How an Indonesian Biology Graduate Secured the Fully Funded MEXT Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Biotechnology at Osaka University

Hello, and warm greetings from Japan! My name is Kartika, an Indonesian student currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biotechnology at the Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University. In 2024, I was honored to receive the MEXT Scholarship through the Special Program for University Recommendation by the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho).

Biotechnology is a highly promising field that not only satisfies my intellectual curiosity but also contributes significantly to society, especially in the areas of food, agriculture, and health. This deep potential is what inspired me to pursue advanced studies in this discipline.

Moreover, Japan offers an exceptionally supportive and innovative research environment across all scientific fields. Being able to pursue my Master’s degree here feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am truly grateful for it.

MEXT Scholarship Details

The MEXT Scholarship, offered by the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho), is a prestigious program with several categories, including Research Students, Teacher Training Students, Undergraduate Students, Japanese Studies Students, College of Technology Students, Specialized Training College Students, and Young Leaders Program (YLP) Students. In my case, I was recommended by my former university in Indonesia to the University of Osaka. The university then nominated selected candidates to MEXT for further screening. As a Master's student, I receive a monthly stipend of ¥144,000, with an additional ¥3,000 living allowance since I reside in a major city. For more details, you can easily find comprehensive information on the official MEXT website.

Educational Background

I graduated from the University of Indonesia with a major in Biology and a GPA of 3.71 out of 4.00. My research focused on molecular microbiology, which aligns closely with my current project at the University of Osaka. During my undergraduate thesis, I worked on recombinant protein production using E. coli, a topic that laid a strong foundation for my continuing academic journey. I accelerated my final project and managed to complete my degree one semester earlier than the standard program timeline in my department. Balancing coursework and research was certainly challenging, but graduating in just seven semesters gave me valuable extra time to prepare for my Master’s application immediately after graduation.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Osaka?

I began my preparation journey shortly after graduating, around March 2023. At that time, I had little information and even less confidence about pursuing higher education. However, one of my supervisors encouraged me to reach out to a potential professor in Japan whose research aligned with my interests in molecular microbiology.

Following that advice, I contacted him via email and, to my surprise, received a prompt invitation for an interview with the professor and two associate professors. I was warmly welcomed and invited to join their laboratory. However, the application process that followed was long and meticulous. I had to wait until November 2023 to officially apply to the Graduate School by submitting printed application documents to Japan. Application requirements vary by university and graduate school, and detailed information can be found on each institution's official website.

About two months later, I received an email from the Department of Biotechnology inviting me to take an oral examination as part of the entrance process. I was evaluated by a panel of ten professors and asked to answer a series of questions on biotechnology and biochemistry—quickly and accurately. It was one of the most intense and memorable challenges I’ve faced.

A month later, I received my Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from The University of Osaka as a MEXT scholarship nominee, pending final screening by the Japanese Government. The official results were announced in early July 2024 for enrollment in October 2024.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the MEXT Scholarship?

Throughout my preparation, I independently gathered information by thoroughly exploring the official websites of universities, graduate schools, and departments, specifically the sections related to the MEXT Scholarship. Many scholarship seekers often feel overwhelmed by the abundance of details and may lack the patience to sift through them. However, this step is absolutely crucial in the scholarship preparation process.

The first thing I did was search for a laboratory that aligned closely with both my academic background and future research interests. Finding the right sensei (professor) can be both easy and difficult. You need to carefully consider the lab’s research focus, the professor’s recent publications, and how well your interests align with theirs. Reaching out via email can also be a daunting task. If your academic profile, research background, and study plan are strong, there's a chance you'll receive a reply—but the possibility of being ignored or rejected is still quite high.

Once I had identified the ideal lab, I compiled a checklist of all the required documents and created a detailed preparation schedule with key deadlines to ensure I stayed on track. I spent around 3–4 months preparing for the IELTS exam through private tutoring and self-study. Fortunately, Japan’s English language requirement is relatively lenient compared to other countries—the minimum IELTS score required is usually 5.5 or an equivalent score on other tests.

In addition to language preparation, I gathered various documents about two months before the scholarship deadline. These included recommendation letters from my Dean and Head of Department, a detailed research plan, application forms, and more. I also regularly consulted with previous MEXT awardees, mentors, and other relatives for insights, advice, and document reviews.

Finally, for those interested in applying to the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Osaka, be prepared for the Graduate School entrance examination. It is conducted in the form of an oral test and focuses on fundamental knowledge in biotechnology and biochemistry. Beyond academic readiness, mental preparedness is also key. The entire process—from initial preparation to the final announcement from the Japanese government—can take about a year, requiring resilience and patience every step of the way.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

There are several key documents required for your MEXT Scholarship application. These include: Application Form, Statement of Purpose, Certificate of Graduation, Certified Academic Records, Certificate of English Proficiency, Two Letters of Recommendation, A Copy of Your Passport, and the Thesis Abstract.

In addition to these documents, MEXT also has specific eligibility requirements such as age, GPA, and academic background. Among all the documents, the recommendation letters and statement of purpose are especially critical. These elements can strongly influence your evaluation by showcasing your academic background, the credibility of your recommenders, and the clarity and relevance of your proposed research in Japan.

The institutional link between your home university and the Japanese university is another crucial aspect, especially for the University Recommendation track. Often, the two universities have an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or academic exchange agreement, which can significantly enhance your chances of selection. If you confirm that such an MoU exists, your application may be viewed more favorably compared to those without one.

Equally important is your statement of purpose. This document should clearly articulate your strengths, research experience, and the core reasons for pursuing higher education. Be sure to explain why you chose Japan, your target university, and your future laboratory. Finally, highlight both your short-term and long-term goals in a thoughtful and strategic manner. A well-crafted Statement of Purpose can make you stand out among other candidates.

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

If I could turn back time, I would pay much closer attention to every detail of the entrance examination process. I initially assumed it would simply involve an interview with professors, focused on motivation, research plans, and general discussions, as is typical with many other scholarships. However, I was completely mistaken. Instead, I found myself facing an oral examination where I had to answer fundamental questions in biotechnology on the spot. It was an intense and unexpected experience. My message to future applicants is this: always double-check the information you receive, and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if anything seems unclear. A deeper look into the process can make all the difference—and save you from unpleasant surprises.

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

A: If you’re someone currently pursuing the same scholarship or program as I did, first of all, congratulations! You’re already on the right path. I understand how stressful and overwhelming the journey can feel. But sometimes, all it takes is just a little more courage to believe in your dreams—and to go after them with everything you’ve got.

Be kind to yourself. Trust the process. Embrace each step with patience and positivity. And remember, you don’t have to go through it alone. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or other social media platforms. I’ll be happy to help however I can.