Overseas University Prep

This is the ideal time to start preparing. While university applications are still far ahead, what you do now will determine your readiness later. 

What to Do in Grade 10:

1. 1. Explore Your Interests
      - Take career and personality assessments (MBTI, Holland Code).
      - Research fields of study (e.g., Business, Engineering, Medicine, etc.).
      
      

   2. Research Countries & University Systems
      - Understand the differences:
      > USA – Holistic system, requires SAT/ACT, essays, extracurriculars.
      > UK – Academic focus, A-levels/IB or foundation, personal statement.
      > Australia/Canada/Singapore – Balance of academics and co-curricular.
      > Netherlands/Germany/Japan – Special entry pathways and English-taught programs.
      
      

   3. Improve Your English
      - Start preparing for IELTS or TOEFL (target score: IELTS 6.5–7.5 / TOEFL iBT 90+).
      - Take trial tests to assess your level.
      
      

   4. Build Extracurriculars & Leadership
      - Join student council, clubs, competitions, or social projects.
      - Document achievements with certificates and photos.
      
      

   5. Start Academic Excellence
      - Keep your grades high — top universities will ask for Grade 10–12 transcripts.

3. Join Summer Programs / Online Courses
- Use platforms like Coursera, edX, FutureLearn.
- Attend international summer schools if possible.

4. Prepare a Resume / CV
- Include academic achievements, activities, leadership, awards.

5. Meet with a University Counselor,  make an appointment HERE
- Start discussing your essays, timeline, and program fit.

4. Apply for Scholarships
School MoU, Holland Scholarship, Orange Tulip, HKU Full Tuition Scholarship, Beasiswa Garuda, etc.

Read the  article below: Studying abroad is an opportunity open to all—not just the privileged

5. Attend Interviews (if required)
- Practice with a counselor or mentor.
- Prepare for both academic and personality-based questions.

6. Apply for Student Visa
Begin once you receive your acceptance letter (usually April–June).

• Start early. The earlier you prepare, the more options you’ll have.

• Keep your grades consistent across Grade 10–12.

• Be genuine in your personal essay — let your story reflect your goals.

• Use reliable resources: university websites, counselor guidance, alumni insight.

• Don't hesitate to ask for help — you're not alone in this journey.

Many Indonesian students still believe the myth:

Financial privilege is a requirement for international education.
That’s not true anymore.

Today, there are many affordable study abroad opportunities—even for middle-class students. With the right planning, scholarships, and part-time work, you can study overseas without burdening your family.

Here are 6 countries where studying abroad is financially possible, even if you're not rich:

1. Hong Kong: Full Scholarships + Campus Jobs

• Top universities (HKU, CUHK, HKUST, CityU, PolyU) offer full and partial scholarships for international students.

• Some scholarships even cover living allowances.

• Students are allowed to work part-time on campus to help cover expenses.
  
  

✅ Highlight: City University of Hong Kong offers Top and Full Scholarships without separate application forms for eligible students.

2. Germany & Austria: Tuition-Free + 20-Hour Jobs

• Public universities charge zero or minimal tuition.

• Only pay for semester fee (~€250–€300).

• Students can work up to 20 hours/week, earning ~€12–€15/hour.
  
  

✅ Highlight: Popular for Engineering, Science, and Business. Cities like Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt have vibrant student communities.

3. Australia: Partial Scholarships + Good Wages

• Many universities offer scholarships covering 15–25% of tuition fees, or you could consider TAFE (Technical and Further Education), which costs half as much as university tuition 

• Students can work up to 48 hours every 2 weeks, and unlimited hours during breaks.

• Casual wages are around AUD 20–25/hour.
  
  

✅ Highlight: Jobs in hospitality, supermarkets, or university events help cover monthly living costs.

4. Finland: Tuition Waivers + Affordable Living

• Non-EU students may need to pay tuition, but many universities offer up to 100% tuition waivers for high-achieving students.

• Students can work up to 30 hours/week, and full-time during holidays.

• Safe, high-quality education system in English.
  
  

✅ Highlight: Many programs taught in English at master’s and bachelor’s levels. Public transport and healthcare are student-friendly.

5. The Netherlands: Partial Scholarships + Flexible Work

• Tuition ranges from €6,000–€15,000/year, but partial scholarships (like Holland Scholarship, Erasmus+) are available.

• Work up to 16 hours/week during term and full-time in summer.

• High minimum wage (~€10–12/hour for students over 18).
  
  

✅ Highlight: Programs taught in English; ideal for international business, social sciences, and design.

6. Japan: Low Tuition + Part-Time Jobs + Government Support

• Tuition fees are relatively low (around ¥500,000–¥800,000/year).

• The MEXT or Fast Retailing Foundation Scholarship covers full tuition, monthly allowance, and airfare.

• Students can work up to 28 hours/week.
  
  

✅ Highlight: Japan has many universities with English-taught programs in STEM, business, and international relations.

💬 Final Message

"A world-class education overseas isn’t solely for the wealthy. Many pathways—from scholarships to part-time work—can make it achievable for dedicated students.  What you need is:

• Determination 💪

• Smart planning 🧠

• Willingness to work while studying 🤝
  
  

Education is not about wealth. 

It’s about preparation, effort, and believing in your future.