A Cambodian Student Wins the MEXT Scholarship to Pursue his Master's at Ritsumeikan University

Hello! My name is Chhay LIM. I was born and raised in the southern part of Cambodia, a town that may be unfamiliar to many foreigners, yet it offers a beautiful combination of mountains, rivers, beaches, and seafood. Interestingly, the town is also renowned for planting durians, and producing some of the world's best pepper, known for its strong aroma and flavor, making it a perfect addition to any cuisine.

I completed my bachelor’s degree with honors and distinction at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, a prestigious national university in Cambodia. I immediately joined an international think-tank upon my graduation in 2020. After three years of working in international organizations and the policy think-tank industry, I decided to pursue higher education. I am currently finishing my master’s degree in International Relations at the Graduate School of International Relations, Ritsumeikan University, Japan. My master’s degree is funded through the Japanese Government's fully funded Monbukagakusho-MEXT Scholarship, administered by Japan’s Ministry of Education. My decision to study in Japan was driven by my research interests in Japan-Cambodia relations and International Relations in East and Southeast Asia, and I believe Japan would provide me with the best resources to achieve my scholarly goals.

MEXT Scholarship Details

The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship sponsored by the Japanese government and awarded to international students worldwide to study in Japan. There are four categories under MEXT: Research Student (MA and PhD), Undergraduate Student, Specialized Training College Student, and Japanese Studies Scholarship. I received the MEXT scholarship under the Research Student category, enrolling as a Master's student at a Japanese university of my choice. The scholarship covers round-trip airfare from my home country to Japan, tuition fees, and a monthly living stipend of approximately $1,000 USD, depending on the region in Japan. The MA scholarship can be extended to a PhD degree upon evaluation by the school and the scholarship committee.

More details about the MEXT Scholarship

Educational Background

I may not have been the top student in my batch, but I have always been very active in both the academic community and social projects. My GPA for my bachelor’s degree in International Relations was 3.5/4.0, and I conducted a research thesis in my final year, which earned me honors and distinction upon graduation. I was also appointed as the valedictorian, representing all graduates in my cohort.

My work experiences in the International Relations field, particularly three years at a think tank, significantly bolstered my MA application. During my undergraduate studies, I led and engaged in various youth projects, completed two internships—one with the Royal Government of Cambodia and another with the United Nations Development Programme—and participated in several short-term international exchange programs, conferences, and professional training in my field.

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

If you intend to apply for scholarships, it's crucial, first of all, to stay updated with reliable sources of information, such as the embassy pages of your target country, as well as other scholarship advice channels. Friends, colleagues, and seniors who have gone through the experience are also invaluable sources of information—they can provide not just details, but also tips on how to succeed.

My scholarship did not require certified English test scores if my previous degree was conducted entirely in English. However, MEXT requires you to sit for a written English and Japanese language examination (depending on which language you choose to study for your degree in Japan). By the time of application, I had a clear academic and career goal, knowing precisely what I wanted to research. I clearly identified my research interests and effectively conveyed my expectations of studying in Japan to the scholarship committee. Preparation is key; I ensured that my writings and all required documents were well-prepared, and all important points were clearly conveyed during the interview, make yourself appear as good both physically, academically, and morally. The interview is the first and most important impression chance you give to the committee.

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would strive even harder to secure what I consider an ideal school. This is not to say that the school I currently attend isn’t good, but if one is capable of aiming for an even better environment, why not? I would also have prepared more thoroughly in advance. For those who are interested in Japan, please bear in mind that Japan is not an English-speaking country, and living here can be challenging if you don't speak the local language and it takes some time to learn and blend into the local culture and settings. Therefore, learning the language and culture beforehand, while not essential, is a significant advantage. Studying abroad is not only about academics; we must also consider the living experience. Living comfortably and reducing daily stress greatly contribute to academic success.

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

To stand out among a pool of potential applicants, consider this question before you apply or during your interview stage: "While there are many outstanding candidates, why you?" Ensure you understand and know clearly which Japanese university you want to attend, and why you chose that school. Do you have a clear understanding of the school's offerings? Are you fully aware of whether your target school can provide what you expect to gain, this is very important for MEXT candidates. Additionally, and importantly, as the MEXT scholarship is heavily research-focused, it’s essential to have a well-defined research topic and objectives. Be prepared to convincingly articulate why your research is significant and how it will contribute to your home country upon your graduation. If you do not like research or if you think ‘research’ is not your thing, this scholarship is not for you, sorry.