2021 Monbukagakusho Scholarship Research Student Overview of Scholarship

2021 Monbukagakusho Scholarship (Research Student)

Overview of Scholarship Provides opportunity to study in graduate courses at Japanese universities as Research Students Enrolled in or conducting research at a university Aim of scholarship: To foster bridges of friendship between the US and Japan through study/research Scholarship recipients contribute to the development of both countries.

Qualifications Nationality: U. S. Citizen (dual citizens must renounce Japanese nationality by date of arrival in Japan) Age: Born on or before April 2, 1986 Major Field: Related to undergraduate studies Language ability: Must be willing to learn the Japanese language / Interested in Japan Health: No physical or mental conditions.

Academic Qualifications Master’s / Doctoral course Awarded a bachelor’s degree Doctoral course Awarded master’s degree Involved in research for 2 or more years at a university/research center

Conditions Arrival: Arrive in Japan September/October 2021 Visa requirement: Student visa Contribute to mutual understanding during and after duration of scholarship.

Reasons for Ineligibility Active military or civilian employed by military Unable to arrive in Japan by designated date Previous recipient of scholarship w/in 3 years Recipient of other scholarship money Currently enrolled in a Japanese university Unable to fulfill graduation requirements Dual citizen (US/Japan) unable to verify that Japanese citizenship was renounced Aim to do long-term research outside of Japan Completed doctoral course & not obtaining degree.

Period of Scholarship Non-regular Students: Duration of scholarship: September/October 2021 – March 2023 Regular Students: Period necessary for completion of degree (MA or Ph. D) Both courses: Includes a 6 -month Japanese language training period, if deemed necessary.

Extension of scholarship May apply for extension of scholarship, if: Pass entrance exam for regular degree Must advance to regular degree courses Will NOT be granted extension if: Admitted to advanced courses without first receiving approval from MEXT for extension.

Scholarship Benefits Monthly Allowance: ¥ 143, 000 per month (non-regular) ¥ 144, 000 (Regular student: Masters or Prof. degree) ¥ 145, 000 (Regular student: Doctoral course) Travel expenses: Transportation to Japan Transportation from Japan Education Fees: Enrollment fees Tuition Entrance exams

Reasons for Suspension of Payment of Scholarship False statement on application Violates any article on MEXT Pledge Violates any Japanese laws/imprisoned Suspended or expelled from university Impossible to complete research within time period Changed visa status Received scholarship from another institution Proceeds to advanced level of education without receiving approval.

Application Materials Document Number of originals/copies Application form 1 original / 2 copies Placement Preference form 1 original Field of Study & Research Plan 1 original / 2 copies Passport size photo 3 originals Official academic transcripts 1 original / 2 copies Proof of graduation / Diploma* 1 original / 2 copies (*3 copies) Recommendation letter from professor 1 original / 2 copies Recommendation letter from employer (if applicable) 1 original / 2 copies Thesis abstract (if applicable) 1 original / 2 copies **Certificate of Health (due 10/2 after 1 original / 2 copies recommendations are decided)

APPLICATION PROCESS~ First Screening Submit application form and other required documents Application documents verified & evaluated Written exams in both English and Japanese Interview Recommendation to Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC.

Documents for Provisional Acceptance Request: Copy of “Passing Certificate of First Screening” (obtained from consulate) Application Documents (verify that each of the following documents are numbered & stamped with consulate seal) Application Form Field of Study & Research Plan Academic transcript Certificate of Graduation Recommendation letter from university professor Other documents, as applicable

Provisional Acceptance & Placement Form Obtain Letter of Provisional Acceptance from Japanese universities (from max of 2 universities) Must contact Japanese universities by the fall 2020 (exact date TBA) Notify consulate of responses Confirm arrival date with universities.

Second Screening & University Placement Based on First Screening, MEXT to determine scholarship recipients MEXT consults with universities Inadequate Japanese language proficiency: Placed in 6 -month language course Final acceptance results announced in Spring 2021.

University Enrollment & Acquiring of Degrees Changing from non-regular to regular student: Must take entrance exam Must stay at same university Master’s Degree: 2 years Ph. D Degree: Additional 3 years Degree awarded after submitting graduation thesis and passing final exam To continue receiving MEXT scholarship: Must undergo another screening exam.

Miscellaneous Notes Learn language, culture, living conditions, etc. Bring at least $2, 000 for first month’s living expenses Scholarship payments deposited to Japan Post Bank account Enroll in mandatory National Health Insurance.

Accommodations Ø Residence halls / dorms (at national universities) Ø Private boarding houses Ø Private apartments

APPLICATION SCHEDULE EVENT DATE LOCATION Application due Wed, Sept. 16 (by 4: 00 pm) UHM, Center for Japanese Studies Moore Hall 216 Written Exam Wed. , Sept. 30 9: 00 am-12: 00 pm UHM Moore Hall 319 Interview Wed. , Sept. 30 (afternoon) UHM Moore Hall 319 Certificate of Health due Fri. , October 2 (by 4: 00 pm) Consulate General of Japan 1742 Nuuanu Ave.

Contact Information Consulate General of Japan (Lisa Sakamoto) lisa. sakamoto@hl. mofa. go. jp or 543 -3111 University of Hawaii (Dr. Gay Satsuma) gay@hawaii. edu or 956 -2664

Thank you for your interest in the 2021 MEXT Scholarship!