G30 and University of Turku Scholar, Indranil Enkhtuvshin (Inna) from Mongolia, Pursues a Master’s in East Asian Studies at the University of Turku, Finland

Warm greetings! My name is Indranil Enkhtuvshin, but I go by Inna. I am currently studying a Master of Social Sciences in East Asian Studies at the University of Turku, Finland. For my bachelor’s, I went to Nagoya University in Japan, majoring in Japan in Asia-Cultural Studies. My research focuses on Japan’s foreign policy and development assistance to Mongolia. Coming from a humble background in Mongolia, securing scholarships was a major priority in enabling my studies abroad. Therefore, I would like to share my experience in obtaining scholarships for both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

G30 Undergraduate Scholarship Details

For my bachelor’s degree, I received Nagoya University’s G30 Undergraduate Scholarship, which covered my full tuition for four years and provided an annual stipend of 500,000 JPY. For my master’s degree, I was awarded the University of Turku Scholarship for International Students. This scholarship covers the full two-year tuition fee, totaling 16,000 EUR (as of 2024). However, the University of Turku’s full tuition scholarship has been discontinued starting from the 2025 admissions cycle. Only the Merit Scholarship is now available, which requires students to pay the first-year tuition fee; based on academic performance, the second-year tuition may then be covered by the university.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

During my bachelor’s studies, I was awarded the JASSO Scholarship for one year in addition to the G30 scholarship. The JASSO scholarship is granted through university nomination, for which students must apply to be considered. I learned about this opportunity through my university’s email subscription system and submitted the required documents accordingly. One notable aspect of the scholarship is the requirement to submit monthly reports on academic progress and to explain how the scholarship is supporting one’s studies. This scholarship was especially helpful during my first year, as it eased my transition and supported my adjustment to life in Japan.

Educational Background

My bachelor’s degree was in Japan Studies within the Humanities, but for graduate studies, I aimed to transition toward the Social Sciences with a focus on policy. The East Asian Studies program aligned well with my previous academic background, as it allowed me to continue working with my regional focus on Japan and Mongolia, while expanding that focus into foreign policy studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Nagoya University and the University of Turku?

To apply to the University of Turku, I only took the IELTS exam to meet the language requirement, as the program is taught in English. Rather than spending most of my effort on the standardized test, I concentrated on developing my research trajectory and writing a strong letter of motivation, because these were emphasized as the primary evaluation criteria. It is important to understand which components carry the most weight in each application. If standardized test scores are prioritized, it is advisable to focus on achieving the highest score possible to increase the chance of getting the scholarship. However, if motivational essays and research proposals are key, it is more strategic to direct one’s effort toward refining those materials.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Turku Scholarship for International Students?

To prepare for the graduate school scholarship, I focused on narrowing the scope of my research interests and developing a strong research proposal. The key distinction between bachelor’s and master’s programs lies in the depth of the research. Therefore, for applicants seeking graduate-level scholarships, it is important to strengthen your research skills and clearly demonstrate how your undergraduate academic background connects to the advanced degree for which you are applying.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

For my bachelor’s scholarship, I think my strong essay stood out. When I was applying to Nagoya University’s international undergraduate program, they asked me to submit two essays along with. I remember working on the essays for about a month, honing and getting feedback from my trusted mentors. Even though it is quite hard to define your research trajectory while you are applying to a bachelor’s program in high school, it is great to still have a certain degree of research focus or direction, especially if you are applying to a humanities program. I did mention that I was planning to focus on Japan-Mongolia diplomatic relations, and I did end up working on that topic for my bachelor’s. For my master’s degree, I applied the same approach, which is I prioritized clarifying my research focus and ensuring that my motivation letter was well developed and compelling.

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

My advice for those planning to apply for the G30 scholarship in Japan is to first identify the main evaluation criteria for the program. In my case, applying to the Humanities, it was essential to narrow my research focus and present a clear academic direction. I advise taking the time to write a compelling motivation letter that highlights how your interests fit the program and how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic objectives.