer ! This helped a lot to plan my academic journey !
I will add some news to this question actually.
Because of Covid’s delay to everything, I may not have finished my PhD before the end of my research period. In that regard, I was hoping that it was acceptable to enter PhD in Japan in April 2023 after my research period, even though I would still be in PhD in France.
Would that be acceptable for MEXT to enter PhD in Japan, in the same time that being in an other PhD in France ?
Thank you so much for your answer, and your ever lasting advice !
Hi Manon,
If I understand correctly, you are currently enrolled in a PhD program in France and are planning to enroll in a second PhD in Japan. Is that correct?
In that case, completing your current PhD should not be necessary for your eligibility for the degree/MEXT Scholarship in Japan – your master’s degree should be enough for you to be eligible to enter a PhD in Japan. In that case, you should be able to take a leave of absence from your French PhD, complete your Japanese PhD, then return to France and complete the first one.
I am not sure if your university would allow you to be enrolled in two PhD programs at once (it sounds like it would be an intense demand on your time and research energy!), but in the worst case scenario, they might just ask you to take a leave of absence from that program. They shouldn’t cancel your enrollment or refuse to accept you to the degree program in Japan over it.
I hope that helps!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis !
Thank you so much for your reply ! That helps a lot indeed !
Now, I just can’t wait getting to Japan, supposly from early March … Fingers crossed !
Take care !
Hi Transenz,
Is it possible for someone who was previously-awarded with a MEXT scholarship to apply again, but on a higher degree? (e.g. MS -> Ph.D.). My scenario: became a Masters student in Japan (2016-2018), went back to home country and worked for a while, planning to pursue a Ph.D (2022-something). Am I still eligible?
Hi Daybreak,
Yes, if you have received the MEXT Scholarship in the past, you are eligible to apply again once you have completed at least three years of full time employment or studies between the last date of your last scholarship payment until the first date of the new scholarship that you would be applying for.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Transenz!
Thanks for discussing this.
I just have a clarification regarding the period that a current scholar is still eligible to apply for extension. You mentioned here that for Research Students aiming for scholarship extension to either Masters/Doctoral, the “Start of the degree program must be within 2 years of starting research student status (including Japanese language education period).”
I am a MEXT Scholarship recipient for 2020 (via embassy, original start of my Japanese language education was last April 2020) and my initial scholarship ends after two years (until March 2022). Does this mean that, to be eligible for the extension to Masters, my target degree program should start within April 2020-March 2022? Or I can still maximize my 2-year scholarship as a research student and apply for a degree that will start by April 2022 (university entrance exam for this intake is Sept 2021 when I am still a research student) ?
Hi Alfred Don,
In your case, you can apply to extend to a degree program that starts any time up to and including the April 2022 semester. It is fine if your degree program starts in the semester after the final semester of your enrollment as a research student, since that is still considered to be continuous.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi, Travis!
Thank you so much for the information.
I have a question. If I want to extend from Specialized Training to Bachelor, will I have both diplomas? I could not understand that.Thanks again in advance!
Hi Chocolat Lover,
Yes, you would extend from Special Training to Bachelor after completing your Special Training College program, so you would earn the diploma from that program, then transfer into the bachelor program and earn the degree there.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for blog.
It came in handy when I was applying for the scholarship.
I am a master student and a recipient of the MEXT scholarship.However, I am extremely worried about losing the scholarship.
Can I lose my scholarship, due to poor performance?
I heard that as long as I graduate on time, it is fine but I am still worried.
Can you please provide the information on the scholarship terms?
Best regards
Sabrina
Hi Sabrina,
As far as I know, you can only lose the scholarship for “poor academic performance” if you end up failing a class, etc., so that it becomes impossible for you to graduate on time. For the regular Embassy Recommended and University Recommended scholarships, I am not aware of any annual GPA checks being factored into a decision as to whether or not you can continue. (However, for the Top Global University category scholarships, some universities choose to award those on a year-to-year basis, so you would need to continue to be eligible for each reapplication).
In my most recent article about eligibility for the Embassy Recommended MEXT Scholarship, I covered the “Scholarship Revocation Criteria”. If any of those criteria become true during your studies, you would lose the scholarship. One of the items in there is violating your “pledge” which you would have signed at the start of your scholarship, so I would recommend that you refer to that document, too.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for such a helpful post!
I have graduated from a master’s program with funding from “mext special program” since September 2019. I am interested to extend to phd. However, I was failed to have the acceptance from my former supervisor. I wonder if I am eligible to apply phd with mext scholarship at other university this year. Thank you in advance.
Hi Neoneo,
If you studied in Japan with a MEXT Scholarship in the past, then you must have completed three years of studies or work experience before you are eligible to apply again for the scholarship. If you graduated in 2019 with a MEXT scholarship, then I am afraid that you would not be eligible to apply again until the scholarship application for 2022 at the earliest.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Trevor,
I would like to consult you on my current situation. I was a Mext scholar enrolled in a masters program starting from September 2018 via university recommended (SGU). (Thanks a lot for your time during that time)
However in my first spring semester (2019/4 to 2019/7) I messed up a class and had a drop in GPA, which resulted in my GPA falling below the 2.5 threshold. This gotten me removed from the nomination for extension to my last semester right now (2020/4 to 2020/7).
I was wonder if I am able to apply for Mext scholarship again to continue into doctoral course before I finish my masters in September this year now that my GPA is back above the 2.5 threshold.
Thank in advance for your help.
Hi William,
I am glad I was able to help you with your application in the past!
I am sorry to hear that you had trouble with one of your classes and that it’s still haunting your progress. Unfortunately, with the extension application, there is only one application cycle per year, so if you weren’t eligible as of the application submission deadline (January), then there is no way to go back and apply for an extension now that you have cleared the eligibility threshold.
Other than the extension application, the only other process would be applying from scratch for a new MEXT scholarship. However, in order to be eligible for a fresh application, you would need to have three years of working or education experience between the final month of payment of your current scholarship and the first month of payment for the new scholarship, so that is going to involve a wait.
I’m sorry that I don’t have better news for you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi! Thank you for providing this information.
I have a question.
Suppose I want to apply for a professional degree program (MBA). I have to check the “professional graduate program” in my application. But then for the part where it asks about “Term you wish to study in Japan”, should I check “up to the completion of doctoral program” to be able to extend it later if I wanted to study in a doctorate program after finishing the MBA? Or can I check “up to the completion of professional degree program” and then change my mind later and extend it to doctorate studies? Would they not allow me to extend it if I check “up to the completion of professional degree program” in the application?
I’m asking this because I think it might be weird to choose an MBA program with the intention to study for a doctorate after, since a professional MBA program is chosen by people who want to work, not those who want to enter a doctorate program. The entire concept of someone intentionally getting an MBA in context of pursuing a DBA or another doctorate degree seems silly to me. And I think it would make my application look…fishy?
Thank you so much for your help
Hi Ana,
The box that you check in the “Term you want to study in Japan” is not a commitment, one way or another. It will not force you to continue if you decide one degree program is enough, and it will not prevent you from applying for the extension later. It is really little more than a point of reference. In my experience, it is most important for applicants who are starting as a research/non-degree student, so that the reviewers know if they plan to move on to the degree or are planning on staying a non-degree student.
One thing to consider in your case, though, is that the MBA is generally a terminal degree. Since it is a professional program that prepares you to work, it does not lead naturally into a doctoral level program. Like you said, it is a little odd to take an MBA with the intention to continue on to a doctorate and your reviewers might see it that way, too. I am not familiar with any DBA programs in Japan (though I think Ritsumeikan has a Doctoral Program in Technology Management), but even if they were – that would be a “professional degree” program, too. So, “until the end of the professional graduate program” would still apply.
Many Japanese universities offer a separate MA program in Economics and Management or something similar that is an academic degree and leads more naturally into a doctorate if you plan to continue in academia. If your plan is to go for the doctorate, I would suggest that one of those programs might be more appropriate. There are also significantly more academic masters in management programs offered in English, as compared to MBAs.
That was a little rambling, but to summarize: If you are targeting an MBA program, I would recommend checking “until the end of the professional graduate program” at this point. It is not binding and looks more natural on your application.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for a valuable information!
I want to ask you something that i couldn’t find.
I am research student now with MEXT scholarship. Next year I wanna do my master course in another university. But I am worrying whether I could extent Scholarship or not, because I wanna change my national university to private one, where tuition fees is supposed to be 140, 0000/year . Will MEXT approve my Scholarship and pay tuition fees even its so expensive or its better not to try ?
Thank you for your answer
Hi Jack,
In general, it is not possible to change universities when moving from research student status to degree-seeking status, so you are going to face some hurdles before you even get to the MEXT approval phase.
The assumption is that you would have applied to be a research student at the same university where you would eventually move on to the degree program, so if you are going to change, you need to justify that change. For example, if your advising professor is retiring so they can no longer supervise you, and there is no other professor that will be able to step in and supervise your degree, or something like that.
Additionally, when you apply to extend your scholarship and change universities, then your current academic advisor at the university where you are enrolled must give their approval in writing in the extension application form and the university must use one of its extension slots on you, even though you will be studying somewhere else.
You have to get through that process first before you should be worried about MEXT’s approval. In general, when you apply for the extension, you apply to up to two universities. MEXT would approve the extension and then you could enroll at either university, provided you have completed and passed that university’s entrance exam. It may be harder to pass MEXT’s screening if you are planning to move to a private university, but there is no clear and specific rule. If your reason for changing universities is unquestionable and your current university supports it, I think MEXT would agree, but I can’t be sure.
(By the way, I am saying this more for the sake of anyone else that might be reading this comment, but you would of course have to be an Embassy-Recommended MEXT Scholar. University-Recommended MEXT scholars can never change universities).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for such an amazing post. I just want to ensure one information. Currently, I am enrolled in computer science master’s program. I was recommended by my university as a research student at October 2019, and enrolled into master’s program at April 2020. (University recommendation)
My supervising professor will retire at 2022. After finishing my master’s degree, I want to enroll in Phd program into a different university. In such case, can I extend my scholarship while enrolling into a different university for my Phd program?
Hi Nixon,
Thank you for your kind words!
Unfortunately, if you are a University Recommended MEXT Scholar, you are not allowed to change universities under any circumstances, even when you extend your scholarship.
I hope you are able to find an alternate professor at your current university to advise you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much for the reply. Unfortunately, my research interest aligns with none but my current professor at my university.
If any other university recommend me again for MEXT for PhD after finishing my current course , is it possible to get selected? Will my current status as a mext scholar will have any impact on it?
Thanks again for your kind information. 🙂
Hi Nixon,
Unfortunately, if you were to be recommended by another university, that would be considered an entirely new application, and for new applications, you must have three years of work or academic experience between the end of one scholarship award and the start of the next one.
I’m sorry that this does not seem like it is working out in your favor. I don’t suppose that there’s a chance your retiring professor will become a professor Emeritus and will still be able to advise you even if someone else is your official “adviser.” (Of course, this isn’t something that the professor is likely to know, as they don’t make decisions on their own status. . . I’m just trying to think of other ideas).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank a lot for these valuable information. 🙂 🙂
Dear Travis,
As always, thank you for your help! This website has been very helpful and I’m not even sure I would be in Japan right now if it weren’t for your support!
I just completed a one-year Master’s at Waseda, and I applied last December for an extension in order to move on to a PhD program in the same university (but in a different school). I have just been informed that I was accepted for this PhD, however I am still waiting for the confirmation of my scholarship extension.
Since I must decide now if I will renew my apartment rent, health insurance, etc. I was wondering if my chances to have my scholarship extended were high (or not)? When I applied, I had a GPA of 3.5/4. I know this might be very difficult to tell at this stage, but I would just like to have a vague idea of my chances based on your own experience (if you don’t mind) 😉
Thank you very much for your very kind support!
Johnathan
Hi Johnathan,
Typically, the university has a specific number of extension nomination slots available at each level, if they have nominated you to MEXT for the extension then, in theory, you should be safe. The only potential challenge you could face would be if MEXT were to slash the number of slots available due to budget concerns. So, really, your acceptance at this point unfortunately has very little to do with you and more to deal with government budget. I can tell you your application sounds strong with that GPA, but I can’t say the same for sure about the budget at this time. (For what it’s worth, I have not heard about major cuts coming).
According to the extension application guidelines, results were supposed to be released by the end of February, but with MEXT fully occupied with the COVID-19 situation and school closures, it’s little surprise that it’s late. I would recommend contacting the international office at Waseda early next week to ask them if they have heard anything (including anything about a delay in the release of results).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis, as always thank you for taking the time to read and reply to all our inquires.
I have a question regarding this post. As you may already know, there is a criteria regarding the age of the candidates who apply to the embassy scholarship, such requirement says that you musn’t be over an specific age.So, in the case that I am currently in the specialized training college program, and I want to extend my scolarship to the undergraduate bachelor degree, do I have to meet the requeriment regarding the age for undegraduate applicants? I’m getting older and I’m worriend that I won’t be able to apply for the extention of the scholarship as I will be 25 years old at the time of applying and the age requeriment is currently younger than 24. Thank you for reading my inquire, I appreciate your help.
Hi San,
Age is an eligibility requirement for new applicants, but it is not a factor in applications for extending your scholarship (there is no mention of age requirements in the scholarship extension application guidelines for extending from specialized training college to bachelor’s degree).
Only the eligibility requirements related directly to the extension application would apply to you, so, in your case, you should be able to apply with no problem.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I have been accepted for MEXT April 2020 as a non-degree research student. On arrival in Japan I have 6 months Japanese Language Training. I intended to write the entrance exam and become a degree-seeking student in October 2020 for Masters. I would like to go on to PhD once completing the Masters. Do I need to pay for an extension after the Japanese Language Training period and then again for PhD?
Hi Johnathan,
Congratulations on earning the MEXT scholarship!
You will need to apply for an extension of the MEXT scholarship when you move on to the degree program. In general, if you are applying for the next level degree program at the same university where you are currently studying, they should not charge you an application fee (e.g. if you apply for a PhD at the same university where you earned your Masters). However, MEXT does give you the option of changing universities when you extend your scholarship. In that case, you can apply to up to two universities, and you would need to pay the application fee at any university other than the one where you are currently studying.
MEXT or the university will refund you the application fee after you are accepted, your scholarship extension is approved, and you enroll at that university. But they will only refund the application fee for the university that you end up studying at, not any other that you applied to.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello! I am interested to apply for mext this year through the embassy and my question is: If you already have a master’s degree (from your own country), and you apply to become a research student, can you continue another master after completing a research?
Hi Anjeza,
I cannot find the exact reference right now, but in the past, I think the case was that you cannot apply for a “lower” status than what you currently have. So, if you already have a Master’s Degree, you would not be allowed to apply as a Master’s level non-degree student. You would have to apply directly as a degree student.
You could, however, apply to become a research student with the goal of proceeding to the doctoral program.
If you already have a masters and are applying for a second masters instead of a doctoral degree, you would need to make a very strong case as to why a second master’s would be more beneficial than a doctorate in the same field and why MEXT should select you over someone who is applying for a doctorate. Frankly speaking, I think that applying for a second masters would decrease your chances of success, given the competition, so if you plan to move forward with that plan, then you should have a very strong application!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
Quick Question.
Thank you for giving me an insightful response to my previous comment on a different guide.
According to the MEXT JAPANESE GOVERMENT SCHOLARSHIP 2020 GUIDELINES. There are various pathways for a MEXT Scholarship Research Student.
I am interested in applying for this pathway as i already have two masters degree by end of this year.
Arrival in Japan –> Japanese Language Preparatory Education —-> Non-Regular Student [I WILL BE APPLYING FOR THIS ONE] or Regular Students in Masters Course or Reg Student in Doctoral Course —–> Regular Student in Doctoral Course —.> Complete
Also on the MEXT Application form it states The first course you plan to take in Japan
1. Non Degree
2. Masters
3. PGP
4. Doctoral Program.
It is becoming clearer to me for applying directly for a Doctoral course as i already have 2 masters and it would make for a stronger application rather than applying as a non regular student and extending the scholarship to a PhD.
If i choose this pathway whereby i apply for a PhD doctoral school programme with a first 6 months language prep. Would i need to take a entrance exam at a graduate school.
Best Regards,
Nauman
Hi Nauman Iqbal,
You can be a non-regular student at the doctoral level, too. Many applicants find it difficult to start directly with the degree program, because that means that you will have to take the entrance exam before arriving in Japan. By starting as a non-regular (research) student for one semester and taking the entrance exam during that semester, you make the application easier on yourself. That is the path I typically recommend.
So, in that case, you would start as a non-degree student with the plan for your final degree to be doctoral student.
In any case, you are going to need to take an entrance exam at some point. How challenging that exam is depends on the university and their procedures.
The 6 months of language prep would be up to your university to decide. It’s not necessarily your choice.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
Thank you so much for your detail explanations. I just got MEXT scholarship for this year 2020 April, as a research student. And at the same time, according to the advise of my supervisor, I will take the master entrance exam next month, to be able to skip the research period. So, in my case, will I be able to extend my scholarship period as soon as I pass this exam ? It might be happen even before I come to Japan. I am looking forward to hearing from you so soon.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Ju Yoon Hnin Bo,
Congratulations!
It sounds like you’re going to take the entrance exam before you arrive in Japan, is that right?
From what I understand, you would not need to extend your scholarship in that situation. If you pass the exam before you arrive, the university can simply start you as a degree-seeking student. Unfortunately, I cannot find the reference for that rule at the moment, but that is what I recall from past years.
If you do need to apply for the extension, your university will give you the instructions you need. Sometimes the timing can be pretty tight, though.
Once you know what status they will start you in, I would recommend that you check with the international office upon arrival to check on the procedures.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you so so much for your reply. I just took the exam this Tuesday. It was harder than I thought, so, I won’t be expecting so much. I will update my story to you again if the results are out. Hope you have a great day.
Best
Ju
Hi Ju Yoon Hnin Bo,
I’m sorry to hear that it was so tough, but I hope the result is better than what you expected. In the worse case, though, you should still be able to start as a research student and study up to take it again later. Then you would be able to extend your scholarship at that time.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Transenz,
First of all, thank you very much for your detailed explanation.
I am currently in a Master’s degree program and in the midst of applying for a MEXT extension for a Doctoral program.
I would like to ask you regarding the research plan/status form in which you’ve mentioned that to advance to the next degree, the research plan should be similar but simpler as what have been submitted before.
In my case, my sensei have changed the project almost completely different from the previous research plan when I first applied.
Therefore, I am wondering if is possible to write about my current progress and my future plan for the ongoing research.
Thank you and looking forward to hear from you soon.
Best,
Latiefa
Hi Latifefa,
Yes, it is possible to build off your current project. I did not mean to suggest that your Research Plan for your extension application needed to based on the same idea as your original FSRPP. It should absolutely be based on what you are actually researching now and how you will continue that in your next degree.
Sorry about the confusion!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
First of all, thank you very much for this amazing website!
I would like to ask you a question regarding the extension from a Master’s to a doctoral program (Embassy Recommendation), if you don’t mind. I will graduate in April 2020 (therefore my scholarship will end that same month), and I was wondering if it would be possible to apply for an extension in order to start a doctoral program in October 2020? Or to put it differently: when moving from a Master to a PhD, is it possible to become a Research Student again for 6 months before starting the PhD?
Thank you so much for your very kind support!
Johnathan
Hi Johnathan,
Unfortunately, to the best of my understanding no, it is not possible to extend from Master’s degree to doctoral level research student or to have a gap in your scholarship funding. You would have to move directly to a doctoral degree program immediately at the end of your current scholarship period, so you would need to be admitted to a doctoral degree program starting in April.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hey Travis,
My question is specifically concerning changing schools as (an Embassy Recommend) Research Student. I’ve spent a semester at my university and attempted the entrance exam. I failed and I’m quite sure I won’t be able to be successful at this university due to the language requirements. As such, I’m looking to transfer to another school (with my advisor’s blessing) but I’m curious about what that entails regarding the extension and if I will keep the scholarship at all. I believe the extension period at my university is in November or December. Will I simply put the name of the school I wish to transfer to? Can I remain a Research student or do I need to jump to the master’s level at that point?
Above it’s written, “Students may designate up to two universities for where they want to move up to the degree program, but if they move up to another university, they would lose their scholarship.”
Does this mean that as a research student, If I move to another school, my scholarship will be lost? If so, this effectively means that I cannot transfer schools.
I’m sure that I have more questions, but these are the more foundational ones. Also thank you for providing this website as a resource, I certainly wouldn’t even be here without it.
Hi Kona,
When you apply for the scholarship extension, you can designate up to two schools that you want to attend after you extend. Since you are an Embassy-Recommended Scholar and have your advisor’s blessing, you meet the criteria to be able to extend. The phrase you referred to was probably unclear on my part. You can choose up to two schools, and if you move up to either of those, it is possible to keep your scholarship. If you move to another university (one that is not on the list of two schools), in that case, you would lose the scholarship.
When you extend your scholarship, you must “move up”, so you would have to move to your new university as a degree-seeking student (Master’s student), which means that your extension is going to be conditional on passing the entrance exam there. You cannot extend your scholarship while remaining at the same level, only when you move up to the next level.
I hope that helps. Please let me know what your other questions are and I will answer them as best I can.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello Travis,
I have received a LoPA from Kobe University to start studying as a research student from April 2020. Because of the following reasons, I might want to change my university after 6 months.
1. I should return to my home country quickly (I found a one year program at a national university in Tokyo and waiting for its regular admission)
2. One of my relatives lives in Tokyo so I could stay in his apartment to save cost.
3. I would like to explore both Kobe and Tokyo in order to get different kind of experiences of Japan
I want to ask you that changing university while extending the scholarship is a normal practice? Since Japanese people care about loyalty more than any country, I am nervous that my academic supervisor or MEXT would not accept my request at that time.
Your posts have helped me to come to this stage more than anything.
Millions of thanks and best wishes.
Hi Danny,
I’m very glad to hear that you have found my posts to be helpful! Unfortunately, I do not think you are going to like what I have to say below.
To be completely blunt, none of the reasons you gave for wanting to change universities would be seen as legitimate.
In general, it is expected that any scholar extending from Research Student status to Degree status would stay at the same university. Changing universities is more common when moving from Master’s to PhD (and not even that common then), in cases where your current university does not offer a higher level program or research in your field of interest. It is practically unheard of for someone to change after only 6 months.
The only reason that I think your advisor, or MEXT, would accept for your changing universities would have to be centered on research. For example, if it became apparent that your current advisor (and every other faculty member at Kobe) could not supervise your research, then a switch might be legitimate. Or if your advisor was retiring and nobody else could take you on. I really can’t think of any reasons other than those.
Additionally, if you do change universities, your current advisor has to recommend it and the extension counts against the number allowed for your current university, so it is not something that can be done without serious consideration.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks a lot for your detailed responses.
I hope I would not have to change my university. However in a extreme case, I might choose a pathway of privately financed student. Moreover, do you think it is possible to conduct a research project or final thesis at my home country? If yes, how long is a MEXT student authorized to leave Japan? Also, I heard that a student needs to sign every month to receive a stipend of that month.
In the end, I would like to start donating for the future scholars and students when my study commences. Could you give me a brief guidance about it?
Best regards,
Danny
Hi Danny,
If you intend to conduct fieldwork outside of Japan, that is one of the disqualifying criteria for the MEXT scholarship (please see the top of the article), so I would recommend being careful with that idea.
In terms of leaving the country, you may leave Japan when it does not interfere with your coursework to do so, but in general, you must be away for less than a month. As you mentioned, you are required to sign in once per month to prove that you are still present and studying at the university in order to receive your stipend. This signature period is usually pre-determined during the first few days of the month, so it’s not a matter of “once a month whenever you feel like it” – in most cases I know of, the dates are fixed.
I’m not sure I completely understand what you mean about donating for future scholars and students when your study commences. If you mean becoming a supporter for this website, I’d be very grateful and would be happy to explain more, but if you’re referring to an organization that provides direct financial or other support for students, I’m afraid I do not know of any at the moment.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you Travis.
I understood all the points you mentioned.
I just would like to become a supporter for this website.
Regards,
Tulga
Hi Tulga,
Thank you very much for your reply, and especially for your willingness and interest to become a supporter of this site!
If you are interested in becoming a monthly supporter, I use a site called Patreon, where you can register and make a monthly pledge to support. They handle all the payments securely.
If that isn’t what you had in mind, then there are a few other ways that you could support the site, such as buying one of my books (and giving it to a friend or junior student at your school, if you don’t need it anymore) or even asking your university or local library to buy one of them. All of the income I make from those goes back into things like site maintenance as well as my time in producing new content and answering questions here!
If nothing else, I sincerely appreciate the sentiment and willingness to become a supporter! Thank you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you for your precious information.
I have already got the 3-year scholarship extension for Ph.D program and I’ve already studied 6 months at the current university . But my professor and I have different research interest and I want to change the another university where I start to study as a Master Student. Is it possible to change the university as a Master Student?
I am looking forward to your kind reply.
Best Regards,
Hi Kzs,
Unfortunately, it is not possible to change universities in the middle of your degree or to downgrade from a PhD program to a Master’s program as a MEXT scholar. If you really want to change universities and programs, your only choice would be to give up the scholarship and continue your studies as a self-funded student.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you very much for your kind reply, Travis.
Best Regards,
Kzs
Hello, I am a Research Student going to Master Degree MEXT scholarship member.
I once tried to apply for extension for MEXT scholarship, however, I failed the entrance exam and need to withdraw the extension application (I still have my Research Student MEXT Scholarship).
Right now, I already passed the second entrance exam and planning to extend my scholarship to Master Degree. Will my failed one will effect my current application? Will I still be eligible to apply for extension? I am a bit worried.
Thank you for your explanation in advance!
Hi Gabrielo,
As far as I know, having failed the entrance examination and having had to withdraw your extension application in the past should not affect your next extension application in any way. Your previous withdrawn application should essentially be wiped from the record.
You are certainly still eligible.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Glad to hear that since I am a bit worried about Japan rigid administration. Hearing it from you give me a relief. Thank you for your help!
Hi!
I really appreciate all the information you provided and I verified it with the japanese version that is available in the MEXT webpage.
I just have a question, master degree used to be completed in two years and take the next step to PhD, but is it possible to apply for extension of scholarship if is expected to finish the program just only within 1 year and not 2? if it is, then which category should i be considered in?
Thank you in advanced
Hi Luis,
Are you saying that you’ve found a 1-years Master’s degree program in Japan? I’ve never heard of anyone finishing a degree that far ahead of schedule here – at least not an academic one.
When you finish your Master’s degree and want to move on to the PhD while remaining a MEXT scholar, you must apply to extend your scholarship effective with the semester that you start your PhD. I do not see any reason why it would not be possible to extend in that situation.
In terms of this article, you would fall under the same category for extensions as anyone else who finished their master’s in two years and applied for the extension to PhD (so, either the 2nd row of the table or the bottom row, depending on whether or not your program was a PGP).
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I would first like to thank you for your posts on MEXT scholarship as they helped me tremendously during the application process. Having obtained the scholarship, I am to start the Japanese language program as a non-degree (research) student this October. I have not received any information about applying to the PhD program, however, as I suspect, I would be taking entrance exams in February to start the PhD program in April of 2020.
My question is regarding the change of field of study and, as a consequence, the change of school and supervisor. During the time between the application to MEXT and the start of the program I realized that I would like to change my field of study (within my major field of biology ofc.). Am I allowed to change the supervisor (affiliated with another university) during the language program? Is it accepted by MEXT? If you are familiar with this kind of situation, could you please suggest the steps I need to take to achieve this? Should I have acceptance from my desired university and supervisor at hand before I inform MEXT?
Thank you a lot for your time,
ZK
HI ZK,
Thank you for your kind words and congratulations on all of your success so far!
From what I understand, you will be enrolled in the Japanese language program for your first semester. Is your plan then to enroll directly in the PhD program in April, or to spend a semester as a research student at that university, first, then apply to matriculate to the degree program in April 2021?
I ask because it affects when you can apply to change universities. When you apply to extend your scholarship (from research student status, which is where you would be during the language program and during a potential research student semester, to degree-program student), you are allowed to indicate up to two universities that you would like to be able to enroll in for the degree. However, in order to change universities, your advisor at your current university must recommend it in your extension application.
So, my recommendation if you want to follow that course is to start talking with your originally-intended advisor, first. See if there is any way you can pursue your new research interest under his/her supervision at the university you were already accepted to (perhaps by working with another faculty member there at the same time). If not, then you’ll need to discuss with that advisor whether or not he/she is willing to recommend that you change universities to follow your research interest elsewhere.
At the same time, you would also need to be sure that you could be accepted at that second university, and that would mean taking the entrance exam there, just like any fee-paying student. (If you pass the entrance exam, MEXT approves your change to that university, and you enroll there, you would get any application fees refunded later). I would certainly also recommend that you be in touch with your future target advisor to make sure that you can pursue your research there.
I’m sure that you are giving this deep consideration, but I just want to reiterate that this is not a decision to be taken lightly. If you start down this path, there is a good chance that you will burn bridges with the original university that accepted you and the professor there, so if anything goes wrong in the application process, including your current advisor not approving the change, it might make it harder to return there. Ask yourself if, in the worst case scenario, whether you would rather risk giving up the scholarship entirely or staying in your current program. Once you have your PhD, you’ll be able to pursue whatever research that interests you in the future during your professional career.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hello, thank you for the information. I have a question. It is possible to extend from Specialized Training College to a bachelor degree programm?
Hi Santiago,
I cover that exact application process in the article above!
So, yes, at least as of this year, it was possible.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Well it says from “College of technology” to “Bachelor’s degree student”, college of technology is not the same as Specialized Training College, so I assume that in this post both are treated as the same? If that’s the case, then thank you very much for your reply.
Hi Santiago,
Thanks for pointing that out. The criteria are the same for CoT and STC scholars extending to Bachelor’s degrees as third-year transfer students. The problem was that since the Extension guidelines are only available in Japanese, I did not realize that CoT and STC had different English names.
I have corrected the article now to show a clear separate section for Specialized Training College Students!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis, as always thank you for taking the time to read and reply to all our inquires.
I have a question regarding this post. As you may already know, there is a criteria regarding the age of the candidates who apply to the embassy scholarship, such requirement says that you musn’t be over an specific age.So, in the case that I am currently in the specialized training college program, and I want to extend my scolarship to the undergraduate bachelor degree, do I have to meet the requeriment regarding the age for undegraduate applicants? I’m getting older and I’m worriend that I won’t be able to apply for the extention of the scholarship as I will be 25 years old at the time of applying and the age requeriment is currently younger than 24. Thank you for reading my inquire, I appreciate your help.
Hi Nei,
Age is an eligibility requirement for new applicants, but it is not a factor in applications for extending your scholarship (there is no mention of age requirements in the scholarship extension application guidelines for extending from specialized training college to bachelor’s degree).
Only the eligibility requirements related directly to the extension application would apply to you, so, in your case, you should be able to apply with no problem.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi !
Thanks for the informative piece.
I’m in my Master’s second year right now and planning to go to PhD next year.
My university said all MEXT students (embassy or uni-recommended) will be equally subjected to the selection process for the extension. The uni is a national one but relatively much smaller so they seem not to receive enough quota from MEXT. So, what they said was that usually only one get the extension. Does that mean your extension depend on your university’s quota or slot even if I am an embassy-recommended student?
If so, should I apply for the different universities in advance that seem to have more slots if I really want to secure MEXT stipend for my PhD?
My current professor supports me going to PhD but he is also worried about the extension since there was a case in the past that one student from our lab got rejected for PhD extension (he was a uni-recommended student).
Thank you.
Hi Ken,
The number of extensions your university can recommend is equal to the average that they have nominated for the past three years, regardless of whether you are a university-recommended or embassy-recommended scholar.
Since you are an embassy-recommended scholar, you could list up to two universities that you want to apply to, but that is the only difference. However, I do not think that would impact your chances. As far as I understand, even if you transfer universities ultimately, the slot is still counted from the university that you were previously enrolled in, since that is where you would be completing your extension application.
I am sorry that I don’t have better news for you.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis,
I am currently a Research Student under the Faculty of Medicine.
Since the PhD program of the Faculty of Medicine usually requires 4 years to complete, may I know:-
(1) Is it possible for MEXT to extend my scholarship for the next 48 months?
(2) What if I applied 3 years first, and then applied again for another 1 year of extension, is it possible to extend for 2 times as long as not exceeding the maximum period (48 months)?
Thank you for your help.
Regards,
Donny
Hi Donny,
There are some programs in Medicine that have a 4-year doctoral course and in that case, the MEXT scholarship would cover all 4 years. (Typically, these are programs that follow a 6-year undergraduate course and require a minimum of 18 years of schooling in order to qualify).
When you extend your scholarship to move from research student status to a degree program, it should cover the standard length of the degree program, even if that is 4 years, instead of 3 (as in most PhD programs).
It is not possible, however, to extend your scholarship further without moving up to another degree level.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, I passed the Embassy recommended Mext Scholarship exam and am slated to arrive Japan in October as a research student. However I have some questions. My adviser told me that I could take the University entrance exam in August ( at my own expense and become a regular PhD student in October upon arrival that is if I pass the exam. In this case I would not have to apply for a scholarship extension) or I could write the entrance exam in March 2020, become a regular PhD student in October 2020 but I would have to apply for a scholarship extension and it is not 100% guaranteed. I am quite confused regards what to do. I sure do not have the resources to travel at my own cost in August for the exam. And since an extension is not guaranteed … Am not sure what best to do. Please advise. Thanks.
Hi John,
Congratulations on winning the MEXT Scholarship!
Extensions to the MEXT Scholarship are not guaranteed, but as long as you are performing to expectations, they are as close to guaranteed as they can possibly be. As long as you excel during your research student period, have the continued support of your advisor, and pass the entrance exam in March 2020, there is no reason to believe that you would not get the scholarship extension. (I, at least, have never heard of that happening).
Although you will have to pay for the entrance exam fees out of pocket, you will get those fees refunded once your scholarship extension is approved. However, you would not get the travel fees refunded.
If affording the trip to Japan in August to take the entrance exam is not reasonable for you, then I would recommend waiting to March to take the exam, with the confidence that the extension should not be a problem.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis, first of all I would like to thank you for your articles.
It is incredibly helpful for young people who do not know where to start with their application.
I am planning to apply for Kyushu University through Embassy recommandation next month to enroll in April 2020. Having already completed a Bachelor’s degree in my home country, I would like to know if I can apply directly for the degree seeking status.
I am a little bit scared by the whole process of starting as a research student and having to pass the University entrance exam to earn credits.
When I send my application to the Embassy, will it be eliminatory to mention that I would like to apply as a degree seeking student? Or the wise way is to apply for the research student status and try your luck once you’re selected?
Thank you so much.
Hi Naam,
Thank you very much for your kind words. I am happy to be able to help!
Yes, you can apply directly for Master’s Degree status (rather than the pre-graduate “Research Student” status), but ultimately, it is up to the university to decide whether or not they will accept you directly into the degree. Stating your preference one way or the other will not get you eliminated during the university’s screening.
In either case, you would have to pass the entrance exam. (Which is not always an exam – sometimes, it is just a document screening). If you apply as a Degree-seeking student, then you would have to pass it before arriving in Japan. If you apply as a research student, they you would have to pass it after arriving. If you are nervous, I would suggest that starting as a research student might be the better course of action. Once you’re accepted as a research student, you will have the opportunity to prepare while at the university already, under the supervision of your adviser and with the ability to get his or her guidance.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you so much for your reply! I think I will probably start as a research student then, since it would be a hassle to go all the way to Japan just to take the entrance exam.
Another question if you don’t mind.
I asked one of my Japanese class teachers from when I was an exchange student in Japan to write me a recommendation letter. She agreed but she told me that last month she already wrote one for another student from a different country, and she is scared that this will not do good to my application.
Does MEXT review the names of the professors who write recommendation letters? And is it forbidden for a teacher to recommend different students, even if they apply from different countries?
Just in case, I also asked one of my professors from my home country as well and she answered positively.
Thank you for your help
Naam
Hi Naam,
You’re very welcome.
There is no rule against a teacher writing a letter of recommendation for multiple students, whether they are from the same country or not. MEXT is not going to check it.
However, I think you should double-check the rules about who can write your letter of recommendation, because I do not think a teacher from your exchange time is eligible to do so.
As far as I recall, it should be your academic advisor, the dean of your faculty, or the president of your university, but in any case, it has to be someone who works at the university that you graduated from.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thanks for your answer Travis!
It’s weird, because on the French website of the Japanese embassy (to which I am going to apply since I am from France), it is written that it can be a professor and it does not necessarily have to be the Dean etc.. In France, since we don’t have to write a thesis for our bachelor, we do not have the Acedemic advisor system (?). I did ask a letter to one of my Professors from my french university, but I think it would be a little bit stupid of MEXT to refuse the letter from my Exchange university, as I have taken WAY more classes there and it is more recent, so the teachers do know me better there…
I’ll send both and see how it goes… Thank you anyway!!!
Hi Naam,
Thank you for the update.
The MEXT guidelines say that it should be your advising professor, but if you do not have that system in France, that must be why the embassy there says that any professor will do.
But it would absolutely need to be a professor at the university that you graduated/will graduate from, not your exchange program. Exchange program professors see you only for a little time during your degree and in a limited context (not to mention that in some cases, exchange programs have lower academic rigor and are not closely related to your major). In theory, a professor from your home university would be better able to evaluate you in the context of the expectations of graduates of your university and comparison to other students there.
Sending both would not hurt, but the one from your matriculated university would be the one required to meet the application guidelines.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis, thank you very much for explaining about MEXT Scholarship extension, this information is really difficult to find and you have explained it really well. I really appreciate it.
I would like to ask you a few things if you don’t mind. I am going to Japan as a research student this April and I plan to apply to graduate school this September. You say that “Students may designate up to two universities for where they want to move up to the degree program”. Is it possible for me to choose another major in the same faculty and university instead of choosing another university as the second option? Is changing major allowed if the majors are still closely related?
Hi Alice,
Thank you for your kind words.
Do the two majors have separate entrance exams at the graduate school? Assuming there is only one entrance exam for the graduate school, regardless of major, MEXT would consider that to be only one of the two schools that you can list. Whether or not you can change majors within the school is up to the graduate school, rather than MEXT. If your advisor and the other faculty are OK with it, then there should be no problem.
If I am missing something (or there are multiple different entrance exams), please let me know!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
There is no entrance exam for admission to both majors, there is only document screening. The document requirements are slightly different, one major requires an additional document (GMAT Score) and the majors have different personal essay questions. Other than that, the admission process and requirements are the same. Does that mean MEXT will consider the majors as two schools even though they are under the same graduate school?
Also, thank you so much for answering my questions, I am really grateful you take the time to read and reply to my comments! 😀
You’re very welcome!
Hi Alice,
I double-checked the application form for the scholarship extension, and there is no place for “Major” but there is a section for “Course”. It is going to depend on how your university is organized as to whether or not the majors are considered to be within the same course or not.
For example, you might have a graduate school of science and engineering and within that graduate school, mathematics and physics would be separate courses (they have completely separate graduation requirements), but within physics, you could have majors in theoretical physics, astrophysics, etc.
In Japanese, the words you are looking for are 専攻 (senkou) for major and 課程 (katei) for course.
I hope that helps.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Hi Travis!
Thank you for helping me secure the MEXT scholarship! In April 2019 I will start as a non-degree research student.
I have a question about the timeline from non-degree to phd. Is this correct?
Non-degree: 2 years
Masters: 2 years
PhD: 3 years
Total: 7 years of funding.
My professor thinks I can only be a non-degree student for 1 year.
She asked me to take the masters entrance exam in September 2019 and start my masters in April 2020. But my research scholarship lasts until March 2021. I intended on extending the scholarship when entering the masters program in April 2021, NOT April 2020.
If I follow the advice of my professor and start my masters a full year earlier, would I therefore miss out on a year of funding as a non-degree research student?
What is the maximum number of years I can have the scholarship for? What is the typical timeline that students follow when they go from non-degree to masters to phd?
If I can be a research student for 2 years, then I would prefer to do so rather than jumping straight into the masters program after 1 year.
Thank you once again for your help,
Emma
Hi Emma,
You can spend up to two years as a research student (if you arrived in Japan in April), yes, but that is not common. Usually, MEXT scholars only spend two full years as a research student if they are not planning to move on to the degree program. MEXT scholars who want to move on to the degree program usually spend only one semester (or two, in some cases) as a Research Student before taking the entrance exam and extending their scholarship to cover the Master’s Degree.
There is really no reason to delay and most people want to get moving with their degrees as soon as possible. Yes, you would miss out on a year of funding as a research student, but that is also a year where you would not be earning credit toward your Master’s so it isn’t really productive time for you.
Is there a particular reason that you want to take longer?
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you so much for this post we really appreciate your effort.
I have been granted the Mext scholarship fortunately and i have been accepted as a regular (non-degree) student as i’m not fluent in Japanese i’m taking a 6 months Japanese prep.
Mext and my professor already know that i have showed desire wanting to be a masters student (in paper as well), i contacted my professor to talk about long term plans and he refereed me to international relations but unfortunately they did not respond (even though they have prior) which is OK but what i needed to know is how to prepare to take the entrance exam, i know that the entrance exam is an essay and its going to be in August
Also i’m starting in a different city for 6 months then moving to another for 2 years
What do you think i should do ? should i go to them once i’m in japan to ask about it ? because i feel like i need to sort the transition from (non-degree to degree) during the first 6 months
Thank you so much in advance for reading all the way i’m sorry if its too long.
Hi NJ,
It sounds like you are not in Japan yet, is that right? In that case, you would not have to do anything until you arrive in the country.
You should also double-check what your Letter of Acceptance said – did they accept you as a Master’s Degree student or a Research Student? In the latter case, you might spend a semester as a research student after your Japanese language program semester and take the entrance exam during that time.
I would certainly recommend getting in touch with them as soon as possible after you arrive in Japan. If your language program will be at a different university, then that language program university will be your official contact with MEXT during that semester, but it is a good idea to connect with your adviser and future university, too, even if they can’t help you quite yet.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Thank you so much for the quick reply
– Yes i’m not in japan yet.
– Yes i got accepted as a research student (Non-degree) and i’m suppose to start in October.
– The Japanese language program will start in April and end in September.
Everything is set with the Japanese language program but i’m just lost when it comes to the entrance exam if i can take it during the Japaneses language program maybe ?
Hi NJ,
If you are supposed to start as a research student in April and then start as a non-degree student at your university in October, then your MEXT scholarship extension application would occur next fall, as far as I understand, and you would also take the entrance exam then so that you could start the degree program in April (or even later). That is probably what the university international office is assuming that you will do, if your acceptance is as a non-degree student.
If you’re looking to accelerate taking your entrance exam so that you could start as a degree-seeking student, then I would recommend that you be clear to them that you are trying to accelerate the program. Otherwise, they might simply put you off under the assumption that there will be time later.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis
Thank you for your useful information, I am currently as a master student in one of the Universities in Japan, I will graduate in March 2019, and I applied for MEXT scholarship by university recommendation, so I want to know for the recommendation letter it should be issued by my current dean faculty in Japan or I should have some recommendation from my graduated faculty in my country?
Sorry I want to mention that I applied for the Ph.D. scholarship
Hi Ahad,
The letter of recommendation should come from the Dean of your most recent degree program, so in your case, that would be your Master’s program in Japan.
But you wrote this comment on the article about extending your scholarship – are you currently a MEXT scholar applying for an extension, or are you a privately-financed student (or a student on another scholarship scheme) applying for the MEXT scholarship for the first time? That would affect what paperwork you need to submit.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis
Thank you for your reply, I am a student on another kind of scholarship, and it is my first time which I want to apply for MEXT university recommendation scholarship for the Ph.D. degree.
Dear Travis,
Thanks once more for putting this clear.
I applied as a Research Student (April 2019). Fortunately, I was accepted as a Masters student. I haven’t asked my advisor on this. Does it mean that I won’t have “entrance” exams?
HI Manzu Gerald,
Congratulations!
If your letter of acceptance from the university or the official notification from the Embassy says that you have been accepted as a Master’s Degree student – rather than a Master’s level research student, it means that you will start right away from the degree program and will not need to go through the entrance exams.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I have been following your blog and am very thankful for all the information and resources you have carefully put together here. I am one of the mext scholarship recipients in my country and in April 2019 I will be starting as a non-degree research student. By Aug/sept 2019 I plan to take the entrance exam for my preferred Masters program.
My question is about this criteria of ineligibility for scholarship extension: “If you intend to conduct fieldwork or participate in an internship outside of Japan after extending your scholarship.” Does the phrase “after extending your scholarship” mean when I convert my status as a non-degree research student to a regular/degree student (upon admission to Masters program)? The Masters program I intend to apply for includes an “on the job practice” with separate credits for domestic and international on the job practice experience. When I spoke with one of the current students in the Masters program, he mentioned that he took a 4-month internship in Cambodia to complete his credits for “on the job practice (international)”. For this particular Masters program, would it not be possible to extend the MEXT scholarship based on the criteria mentioned?
Hi Yani,
The line about being ineligible if you plan to conduct fieldwork or an internship outside of Japan is in the original application as well as the extension, so it applies both during your research student phase and during the degree.
Is the on the job training outside of Japan mandatory? You would not be allowed to do an practice outside of Japan. One of the criteria to maintain your scholarship is that you must sign in as present, in person, each month at your university to receive your stipend, so you have to be physically present there every month.
Some study programs that require practical training (such as factory training, etc.) are excluded from the MEXT scholarship, but if your program is practical training is more like an internship, that should be allowed. In either case, the university would know for sure whether it was allowed and would not have accepted you to the program if it violated MEXT’s rules, so that should not be an issue!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Transenz,
Glad to have an explanation about MEXT Scholarship extension. However I have several question I want to ask if you dont mind,
Right now I am a research student in Japan. I want to enroll as Master student thus I need to pass an entrance exam in the same way as everyone else (including the non-MEXT). So I guess my exam is a pretty serious one and I am not really sure whether I can really pass or not because the competition is fierce. The thing is, the deadline for the scholarship extension and the entrance exam is on the same week, so I was forced to apply for scholarship extension even though I am still not sure about my admittance to Master Degree.
What I want to ask is,
1. What will happen if I fail the exam and they accept my extension?
2. What will happen if they decline my extension, does this meant my current MEXT scholarship will also be revoked? I still have my research student scholarship until 2020, so I was planning to take the exam again if failed this one,. However I heard that if they decline my extension (because I failed my exam or anything else), my current scholarship is also be revoked. This makes me anxious.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Sabrac,
I think you may be overestimating how challenging the entrance exam will be. It varies by university, but I recommend that you check with your adviser for his or her advice.
All admissions processes in Japan are called “entrance exams” even when there is no exam involved. In some cases, completing the “entrance exam” as a MEXT research student is as simple as filling in a few application forms.
The timing you described is very common.
1. If you were to fail the entrance exam, your scholarship extension would not be approved either. As far as I understand, this would mean the end of your scholarship. However, I do not think there should be any risk of that happening. Unless your academic adviser now is telling you not to take the exam or that you are not ready, you should not have anything to worry about.
2. As far as I understand, yes. If you apply for the extension and it is not approved, then your ongoing scholarship would also terminate. But again, there should be no possibility of this happening.
I recommend talking to your academic adviser. He or she should be able to ease all of your concerns.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Thank you for you reply.
Strangely, my supervisor seems new to this type of scholarship. Also, if you do not mind, let me tell a little of my stories. So I just took the entrance exam last week like many other student did, but after the interview exam my supervisor called me and told me that my chance to pass is pretty slim and my scholarship will also be terminated. This shocked me as the results should be announced on 19 February and it is barely one day since the paper exam finished. He said that he check my answer sheet and somehow it is not so good. Therefore, he said that I might have to go back home soon. This baffled me, because I thought that if I failed on the first try, I can try for the second and third one until the end of my research student scholarship. Then I try to explain to him that my scholarship period is until 2020 so I should get another chance,. This surprised him and he said that if I can stay until 2020, then I can try for another one or another way. I was pretty calm until then I realized that I already applied for the scholarship extension. Some people said that those entrance exam is just a formality and all, some people say that you might fail the exam, but if the extension is accepted first or something, you can still continue as research student and try for another chance, and some said that if I failed the I need to go home. There is so many answer which makes me ask those question in my previous post. However, I am grateful for your answer and does not mean to offend you in any way.
While I am not sure how they determine those who qualified to pass the entrance exam either by quota, scores, scholarship, or special cases, this makes me very anxious as somehow my supervisor do not really understand my cases and situation and I feel like a lost person. Sorry for the long post and I hope this can gives you insight or some stories.
Hi Sabrac,
I am very sorry to hear about your situation.
Am I correct in understanding that you applied already to extend your MEXT scholarship to cover the degree program and that you only listed one university as the possible university where you would enter the degree?
In that case, as far as I can tell, if you are not able to gain admission to the degree program, then I am afraid your scholarship would be terminated and you would not have additional chances to apply for entry to the degree program/scholarship extensions in the future. However, I was not able to find any clear guidance from MEXT on this subject.
My best suggestion to you would be to check with the international office at your university (or whichever office administers the scholarship) and ask their guidance. You may be able to ask them to chancel your extension application and stick with your current research scholarship payment period. Or they may be able to talk to your graduate school’s administrative office to explain your situation better and ask for consideration.
In any case, they would be able to give you an official answer on what would happen next, instead of relying on rumors and unofficial sources.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
Yes, I only applied for one university. I only fill the necessary thing and my supervisor filed the rest. I also did not know the how complex it is and it never cross my mind to apply for another university as I will not take another exam. I did not think the examination will be this bad.
It is sad that the MEXT did not have any clear explanation about this so maybe I will try to do as your suggestion. I was thinking maybe there is anyone you ever met that have same case as mine, but it looks like mine was a peculiar one.
Thank you!
Hi Sabrac,
Unfortunately, I have not encountered anyone else in your situation directly.
At the university where I managed scholarships, there was no paper exam, it was just an application form and interview. So far, nobody else has shared a similar experience on this blog, either, so I don’t know how it will end up in your case. Your International Office should have access to more information than I do, though, including the ability to follow up directly with MEXT for questions!
I would appreciate it very much if you could let me know what they say in the end.
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
Dear Travis,
I already asked my university office about this matter. The person in charge said that if I failed the entrance exam, then I just need to cancel my extension for Master Student Scholarship and then revert back to my previous Research Student (RS) scholarship. This is a relief since it means I can take another exam in case I fail this one. About my entrance exam, I still don’t know the results yet as the announcement is still next week. I will follow you up for the results. My case indeed is a strange if not rare one.
Hi Sabrac,
Thank you for following up! That is indeed a relief to hear.
I will be hoping for the best possible result for your entrance exam, but in the meantime, it is good to know that not everything is riding on that one exam and that there is a backup plan available.
Please let me know how it goes!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz
How about a research student proceeding to the doctoral program? Are there any requirements in order to extend the scholarship?
Hi Gelo Gener,
The article above covers all of the requirements to extend your scholarship from research student to degree-seeking student (in terms of MEXT’s requirements and procedures, it does not make a difference if you are extending from research student to doctoral program or from research student to master’s program).
If you have specific questions about the requirements described in the article, please let me know!
Good Luck!
– Travis from TranSenz