MEXT Scholarship Recipient, Azeem Ullah, Shares the Story of How He Applied for the Fully Funded Award to Pursue His PhD in Textile Engineering at Shinshu University in Japan

Could You Briefly Introduce Yourself and Your Background?

My name is Azeem Ullah, and I am originally from Pakistan. I am a textile engineer by education, with research interests focused on medical textiles.

Can You Tell Us About the Scholarship You Received?

In 2019, I was awarded the MEXT Embassy-Recommended Scholarship from the Government of Japan. This scholarship supported me throughout my PhD studies at Shinshu University, with a monthly stipend of 145,000 JPY.

What Is Your Educational Background?

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering with a GPA of 3.74, followed by a Master’s degree in Advanced Materials Engineering with a GPA of 3.96. These academic achievements, combined with my research experience, prepared me well for doctoral-level studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Shinshu University?

The embassy’s selection process included an English language test followed by an interview, with decisions based on academic performance, GPA, and research achievements.

For the MEXT Embassy-Recommended route, applicants do not apply directly to universities. Instead, you first apply through the Japanese embassy in your home country. Once selected, the embassy provides a list of universities where you can choose a suitable institution for your research.

As a textile engineer, I found Shinshu University, Japan’s only dedicated institute for fiber and textile studies, to be the most relevant and ideal choice for my PhD.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship?

Applying for the MEXT scholarship is actually straightforward. The official embassy guidelines available on their website are very clear and sufficient. You don’t need external help—if you follow the instructions carefully, the process becomes very manageable.

What Has Been Your Experience at Shinshu University So Far?

My experience at Shinshu University has been exceptionally rewarding, both as a student and as a researcher. Today, I am honored to be working at the same institution as an Assistant Professor. Over the last six years, I have gained invaluable academic and personal experiences and made many cherished memories.

For international students, living in a smaller city like Ueda can be a bit challenging at first since English is not widely spoken. However, once you start learning Japanese, this becomes less of a hurdle. Within the campus, you can always find strong support for both academic and daily life needs.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of my strong academic record, clear research direction, and my alignment with Shinshu University’s specialization in textiles. My background as a textile engineer, combined with consistent academic performance and research achievements, demonstrated both capability and motivation for advanced research.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would dedicate more time to learning the Japanese language before arriving. While academics and research were smooth, adapting to daily life in a smaller Japanese city required some extra effort. Earlier language preparation would have made the transition easier and enriched my experience even further.

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

My advice is simple: trust the official process. For the MEXT Embassy-Recommended Scholarship, the guidelines provided by the Japanese embassy are more than sufficient. Focus on maintaining a strong academic record, prepare a clear and well-structured research proposal, and be ready to explain why your chosen field and institution are the best fit for you.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of consistency and perseverance. Many students hesitate because they think scholarships are too competitive. But if you prepare carefully and present your achievements confidently, you have a real chance.

Any Final Thoughts You Would Like to Share With Future Applicants?

I would say that scholarships like MEXT are not just financial support; they are a life-changing opportunity. They open doors to international exposure, cutting-edge research, and long-term collaborations. Be confident in your journey, apply with determination, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.