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the marco polo voyage international
bio-education program

your path to graduate studies in Kyoto, japan

 

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 eligible Asian nations 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!

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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

www.lif.kyoto-u.ac.jp

 
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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 until November 20, 2024 (for the October 2025 intake)

ELIGIBILITY (updated August 2024):

Applicants must have been born on or after April 2, 1990.

Applications from citizens of one of the following countries will be prioritized:

Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

Please see also the OFFICIAL APPLICATION GUIDELINES (2024) (PDF link)

Before Application:

You must contact the head of a GSB laboratory (see list of laboratories) and obtain consent to apply.

How to Apply: (updated October 2024)

Eligible applicants should prepare the following documents:

  1. Cover letter (designated form: Applicant’s Research Achievements and Personal Statement), including a brief description of your research interests, career aspirations and any laboratory experience you have had. In addition, please indicate in the cover letter a preferred laboratory in GSB, AFTER receiving the lab head's consent for your application. Applications without prior consent of lab heads are not accepted.

  2. Application form (designated form)

  3. Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) including your personal information, contact details, education since high school, academic achievements, and employment history. Your photograph is not required.

  4. Field of study and research plan (at least 2 pages; designated form)

  5. Proof of nationality (a copy of your passport or family registry)

  6. Official academic transcript issued by the university you last attended

  7. Certificate of (expected) graduation or degree certificate from the university

  8. Any academic achievements demonstrating your excellent academic record (e.g., records of any awards received in fields related to the student’s research)

  9. A letter of recommendation from the dean of your department, university, or equivalent, addressed to the President of Kyoto University.
    (If an applicant’s academic performance coefficient cannot be calculated, a statement that the student’s academic performance is ranked in the top 30% of the university is required in this letter.)

  10. Two letters of recommendation from your immediate supervisors

  11. Summaries and publication information of any academic papers etc. you have written

  12. Proof of your excellent English language proficiency (e.g. scores from IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

and send them by email to the GSB Student Affairs Section (150marcopolo@mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp)

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 December 2024.

Contact details:

Please send any enquiries by e-mail to 150marcopolo@mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp