How I Secured a Partially Funded Master's at the University of Tokyo, Japan Through the JASSO Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship

My name is Lian Sabella Castillo. I was born and raised in Davao City, the south of the Philippines, but moved to Manila to study computer science when I was 17. Back when I still had access to my university email account, I received scholarship newsletters - one of which contained information about an English program at the University of Tokyo. This was when I first heard about this interdisciplinary program, which covers information, technology, and society in Asia (ITASIA). I eventually did my master's there and cross-enrolled to take up an elective on Globalization and Education. This is where I met my second sensei for a research student stint under sustainability studies at the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (GPSS-GLI).

Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship Details

I received the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students (JASSO), which at the graduate/undergraduate level is 48,000 yen per month in 2015. For research studies, which is a pre-admission scholarship, I received the Embassy-Recommended Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho: MEXT) Scholarship for Research Students in 2020, which is 148,000 yen per month and return travel expenses.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I tried for other private scholarships, such as Ajinomoto, but I did not win them. However, I learned so much from the process of applying for it, and it made my succeeding applications stronger. I also won a scholarship for a summer exchange at the University of Copenhagen while I was with the University of Tokyo: a one-time payment of 160,000 yen. It was called the IARU-Santander GSP Scholarship for the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU).

Educational Background

I am not so sure about the weight of GPAs when applying to graduate school because, at least in Japan, the intent to research is more important than the numbers. I understand that it was, at the very least, a holistic assessment. For my master's program, I took the GRE and TOEFL even though the latter was not required, as I could have provided certification for English as a medium of instruction. Finding a laboratory and a professor that aligns with your interests and work ethic bears more weight than your grades.

How Did You Find Information About Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship and the University of Tokyo?

Back when I was actively applying (2012-2014), I relied on newsletters and Google. These days, though, because of social media, specialized groups and non-profits like GradMAP Philippines, you can reach out to mentors and gain information from word of mouth – privileges once exclusive to those already in the field.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes! I took the GRE and TOEFL. For standardized tests, don’t take it to heart if you fail them at first. For any test at all, it’s important to practice test-taking. I would suggest taking a run prior to taking practice tests so you can also simulate the environment of your body. Back then, we had to take them at testing sites, but I think these days you can take them at home with a webcam and an online proctor. Don’t be like me and bring at least a banana to munch on between breaks.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship?

I look at who was endowed the scholarship in the past, their profile, and, importantly, blogs. Again, these days, you can reach out to anyone on the internet and ask for personalized help at no cost. But back then, these anecdotes were really helpful to me, so I hope someone reading this can also take away that same experience.

How Does the University of Tokyo Support International Students?

They provide free language classes that are practical to use in daily life. This was a breath of fresh air, especially because textbook Japanese would sound strange when used colloquially. It was also a place I could meet people who are outside my field.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Japanese?

I took mostly English classes when I was starting out, but if you are confident or are looking to be more immersed in Japanese, then taking Japanese classes would not be a problem at all.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think having a really robust research plan and accompanying work experience can really supplement the application. I myself have not done research the entire time and did corporate straight out of university. So I can’t say there is a single recipe to win a scholarship. Personally, I find that having sincerity to do the work would be beneficial for all the parties involved.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

At some point, I think I was too scared I would taint a very good experience by pursuing something I was uncertain about (risk management). It’s hard to say what would be a better outcome, but I am very happy with what I have done so far, albeit taking longer in some parts of the process. I now enjoy a full stack of engineering, research, and artistic pursuits under my belt because of it. If anything, I wish I could have taken language learning much more seriously from the very beginning.

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

I have successfully advised other people who wanted to pursue their graduate studies in Japan, and what I would usually say is to: #1 find a laboratory and sensei that you can get along with. The single most important thing you can do for yourself is find a guardian and mentor that you know you can count on for the full ride. If not this specific scholarship, they could also help you find other means. Knowing that you are already in touch with a PI could really help not only yourself but also the jury that evaluates applications.