FAST FACTS
Participating Instituions: All National Universities and some private universities For: Students, researchers, teacher training Website: www.in.emb-japan.go.jp/, Study in Japan, Selection process: Screening of applications by the Embassy of Japan, English test by Ministry of Human Resource Development, interview at Ministry of Human Resource Development of candidates followed by final interview at the Embassy of Japan

“I must thank Radio Japan,” Shamshad Ahmad Khan is very emphatic. The research officer at IDSA, did part of his PhD from Tokyo University on a Mombosho scholarship.

Staying in Samastipur, before the advent of TV, Shamshad used to listen to Radio Japan and write to them regularly, an expensive hobby at that time. But the interest stuck on, he enrolled for a PhD at JNU and got a full fellowship to study at Tokyo.

Interest in Japan is a crucial element they look for, Shamshad says. And in this case Radio Japan was the connect. Monbukagakusho, commonly referred to as Monbusho or Mombusho, is a Japanese government scholarship through which 72,000 foreign students from over 160 countries have benefited.

Out of a total 62 fellowships available for Indian scholars, 33 are for research. At the undergraduate level there are 3, technology studentships (about 3), professional training college —Senshu-gakko—(about 8), Japanese studies  (about 8) and teacher training (about 2). The newly launched Young leaders’ programme me has six places at the master’s level.

How to begin?
In order to apply for this scholarship you would have to get in touch with the local Embassy of Japan/Japanese Consulate. Students from western India would head on to Mumbai. Chennai is the place for southern India. Students from eastern parts must head to Kolkata and rest of India must approch New Delhi.

The scholarship amount changes every year, so watch out for the exact amount you would receive. You can opt for the academic session beginning in April or October. You must submit the preliminary application in the month of April, with June being the time when you appear for the written test and interviews. In September your application is sent to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and by January/ February students are informed whether they have been granted the scholarship or not. Usually in the first week of April selected students head to Japan. Some opt to join the session in October as they still need to appear for examinations in the month of April and await their results from Indian Universities. For the categories of Japanese studies, Teacher training, students and Young Leader’s programme, the application periods differ (See Table). 

Calendar For 2011

Qualifications required
Nationals of any country that has diplomatic relations with the Japanese government, can apply. Age is dependent on the category in which you apply, but generally you must be less than 35. Applicants need to have completed 16 years of schooling for all graduate courses and 18 years for a doctoral course. Subject and fellowship details are available at www.jasso.go.jp.

Selection and recommendations
Selection is done in various stages and suitable guidance would be provided throughout. Be clear on all the information, sites are self-explanatory Remember, when you have been granted the Mombusho, you would receive the money after opening an account in the Japan Post Office after reaching Japan. Ensure you carry $1,500 when you land in Japan so that you can bear the initial costs smoothly, this process takes anywhere between 15-20 days after arrival.

Airfare is provided from the nearest international airport in your country to Narita International Airport. Travel to the airport in your country and to your university in Japan is not borne by the scholarship amount.

A visit to Mombusho Scholars Association of India is advisable, and their guides are quite useful. Some Japanese universities require you to sit for an Examination for Japanese University (EJU) test is conducted twice a year in June and November in New Delhi. Write to the university directly, find out if you need to appear for EJU and take short-term courses in Japanese language.

Additional fellowships on offer
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides programmes for short-term study and student exchange programmes. The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) promotes an avenue for young researchers to explore joint research with colleagues at Japanese universities and research institutions. People belonging to any country that has diplomatic relations with Japan can opt for post doctoral fellowships for foreign researchers.

Why Japan?
Dr. Jai Gopal, presently a scientist at the Ministry of Earth Sciences in Japan, had the opportunity to study at Kyoto University. The civic sense, cleanliness and safety of living in Japan is a cherished memory for him. Dr. Gopal said, “Japanese are wonderful people, there is no tension in living in Japan even if you don’t know the language.” The sheer efficiency is a lesson in itself, but more than that the ability to merge eastern and western values is their true message asserts Shamsad.

Students who have been selected as Mombushu scholars require to acquire a College Student (ryuugaku) visa prior to arrival in Japan. In addition, it is advisable to get health insurance since medical treatment in Japan can be costly. You cannot apply for scholarships if you happen to belong to any of the following categories:

• Being active in military
• Unable to travel on the alloted days
• Awardees within the last three years

An experience to remember
Choose Japan as a country for higher studies, to have a glimpse into a rich culture. You might face difficulties in terms of eating habits but cuisines of all kinds are available. An unique feature is that a Mombushu scholar can also take dependents including parents to Japan, though no additional amount is paid. Most universities offer childcare facilities and Japan offers a lifetime learning experience.