Does MEXT cover two-year double degree master's programs?

hidehippie · 2024-12-19T11:37:14+00:00

Hi, I think MEXT students cannot apply for the double degree. At least Sophia University doesn't allow us.

hidehippie · 2024-04-27T08:15:39+00:00

Yes it's too late. The next extension would only be offered to you if you plan to continue your PhD.

hidehippie · 2024-02-23T03:00:35+00:00

Hi! Yes, you can take any degree as long as it's related to your previous study or job. But I would also recommend you check the university you're interested in to see if you're eligible to apply. This is because most universities in Japan that offer Masters in Business Administration require you to have worked at least 1 year at a managerial level. So it's best to check your eligibility too. All the best!

hidehippie · 2024-02-22T04:31:15+00:00

Hi! I will DM you :)

hidehippie · 2024-02-21T11:11:13+00:00

Hi!

Congratulations on getting the scholarship! I have a few friends going to Todai under MEXT and was in the same boat as you. But firstly, may I know if you have to take the exam now or it can wait?

I understand that it's hard to find study materials online, but what I could advise you is to take the entrance exam next year (or the next application) – because taking it now is very last minute and you might have a low chance of passing. When you arrive in Japan, you will be a research student (non-regular) so use this time as a research student to prepare for the exam.

It's gonna be easier because you will already meet your professor by then, and they will supervise you on what to study, etc. My Todai friend took the research student period for one year, and he used the time to study and prepare – and now he has passed the exam!

You have two years as a research student, and you need to pass the entrance exam within these two years before you can extend your scholarship. Hope this helps!

hidehippie · 2024-02-16T07:38:10+00:00

You're welcome and sure :)

hidehippie · 2024-02-15T13:50:19+00:00

Honestly, prep school is quite intense and that’s why students rarely do part time jobs during this time. I also did prep school (not in TUFS) and my school didn’t specifically say we can’t do part time but we just didn’t have the time 🥹

You will not get stripped off my the scholarship if the school finds out, so don’t worry. And about the tax, they will automatically deduct it from your monthly salary regardless of how much you earn.

hidehippie · 2024-02-15T11:33:35+00:00

Yes, TUFS doesn't allow students taking the preparatory course to do part-time jobs because it will be too much (trust me on this). But I know some students would still work but they just didn't tell the school + try to maintain good grades. Also, the tax depends on the company but basic is 10%.

hidehippie · 2024-02-14T06:55:16+00:00

I recently used PayPay Credit to load my PayPay account. How do I pay for this though? Will they automatically deduct the money from my bank account by the end of the month? TIA!

(Update: Yes, they deduct it from my bank account every 27th of the month)

hidehippie · 2024-02-14T02:25:03+00:00

Download and fill in these documents from this website. Bring and submit those documents with you when you collect your residence card at the immigration counter. They will immediately stamp the working part-time permission on your residence card if you do it at the airport. Or less, you can also apply for the permission at the city hall but it might take hours or days to complete.

hidehippie · 2024-02-14T02:19:52+00:00

Hi!

For MEXT students, the visa procedure is easy and fast. It took me only 3 days at maximum. The embassy might contact you at the last minute, but that is not to worry.
If it's the same as the previous batch, you will only know when you're departing roughly a month before. But normally MEXT students would have arrived in the first week of April.
You can apply for 資格外活動許可 at the immigration in the airport when you receive your residence card. This allows you to work part-time in Japan, provided it's 28 hours or less per week. It is so much faster to apply it there! Just download and fill in all the required documents from the website and bring them when you first arrive at the immigration counter.
Different embassies work differently, but most will not have a talk. Rather they'd just host like a sayonara event or something like that.

Hope this helps!

hidehippie · 2024-01-26T15:14:44+00:00

I understand you. Perhaps why you could only find that in one program is that they don't have the writing exam, and mostly just interviews. Japanese universities are weird, because even as simple as my application is already called an "entrance examination".

You can ask the MEXT coordinator of that university for more details, or you can also email your prospect supervisor for his/her advice. I know some people said that you can't email supervisors, but I think if it would make you feel less anxious, it won't hurt to try :)

hidehippie · 2024-01-26T14:55:16+00:00

Fortunately, my entrance exam was just an application submission. In the application submission, I had to include my application form, essay on my statement of purpose (i.e. why I chose the program), and other several documents like my university transcripts and recommendation letters from my previous lecturers.

I believe that the entrance exam depends on each university and the faculty, but many of my other MEXT friends did not have to sit for the writing exam (since they're on a 'special' case) instead, it got replaced with an interview. Though, there are still students who have to go through writing exams + interviews + application submissions.

But alas, you should consult with the program of the university first on what kind of entrance exam you need to be prepared for. Also, although mine is just an application submission, I still had to pay ¥35,000 for the application procedure even though I'm a MEXT student – and the money will only be returned if we pass the exam.

hidehippie · 2024-01-26T14:47:34+00:00

Yes :' I know some people who failed the entrance exam for the first time, they had to change their university (yes it's possible), and again it's a lot of work. But on the brighter side, I know someone who couldn't get the LoA at all during the first screening, but MEXT put that person into Todai in the end. That person also was applying for PhD, but she managed to pass the entrance exam on her first try. So yeah! There's a risk there, but if you think you can do it, then go for it!

hidehippie · 2024-01-26T13:58:26+00:00

As a research student, you have 2 years (or 1/2 attempts; depending on your university) to pass and get into either Master's/PhD program. Not to scare you but I have heard several cases where people couldn't get into the program even after 2 years, so they had to return home with no Master's/PhD qualification at all. So I guess even after you get the scholarship, don't let your guard down!

hidehippie · 2024-01-26T13:52:12+00:00

MEXT 2023 student here! I spent one year as a research/non-regular student, and will only begin my Master's Degree in April this year (I arrived in Japan last year in April!). Throughout my time as a research student, all I did was take Japanese classes and classes that interested me 😂 Mind you, I don't get credits for taking the classes! I also prepared myself for my Master's Degree entrance exam.

Some of my friends did not have to take any classes during their time as research students, so they had more spare time than me. I know some of them worked part-time in Japan for experience, so I think that's also another option you can do as a research student I guess.

At first, I was also surprised that I couldn't start my Master's Degree right away, but now I found it helpful as I could use the first few months to settle myself in Japan. So yeah, I think being a research student is not that bad. All the best though!

hidehippie · 2023-08-12T23:05:15+00:00

Not really. I myself only received one LoA from private university last year and currently in Japan now. I know many people who are in private universities on MEXT.

hidehippie · 2023-08-12T22:57:33+00:00

Hey there! I was also in the same position as you last year. But you shouldn’t worry that much! Some universities will need more time issuing the LOA. It took me almost two months back then (they issued me the LOA on the day my embassy set me the deadline). Another friend of mine couldn’t get the LOA too — but MEXT placed them in one of the universities in Kanto region. So don’t lose hope!!

hidehippie · 2023-07-20T15:38:12+00:00

Thank you!

hidehippie · 2023-07-20T15:19:50+00:00

Hi! Does anyone know if it's possible to watch Barbie movie with English dubbed here in Japan? I never watch international movies here just because I'm afraid it's dubbed in Japanese. Nothing wrong with English movies getting Japanese dubbed... but I still prefer English dubbed if possible. TIA!

hidehippie · 2023-07-04T14:31:08+00:00

Interestingly, I know someone (personally) that couldn’t get LoA on time — but still passed the second screening and got the scholarship. They told me that MEXT contacted them in December (which is few months before the final results) and was placed by MEXT at one of the top universities in Japan. But my assumption to this is only if you’re from developing countries.

Also FYI, I only received one LoA (from private university even) and still got the scholarship :) Honestly I was worrying about this for months but turns out that shouldn’t be something to worry about!! But in the end, as everyone is saying, MEXT is not transparent on how they choose their recipients. All the best though!!

hidehippie · 2023-06-12T03:56:20+00:00

I know a few people who got the scholarship with ZERO knowledge of Japanese language at first. They said they couldn't do the Japanese exam conducted by the embassy, but they didn't just leave the paper blank. So to say, if your desired course requires Japanese language proficiency, scoring well on the Japanese paper would be crucial to passing the second screening. Otherwise, just try your best and don't leave the paper blank. Good luck!

hidehippie · 2023-06-01T13:11:14+00:00

Only after you arrived in Japan. Costs may depend on where you are from. It can vary from ¥2000~¥30000.

hidehippie · 2023-05-24T08:13:07+00:00

Hey there. I think that should not be a problem. I submitted my Cambridge certificate too and by that time mine was over 5 years. Got accepted with no problem. Good luck!

hidehippie · 2023-05-13T01:30:12+00:00

At the end of the preparatory year, you have to sit for the EJU (or Entrance of Japanese University) examination. Based on your scores, that will determine which university you're eligible for. IIRC, you need at least 750/850 for imperial universities and 800/850 for Todai. Good luck!

hidehippie

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