The MEXT Scholarship Awarded to an Indian Student to Pursue Her Master's in Biochemical Engineering at Yokohama National University

Hi! My name is Anushka Dinesh. I was born and raised in Mumbai, India, and I’m currently in the final semester of my master’s degree in Japan.

MEXT Scholarship Details

I am pursuing my master’s degree in Biochemical Engineering at Yokohama National University under the fully-funded MEXT Scholarship by the Japanese government. This scholarship provides financial support to international students for undergraduate, graduate, and research programs in Japan. It covers tuition, travel expenses, and a monthly stipend for living expenses.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Bioinformatics Engineering from D.Y. Patil University (India), with a CGPA of 6.88 out of 7. In my final semester, I had the opportunity to work on a mini project under a professor and publish it as a research article in a scientific journal. Reflecting on it, I realize that this research project significantly strengthened my application and helped me better identify the niche field I wanted to pursue further.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the MEXT Scholarships and Yokohama National University?

While looking for various scholarships/graduate programs, I found out about the MEXT Scholarship. There are typically two ways to secure this scholarship – via the Embassy of Japan in your home country, or via the university you’re interested in. I chose the university route and contacted a professor in the laboratory I was interested in, with a research proposal. He reviewed the proposal along with my academic transcripts and the abstract of my previously published research article and accepted it. This was followed by an online interview and eventually, I was selected. Typically, prospective graduate students do not need to appear for any exams; instead, they’re expected to have a solid foundation in research. Additionally, as I had completed all my education in English, I was exempt from submitting English Certification test scores.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

While my master’s program has entirely been in English, I’d say knowing Japanese is essential for international students. Not just to improve communication in their daily life and integrate into the local culture, but also to provide better access to academic resources and increase opportunities for internships, part-time jobs, and eventually a full-fledged role. Looking back, I should have started learning Japanese much earlier.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

As a graduate student, the biggest focus would be on your research. So, building a strong foundation in research and boosting your credentials would be key while applying for highly competitive scholarships.