How Mariia Hirniak, a Ukrainian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in International Relations at the International University of Japan Through the MEXT Scholarship

My name is Mariia Hirniak, and I am from Ukraine. My academic and professional journey has been shaped by a strong interest in international relations, security, technology, and the ways societies respond to crises.

I pursued graduate studies at the Graduate School of International Relations (GSIR) at the International University of Japan (IUJ), where I completed my Master's degree. I chose this field because I wanted to understand how international institutions, governments, and societies address complex global challenges, particularly in the areas of security, international cooperation, and post-conflict recovery.

Coming from Ukraine, a country experiencing a full-scale war, these questions have never been purely theoretical for me. I wanted to develop the academic and practical skills necessary to contribute to international policy discussions and, eventually, to Ukraine's reconstruction and institutional resilience.

MEXT Scholarship Details

I received the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship, funded by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

The scholarship supported my Master's studies at the International University of Japan.

The financial support included:

• Monthly stipend: JPY 147,000.
• Full tuition and university admission fee coverage.
• International airfare under the applicable MEXT scholarship conditions.

The scholarship allowed me to concentrate on my academic development and research without having to finance the full cost of studying abroad independently.

Other Offered Scholarships

No, it is prohibited. I had only a scholarship worth 500 dollars for the contribution to building a school and educational program in Vietnam.

Educational Background

My educational background combines international relations, social sciences, and an interest in technology and security.

Before attending IUJ, I studied at the University of Tsukuba in Japan for a year. I subsequently pursued my Master's degree at IUJ, where I developed a stronger understanding of international politics, security studies, and international cooperation.

My academic interests have increasingly focused on the intersection of security, political institutions, and technological development. In particular, I am interested in how collective memory, national identity, and institutional resilience influence societies experiencing prolonged conflict.

My experience studying in different academic environments also helped me develop adaptability, independent research skills, and the ability to engage with international perspectives.

GPA: 3.8.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the International University of Japan?

I approached the application process by first identifying universities whose academic strengths aligned with my research interests and long-term professional goals.

I looked beyond university rankings and considered the curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, international environment, and opportunities to engage with practitioners and policymakers.

I also paid particular attention to whether the university offered an environment where I could connect theoretical knowledge with real-world policy challenges.

I recommend starting early, researching potential supervisors, and developing a clear explanation of why a particular institution is the right place for your academic development.

How Did You Find Information About the MEXT Scholarship and the International University of Japan?

I primarily used official university websites, the Japanese Government's MEXT scholarship information, university admission guidelines, academic publications, and conversations with people who had previously studied in Japan.

I also found it valuable to contact universities directly and attend to the specific requirements of each application rather than relying exclusively on general scholarship guides.

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

Yes, TOEFL – 103 points in 2023.

My advice is to prepare for standardized tests well in advance, particularly if English is not your first language. It is important to become familiar with the examination format and practice consistently rather than relying on last-minute preparation.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship?

I focused on presenting a coherent academic profile and explaining how the scholarship would contribute to my long-term goals.

One of the most important elements was developing a clear research direction. I wanted to demonstrate not only that I was academically prepared but also that I understood why my proposed field of study mattered.

I also paid attention to my motivation statement, academic background, research interests, and the relationship between my previous experiences and future ambitions.

I believe a successful scholarship application should tell a consistent story: what you have done, what questions you want to explore, and how the opportunity will help you make a meaningful contribution.

How Is Your Experience at the International University of Japan?

My experience at the International University of Japan was academically and personally transformative.

IUJ offers a genuinely international environment. Studying alongside government officials and people from different countries and professional backgrounds allowed me to approach international relations from perspectives I might not otherwise have encountered.

The academic environment encouraged discussion, critical thinking, independent research, and engagement with contemporary global issues.

Beyond the classroom, living in Japan gave me an opportunity to experience a different institutional and cultural environment firsthand. It also helped me develop greater independence and adaptability.

How Do You Rate the International University of Japan Academically?

I would rate IUJ highly for its international academic environment, interdisciplinary approach, and emphasis on global affairs.

One of its greatest strengths is the diversity of its student body. Discussions are enriched by students who bring direct experience from different political, economic, and social contexts.

For someone interested in international relations, development, and security, this environment is particularly valuable.

I also appreciated the opportunity to connect academic research with practical policy questions.

How Does the International University of Japan Support International Students?

IUJ has an international orientation and provides an environment designed for students coming from different educational and cultural backgrounds.

Its international student community makes it easier to establish connections, exchange experiences, and develop professional networks.

The university also provides academic and administrative support to help international students navigate university life in Japan.

What Is the Language of Instruction?

My graduate studies at IUJ were conducted in English.

This was particularly helpful because students from different countries could participate in academic discussions without needing prior Japanese-language proficiency.

However, learning Japanese was still important to me. I studied the language independently during my Master’s for two years and eventually achieved JLPT N2 proficiency.

I believe learning the local language significantly enriches the experience of studying abroad, even when it is not an academic requirement.

What Did You Pursue After the MEXT Scholarship?

After completing my Master's degree, I continued developing my professional career in Japan.

I currently work in cybersecurity as a Cybersecurity Engineer and Analyst, gaining practical experience in information security and enterprise security operations.

Alongside my professional work, I remain engaged in policy analysis, international affairs, and research related to Ukraine, technology, and international security while having my own foundation in Ukraine.

My longer-term ambition is to connect these areas by contributing to public policy, international cooperation, and Ukraine's institutional and technological resilience.

The scholarship was therefore not simply an opportunity to obtain a degree. It became an important foundation for my subsequent academic and professional development.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Japanese?

Not necessarily.

Since IUJ's graduate programs are conducted in English, students do not need Japanese proficiency to participate in academic activities.

However, I would strongly encourage international students to learn Japanese if they plan to stay in the country.

Even basic proficiency makes everyday life easier and helps build relationships outside the university. For those interested in pursuing professional opportunities in Japan, Japanese language skills can become particularly valuable.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe the strongest aspect of my application was the connection between my academic interests, personal background, and long-term professional ambitions.

I was not applying simply because I wanted to study abroad. I had specific questions I wanted to explore and a clear motivation to understand international security and cooperation.

Coming from Ukraine also gave me a particular perspective on international relations. Questions of resilience, security, institutional capacity, and international solidarity were not abstract academic concepts for me.

I believe demonstrating genuine intellectual curiosity, a clear research direction, and an understanding of how your education can contribute to society is extremely important.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would start preparing even earlier.

In particular, I would spend more time contacting potential academic supervisors, refining my research proposal, and speaking with previous scholarship recipients.

I would also dedicate more time to understanding the practical aspects of studying and living in Japan before arriving.

One important lesson I learned is that receiving a scholarship is only the beginning. You should think about how to use the opportunity strategically, build meaningful connections, and develop skills that will remain valuable after graduation.

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

My biggest advice is: do not approach scholarship applications as competitions in which you simply need to demonstrate that you are a good student.

Instead, think about the story you are telling.

Be specific about your academic interests, explain why you have chosen a particular institution, and demonstrate how the opportunity connects with your future plans.

A few practical recommendations:

• Start early. Scholarship applications involve multiple documents, deadlines, and sometimes several stages of selection.
• Research the institution carefully. Look at the curriculum, faculty members, research opportunities, and the university's academic environment.
• Develop a clear research direction. You do not need to have all the answers, but you should know what questions genuinely interest you.
• Be authentic. Your personal experiences can provide valuable context for your academic ambitions. Do not try to construct a profile that you think scholarship committees want to see.
• Contact previous scholarship recipients. Their experiences can help you understand practical aspects of the application process.
• Think beyond admission. Consider what you want to achieve during your studies and how you will use the experience afterward.

Finally, do not underestimate the value of international education beyond the degree itself. The people you meet, the perspectives you encounter, and the opportunities you create can become just as important as the academic qualification.

For me, studying in Japan through the MEXT Scholarship was an opportunity to broaden my horizons, challenge my assumptions, and develop the foundations for the career I want to pursue.

I hope that sharing my experience encourages other students, particularly those coming from challenging circumstances, to pursue international academic opportunities.