My Master’s Experience at University of Tsukuba, Japan

My Master’s at University of Tsukuba (Graduate School of Science and Technology, Applied Physics) through the NIMS-GRA program wasn’t a smooth ride from the start. From failing the MEXT scholarship, to discovering a program almost nobody talks about, to starting classes in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic — it’s all here.

The story is laid out chronologically. Pick the part that’s most relevant to you:

📝 Preparation & Application (2019)

Before departure, there was a long process — from the English certificate to the entrance exam itself.

• 👉 How I Scored 940/990 on TOEIC in 2 Weeks — and Used It to Get Into a Japanese University
• 👉 How to Apply for NIMS-GRA: Get Paid to Do Your Master’s or PhD in Japan
• 👉 Master’s Entrance Exam at University of Tsukuba – Applied Physics
• 👉 Master’s Entrance Exam Results – Between Relief and Still Anxious

✈️ Arrival & Starting Classes (2020)

From flying to Japan on a Researcher Visa to officially becoming a Master’s student in the middle of a pandemic.

• 👉 Flying to Japan with a Researcher Visa – January 2020
• 👉 NIMS-GRA Result – Accepted, and Here’s the Salary
• 👉 Changing Visa from Researcher to Student in Japan
• 👉 Starting Master’s Classes During the COVID-19 Pandemic – April 2020

🎤 Research, Annual Seminars & a Big Decision (2020–2021)

Two student seminars, and one major decision to continue on to a PhD.

• 👉 NIMS Student Seminar December 2020 – First Presentation
• 👉 Decision to Continue to PhD – Not Because I Was Ready, But Because I Was Scared
• 👉 NIMS Student Seminar December 2021 – New Topic, 4 Months, Everything Changed

🎓 Graduation

• 👉 Master’s Graduation – March 2022

If you have specific questions about doing a Master’s in Japan, feel free to get in touch.