MEXT Scholar, Raghav Bansal from India, Shares His Journey of Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Information and Electrical Engineering at Kyushu University, Japan

My name is Raghav Bansal, and I'm from India. I'm currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in Information and Electrical Engineering at Kyushu University. Beyond academics, I'm passionate about playing soccer and strumming an acoustic guitar in my free time. My journey into engineering began in high school when I discovered my deep enthusiasm for mathematics. I enjoyed solving complex problems, and the thrill of finding elegant solutions sparked something in me. This passion naturally led me toward computer science and engineering, where I could combine logical thinking with innovation and creativity.

MEXT Scholarship Details

I received the prestigious MEXT Scholarship for the Undergraduate Program from the Government of Japan. It is one of the most comprehensive scholarships available for international students who are studying in Japan. This scholarship includes:

• Full tuition coverage for the entire duration of the program
• Monthly stipend of 120,000 yen (approximately $800-900 USD) to cover living expenses
• Round-trip travel expenses between your country and Japan
• 5-year program structure: 1 year of intensive Japanese language training followed by 4 years of undergraduate studies

Educational Background

I completed my high school education through the CBSE Board in India, achieving a 96% score in my final year board exams with nearly perfect scores in science and mathematics subjects.

During my high school, I was also preparing for the  JEE Advanced Exam 2, often called one of the toughest entrance examinations to get into the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Out of 1.2 million initial candidates, only 250,000 qualified for the Advanced round, and I secured an All-India Rank of 2,316. This achievement earned me admission to IIT Kanpur, one of India's premier engineering institutes.

However, when I received the MEXT Scholarship offer, I made the bold decision to withdraw from IIT Kanpur after my first year to pursue this unique opportunity in Japan. It wasn't an easy decision to leave a prestigious institution to venture into the unknown required courage but I knew this scholarship aligned better with my vision of becoming a global engineer with cross-cultural perspectives.

During my scholarship period, I completed the intensive 1-year Japanese language course at Osaka University, earning a diploma in Japanese language and Culture and reaching approximately between JLPT N2 ～N1  level proficiency. Learning Japanese from scratch while adapting to a new country was challenging, but it taught me resilience and opened my eyes to a completely different way of thinking. Now, as a first-year student at Kyushu University studying computer science, I'm applying that same dedication to my engineering studies, this time in Japanese.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Kyushu University?

How Did You Find Information About the MEXT Scholarship and Kyushu University?

I learned about this scholarship from the internet when I was considering studying abroad for my higher education.

You need to apply for this scholarship through the Embassy of Japan in your country, so I recommend checking the embassy’s website in your country for more detailed information.

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

Since all of my schooling was conducted in English medium, I didn't need to take any English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

While it is not mandatory to take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) for this scholarship, I believe having a JLPT certificate will significantly boost your chances of acceptance.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the MEXT Scholarship?

Since I had been intensively preparing for the JEE Advanced exam, which covers Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at a very high level. My aptitude in these subjects was already strong enough to excel in the MEXT written examination. The MEXT exam tests fundamental concepts rather than extremely advanced topics, so my JEE preparation actually over-prepared me in the best possible way.

For the Japanese language component, I was a beginner with zero knowledge. However, I learned that for engineering applicants, strong performance in science and mathematics subjects can compensate during the initial screening. The language becomes more important after you're selected, during the actual program.

The Interview Experience: The interview was perhaps the most crucial part. The examiners asked me about:

• My background and academic achievements
• Why I wanted to study in Japan specifically
• My future goals and how Japan fits into them
• How I would contribute to cultural exchange
• My knowledge about Japanese culture and society

I approached the interview with authenticity. Rather than giving rehearsed answers, I spoke about my genuine interest in Japanese technology, culture, and my vision of becoming a bridge between India and Japan in the tech industry.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Japanese?

All the classes are conducted in Japanese.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Japanese?

The 1-year intensive Japanese language course is designed specifically to prepare scholarship students for academic life in Japanese universities. By the end of this course, you will develop strong reading and writing skills necessary for understanding lectures, textbooks, and technical materials.

However, here's my honest advice: While the course excellently prepares you academically, dedicate equal attention to developing your speaking and listening skills. These are crucial for building friends in college, navigating your daily life, and maximizing your cultural immersion experience.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my strong academic background, combined with essays explaining how I could serve as a bridge between Japan and India in terms of cultural exchange and technological advancement, truly demonstrated my vision and made me stand out from other applicants.

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

In my case, the process went very smoothly. However, if I were to do anything differently, I would have studied the Japanese language beforehand. This would have made the language course less overwhelming initially and given me an edge over other students.

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

I’ll say start preparing early, especially for the written exam. Focus on basic concepts, as the exam is not extremely difficult but requires accuracy. Be honest in your interview and clearly express why you want to study in that country. Also, don’t be afraid to apply as many students think they won’t be selected, but if you put in the effort, the scholarship is achievable.