Applying for Osaka University Master’s in HCI – Got Qs about GPA, coding, jobs & more 😅

Hey Reddit! I’m applying for the Master’s in Multimedia Engineering (HCI) at Osaka University for the Oct 2026 intake via MEXT (Embassy + Uni rec). I’ve got a CS/UX/NLP background but I’m not great at hardcore coding 😭

I’m rebuilding two HCI-focused projects and also doing the Google UX cert, so I’m mixing design + AI. But I still have a bunch of doubts:

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1. Is it super code-heavy?
   I struggle with low-level programming—will I survive if I’m more into design, research, and high-level tools (like Python, Figma)?

2. How hard is it to keep a 3.0+ GPA?
   Is coursework intense? Do professors help or is it more self-study?

3. Besides MEXT, are there other scholarships (like JASSO) worth trying?
   Also, do new ones open after admission?

4. Any internships, competitions, part-time lab roles, or volunteering chances?
   Especially in HCI/UX/ML?

5. Does Osaka Uni have a placement portal/career support for jobs or internships?
   Or is it all self-apply?

6. Will a degree from here help in getting into global companies or more scholarships later?

7. What’s student life like?
   Easy to bond with local/international peers? Friendly or competitive?

8. Do professors engage well with international students, or is it tough due to language/culture gaps?

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If you’ve studied there or know anything—even small tips—it’d help a lot! 🙏
Thanks in advance! 😊

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Let me know if you want an even more minimal or tweet-style version!