Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Two programmes available to UK students: Undergraduate scholarships for Japanese Studies Postgraduate scholarships for research or study

Available to UK students enrolled on undergraduate Japanese studies courses at UK Universities One fully-funded academic year at a Japanese university – language, culture, history etc Recruitment takes place in January of each year 4 scholarships available per year Undergraduate scholarships for Japanese Studies

Independent research – no formal qualification gained Masters (2 years) PhD (5 years) Postgraduate scholarships for research or study

Open to students of all disciplines Exclusions - majors in traditional entertainment subjects that require practical training in specific technologies Former MEXT Scholars Archaeology Biomechanical Engineering Fine Art Gender Studies Particle and Theoretical Physics International Relations Marine Biology Paediatrics Japanese video games NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OFJAPANESE LANGUAGE IS NECESSARY What can be studied?

High educational standards Superior research, IT and library facilities Course studies and research programmes in virtually any field Why Japan?

Engineering and Information Technology Natural Sciences 6=University of Tokyo 8University of Tokyo 16Kyoto University 10= Kyoto University 19Tokyo Institute of Technology 36Osaka University 47Osaka University 48Tokyo Institute of Tech 49Tohoku University Arts and Humanities 13University of Tokyo 20Kyoto University 49=Waseda University Life Sciences and Biomedicine 7University of Tokyo 13=Kyoto University 36Osaka University Social Sciences 16University of Tokyo 29 Kyoto University Times Higher Education World University Rankings Top 50 by core subject areas

1Multi-disciplinary Immunology Space Science Plant & Animal Science Chemistry Physics Material Science Geosciences 1.00 Relative citation impact by research field in Japan

132, 720 foreign students studying in Japan (as of 1 May 2009) Japan aims to receive 300,000 international students by 2020 In 2009, 13 universities were selected to be core universities for internationalisation 1) Expansion of course programmes by which degrees can be earned through English-only classes 2) Enhancement of systems for receiving/hosting international students 3) Provision of opportunities to learn about Japanese language and culture 4) Promotion of strategic international cooperation Global 30 Project

Diverse mix of: Old and new East and West Natural and artificial Exposure to a rich culture

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Choice of 2 departure dates: 2 years from April 18 months from October Tenure can be extended upon completion of relevant examinations and procedures How long does the scholarship last?

Hold a UK passport Be graduates or due to graduate by September of the year depart for Japan Be under the age of 35 as of April of year depart for Japan Must demonstrate a real interest in Japan, it’s language and culture Eligibility

Monthly allowance of ¥ 150,000 6-month language course* *This may not be necessary in all cases Return airfare to Japan Help with finding accommodation Health cover Visa allowing part time work Benefits

Network of MEXT Alumni in the UK Funding available for projects linking UK and Japan: exhibitions, book launches British Association of Monbukagakusho Scholars (BAMS)

13 Scholarships per year Apply by June of year previous to year you wish to depart for Japan – suitable for final year students who can depart in April at the earliest, or penultimate year students who can depart in October Independent research: detailed plan of research, including aims and methodology Taught courses: statement supporting course choice Academic records and 2 references Application Process

Evidence of extra-curricular activities Desire to further UK-Japan relations upon completion of tenure Examinations on the Japanese and English languages Japanese results are largely used as a gauge to place successful Scholars in suitable language classes in Japan In addition...

Application period opensApril – Application deadline Wednesday, 9 June 2010 InterviewsLate June/early July 2010 Interview resultsMid-July 2010 Confirmation of University placementJanuary – March 2011 Visa processing3 weeks prior to departure Departure for JapanApril/October 2011 Application timetable

“ My time in Japan will stay with me my whole life. Not only did I have opportunity to research in wonderful locations with excellent mentors, but I also made friends from Japan and around the world. The experience has made me a stronger person and I would absolutely recommend anyone to go for it as well.” Tom Bouquet, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima (Volcanology) “ My two years as a MEXT Scholar gave me academic and life opportunities in a way that no other scholarship could. The experience of studying at a Japanese university and living in Japan is one I would strongly recommend to anyone, regardless of what career they’re thinking of developing.” Martin Dusinberre, Kyushu University, Fukuoka (History) From previous Scholars...

Japan Information and Cultural Centre Embassy of Japan Piccadilly London W1J 7JT t: e: For further information...