How Achmad Bintang Herida Kasuma, an Indonesian Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s Through the Türkiye Scholarship

Tabik pun! My name is Achmad Bintang Herida Kasuma, from Lampung, Indonesia. I'm currently a master's student in Business Administration at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKÜ) in Türkiye, studying on the Türkiye Scholarship. I earned my bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Lampung, where I graduated cum laude. I decided to pursue a master's degree because I felt I still had more to learn about management, especially finance.

Türkiye Scholarship Details

Institution: Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKÜ), Türkiye

Scholarship: Türkiye Scholarship (Türkiye Bursları)

Amount/Benefits:

• Full tuition waiver
• Monthly stipend of 9,500 TL
• Free university dormitory accommodation
• Round-trip flight ticket
• One year of mandatory Turkish language course before starting the program
• Health insurance

Educational Background

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Management (concentration in Human Resource Management) from the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Lampung, Indonesia, graduating in February 2024 with a GPA of 3.97/4.00 (cum laude). My undergraduate thesis examined whether emotional intelligence influences employee creativity, with job complexity as a moderating variable.

My undergraduate experience prepared me well for graduate study in business administration. Through my research, I learned how to design a study, analyze data, and write academically. My community service experience taught me to apply management concepts in real situations and work with people from different backgrounds. I also joined short courses at universities in Japan (Aoyama Gakuin University), Türkiye (Istanbul Ticaret University), and Russia (Saint Petersburg University of Management Technologies and Economics), which broadened my perspective and made it easier to adapt to studying abroad.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKÜ)?

How Did You Find Information About Türkiye Scholarship and Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKÜ)?

I learned about the scholarship and the university from two alumni who had studied in Türkiye. They shared their experiences and guided me through the application process.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

No, I did not take any standardized tests.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Türkiye Scholarship?

I spent about one month preparing my application. I gathered the required documents: my academic transcript, diploma, recommendation letters, and a letter of intent. The letter of intent was the most challenging part. I had to summarize my background, experiences, and goals within a strict word limit, while still making the selection committee interested enough to invite me to the interview stage. After the document screening, I went through an interview, which was the final step of the selection process.

How is Your Experience at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKÜ)?

My experience at MSKÜ has been positive. The campus atmosphere is pleasant, and student life is very affordable: public transportation costs only 1 TL for students, and meals are cheap. The campus facilities are complete and fully accessible to students, and the university subscribes to several international publishers, which is very helpful for research. The lecturers are good, although not all of them speak English. Muğla itself is a great city to live in, as it is a tourist destination and one of the most visited places in Türkiye.

How Do You Rate Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKÜ) Academically?

I would rate MSKÜ 8/10 academically. The university subscribes to several international publishers, which gives students good access to journals and research materials. The campus facilities are complete and fully accessible, and the lecturers are good. The main limitation is that not all lecturers speak English, which can be a challenge for international students.

How Does Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (MSKÜ) Support International Students?

MSKÜ supports international students through various cultural activities, events, and dormitory programs. The university also organizes conferences that students can attend and join, which helps us build networks and gain academic experience.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Turkish?

My program is offered in Turkish, but students can choose to take classes in English. Regardless of which language you choose, all international students are still required to attend the Turkish language course (TÖMER).

What Did You Pursue After the Türkiye Scholarship?

I am still completing my master's program and currently working on my thesis. After graduating, I plan to build a career in research and finance.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Turkish?

Yes, it can be quite a problem. Many students have decided not to continue their studies because of language barriers. The one-year language course is often not enough to prepare for academic Turkish, which is much more demanding than everyday conversation. I would advise prospective students to start learning Turkish as early as possible, even before arriving.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was having a clear purpose. Scholarship committees are not only looking for high achievers; they are looking for people who know where they are going and why. Studying abroad is a beautiful journey, but it is also a challenging one. Distance from family, a new culture, and a new language will test anyone. In those moments, grades alone are not enough. What carries you through is a vision.

I knew what I wanted to learn, what I wanted to achieve, and how this scholarship would help me get there: building a career in research and finance. That clarity shaped my letter of intent, my interview, and the way I presented my experiences. I believe a person with a clear purpose will stay consistent, stay motivated, and keep growing, even far from home. A scholarship is not just an opportunity to be received; it is a responsibility to be fulfilled with purpose.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I could go through the process again, I would put more effort into preparing my letter of intent and a CV that highlights experiences directly relevant to my study goals. A strong application is not about listing everything you have done, but about showing how your experiences connect to where you want to go.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My first piece of advice is to know your "why." A scholarship is not only about the title or the funding; it is about the purpose you carry with you. When you know exactly what you want to achieve, every part of your application becomes stronger, and every challenge abroad becomes easier to face.

Second, start early and prepare with intention. Craft your letter of intent and your CV so that they tell one clear story: who you are, what you have done, and where you are going. Don't just list your achievements; show how each experience connects to your goals. And prepare well for your interview, because that is where your story comes alive.

Third, begin learning the language of your destination country as early as possible. Language is not just a requirement; it is your bridge to the academic world and the culture around you. The earlier you start, the more confident you will be.

Finally, believe in yourself. Every scholar you admire once stood exactly where you are now, uncertain but determined. Be patient with the process, be consistent in your effort, and never underestimate the power of a dream backed by preparation. Your journey may begin with a single application, but it can change your life and the lives of those around you.