the marco polo voyage international
THE MARCO POLO VOYAGE PROGRAM
is a fellowship established by the Graduate School of Biostudies (GSB) at Kyoto University and supported by the Japanese Government (MEXT). We seek motivated, adventurous, internationally-minded students who wish to pursue either a Masters or a Ph.D. degree in biological science. Up to four outstanding students from Asian nations under-represented in science research in Japan will be selected. The fellowship provides generous financial support for studies and daily life.
Come explore the frontiers of science in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan!
As a Marco Polo Scholar, you will:
· perform cutting-edge scientific research with world leaders in their field
· receive education and guidance completely in English
· receive a monthly stipend of JPY147000
· obtain a Masters or Ph.D. degree from one of the top research universities in the world
About Kyoto University and our Graduate School
Kyoto University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Japan. It consistently ranks in the top 20 universities in Asia for science. In recent times, Kyoto University has expanded its acceptance of students from overseas: in 2021, the university admitted 633 international students to its undergraduate and graduate school programs.
The Graduate School of Biostudies (GSB) was established in 1999 as Japan’s first independent graduate school encompassing cutting edge interdisciplinary research in basic science, medicine, agriculture and pharmacology. GSB currently has 58 full-time faculty, 42 research labs, and 272 graduate students.
Graduate school of biostudies
Kyoto University
Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
606-8501
Japan
Details of financial and other support under the program:
All admission and tuition fees (usually JPY535,000 per year) are waived
Scholars will receive a monthly stipend of around JPY147,000
Visa application support is provided
Return flight from your home country to Japan is provided free (return tickets will be provided only if you complete the degree programs within the minimum required years: MSc 2 years/PhD 3 years)
All scholars are enrolled in Japanese national health insurance
English-speaking support staff and student mentors will facilitate your life in Japan
Japanese language classes are available
University dormitories may be available (not guaranteed; application required)
Admission Period/Deadline:
We will accept applications from eligible persons until December 20, 2023.
UPDATE 2023-12-25:
The deadline has been extended until January 17, 2024
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must have been born on or after April 2, 1989.
Applications from citizens of one of the following Southeast Asian countries will be prioritized:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
How to Apply:
Eligible applicants should prepare the following documents:
Cover letter, including a brief description of your research interests, career aspirations and any laboratory experience you may have had.
Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) including your personal information, contact details, education since high school, academic achievements, and employment history. Your photograph is not required.
Proof of excellent English language proficiency
Two letters of recommendation
Official academic transcripts / grade reports issued by universities attended
Graduation/Completion certificate (if you have not yet graduated, a certificate must be provided before entering the graduate program.)
Copy of degree certificate
And send them to Kyoto University Admission Assistance Office (AAO).
evaluation of applications:
Applications will be considered by the GSB International Education committee in the order they are received. Interviews will be conducted over an internet video call in January 2024.
Contact details:
Please send any enquiries by e-mail to 150marcopolo@mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp