Japanese Government Scholarship, i.e. the MEXT Scholarship, is granted so that scholars may study and/or conduct research in Japan. The goal is to develop individuals to bridge the gap between, and contribute to the development of, Japan and their home countries, and in turn, the world at large. A monthly stipend for living expenses in Japan is issued to MEXT Scholars when conducting their study and/or research in Japan. As a rule, scholars are ineligible to receive monthly stipend when not physically present in Japan. This is the case even when courses and/or research can be conducted online – living in Japan is a critical aspect of the scholarship.
MEXT Scholars must be enrolled and engaged in study or research at the University in order to receive the monthly stipend. To prove their enrollment and continued study or research, MEXT Scholars must visit the International Center on their campus once a month and sign their name on a designated list. This is known as the Proof-of-Enrollment Signature. MEXT Scholars who do not sign a Proof-of-Enrollment Signature during a given month are not eligible to receive a stipend for that month. The University will not individually remind scholars to complete their signatures. As a MEXT Scholar, you and you alone are responsible for remembering to visit the center and sign once each month.
Proof-of-Enrollment Signatures can only be made during the times designated on the Signature Schedule. MEXT Scholars must visit the International Center during open hours to sign. Proof-of-Enrollment Signatures may not be completed outside of open hours, no exceptions.
＜International Center Hours＞
■Kinugasa and BKC
When classes are in session: Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 11:30, 12:30 to 17:00
When classes aren’t in session: Monday to Friday, 13:00-17:00
■OIC
Year-round: Monday to Friday, 9:30~11:30, 12:30~17:00
Signatures must be made during the first signature period each month. Sign during the first signature period (the “Signature Period”) and the stipend will be transferred the same month. Sign during the second signature period (the “Backup Window”) and the stipend will be transferred the following month. See the Signature Schedule for the scheduled transfer date. Beware, this applies to the final month of scholarship as well (the month of return to home country).
Signature may only be performed by the MEXT Scholar. No one may sign on their behalf.
The university will not necessarily remind scholars who have not signed by a given date or time. Scholars are entirely responsible for remembering to sign each month.
Stipends will be transferred into MEXT Scholars’ Yucho (Japan Post) Bank accounts.
Any MEXT Scholar who does not sign for 3 months in a row will be deemed to have no intention to continue study or research in Japan as a MEXT Scholar and their scholarship will be revoked. The individual must then complete scholarship withdrawal procedures in a timely manner.
MEXT Scholars who expect to be unable to sign for a given month due to planned fieldwork, etc. must, as a rule, consult with the International Center at least 45 days in advance. There are many conditions for a special waiver, for example, the destination of travel may not be the scholar’s home country.