GradMAP Presentation A Deep Dive into Graduate School Applications - APAC (Japan) 25 September 2021 7PM JST

1. Applying to
Grad School
Lian Sabella Castillo
lian.kashiwa @gmail

2. De La Salle University '12
BS Computer Science Major in
Instructional Systems Technology
What I've Been Doing So Far
The University of Tokyo '17
Masters in Arts and Science in
Interdisciplinary Information Studies
The University of Tokyo
Research Student
MEXT Scholar 2020 (PhD Track)

3. 01
02
Financial Support
Scholarships
Pre-Admission
Post-Admission
Tuition Exemption
Part-Time Work
University Housing
https://cutt.ly/studyinjapan
Know your options
www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/
planning/by-style/pamphlet/

4. Monbukagakusho (MEXT)
World Bank*
Ajinomoto
ADB-Japan (JSP)*
JICA*
Mizuho
IMF*
Scholarships
for the
Philippines
145,000
151,000 + allowance
180,000 (Master's only)
~150,000 (Master's only)
145,000
100,000 (post-admission)
155,000
JASSO 48,000 (max 1 year)

5. Living Expenses
Living Expenses
Source: https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/life/livingcost-price/

6. Health Checks 500-3,000 Pesos
Commute/Parcel 150-1,000 Pesos
GRE 10,770 Pesos
Courier Abroad/DHL 1,500 Pesos
Printing, Transcripts + 1,000 Pesos
TOEFL 9,350 Pesos

7. 1 4
2 5
3
Advisor + Lab
Start looking for a
lab that fits you.
Cold email
professor/s and set
up meetings with
them to create that
touchpoint.
Let's get you that offer
Certificate of
Health
There is a
prescribed format
provided by the
scholarship-giving
body.
Research Plan
Basically a research
proposal - may
differ across
different fields but
typically you would
want to have a
research theme and
timeline 1-2 pages
Transcripts &
Diplomas
Sometimes called
certificate of
completion for
those who have yet
to graduate - or
have expected
dates.
Letters of
Recommendation
Preferably both
from your academic
advisors and direct
supervisors
(if you're working)

8. April 21, 2014
Cold emailed multiple
professors, including my
future academic advisor
December 2014
13 - TOEFL
22 - Sent application
though courier (DHL)
November 25, 2014
Graduate Record
Examinations (GRE)
General Test
March 18, 2015
ITASIA UTokyo - GSII
Admission Offer
September 22, 2015
Flight to Tokyo for
October Entrance
July 21, 2015
Issuance of the
Certificate of Eligibility

9. May 2019
Application sent to the
embassy through LBC
August 2019
Embassy Recommendation
2020 Research Scholarship
June 2019
June 25 - exam
June 26 - interview
September 2019
Application Results from
UTokyo - GSFS
July 2021
Flight to Tokyo!
*delayed due to COVID
January 2020
Placement Notice
and Pledge

10. Learn the language
Make friends