Complete Guide to Apply for Japan Exchange Program: Scholarship Process｜JIAO vs JASSO vs GAKUAIHIYU ＋Application Documents and ＋Academic Achievement Conversion

Highlights of this article

• Application Process and Practical Tips for Japan Exchange Society (JETRO) Short-Term Scholarships
• Jiaotong vs JASSO vs Taiwan Learning Sea Flyer: Selection Strategies and Comparisons
• Application Forms, Grade Conversions, Letters of Recommendation, and Key Points for Competition on and Off Campus
• Suggestions for planning after receiving the scholarship (half a year vs. one year)
• Frequently Asked Questions and Avoidance Checklist

Why is it important to have your scholarship ready in the first place?

Obtaining a scholarship is a very important step when applying for an exchange program. The main reasons are as follows:

• Economic pressures have dropped significantlyShort-term scholarships (e.g., PTI) provide a monthly subsidy to reduce the stress of living and travel expenses.
• Enhancing the competitiveness of applications: A record of scholarships (especially PTI) will increase the chances of applying for long-term scholarships or graduate funding in the future.
• Reducing uncertainty: Having financial support allows you to focus more on your academic or language progress.

Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (JTEA) Short-term Scholarship: Personal Experience and Required Documents

Many people think that PTI only offers scholarships to master's or doctoral students, but in fact, PTI also offers scholarships to exchange students. Why is PTI worth applying for? The reasons are as follows:

• Written review is the main focus, no interview (the process is relatively simple).
• If you wish to apply for a long-term scholarship in the future, a short-term experience at PTI is a plus.
• The amount of subsidy is practical (depending on the yearly system) and can support living expenses for about 6 months.

Documents Required for PTI Short Term Scholarship Application

To apply for a PTI Short Term Scholarship, the following documents are required:

• Application Form
  • Contains personal information
  • Motivation-related issues, for example:
    • Why are you interested in Japan?
    • What do you want to do in Japan?
    • Plans after returning to Taiwan
    • Whether you want to study again
    • Reasons for Scholarship Application
    • Experience in Japan
    • Japanese Learning Experience
• School transcripts
  • Academic transcripts from the school for the entire school year
  • The score must be above 2.3 after conversion using the PTI's grading scale.
  • Calculation method: If you are a current university student, it is recommended that you achieve at least 80 points in each subject to ensure that you get a solid full grade.
• Letter of Recommendation
  • At least two letters of recommendation from authoritative professors such as department chairs and presidents.

Application Form Writing Skills (Key to Winning)

There are a few important points to note when writing your application form:

• Fill in each answer field: Don't leave it blank, the judges will see if you present each question as an opportunity.
• Visualize your plans for the future: Write down the expected research or learning objectives and quantifiable milestones. For example, you may mention that you have represented your department in a Japanese competition abroad, or that you have developed a deep interest in Japanese civil engineering after being introduced to a variety of engineering techniques by a professor. These experiences will give the judges a sense that you have a unique and deep understanding of Japan.
• Describe your plans after returning to your home countryThe judges often want to know about the "return on investment", so writing about how you will apply what you have learned when you return to your home country will be a plus. For example, if you indicate that you want to go back to Taiwan to further your education or pursue a master's or doctoral degree in Japan, it will make the judges think that you are an excellent talent worth investing in.
• Use of powerful examples: Competitions, projects, or collaborations with professors can be highlights.
• Double-check grammar and details: Avoid typos, incorrect dates, or poorly named files. Software can be used to check for grammatical errors to ensure that the application form is correct and demonstrates rigor.

The Competition Process: In and Out of School

There are two rounds of competition for the PTI Short Term Scholarship: on-campus competition and off-campus competition.

• Intra-school Competition: Usually the quota will only be1name, focusing onResults and Authority of RecommendationIt's important to keep your grades steady and find professors who know you well enough to write recommendations. It is important to keep your grades steady and find professors who know you well enough to write letters of recommendation. The details are as follows:
  • The better the results, the more authoritative the letter of recommendation and the greater the chance of success in securing a place.
  • In his letter of recommendation, Prof.Your specific contribution to the research or competition.Don't let the recommendation letter remain a vague description of a "great personality".
• Off-campus competition::Content and Motivation of the Application FormYour story and planning will determine the winner when all the applicants have done well. When all applicants have excellent scores, your story and planning will make the difference. If the application form is not well-written, you may be selected at this stage, even if your grades are excellent. So, here are a few key reminders:
  • Choose your preferred language: PTI's short-term scholarship application form can be written in English and is suitable for students who are not fluent in Japanese but have a good command of English.
  • Distinguish yourself: Clearly express your personal motivation and future plans, and demonstrate your genuine interest in Japan and your specific goals.

Personal experience in obtaining PTI scholarships

As I would like to obtain a long-term scholarship from the Exchange Association in the future, I chose a short-term scholarship from the Exchange Association among many other scholarships.

Scholarship Application Process

1. Confirmation Rules and Deadlines: Confirm the Intramural Selection Rules and deadlines from the International Office first.
2. Create Folder (Cloud + Paper): Transcripts, CV, autobiography, draft letters of recommendation, proof of competition.
3. Interview with the professor who wrote the recommendation letter: Explain your plans and the aspects you want him to emphasize in the letter.
4. Write your application in English or Japanese: Use the language in which you can best convey details, be thorough, and make sure that each question is answered in a detailed and persuasive manner.
5. Double checking before submission: Double-check the application form to ensure that it is accurate and logical. Note whether the file name, date, signature and attachments are complete.
6. Waiting for results: If approved on-campus, please wait for the results of the off-campus selection process.

Common Mistakes and Avoidance Checklist

• Remind professors to write letters of recommendation only two days before the deadline (4 weeks or more in advance is best)
• Inconsistency between online and paper data versions (must be synchronized)
• File name or language confusion (standardized English file name and format)
• Relying only on grades and not on motivation (external reviewers are very interested in your reasons for doing things)
• Applying for multiple scholarships at the same time without checking whether there is any conflict (check the terms first)

After Scholarship: Half Year vs One Year Planning Advice

Although this scholarship provides NT$80,000 per month and supports a maximum of six months, the following suggestions are made according to different communication goals:

• half a yearThe purpose of the program is to provide life experience and short-term courses, with half a year of cultural experience, classes and short-term research.
• first year: If the purpose of the program is to conduct research, complete small experiments, or write a thesis section, it is recommended to choose one year in order to complete a more complete academic program and to build relationships. In addition, you can live with Japanese people for a long time and create more beautiful memories by working together with your lab colleagues.

Practice reminder: If you are using a short-term scholarship as a stepping stone to a long-term scholarship, it is recommended that you document your accomplishments during the short-term period as thoroughly as possible (reports, summary of accomplishments, updated letters of recommendation from professors).

Other short-term scholarships

In addition to the Japan Exchange Society (JETRO) Short-Term Scholarship, there are other scholarship options that are worth considering, including the Japan JASSO Scholarship and the Taiwan Ministry of Education's Sea of Learning Scholarship. Below is a brief description of how to apply and the criteria for these two types of scholarships.

Japan JASSO Short-term Scholarship (Overseas Study Support System｜Acceptance by Agreement)

JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization)The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) is a non-profit organization under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, dedicated to supporting students and promoting international exchange. For exchange students, JASSO's "Support System for Overseas Study (Agreed Entry)" scholarship is a good choice. Below are some points to consider when applying for this scholarship:

• Application Requirements
  • Organizational Background: JASSO is the official organization for student support, offering a wide range of scholarships, residency assistance and life support.
  • Applicable toThe program is designed to provide short-term financial support to exchange students.
• Application Process
  • Contact International Office: Each Taiwan school may have a different approach to the application process. In the case of National Central University (NCU), for example, a letter was received from the Office of International Student Affairs at the Eastern University of Science and Technology (formerly the Eastern University of Technology) inquiring about assistance in applying for the JASSO Scholarships.
  • Submission of Application Materials: Follow the school's instructions and complete the relevant application procedures (for details, please refer to)JASSO Website).
  • Audit process: A written review is conducted by the school and JASSO to evaluate the applicant's academic performance and motivation.
• Scholarship Details
  • Monthly Supplement: 80,000 yen
  • Maximum grant period: 11 months
  • Application AdvantagesIf you are sure you want to stay for a year, a JASSO short-term scholarship is also an option to consider.

Although I ultimately chose the PTI short-term scholarship, the JASSO scholarship is another option worth considering, especially for exchange students who need longer-term support.

Taiwan Ministry of Education Scholarships

Scholarships for students who want to learn to flyThis is a subsidy provided by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan to support students to go overseas for training or internship. In the case of National Central University (NCU), you can apply for this scholarship at the same time as you apply for the exchange program.

• Application Requirements
  • Good grades: The better your grades, the more aid you will receive.
  • Must participate in a school-approved exchange program.
• Application Process
  • Synchronized Application: When applying for the exchange program at your school, you will also apply for the Scholastic Scholarship.
  • Submission of Information: Submit the relevant application documents according to the requirements of the International Office of the school (please refer to the details).Ministry of Education Overseas Training/Internship Website).
• Scholarship Details
  • Contents of the subsidy
    • Semi-Academic Life Supplement: 22,000 Taiwan dollars.
    • Insurance Premiums: 10,000 Taiwan Dollars
  • Application Advantages: For students who are in good academic standing and need additional financial support.

Since I have already received a scholarship from the PTI, I am not eligible to receive the Scholarship at the same time. However, these scholarships are very valuable resources, and it is worthwhile for students to consider applying for them according to their own circumstances.

How to choose a scholarship? PTI vs JASSO vs Scholarships

• JTEA Short Term Scholarships
  • Advantages: The application is relatively straightforward, written review, and it is a plus for future applications for PTIs in the long term.
  • Suitable for: Those who want to establish and interact with the symposium, and those who plan to continue their studies in Japan in the future.
• JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) Short-term Scholarships
  • Advantage: Official support, stable monthly subsidy (refer to 80,000 yen/month), maximum support of about 11 months.
  • Suitable for: Students who plan to stay in Japan for almost a year and need longer-term financial assistance.
• Taiwan's Ministry of Education, Taiwan's Ministry of Education
  • Strengths: Funded by Taiwan, well integrated with school programs.
  • Suitable for: Those who need additional Taiwan subsidies and meet the requirements of the Ministry of Education.

Choose a strategy:

• If your goal is to "deepen your research within one year and possibly stay in Japan," you should preferably consider JASSO or PTI (depending on your interaction with PTI).
• For a short-term experience (six months) and if you wish to save it for a future application to PTI for a longer period of time, PTI Short-Term is a good choice.
• If you are able to apply for more than one grant at the same time (but cannot duplicate grants for the same period of time), please assess the eligibility criteria and time conflicts.

Final Thoughts

Although applying for a PTI Short-Term Scholarship may seem like a hassle, as long as you fill out the application form with care, prepare recommendation letters and transcripts, and clearly explain your motivation for coming to Japan and your future plans, your chances of success will increase dramatically. This experience not only provided me with financial support for my exchange trip to Japan, but also taught me how to effectively demonstrate my strengths and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Readers

Related Resources

• Short-term Scholarships
• JASSO Scholarship
• Ministry of Education Overseas Training/Internship Website

Read Next

Let's go, let's read the next one!

Complete Guide to Applying for Japan Exchange: Certificate of Eligibility and Visa Process｜Application Documents＋Pre-departure Preparation

One step to understand how to apply for CoE (Certificate of Eligibility), required documents and time estimation, as well as the complete process and pre-trip advice (airfare, insurance, avoidance list) for exchanging Japanese visa in Taiwan after obtaining CoE.

tjlink-global.com

Want a little refresher on the last one?

Complete guide to applying for exchange programs in Japan: Exchange program process｜Tokyo University of Science and Technology case study + finding a professor + program differences (ACAP/YSEP)

Research oriented or course oriented? Organizing the ACAP/YSEP Difference, One Year vs. Six Months, Letter Writing Templates for Professors and Follow-Up Pacing, Research Idea Writing, Common Landmines and Pitfalls Checklist.

tjlink-global.com

Or go back to the EP1 catalog for a different story?

EP1: Become an exchange student at Tokyo University of Science and Technology! (Former Tokyo Institute of Technology)

A boy who hated reading as a child, and even had his exam papers rubbed by his English teacher, was impressed by the Japanese construction technology during an intercollegiate exchange competition in Japan at his university, and made up his mind to go to Japan to study... Chapter 1: Preparation 1.1) Preparation for the Taiwan School...

tjlink-global.com