The Government of Japan has awarded prestigious MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan) Research Scholarships for Masters/Doctorate degrees to eleven (11) Pakistani students for academic year 2024-25 aiming to provide them with an opportunity to pursue advanced studies and research in various disciplines at the prominent universities of Japan. MEXT research scholarship is the flagship scholarship program of the Government of Japan, operating world over including Pakistan. The scholarship is fully funded by the Japanese government for a Master’s or PhD degree. On Friday, March 8th , the Embassy of Japan organized a pre-departure orientation for the scholarship grantees. At the orientation, on top of the briefing on the scholarship program, Pakistani alumnus of the Japanese universities shared their knowledge and experience of studying and living in Japan with the new scholarship grantees. They gave some useful pieces of information and advice to the young students who are on their way to various universities in Japan for higher studies. After orientation session, H.E. Mr.

WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, hosted a reception at his official residence to honor the members of MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP) as well as to bid farewell to the new scholarship grantees. In his welcome remarks, Ambassador WADA congratulated the scholarship grantees on their achievement and wished them good luck for their journey to study in the prestigious universities of Japan. He termed the award of scholarships a good opportunity for them not only to acquire knowledge but also to learn Japanese culture and its diverse society. He strongly recommended to the young scholars to engage in activities outside their university campuses and try to learn Japanese language. “You may experience some challenges after arriving in Japan as life in Japan is quite different from that of Pakistan. But I am sure that the hospitality and friendship of the Japanese people will get you through any adjustments you need to make”, said the Ambassador. The Ambassador hoped that the scholarship grantees, after completing their studies in Japan, would return with strong knowledge and rich experiences, utilize their skills for the brighter future of Pakistan, and become bridges of friendship between Japan and Pakistan together with other alumnus.

He greatly appreciated MAAP for its continued efforts and cooperation, and for playing a vital role in strengthening the friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan through the promotion of the Japanese educational and cultural activities. The Government of Japan’s MEXT Research Scholarships program was launched in 1954. Since the first Pakistani student went to Japan on scholarship in 1963, up till now a large number of students from across Pakistan have benefited from this scholarship and have returned to Pakistan after obtaining their PhD/Master’s degrees in Japan. They are actively working in the academia, public and private sectors and have made significant contributions to the development of Pakistan in various fields as well as in strengthening friendly relationship between Japan and Pakistan. The Government of Japan awards graduate and post-graduate fully- funded scholarships to Pakistani students every year as well as short-term scholarships and training courses round the year.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)