Writing a Good Research Plan for MEXT Applications: Some tips

Following up on my previous article, which talked about the application process for the MEXT scholarship, I've been receiving a lot of messages asking for tips on writing a good Research Plan (form 3, "Field of Study and Research Plan", listed in the application guidelines). Since applications for the next cycle are around the corner, I felt that this is an appropriate time to share this article.

Adding the same disclaimer as in my previous article, the tips I list in this article may have worked for me, but I can in no way assure one's acceptance to the scholarship program based on this. Those applying for the scholarship are responsible for their own applications.

1. What to keep in mind?

When applying via the Embassy, it is probably the Embassy staff who reads your research plan first. This is important, because no matter how good or important the research plan or idea is, it won't matter without the Embassy staff being able to comprehend your document. We don't know the qualifications of the person reading the docs, hence it is a good idea to prepare the plan keeping this in mind.

Thus, writing your research plan using simpler terminology, with diagrams to ensure that anybody can understand your proposed work is very crucial. For those applying via the university recommendation route, it might be okay to ignore this. However, the ability to explain your research idea clearly using simpler terms is a major skill, and would definitely make your proposals readable.

TL;DR, ensure that your Research Plan is readable and understandable to anyone from any background (not just your field). To do so, use simpler terms, breakdown complex ideas, and use figures to explain ideas hard to visualize.

2. Be concise and precise.

MEXT requires you to submit a Research Plan not more than 2-3 pages long. Hence, you need to be concise with your proposal. It is better to avoid any unnecessary background or contents unless relevant to your work. This may sound challenging, but as mentioned in the previous section, your ability to explain your research is really important here.

You also need to be precise about the short-term and long-term goals of your research. It may sound random, but explaining the objectives of your research is important to convey why your research must be done in the first place. It is not just about the research gap, it is also about the benefits or possible accomplishments of your research.

3. Why Japan?

Your research can be done anywhere in the world. Why Japan, or why this university/lab?

This is the key question you need to answer in your Research Plan. A good way to answer this is by referring to your prospective laboratory or professor, and then looking at the facilities or research experience, and how you may find it useful for your research. Your ability to answer this question will decide if you get placed in your prospective lab or not.

By referring to articles or papers published by your prospective lab or professor in your plan, you also demonstrate your knowledge of the group, and would further strengthen your application.

Answers like "being interested in the culture", "top university in Japan", "Japan is a nice country to live in" are generic, and does not help your chances.

4. Format

There is no prescribed format of the Research Plan document, while the layout is as described in the MEXT application page. The best way to maximize the necessary contents in your doc is by following this generic template.

1. Introduction (about 2-4 sentences, not exceeding 100 words)
2. Objectives (some bullet points listing the major objectives or deliverables)
3. Methodology (elaborate on the possible methods of your research)
4. Existing Literature (elaborate on existing work, and talk about your prospective labs and professors, and why their facilities may be helpful for you)
5. Conclusion
6. Proposed Timeline (a Gantt chart form or just a plain timeline)

*This is just a suggested template, feel free to create your own. Also as stated in section 2, do not exceed 3 pages (2 preferably).

Some FAQs

Here's some related questions I have received lately.

1. Can you share your research plan as a reference?

No. Research plans are products of our own research, and you are expected to write your own since MEXT is evaluating your ingenuity as a researcher. Moreover, as the disclaimer in the beginning of the article clearly states, what worked for one may not work for others. Be original with your work. There are other sample research plans available online, such as the one by TranSenz Japan.

2. Should the plan be written in Japanese?

No. English is fine, unless your program or university specifically requires you to know Japanese, or perform activities in Japanese (which is rare).

3. I majored in a different field during my Undergraduate studies, and want to major in a different field next. Is that possible?

Yes, I have had several seniors who majored in Electrical Engineering during their Bachelor's, and graduated as Aerospace Engineers for their doctoral studies. Your research plan is important here, because it tests your knowledge of the new field you're trying to break into.

4. What about Undergraduate MEXT Applications?

I applied for MEXT as a graduate student, so I am not sure about undergraduate applications. I believe the major thing you need to look at is the section 3, "Why Japan?" You need to give a good reason for why you wish to study in Japan, and that should reflect on your Statement of Purpose.

Concluding Remarks

Writing a Research Proposal for any scholarship or grant is a difficult task, but focusing on the important things improves ones chances significantly. I have done my best to address the major points specific to MEXT applications here. Please read through my previous article to know more about MEXT, and feel free to ask more questions.

Any MEXT scholars reading this, please feel free to chime in in the comments section. I hope this article can become a good reference to prospective MEXT scholars in the future. Good luck!

Originally published on LinkedIn on April 9, 2026. The original article includes photographs of Yasuda Auditorium and Kashiwa Campus, The University of Tokyo, taken in 2025. Check the latest official MEXT instructions for current requirements.