Pakistani Scholar Awarded the Fully Funded MEXT Scholarship to Pursue PhD in Energy Systems at Osaka University, Japan

Hi! I’m Dr. Usama Perwez, currently the Associate Head of Department (HoD) of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Pakistan. I completed my PhD in Energy Systems from Osaka University, Japan, under the MEXT Scholarship. My research focused on building energy simulations for informed decision support on the modeling and simulation of smart, sustainable, and resilient buildings, communities, and cities.

Scholarship Details

I was awarded the 2019 MEXT Research Scholarship for my PhD at Osaka University, which covered full tuition, living expenses, and a return airfare. The scholarship allowed me to pursue my research in Energy Systems, focusing on the integration of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency in building stock.

Educational Background

I hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, where I earned the President’s Gold Medal for top academic performance. My MSc research in Energy Systems involved the use of simulation tools like EnergyPlus, R, and HOMER Pro to estimate energy demand and optimize energy consumption in various energy sub-sectors. This research laid the foundation for my PhD work, where I expanded on these concepts and developed models for smart cities and sustainable urban energy solutions.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship and Osaka University?

When I decided to apply for the MEXT Scholarship, I started by carefully reviewing the scholarship guidelines and ensuring that my research proposal aligned with Japan’s energy research priorities. I connected with referees early on for strong recommendation letters, including my previous academic mentors and supervisors from my Master's program. To better prepare, I read through all available resources about the scholarship and read blogs of previous recipients, which helped me understand the details of the process.

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

Looking back, I would have worked earlier on improving my Japanese language skills. Although my program was in English, learning the basics of Japanese would have helped me integrate into the culture and interact with local peers more easily.

How was your experience with Osaka University? Also, was the PhD in Energy Systems taught in English?

Osaka University is one of the top three universities in Japan. So it was an extensive research-based university that provided all the essentials required to conduct the research. I was a part of the Urban Energy System Lab, and it was affiliated with the Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering of the Graduate School of Engineering. Overall, it was a very good experience since the lab was one of the best in Japan in the energy field, and my interest was also to do a PhD in energy systems.

Yes, my program was in English, and overall, most of the programs in Osaka University related to MSc and Phd are in English. In my lab, the Associate Professor was well conversant in English, so it was very easy to communicate, even one of the lab staff could also speak English fluently. Second, in the MEXT embassy scholarship, they have an option to opt for a Japanese language course during your research student phase. My professor recommended taking that Japanese language course to at least speak survival Japanese.

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

My advice is to dedicate time and effort to the process, preparing a compelling research proposal, gathering strong references, and ensuring you meet all the document requirements. The MEXT Scholarship has an abundance of resources available online, including detailed guidelines, success stories, and practical tips from past scholars. Take advantage of these resources and make sure to commit fully to the process. Stay organized, be persistent, and remain patient. Good luck to you all on your journey!