From Surabaya to Nagoya: Jillian Sutrisno’s Journey to Winning Japan’s Fully Funded MEXT Scholarship

Jillian Sutrisno, an 18-year-old from Surabaya, Indonesia, earned a fully funded MEXT Scholarship to study Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Nagoya University through its English-taught G30 Program, driven by her passion for environmental chemistry, strong academic background, and a clear, purpose-driven application.

Hi! I’m Jillian Abigail Sutrisno, but everyone calls me Jill. I’m 18 years old and originally from Surabaya, Indonesia. Today, I’m a first-year student at Nagoya University, studying Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology through their G30 (Global 30) Program—a fully English-taught track supported by the MEXT Scholarship from the Japanese government.

Why Chemical Engineering in Japan?

I’ve always had a strong interest in chemistry, no matter how challenging it got. My passion lies in contributing to a cleaner environment, particularly through the development of biodegradable materials and chemical recycling technologies that can scale industrially. Japan was the perfect place for this dream—it’s a global leader in PET bottle recycling and has a thriving demand for chemical engineers.

Beyond academics, I’ve always admired Japan’s architecture, culture, and natural beauty. Having lived here for six months now, I can confidently say the quality of life and attention to service have made it an incredible experience.

Receiving the MEXT Scholarship

I was honored to receive two MEXT scholarship offers:

1. Nagoya University – G30 Program, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
2. Hokkaido University – ISP Program, Chemistry

The MEXT Scholarship is fully funded and covers:

• Tuition and all university fees
• Round-trip airfare
• A monthly stipend of ¥120,000 (~USD 800)

There are no service obligations, but recipients must maintain a GPA of at least 2.3 out of 3.0. The acceptance rate is competitive—around 5–10%—but not impossible if you’re passionate and well-prepared.

I applied through the University Recommendation Route. Once accepted into the G30 program at Nagoya University, I was nominated for the scholarship. I completed additional paperwork, including income documentation (officially translated into English), and the university submitted it directly to the Japanese embassy. Shortly afterward, I became an official MEXT scholar.

My Academic Background

My academic journey began at Godwins School Surabaya and continued at SpInS Interactional School, where I studied under the Cambridge Curriculum for 12 years. My high school GPA averaged 95.4%, with consistent excellence in:

• Math: Above 98%
• Chemistry & Physics: Above 96%

I ranked second in my school, and the Cambridge system gave me a strong foundation in science.

The Application Process

In 11th grade, I set a goal: study in Japan. Every day, I spent 1–2 hours researching universities, their English-language programs, and scholarship options. I focused on top public Japanese universities and meticulously checked requirements.

What I prepared:

• Academic transcripts
• Exam results
• Recommendation letters
• Certificates from competitions (participation mattered most)

I took the following exams:

• IGCSE O-Levels: A* in Math, Chemistry, Physics, Biology; A in English
• A-Levels: A* in Math and Physics, A in Chemistry

My study method was straightforward:

• Practice past papers
• Use the mark scheme to understand expectations
• Watch YouTube or refer to textbooks for tough topics

Interestingly, I didn’t take TOEFL or IELTS. My IGCSE English grade was sufficient, and many universities accept long-term English education as proof of proficiency.

Why My Application Stood Out

I believe my strength was my clarity of purpose. My application and interview emphasized:

• My high school research
• My vision for the future
• How this degree aligned with my goals

I didn’t just present good grades—I shared why I cared and how I would use what I learned. That passion made a difference.

What I’d Do Differently

If I could redo the process, I would:

1. Start learning Japanese earlier to reach JLPT N3 before arriving. It would open more job/internship opportunities.
2. Study matrices, which weren’t part of A-Levels but are critical in university.
3. Take A-Level Biology, since it’s just as important as chemistry and physics in my major.

Final Advice for Future Applicants

• Choose something you love. Your passion will shine through.
• Stay positive and consistent. The process can be long, but your mindset makes all the difference.
• Balance academics with life. Enjoy time with friends, study in a relaxed environment, and don’t let stress consume you.
• Trust yourself. Even if the odds seem low, go for it.

You don’t need to be perfect—just determined, honest, and passionate.

READ ALSO: Young Man Who Started His Food Business in School, Now Very Successful, Narrates His Journey

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP