The Journey of Ayu Dianita Sari as a MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship Recipient

Hello! My name is Ayu Dianita Sari. I am from Indonesia. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chuo University, Japan.

I’m interested in transportation and urban planning because I believe these fields play an important role in creating sustainable and livable cities. I decided to continue my studies in this field to learn more about how transportation systems and urban spaces can be designed to be efficient and environmentally friendly.

MEXT Scholarship Details

I am honoured to be a recipient of the MEXT Scholarship (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, also known as Monbukagakusho) offered by the Japanese Government. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 147,000 yen, as well as full coverage of tuition fees and round-trip airfare between Indonesia and Japan.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Regional Development at Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia, graduating with a GPA of 3.54 out of 4.0. During my undergraduate studies, I gained an understanding of urban and regional planning.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the MEXT Scholarship and Chuo University?

To prepare my scholarship application, I first created a detailed checklist of all required documents. I carefully completed all the forms, ensuring no document was missing, and focused on fully meeting all requirements.

A key requirement was achieving a minimum IELTS score of 6.0. I dedicated consistent time and effort to preparing for the IELTS, which helped me improve my English skills and meet the requirements.

To apply to the institution, I researched Chuo University’s website to find a potential supervisor whose research aligned with my interests. After reviewing professors’ profiles and research topics, I selected a professor whose expertise matched my goals and applied to join the laboratory.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application was strengthened by the completeness and careful preparation of the required documents. Moreover, the chosen field of study reflected my genuine interest and a clear motivation to pursue it further.

Having a journal paper published during my undergraduate studies also supported my application by demonstrating my early exposure to academic research.

Additionally, I spent one year in Japan as an exchange student at Fukuoka Women’s University, where I studied Japanese language and culture. This experience deepened my intercultural awareness and reinforced my commitment to international perspectives.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would place greater emphasis on improving my Japanese language skills. Even after spending a year in Japan as an exchange student, I believe further language training would be very useful for everyday communication and academic participation.

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

For those planning to apply for a similar scholarship, I would advise preparing your English language certificates well in advance to ensure you meet the required scores. It is also important to make sure that all documents are complete and carefully prepared, as missing or incomplete documents can affect your chances.

Additionally, I recommend starting to learn Japanese, even at a basic level, because it is very helpful for communicating with classmates and managing daily life in Japan. Following these steps can make both the application process and the transition to studying abroad much smoother.