APU Tuition Reduction Scholar, Justin Manual Adhinegara from Indonesia, Shares His Journey of Studying Business Administration at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Japan

My name is Justin Manual Adhinegara, and I am from Indonesia. I graduated from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in September 2024 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Finance under the School of Management. I chose this field because I’ve always been drawn to numbers, financial systems, and understanding how businesses operate—skills I knew would be valuable for both my professional future and personal growth.

APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship Details

I received the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship, and after the full selection process, I was awarded a 65% tuition reduction for the entirety of my undergraduate studies. This scholarship made studying in Japan far more accessible for me and helped reduce a significant portion of the financial burden.

Educational Background

I graduated from high school with a concentration in Social Sciences, where I studied economics, basic accounting, and other related subjects. These subjects gave me a strong foundation for pursuing business studies at university.

Beyond academics, I was actively involved in several extracurricular activities:

• Student Council
•  School Choir & Band
• Volunteer Teaching Program – I helped teach underprivileged children in the neighborhood around my school.

These experiences shaped my leadership, teamwork, and sense of social responsibility—all of which strengthened my university and scholarship applications.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)?

I prepared my documents carefully, making sure everything, from my essays to recommendation letters, reflected my genuine motivations. After submitting the required documents, I attended an in-person interview in Jakarta, where two interviewers from APU assessed my goals, academic background, and overall suitability for the scholarship. They ultimately determined my scholarship percentage based on my performance.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Institutions?

I gathered information mainly from:

• APU’s official admissions website
• Online student communities and forums
• Testimonials from seniors studying in Japan

This helped me understand both the academic environment and the opportunities APU offered to international students.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? How Did You Prepare?

Yes, I took the IELTS and received an overall score of 6.5.

To prepare, I joined an IELTS preparation course near my house with several high school friends who were also planning to study abroad. We studied intensively for six months, attending two classes per week. The structured lessons, combined with constant practice, helped me feel confident on test day.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship?

Since the APU Tuition Reduction Scholarship is evaluated together with the university application, I focused on:

• Presenting my academic background clearly
• Demonstrating leadership and community involvement
•  Showing strong motivation for choosing APU
•  Preparing thoroughly for the interview

During the interview, I made sure to express why I wanted to study in such a multicultural environment and how I hoped to contribute to the community.

How Was Your Experience at APU?

Studying at APU was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

Academically, I received a high-quality education from professors with real industry experience. Beyond academics, APU’s multicultural environment really shaped me. I had the chance to dance during Multicultural Week, try my international friends’ home-cooked cuisines, and learn about cultures from around the world through daily interactions.

How Do You Rate APU Academically and Why?

I would rate APU highly because the school balances theory with practical applications. Classes often include discussions, group projects, and case studies, which trained me to think critically and apply concepts to real business situations.

How Does APU Support International Students?

APU provides a strong support system for international students, orientation programs, accessible professors, academic advisors, career support, and a welcoming community. You never feel alone because everyone is going through a similar adjustment process.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Japanese?

APU offers both English-based and Japanese-based programs.

As a foreign student, all my classes in the School of Management were conducted in English.

Would Students Face Problems Not Knowing Japanese?

New students don’t need to worry about not knowing Japanese when they first arrive, since English is widely used on campus. However, APU requires students to study Japanese up to the intermediate level, which is very helpful for daily life and understanding local culture.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of a combination of:

• Consistent academic performance
• Strong involvement in extracurricular and volunteer activities
• Clear motivation for studying at APU
• Confidence and sincerity during the interview

My background in both leadership and community service helped show that I could contribute positively to the APU community.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

If I could redo the process, I would start preparing earlier, especially for the interview. I would also spend more time researching the school beforehand to feel even more confident.

What Advice Would You Give to Future Applicants?

• Start early and stay organized
• Be honest in your essays—show who you really are
• Highlight both academic strengths and community involvement
• Prepare well for the interview—practice answering clearly and confidently
• Learn about APU’s values and explain how you connect with them
• Most importantly: Don’t underestimate yourself. If you’re committed and prepared, you can earn a good scholarship percentage.