Shubham’s Journey from India to Japan: Winning Two MEXT Scholarships for HPC Research at Tohoku University

My name is Shubham, and I come from Gomia, a small town in Jharkhand, India. Growing up in a place where access to advanced technology and global opportunities was limited, I always dreamed of doing something impactful in the field of technology. That dream led me to pursue a B.Tech in Information Technology from the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Berhampur, Odisha.

During my undergraduate years, I developed a deep interest in High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI systems, and the real-world applications of machine learning. I wanted to work on systems that power the world’s most advanced computations—from weather forecasting and drug discovery to AI research and supercomputing. That goal shaped my decision to apply to Japan, a country known for its excellence in engineering, discipline in research, and global leadership in HPC technologies.

Scholarship Details: University-Recommended MEXT and the AIQDS Program

I was awarded the MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship—not once, but twice—by the Government of Japan.

• The first time was for my Master’s degree (2022–2024) in the AIQDS (Advanced Institute for Data Science, Quantum Computing, and Smart Systems) program at Tohoku University, Sendai.
• The second time, I was again selected for the MEXT University-Recommended Scholarship for my PhD (2024–2027) in Information Technology with a focus on High-Performance Computing at the same university.

The MEXT University Recommendation pathway is highly competitive. The university evaluates candidates first and then recommends the best applicants to MEXT. This scholarship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly stipend (approximately ¥144,000–¥147,000)
• Airfare to and from Japan

I am extremely grateful to have received this support, which has allowed me to fully focus on my research and academic goals.

Academic and Educational Background

Here’s a quick summary of my academic journey:

• PhD in Information Technology (Oct 2024 – Sep 2027)
  Major: High-Performance Computing
  Tohoku University, Japan
• Master’s in Information Technology (Oct 2022 – Sep 2024)
  Major: High-Performance Computing (AIQDS Program)
  Tohoku University, Japan
• B.Tech in Information Technology (Aug 2017 – June 2021)
  National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Berhampur, India

During my B.Tech, I conducted research in AI and computer vision, presented papers at IEEE conferences, and completed an internship at CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems), where I gained hands-on backend development experience. I also worked as a Software Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), focusing on secure application development and secret management using HashiCorp Vault.

These academic and professional experiences gave me a well-rounded foundation and made me a strong candidate for graduate studies and research in Japan.

English Language Requirements

One common concern for many international applicants is English language proficiency. Fortunately, in my case, I did not need to take IELTS or TOEFL because Tohoku University accepts students who have completed at least six years of education in English. I had done all of my undergraduate studies in English, so I simply submitted a certificate from my undergraduate institution confirming this.

This made the application process a bit easier and allowed me to focus on the most important part of my MEXT application—the research proposal.

How I Prepared to Apply to Japanese Institutions

My application journey started with identifying professors and research labs that aligned with my interests in HPC, scheduling, and system optimization. I shortlisted Tohoku University not only because of its strong global ranking but also because of its cutting-edge research in supercomputing and data science.

I reached out to professors with well-crafted emails expressing my research interests and sharing my academic background and publications. One key tip: always personalize your emails. Professors are more likely to respond when they see genuine interest in their work.

Once I received a positive response from a professor, I began preparing the documents required for the university-recommended MEXT scholarship. This included:

• A detailed research plan
• Statement of purpose
• Academic transcripts
• Letter of recommendation
• Certificate of English proficiency

How I Prepared to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship

The research plan is the heart of your MEXT application. It should:

1. Clearly state the problem you want to solve
2. Show awareness of current research in the field
3. Propose an innovative and feasible solution
4. Explain why Japan—and that particular university—is the best place to conduct your research

Since I already had a few publications and a strong interest in workload interference in vector supercomputers, I framed my proposal around that. I also aligned it with the work being done at my intended lab in Tohoku University.

I revised my documents multiple times, took feedback from seniors and professors, and ensured everything was concise and well-written.

What Made My Application Stand Out

Several aspects strengthened my MEXT application:

• Prior Research Experience: I had worked on multiple academic projects and co-authored peer-reviewed papers in Springer and IEEE conferences.
• Professional Experience: My job at TCS showed I had practical industry exposure.
• Strong Research Proposal: My proposal was aligned with the professor’s work and presented a clear and innovative research idea.
• Consistency: My academic trajectory consistently pointed toward research in high-performance and intelligent systems.

What Would I Do Differently?

If I were to go through the process again, I would:

• Start preparing my research plan earlier
• Learn some basic Japanese before arrival to ease daily life
• Talk to more past MEXT scholars early on to better understand expectations

While everything worked out well in the end, better planning could have reduced some of the last-minute stress.

Were Your Courses Taught in English? How Was Your Experience at Tohoku University?

Tohoku University is a world-class institution, and the AIQDS program provides an interdisciplinary platform combining AI, Quantum Computing, Data Science, and Smart Systems. The courses are rigorous, taught in English, and taught by leading researchers.

Japan provides excellent support for international students—be it visa procedures, housing, or mental health services. Though daily life outside the university requires some Japanese, it hasn’t been a major barrier. Still, I’d recommend learning basic Japanese to enjoy the culture more fully and navigate local life with ease.

Advice to Future MEXT Applicants

1. Start early – Give yourself 6–8 months for preparation.
2. Make your research proposal solid and specific – Tailor it to the lab you’re applying to.
3. Show your passion – Let your genuine interest shine through in every part of your application.
4. Build your profile – Participate in research projects, internships, and conferences.
5. Don't be afraid to ask for help – Talk to past scholars or your professors for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Getting the MEXT Scholarship twice and being a part of one of Japan’s most prestigious research institutions has been a transformative journey. From a small town in Jharkhand to cutting-edge HPC research in Sendai, Japan—this path has not only changed my life but also strengthened my resolve to contribute meaningfully to the field of technology.

If you’re dreaming of studying abroad with full financial support—it’s possible. All you need is a plan, persistence, and belief in your potential.