How a Nepali Scholar Earned the Fully Funded MEXT Scholarship to Pursue a PhD in International Public Policy at the University of Osaka

My name is Manish Jung Pulami, and I am a Doctoral Researcher at the Osaka School of International Public Policy, University of Osaka. I am studying under the Monbukagakusho Scholarship, commonly known as the MEXT Scholarship, funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Since April 2024, I have been living in Japan, conducting research on normativity in the Indo-Pacific region, with a particular focus on the QUAD countries and China.

MEXT Application Process

The journey to this point wasn’t easy. It has been long, uncertain, at times mentally exhausting, but above all, deeply rewarding. The MEXT scholarship has changed the trajectory of my life and career, and I want to share my experience with those who are thinking of walking the same path.

There are two primary pathways to apply for MEXT: one through recommendations from the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country, and another through direct university recommendations in Japan. I came through the former, which is highly competitive. The process for the Embassy route typically begins around April for the following year’s intake. You submit an application form, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation (from academic advisors as well as from your employer, depending on your situation), language proficiency certificates (Japanese and/or English), national ID documents, and most importantly, a “Field of Study and Research Plan.”

This research proposal is absolutely crucial. It should not be rushed. My advice to any prospective applicant is to start preparing early and make sure your proposal is detailed, realistic, and aligns with your academic background. Your research plan tells the reviewers not just what you want to study, but who you are as an applicant. This will, too, help you to choose a compatible graduate school and professor(s) in the latter stage.

Academic Background

For me, the proposal was a reflection of years of academic training. I had completed my Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, where I graduated with a Gold Medal. I then pursued a Master of Philosophy in International Relations at South Asian University in India. My academic background was strong, and I had already published several research papers. I believe this consistency, along with a clearly written research plan, helped my application stand out.

Exams and Interview Process

After document screening, I was invited for written exams in Japanese and English. You do not need to be fluent in Japanese; I wasn’t. I did, however, have an IELTS score of 8.0, which demonstrated my English proficiency. What matters most is your willingness to learn and your openness to embracing Japanese culture. After passing the written exam, I was called for an interview. There were two interviewers, one from the embassy (whom I later learned was the Cultural Secretary) and another, a former MEXT scholar. They asked me about my research goals, motivation, and long-term academic plans. I was honest, focused, and passionate, and I think that made a difference.

Preparation for University Application

The next phase was nerve-wracking. After being selected by the Embassy, I had to reach out to professors and universities in Japan for the “Certificate of Provisional Acceptance.” This is an important stage, and it happens within a tight timeframe. It’s essential to find programs and professors whose research aligns with your proposal. You can apply to up to three universities. I carefully researched each university’s graduate school, checking the language of instruction, course offerings, and faculty interests. Fortunately, I was accepted by prestigious institutions and eventually chose the University of Osaka for its strong academic environment and research support.

And then came the hardest part: the wait. For several months, there was complete silence. You don’t receive immediate confirmation. You live in a state of limbo, unsure if your dreams will materialize. But I held on. And then, one day, there was a phone call: “Congratulations, you have been selected for the MEXT Scholarship.”

I remember that moment vividly. I was alone in my room; the words wouldn’t be enough to describe the happiness. It wasn’t just happiness—it was a release of all the tension, all the self-doubt, all the hard work and sacrifices. It was the beginning of a new life.

Since arriving in Japan, the journey has been both challenging and transformative. Language was initially a barrier, but I was placed in an intensive Japanese course with a cohort of 23 students from 23 different countries. That diversity created an incredible learning environment. We became more than classmates; we became a family, supporting each other through cultural and academic hurdles.

Academically, I began my doctoral journey as a qualitative researcher. But thanks to the encouragement from my peers and the constant motivation from my supervisor, I took on the challenge of learning quantitative data handling. I now analyze large-scale datasets with confidence, a skill I never imagined myself mastering. I’ve grown not just as a researcher, but as a person.

What I Would Have Done Differently

If I could go back and do one thing differently, I would start preparing even earlier. I would spend more time refining my research plan and reach out to professors in advance to understand their expectations. Preparation and timing are everything.

Advice for Future Applicants

To anyone considering applying for the MEXT Scholarship: you don’t need to be extraordinary—you just need to be dedicated. Be honest in your application, show your true self, and stay consistent in your efforts. The process is long and often uncertain, but it’s worth every step. Your background, your struggles, your passion—they all matter. Don't let self-doubt cloud your dream.

Believe in your hard work. Trust the process. And remember—your journey may be difficult, but you are sailing toward something beautiful.