MEXT Scholarship Interview Questions Preparation
The MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) scholarship is Japan's largest and most exclusive scholarship. Its interview is very important, because it gives you the opportunity to study in Japan. Let's see how to prepare for it very easily and what questions are most often asked.
1. Know Yourself Well: Prepare Your Introduction
The most important thing in an interview is that you know everything about yourself.
Remember your application: Memorize
the forms, research plan (if you are for a master's or PhD), and study plan and
other documents that you have submitted to MEXT. The interviewers will ask
questions from these. Whatever you have written, you should be confident and
able to answer everything.
Identify your good and bad habits: Think about what qualities (good things) you
have, such as being hardworking, a leader, or a problem solver. Give examples
of these. Be honest about your weaknesses (things you need to work on), but
also explain what you are doing to improve them. (For example, "I tend to
over-pay for small details, which sometimes slows things down, but I am
learning to use my time better now").
Share your experiences: Relate your past educational, work, or volunteer
experiences to your goal of studying in Japan. Explain how these experiences
led you to this point.
Also Check: MEXT Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 in Japan Fully Funded
2. Fully Understand Japan and MEXT: You’re 'Reason for Going to Japan'
The interviewer wants to see how interested and knowledgeable you are about Japan and this scholarship.
Purpose of MEXT Scholarship: You
should know why the MEXT Scholarship is given, its main purpose is to produce
good, capable people for Japan and the world. Explain how you will contribute
to this goal.
Love for Japan: Know about Japan's culture, history, new technology, good
education, and social values. Explain why you want to study in Japan, not in
another country? Show your interest in the Japanese language and culture.
Research your chosen university and program: Get complete information about the
university and the subject you have applied to. What specific subjects are
taught there, which professors are doing research in your field, and what
opportunities for new research are there? If you are for a master's or PhD,
also understand the work of the professor you want to work with.
3. Good Interview Practice: Improve Your Performance
Practice increases your motivation and improves your communication skills.
The importance of a mock interview:
Practice with your friends, teachers, or an experienced person as if you were
going to have a real interview. This will help you hone your answers, manage
your time, and speak with confidence.
Language skills: Most MEXT interviews are in English. However, if you have
taken the Japanese Language Test or are learning Japanese, some questions may
also be asked in Japanese. Practice speaking your answers clearly, concisely,
and effectively.
Body language: Your posture, facial expressions, and eye contact are very
important during the interview. Look confident and relaxed, smile, and look the
person asking the question while speaking. Dress well and formally.
Also Check: DAAD Scholarship Program 2026
4. Planning: A Strategy for Success
Thinking ahead and preparing will help you feel calmer and more confident.
Prepare answers to questions in
advance: Make a list of frequently asked questions and think about their
answers in advance. You don't have to memorize them, just get their main points
and your idea across.
Clarify your goals: What are your short and long-term goals after your studies?
How will the MEXT scholarship help you achieve these goals? Also think about
how your studies will benefit both Japan and your home country?
Frequently Asked Essential Questions in MEXT Interviews
A variety of questions are asked in the MEXT interview to fully understand your personality, study goals, and your interest in Japan. These questions may differ slightly for Masters/PhD and undergraduate students, but most of the basic questions are the same.
General Questions for Everyone:
1. Tell Me About Yourself?
(Give a brief and nice introduction, mention your studies, work, and special qualities that are related to the scholarship).
2. Why Did You Choose the MEXT Scholarship?
(Tell me how this scholarship is a good fit for your studies and job).
3. Why Did You Choose Japan?
(Mention Japan's technology, culture, good quality of education, or progress in a particular field that is important to you).
4. Why Did You Choose This Particular University and Program?
(Mention the reputation of the university, the strengths of the subject, the research of the professor there, or a particular course that you like).
5. What Are Your Goals for Studying?
(Tell me what you want to learn from this program and how it will be useful in your future job).
6. What Are Your Plans After Completing Your Studies?
(Tell me what will you do after you finish your studies in Japan – will you return to your country, or will you work in Japan? What role will you play in the relationship between Japan and your home country?)
7. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
(Give examples of your strengths, and honestly acknowledge your weaknesses and explain how you are improving them).
8. How Will You Adapt to Japanese Culture?
(Tell me what you will do to improve your understanding of the culture while you are in Japan).
9. What Do You Know About the Japanese Language / How Do You Plan to Learn It?
(If you know Japanese, tell me your level, otherwise tell me what you will do to learn it – this shows your seriousness).
10. Have You Applied for Any Other Scholarships?
(Be honest, and if so, explain why the MEXT scholarship is your first choice).
11. Do You Have Any Questions?
(Always be prepared to ask a good question or two, such as about new research opportunities at the university, or the next steps in the interview).
Also Check: Fully Funded Scholarships for USA and UK 2025-2026
Specific Questions for Masters/PhD Students:
1. Tell Me About Your Research Plan?
(Explain your research topic, its objectives, why your research is important, and how you will conduct it in Japan, all in simple and concise terms so that even someone outside the field can understand).
2. Why Did You Choose This Particular Professor (With Whom You Want to Work)?
(Explain the close connection between this professor's work and your research topic).
3. How Will Your Research Benefit Japan and Your Country?
(Explain how your research will be of scientific or practical help to both countries).
4. What Problems Might You Encounter in Your Research, and How Will You Solve Them?
(This shows your problem-solving ability).
Special Questions for Undergraduate / College of Technology / Specialized Training College Students:
1. Why Did You Choose This Particular Subject (Major)?
(Tell me why you are interested in this subject and what you want to achieve in it).
2. How Is Your Previous Education Helpful for This Program?
(Tell me about your previous education and the skills you have learned that will help you succeed in this program).
Some Additional and Very Important Tips:
· Be Confident:
Be confident in your answers, but do not appear arrogant. A combination of gentleness and confidence is essential.
· Tell the Truth:
Answer every question honestly, avoid lying.
· Be Clear and Concise:
Do not overdo your answers, answer what is asked directly and briefly.
· Be on Time:
Arrive well before the interview time.
· Stay Up to Date With the Latest News:
Keep up to date with the latest news and developments in your field and Japan, this will show your interest.