On Monday, 6 May 2019, the Embassy of Japan in the Sultanate of Oman in collaboration with SQU organized a presentation at SQU about Japanese Government Scholarships and Student Life in Japan. The seminar shed light on the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan scholarships to international students who wish to study in graduate courses at Japanese universities as research students (in regular or non-regular categories) under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program. The Japanese government’s scholarship initiative supports foreign students who study in higher education institutions, selected on the recommendation of a Japanese embassy/consulate general, university, or authority.

Dr. Salem bin Saeed bin Salem Al-Abri, Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, College of Economics and Political Science gave the opening remarks at the function. This was followed by the opening remarks of Mr. Hideaki Yamamoto, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan who said said that the Embassy welcomes more outstanding Omani students to study in Japan. They are expected to play an active role in promoting distinguished bilateral relations between Japan and Oman during their studies in Japan and upon their return to Oman.

Ms. Kanako Fukuda, Cultural attaché, Embassy of Japan made the presentation about Japanese Government Scholarships highlighting the benefits of the scholarships well as the necessary application procedures. Ms. Azza Darwish Al-Ismail, former scholarship student presented about student Life in Japan.

The application for the Japanese Government Scholarship for 2020 (Research Students) is now open. MEXT Scholarship for 2020 (Research Student) is the Japanese government scholarship for postgraduate studies.  Candidates are expected to start their study in Japanese universities from April or September/ October 2020.   The Embassy of Japan in Oman accepts the application from Omani national only. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (expected graduates are accepted) and must have been born on or after April 2, 1985. The deadline of the application is 1^st June 2019. And the application forms are available at the Embassy website (https://www.oman.emb-japan.go.jp/190424.htm)