ISLAMABAD: The government of Japan on Friday awarded the prestigious Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan research scholarships for master/doctorate degrees to 11 Pakistani students for the academic year 2024-25.

The programme aimed at providing them with an opportunity to pursue advanced studies and research in various disciplines at prominent universities of Japan.

MEXT research scholarship is the flagship programme of the government of Japan, operating the world over.

The scholarship is fully funded by the Japanese government for a master’s or PhD degree. On Friday, the embassy of Japan organised a predeparture orientation for the scholarship grantees.

At the orientation, 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 advice to the students who were on their way to various universities in Japan for higher studies.

After the orientation session, Wada Mitsuhiro, the 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.

Ambassador Wada congratulated the scholarship grantees and wished them good luck for their journey to study in 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 learning the Japanese language.

“You may experience some challenges after arriving in Japan as life in Japan is quite different from that in 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.

He hoped that the scholarship grantees, after completing their studies, would return with strong knowledge and rich experiences, utilise their skills for the brighter future of Pakistan, and become bridges of friendship between Japan and Pakistan together with other alumnus.

He 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 programme was launched in 1954. Since the first Pakistani student went to Japan on scholarship in 1963, 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 were actively working in the academia, public and private sectors and have made significant contributions to the development of Pakistan in various fields besides strengthening friendly relationship between the two countries.

The government of Japan awarded graduate and postgraduate fully- funded scholarships to Pakistani students every year as well as short-term scholarships and training courses round the year.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2024