Check out this postgraduate scholarship to Japan for 2022

A postgraduate scholarship can open doors for ambitious young people, especially in a well-developed country like Japan. Rich cultural heritage, technological advancement, and a high standard of education characterise the higher education scene there. Over 312,000 international students went to study there in 2019, as Japanese universities move to make their universities more appealing globally.

Now, if you are a resident of Cyprus, you could clinch a postgraduate scholarship to study through the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Programme. It is awarded by the Embassy of Japan in Cyprus, exclusively for masters and PhD programmes in Japan. Here are the details.

Who is eligible?

Every Cypriot born on or after April 2, 1987 is eligible to apply. You do not have to speak Japanese to qualify, but it would surely be an advantage. Naturally, you must hold a bachelor’s degree and qualify for admission into postgraduate courses.

Picturesque landscapes and natural wonders await international students in Japan. Source: Charly Triballeau/AFP

What does the postgraduate scholarship cover?

Scholars will receive financial assistance throughout the time they are studying in Japan. This could be one and a half years for a master’s programme or two years of PhD. Before that, though, you will go through six months of Japanese language training.

The postgraduate scholarship covers the cost of your travel to and from Japan, tuition, student visa, and accommodation. On top of that, you will receive a stipend of 143,000 Japanese Yen to ease living in Japan (which can get expensive). That’s equal to approximately 1,000 euros a month.

How to apply?

You must be based in Cyprus to apply as the language examinations and interviews will only be conducted at the Embassy of Japan in Cyprus. Hurry — your application must be submitted to the embassy by post or hand by Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Address it to:

Information and Culture Section
Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Cyprus
2^nd Floor, 5 Esperidon St., Strovolos,
2001 Nicosia
Tel  : 357 22 394800
e-mail: embjapan@cy.mofa.go.jp

The embassy will shortlist candidates for the postgraduate scholarship by screening their application and document. They will be recommended to MEXT for the next phase. These candidates will also undergo language examinations and interviews on June 16, 2021.

Once you get through the embassy selection stage, you must apply to the university which hosts the postgraduate scholarship. Visit the official Study in Japan website for detailed application guidelines, forms, and other information.