Cultural Events and Activities
Q. I am interested in attending cultural events organized or supported by the Embassy. Is there a mailing list I can subscribe to?
A. Currently, there is no mailing list. You can stay up to date with our events by following our Facebook Page or checking our website regularly.
Q. I want to organize a Japan related cultural event or activity. Does the embassy provide any sponsorships?
A. Sponsorships for cultural events are generally done through the Japan Foundation Programme. Occasionally, we post about other funding opportunities on our Facebook Page. For the Japan Foundation Programme sponsorships, deadlines, guidelines, and eligibility, please visit:
https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/
Q. Can the Embassy provide any non-monetary support for cultural events and activities?
A. Individuals or entities can apply for nominal support. Once granted, it entails permission to use the Embassy Logo on promotional material as well as promotion of the event through the Embassy social media, website, etc. For more information on the nominal support, please visit:
https://www.cy.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/nominal-support.html
Q. I am a primary/secondary education teacher. Does the Embassy organize school visits to give presentations on about Japan?
A. Yes. Through our School Visit Programme, you can request that we give a presentation to your class(es). This is provided completely free of charge, and we ask that you request a visit at least 3 weeks before the date you would like the presentation to take place. Contact us for more information on the content and other information.
Japanese Language Lessons and Studying in Japan
Q. Does the Embassy organize Japanese Language lessons?
A. No, the embassy does not organize any lessons. However, you can visit our website for free online lessons and material. Alternatively, you can contact private tutors with no affiliation with our embassy.
Q. Does the Embassy offer any scholarships for language schools in Japan?
A. The embassy does not offer any scholarships. Postgraduate degree seeking students may apply for the MEXT scholarship through the embassy when applications are open, but this does not apply for language school students. For a list of scholarships that you may be eligible for – after your enrolment in a course and arrival in Japan – please refer to the JASSO list:
https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/
Q. I am interested in studying in Japan. Is there someone at the Embassy who can provide guidance?
A. The cultural officer at the Embassy can provide some guidelines for interested individuals to start their research on their studies and answer any questions they might have along the way. You can request to meet with an officer, free of charge.
MEXT Scholarship
Q. When do the applications for the MEXT scholarship begin?
A. Usually, applications open at the end of April or beginning of May. This is, of course, subject to change. We always announce the opening of the applications on our Facebook Page and website.
Q. I have a nationality other than Cypriot. Can I apply for the MEXT scholarship at your embassy?
A. Only individuals with Cyprus nationality can apply for the MEXT scholarship at our embassy. Nationals of any other country can contact the Embassy of Japan at their country for information on how to apply for the scholarship.
Q. Is the MEXT scholarship available for undergraduate studies?
A. The MEXT scholarship through our Embassy is available for students seeking a Master’s degree or a PhD. If you have a double nationality, you may be able to apply for undergraduate studies at the embassy in the country of your second nationality, provided they offer them.
Q. I am still attending classes as an undergraduate student. Can I apply for the scholarship?
A. Undergraduate students can apply for the scholarship provided they are in their final year and that their expected graduation date is before the date they choose to begin their postgraduate studies. Contact the embassy for the additional documents you will need to submit, if this is your case.
Q. I earned my undergraduate degree years ago. Can I still apply for the scholarship as a Master’s Degree seeking student?
A. You may still apply, provided you meet the age requirement set by the programme. In 2023, the limit was 35 years old.
Q. Do I need to be fluent in Japanese to apply?
A. No. You may apply even if you have no Japanese Language proficiency. Depending on your level, you might have to complete a term of Japanese language lessons in Japan before you start your postgraduate studies. This also applies for students who enroll in courses where the language of instruction is English.
Q. Are the required Japanese lessons covered by the scholarship?
A. Yes. In case you need to learn Japanese, the tuition fee will be covered by the scholarship.
Q. What happens after I submit my documents?
A. The embassy will carefully examine all submitted applications and make a shortlist of candidates. If your application is among the successful ones, you will be asked to come to the embassy for English and Japanese Language written exams and an interview. The English exam aims to ensure that your proficiency is sufficient for academic purposes, and the Japanese exam is for us to decide whether you will need Japanese lessons in case you are chosen.