Hi, I am new to this forum and I like to ask some questions about doing a PhD in Japan (soory,if they are dump, but I don't have any experiences with PhD). I recently finished University with the diploma grade in Biology (I am from Germany) and now I am thinking about doing my PhD in Japan. I did a lot of internet search the last weeks, but wasn't very succesful. I found a lot of programs for international students in graduate schools leading to a PhD, but these graduate schools a very expensive if one doesn't have a scholarship. So I wondered if one can also find a position as a PhD student in a lab, but doesn't need to be student of a graduate school? So just searching for a suitable lab and ask if they have a free position? And if so, is it normal in Japan to earn a little money with the PhD research to cover life costs (like in Germany e.g.) or does one always need to fund oneself or get a scholarship?
Thank you for your replies in advance

I suggest that you apply for the "Monbusho" scholarship through the Japanese consulate in your country. Tuition is waived and you get about $1,500 per month stipend. Just make contact with potential supervisor before applying. Only downside is there is a 1 year lag, so you wouldn't be able to start until April 2011. Great scholarship for phd if you can get it though.

======= Date Modified 19 Dec 2009 01:32:37 =======
You can find more information about the Monbukagakusho Scholarship on the following links:

1) Application Guidelines for Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarships 2010: http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0307e.html
2) Monbukagakusho Preparation Guide (Research Scholarship): http://www.GraduateInJapan.com

Hope I could help.