MEXT Scholar, Chaw Su Thin from Myanmar, Pursues a PhD in Fish Disease Epidemiology at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Japan

I am Chaw Su Thin, a second-year PhD student at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. Originally from Myanmar, I am currently studying the epidemiology of fish diseases, with a particular focus on viruses. Since my passion is to become a university professor, I decided to pursue a PhD degree.

About the MEXT Scholarship

I was awarded the Japanese Government Scholarship, known as MEXT.

There are two types of MEXT Scholarships: University Recommendation and Embassy Recommendation. I applied through the University Recommendation pathway, which is more competitive but offers comprehensive support. The scholarship covers all tuition fees and research expenses, with a monthly stipend of approximately ¥140,000.

My Academic Background

I earned my master's degree from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and my bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Yangon in Myanmar. I maintained a high GPA at both institutions, which proved instrumental in securing the MEXT Scholarship.

Language Requirements

As soon as I decided to apply for the MEXT Scholarship, I took the IELTS exam and achieved an overall score of 6.5, despite having limited time for preparation. I would strongly recommend that other applicants dedicate more time to practicing English proficiency tests if they have already decided to apply for the scholarship.

Application Process

The application process involved several key steps:

Step 1: Finding a Supervisor First, I had to contact a professor at the university and request acceptance as a doctoral candidate under their supervision.

Step 2: Research Proposal Next, I needed to prepare a comprehensive research proposal outlining the work I would conduct in Japan.

Step 3: University Application After preparing all required documents, I submitted them to my prospective supervisor, who then forwarded the application to the university.

Step 4: MEXT Application Once I received acceptance from the university, I had to prepare documents again, specifically for the MEXT application. This represents the final submission process for the MEXT Scholarship. Selection by MEXT means receiving the scholarship.

Recommendations for Future Applicants

Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of preparing an outstanding research proposal if you decide to apply for the MEXT Scholarship. Having a high GPA from your previous university and an English proficiency certificate will be tremendously helpful. I believe these elements are crucial not only for the MEXT Scholarship but for most academic scholarships.