How a Pakistani Software Engineer Won the MEXT Scholarship to Pursue His  MS in Information System Engineering at Osaka University

My name is Mazhar Iqbal, and I’m from Pakistan. I’m a Software Engineer by background with both academic and industry experience. Currently, I’m pursuing a Master’s degree in Information System Engineering at the Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Japan, under the MEXT Scholarship (Embassy Track 2024). I have previously worked as a Computer Science Instructor at FAST NUCES, where I taught programming, mobile development, and mentored students. I also have hands-on industry experience in Android app development and full-stack projects.

I chose to pursue further education in this field because of my strong interest in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, and 3D Vision. I’m passionate about solving real-world problems using AI and saw graduate studies as a way to dive deeper into research, strengthen my technical expertise, and contribute to cutting-edge innovations in these domains.

MEXT Scholarship Details

I was awarded the MEXT Scholarship (Embassy Track 2024) by the Government of Japan. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly living stipend of approximately 147,000 JPY, and round-trip airfare, making it one of the most competitive and prestigious international scholarships. During my undergraduate studies in Pakistan, I was also selected for the HEC Scholarship, which supported my academic journey and reinforced my commitment to pursuing higher education. As part of the MEXT application process, I applied to multiple universities in Japan and received acceptance offers from Tokyo Metropolitan University, Nagoya University, and Osaka University. After careful consideration, I chose to join Osaka University due to its strong global reputation, vibrant research community, and alignment with my research interests in AI and computer vision.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Software Engineering from Islamia College University, Peshawar, Pakistan, in 2021 with a strong academic record. During my undergraduate studies, I was awarded the HEC Scholarship by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, which supported me financially and encouraged me to maintain high academic performance.

My final year project, titled "IoT-Enabled Food Freshness Detection Using Multi-Sensor Data Fusion and Mobile Sensing Interface", was later published in a peer-reviewed journal, reflecting my early interest in applied research and innovation. This project helped me gain experience in combining hardware with software and set the foundation for future work in intelligent systems.

After graduation, I gained industry experience working as an Android App Developer at Techlyfe Studio and I Softic IT Solution, where I developed and published several apps on the Play Store. My projects ranged from offline GPS navigation to data transfer tools and Islamic utility apps, many of which achieved over 100K+ to 1M+ downloads. These experiences strengthened my skills in mobile development, REST APIs, UI/UX design, and production-level software deployment.

I later transitioned to academia as a Computer Science Instructor at FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (NUCES), where I taught core subjects like Object-Oriented Programming, Digital Logic Design, and conducted hands-on programming labs. This role helped sharpen my teaching and mentoring skills, which later became valuable while drafting research proposals and study plans for scholarship applications.

My academic background, combined with strong practical experience in both teaching and industry, gave me a well-rounded profile. It not only prepared me to apply confidently for international programs like the MEXT Scholarship, but also equipped me with the research mindset and technical foundation needed to succeed in my current field of 3D vision and AI.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Osaka University?

I applied through the Embassy Track of the MEXT Scholarship offered by the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan. The process began with submitting all required documents, including my research plan, study goals, and academic transcripts. After the initial screening, I appeared for a written test and an interview conducted by the embassy, which I successfully passed.

Once I cleared the embassy stage, I began reaching out to Japanese universities to secure a Provisional Acceptance Letter, which is a mandatory step in the Embassy Track. I carefully researched universities that aligned with my research interests in AI, computer vision, and 3D vision, and contacted professors whose work resonated with my goals. This step required sending personalized emails with my CV, research plan, and a polite request for supervision.

As a result, I received acceptance offers from Osaka University, Tokyo Metropolitan University, and Nagoya University. After evaluating the research environment and available opportunities, I chose Osaka University as the best fit for my academic and professional aspirations.

Although not required for MEXT, I took the IELTS and scored an overall band of 6.5. I prepared using online resources and mock tests, focusing on time management and writing skills.

For scholarship and university information, I relied on official embassy websites, university pages, and experiences shared by past scholars online.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship?

I followed the official guidelines provided by the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan and studied experiences shared by past MEXT scholars. I focused on writing a strong Research Plan and Study Plan aligned with my academic background and Japan’s research priorities.

I carefully prepared all required documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and other supporting materials, reviewing them thoroughly for accuracy and clarity.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out due to a combination of academic strength, industry experience, and a clear, well-aligned research plan. My background in software engineering, along with hands-on experience in mobile app development and teaching, demonstrated both technical skills and leadership potential.

Additionally, my research plan was carefully crafted to align with Japan’s focus on AI and 3D vision, which showed clarity of purpose and relevance. I also had a published undergraduate thesis, which reflected my early involvement in research. Together, these elements presented a strong, well-rounded profile.

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

Start early and take the process seriously. Focus on writing a strong and focused research plan, making sure it aligns with Japan’s academic strengths and your own background. Avoid copying others; instead, explain your ideas clearly and confidently.

Reach out to past MEXT scholars for guidance, and don’t hesitate to contact professors whose research matches your interests. Make sure your documents are well-organized, honest, and error-free.

Most importantly, believe in yourself. Even if your academic scores aren’t perfect, a clear vision, passion for learning, and a well-thought-out plan can set you apart.