How Shoaib Shafqat, a Pakistani Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded PhD in Global Health at Nagasaki University Through the MEXT Scholarship

My name is Shoaib Shafqat, and I am from Pakistan. My academic background is in medicine and public health, with interests in One Health, environmental health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, and climate change and health. I completed my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Pakistan, followed by a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia. I decided to pursue further education in Global Health because I wanted to develop my research skills and contribute to addressing important public health challenges. My interests particularly focus on how environmental changes, climate-related exposures, and other health determinants affect human populations. I believe an interdisciplinary approach to public health is essential for understanding and addressing these challenges.

MEXT Scholarship Details

I received the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship through the University Recommendation route to pursue a PhD in Global Health at Nagasaki University, Graduate School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health (TMGH), Japan. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of JPY 145,000, along with exemption from tuition and admission fees and applicable travel benefits under the MEXT scholarship arrangements.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

Yes. In addition to the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship, I was also offered the Indonesian Government's Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship for 2026. The KNB Scholarship is designed to provide opportunities for students from developing countries to pursue higher education at participating Indonesian universities. It offers financial support for tuition, living expenses, and other eligible study-related costs according to the scholarship guidelines. Receiving scholarship opportunities from two different governments was an encouraging experience. It allowed me to consider different academic pathways and international study opportunities before pursuing my doctoral studies in Japan.

Educational Background

My academic journey began with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Pakistan, where I graduated with a CGPA of 3.51/4.00.

I subsequently pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, graduating with a CGPA of 3.71/4.00 in July 2025. Universitas Indonesia is one of the leading public research universities in Southeast Asia. It was ranked joint 191st globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and was the highest-ranked university in Indonesia. During my MPH, I developed a strong interest in environmental health and epidemiological research. My thesis examined awareness and household drinking-water treatment practices among adults in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, Indonesia. This experience strengthened my understanding of public health research, epidemiological methods, statistical analysis, and environmental determinants of health. My multidisciplinary educational background has helped me connect medicine, public health, environmental factors, and population-level health challenges. It ultimately motivated me to pursue doctoral research in Global Health.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Nagasaki University?

I started by identifying universities and research groups whose academic interests aligned with my educational background and future research goals. I explored university websites, faculty profiles, research publications, and available scholarship opportunities. I focused on identifying suitable research environments and potential supervisors whose expertise matched my interests. I also worked on developing a clear research direction and preparing the necessary academic documents, including my CV, academic transcripts, research proposal, recommendation letters, and other application materials. I believe that identifying the right university and supervisor, as well as demonstrating a clear connection between my previous education and proposed research, were important parts of my preparation.

How Did You Find Information About MEXT Scholarship and Nagasaki University?

I primarily used official university websites, scholarship portals, faculty profiles, and academic research platforms. I also explored information shared by other international students and scholarship recipients through online communities and social media. For Japan, I researched universities and their graduate programmes, explored potential research opportunities, and looked into the MEXT Scholarship's University Recommendation route. I would particularly recommend checking official university and government websites and contacting relevant academic departments for accurate information rather than relying entirely on social media or unofficial sources.

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

Yes. I took the IELTS Academic test and achieved an overall band score of 6.5.

My preparation involved practising all four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. I used IELTS preparation materials and practice tests to become familiar with the examination format, improve my English comprehension, and develop confidence in academic communication.

I recommend that applicants prepare consistently and become familiar with the test format well in advance of their application deadlines. Good English proficiency is particularly important when applying to international universities where programmes are taught in English.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship?

I approached the scholarship application by focusing on three important areas: academic preparation, research interests, and identifying a suitable academic supervisor. I worked on presenting my educational background, previous research experience, and future research goals in a coherent way. I also prepared my academic documents carefully and developed a research direction that reflected my interests and the research environment at the host university. One important lesson I learned was that applicants should not focus only on obtaining a scholarship. They should also demonstrate why they want to pursue a particular research field, why they have chosen a specific university, and how the university can support their academic development.

How Is Your Experience at Nagasaki University?

My experience at Nagasaki University has been positive so far. I joined the Graduate School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health in October 2026 as a doctoral student in Global Health. The academic environment provides opportunities to learn from researchers with different backgrounds and areas of expertise. I am currently attending courses in epidemiology, statistics, and global environmental health while developing my doctoral research. As I am still at the beginning of my PhD journey, I look forward to gaining further research experience, developing academic collaborations, and contributing to global health research.

How Do You Rate Nagasaki University Academically?

I consider Nagasaki University a strong academic institution, particularly in the fields of tropical medicine, global health, and international health research.

The university offers an interdisciplinary research environment and opportunities to engage with important global health challenges. Its Graduate School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health provides an academic setting that aligns well with my research interests and long-term goals. I particularly value the opportunity to learn from researchers working across different disciplines and to develop an international perspective on public health challenges.

How Does Nagasaki University Support International Students?

Nagasaki University provides support for international students through international student support services, administrative guidance, orientation activities, and assistance with university procedures. The university also provides information and guidance to help international students adjust to their new academic and living environments in Japan. This support is particularly valuable for students arriving in Japan for the first time, as adapting to a different educational system, culture, and everyday environment can take time.

What Is the Language of Instruction?

My doctoral programme in Global Health is conducted in English. This allows international students from different countries to participate in academic activities and research without requiring advanced Japanese language proficiency for their studies.

What Did You Pursue After the MEXT Scholarship?

After receiving the scholarship, I relocated to Japan and enrolled as a doctoral student in Global Health at Nagasaki University in October 2026. I am currently pursuing my PhD, attending academic courses, developing my research skills, and working towards research that addresses important public health challenges. My doctoral research interests include the relationship between climate change, environmental exposures, and human health, particularly the health and economic consequences of heat exposure in Southeast Asia. My long-term goal is to contribute to public health research, international academic collaboration, and evidence-based policy development, particularly in developing countries.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Japanese?

For students enrolled in English-taught programmes such as Global Health at Nagasaki University, not knowing Japanese should not be a major barrier to academic participation. However, learning basic Japanese is highly recommended for everyday life, communication with local communities, shopping, transportation, and adapting to Japanese culture.

From my experience so far, even learning simple Japanese expressions can make everyday interactions easier. I believe students should be open to learning the local language even when their academic programme is conducted entirely in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe the combination of my multidisciplinary academic background, research experience, and clear interest in Global Health helped strengthen my application. My educational journey from medicine to public health allowed me to develop an interdisciplinary perspective on health challenges. My MPH research experience also helped me understand the importance of evidence-based research and addressing health issues at the population level. Additionally, I made an effort to identify a research direction that aligned with the expertise and interests of my prospective academic supervisor and the university. I believe that having clear research motivation, a relevant academic background, and a willingness to learn and contribute to the research community are important factors in a competitive scholarship application.

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

If I were going through the application process again, I would start preparing even earlier, particularly when identifying potential supervisors and researching universities. I would also invest more time in developing my research skills, improving academic writing, and reading relevant scientific literature before applying. Another important lesson is to maintain several suitable university and scholarship options rather than depending entirely on one opportunity. The application process requires patience, persistence, and flexibility. Sometimes, finding the right opportunity takes longer than expected, but consistent preparation makes a difference.

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

My advice to future applicants is to believe in their academic journey and start preparing early. Do not wait until scholarship announcements to begin building your academic and research profile.

Focus on your academic performance, research experience, English language proficiency, and clarity of research interests. Research universities carefully and identify professors whose expertise aligns with your academic goals. I would particularly encourage students to adopt an interdisciplinary approach when exploring academic and research opportunities.

Do not restrict yourself to subjects that are directly or narrowly related to your previous degree. Explore related disciplines and research areas that can complement your background and broaden your knowledge. Sometimes, opportunities in closely related fields can open doors that you might not have considered otherwise. Another important piece of advice is not to limit your university choices based solely on international rankings or reputation.

Apply to a range of universities, including both highly ranked institutions and universities with lower international rankings. Every university has its own strengths, research opportunities, academic environment, and potential supervisors. A university's ranking does not necessarily determine how suitable it is for your particular research interests or career goals.

Similarly, do not restrict yourself to one scholarship programme or one country. Explore every relevant scholarship opportunity for which you are eligible. Applying to multiple scholarships and institutions increases your chances of finding the right opportunity.

My own experience of receiving both the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship and the Indonesian Government KNB Scholarship taught me the importance of keeping different academic pathways open. When contacting potential supervisors, write personalised and professional emails rather than sending generic messages. Take time to understand their research interests and explain how your background and proposed research align with their work.

Do not become discouraged by rejection or unsuccessful applications. Persistence is one of the most important qualities in this journey. Keep exploring opportunities, improving your profile, and learning from each experience. For students from developing countries, international education can open doors to opportunities that may initially seem out of reach.

Be persistent, prepare well, remain flexible, and never underestimate the value of your own academic journey. Most importantly, remember that receiving a scholarship is not only about academic achievements. It is also about demonstrating motivation, research potential, commitment, and a clear vision of how you want to contribute to your field.