Graduate Studies Opportunities

About 43.5% of our alumni from the first 2 cohorts pursue graduate studies (Master's and PhD)!

Here are some information and tips for you who are interested in pursuing graduate studies

Last updated: April 3, 2025

Edited by: M. J. Lesmana (M20)

Tip #1: Strengthen Your Commitment To Pursue Graduate Studies!

Pursuing graduate studies means that you are preparing yourself to be equipped with additional "fuel" (degree) that can propel your professional career. Either you take a master's degree to be a specialized professional or even a PhD degree for research-oriented careers or in academia. 

The biggest doubt of a student in deciding to pursue graduate studies or not most likely revolved around the question of "Is it worth it? Will I find a job after graduating with a master's or PhD without any prior work experience? Will I have a much higher salary than those who are only graduating with a BSc?" The bitter truth is that there are no definite answers to all of those questions. No one can really be sure about your future other than yourself!

At least, what can be assured by pursuing graduate studies is that it trains you for traits that are gold in many industry roles, such as:

• Research design and analysis

• Problem-solving and critical thinking

• Communication and writing

• Project management

• Self-motivation and resilience

Having deep knowledge in your field of expertise could position you as a subject matter expert, give you a unique perspective in the industry, and also enhance your credibility in specialized fields.

If you still doubt pursuing graduate studies because of job-seeking opportunities, remember that finishing a master's or doctoral is 'just' getting another certificate and adding another title after your name if you don't hone those critical skills and specializations during your studies. Meanwhile, if you utilize the knowledge as an asset that differentiates you from other people, industries will definitely value your expertise more.

Fun fact: several companies, especially state-owned enterprises (BUMN), require their employees to hold a master's degree to be able to advance into higher managerial positions. In this case, you will be well-equipped and be more than ready for those positions if you have held one.

Tip #2: Know What Field You Want To Be an Expert On!

Graduate school is not just an extension of your undergraduate studies—it’s a deep dive into a specialized area of expertise. Before applying, take a step back and reflect:

• What's a more specialized field that excites you the most? Energy systems, fluid mechanics, robotics, material science, or another field?

• Do you see yourself in industry, academia, or research?

• How will a master’s or PhD contribute to your career aspirations?

Getting a graduate degree means you are committed to immersing yourself in a more narrow field of research. Sometimes, it is also helpful to see your environment and surroundings. What is the big problem you are trying to solve? What is the one thing that people around you really need? What skills and knowledge are required for you to tackle those challenges? Will taking this graduate course help you to achieve your dream of working abroad?

If you are uncertain, try to engage with research projects, internships, or discussions with professors to gain clarity. Having a clear vision of your specialization will not only help you find the right program but also strengthen your application.

Tip #3: Find The Right Professor, Research Group, Program, and School!

For graduate-level studies, it is very important for you to already know what you are looking to specialize in from the previous step. After that, you can start planning how to achieve that. The process is recommended that you do this in chronological order, which is:

1. Find the Professor/Supervisor you are interested in working with

2. Find the right Research Group whose topic aligns with your aspiration

3. Find the right Study Program along with its curriculum

4. Find the proper University and any other aspects (geographic, cultural, etc.) you are specifically interested in

*In the case that you have not yet determined what is suitable for you at that particular stage, then you are allowed to move on to the next step. 

Please keep in mind that this is just a suggestion since, in most cases, it will help you to better prepare your study plan. In other cases, you may be primarily interested in studying in a specific region (i.e., Europe for its culture and experience); then, you may also start from there and find a topic that interests you to study. This is also completely fine!

If you intend to pursue a PhD-level degree, you must definitely determine the specific professor you are interested in researching with. Study their publication and recent research activities and check whether he/she can significantly assist your study. It is also important to ask yourself how you can help their research by bringing you in as a member of their group.

Another tip when choosing your school is to DO NOT solely look at their rankings in the QS World University rank.

Choose a school that is the best for your case, not what other people or the ranking system says.

Yes, the better the rank of your school may, at first glance, equip you with wider opportunities and better facilities. But keep in mind that university ranking includes many other aspects and is calculated on an average basis. There are a lot of cases where a university can give a more quality lecture, research, or connections than those in the higher rank. 

It is who you are that shapes you and determines your destiny, not where your school is.

Below are just a few portals to the application websites of some schools/study programs:

• MIT Application Page

Requirements for MechE Graduate Program: Online application form, Statement of objective, 3 Recommendation letters, Academic transcript, IELTS (min. 7.0, recommended 7.5)/TOEFL, CV, Introductory video, GRE (optional), Portfolio (optional)

Application fee: USD 90

Timeline: 15 September - 15 December

• Caltech Graduate (no Master's, only direct PhD)

Requirements for PhD in Mechanical Engineering: Online application form, Statement of objective (max. 1000 words, address directly to professor), 3 Recommendation letters, Academic transcript, IELTS/TOEFL, CV

Application fee: USD 100

Timeline: 15 October - 15 December

• EPFL Master's Application

Requirements for Master's in Energy Science and Technology: Online application form, Passport/identity card, University diploma, Academic Transcript, CV, Statement of purpose (max. 1000 words), 3 Recommendation letters, IELTS/TOEFL (not compulsory), GRE (not compulsory), portfolio (not compulsory)

Application fee: CHF 150

Timeline: mid-November - 15 December, 16 December - 31 March

• Sweden University Admission (centralized, similar to Indonesia's SMBP to PTN; choose up to 4 programs and rank them)

Requirements (different for each program, but in general): Passport/identity card, University diploma, Academic transcript, IELTS (min. overall 6.5 with no section lower than 5.5)/TOEFL, Application from each program (typically include a brief motivation letter), CV, Recommendation letter

Application fee: SEK 900

Timeline: 16 October - 15 January

• Kyoto University (apply through AAO first, then follow the instructions given directly to the program, you need to know your target supervisor)

Requirements for Master's in International Energy Science Course: Application form, Laboratory form, University diploma, Academic transcript, 2 Recommendation letters, Thesis summary (1-2 pages, 400-500 words, A4), IELTS (min 6.0 from British Council, sent directly to department), Passport, Statement of purpose (1-2 pages, 400-500 words, A4)

Application fee: YEN 10,000

Timeline: around October - 25 December (only 10 students admitted annually)

• Institute of Science Tokyo (require a letter of consent from the professor to start your application process)

Requirements for IGP-A:  Letter of consent from professor (sent to admission division before 18 November), ID photo, Field of study document, Passport/residence card, University diploma, Academic transcript, Evaluation sheet with recommendation, MEXT form (for MEXT in IGP-A), Recommendation letter from Dean (for MEXT in IGP-A), IELTS/TOEFL (for MEXT in IGP-A)

Application fee: YEN 30,000 + YEN 950 (administration fee)

Timeline: around 9 September - 24 November

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (choose the program you want to participate)

Requirements (*different for each program) for DENSYS:  CV (made using Europass), Motivation letter (1 page, min. font 11 pt), Self-introductory video (3-5 minutes), Notarized copy of university diploma, Notarized copy of academic transcript (min. GPA 3.0/4.0), 2 Recommendation letters, Passport/ID card, ID photo, IELTS (min. 6.5 with min. 5.5 on writing)/TOEFL

Application fee: Free

Timeline: Depends on program (30 October - 27 January for DENSYS)

*Some may allow you to submit a temporary graduation certificate or a letter of completion. Please check each requirement for more details.

Tip #4: Seek Scholarship Opportunities!

Finding a scholarship to fund your study is also an important part. Although you must put extra effort into it. Applying for a scholarship can be a very confusing and exhausting process.  Starting from choosing the right scholarship that you want to apply to facing all the steps required for the entire selection process. 

Most of the time, getting a scholarship is way more difficult than getting admission to your university. But remember, there is no such easy and instant process for a fully-funded education. It's not your own money, so you have to earn it!

If you are planning to study abroad, you can find numerous scholarship opportunities in the Foreign Scholarship Database.

Another benefit of being an Indonesian is that you are eligible to apply for the well-known LPDP Scholarship, which, keep in mind, there are no other scholarship opportunities in the whole world that accept thousands of students annually and cover their tuition, living costs, and other fees.

When applying for a scholarship, please keep in mind the timeline of the selection process up to the decision. Make sure you can somehow align it with the timeline of your school application process as well. Be prepared for any extra documents needed for the scholarship application (typically, most require you to have an additional essay regarding your study plan or simply discuss a certain topic, while some also require you to have a research plan).

So, don't be afraid that you cannot pursue your studies because of financial constraints! If you are truly determined to search for it and put in the effort, there will always be a way. The opportunities are wide open and abundant right before your eyes!

Tip #5: Prepare All Your Documents ASAP!

Graduate applications require several documents, and preparing them in advance will save you from last-minute stress. The Document Preparation page has included lots of tips on how you can be well-prepared for the generally required documents for applications.

Another tip is to use platforms to create a checklist or to track your progress in preparing these documents. You can use Excel or a Google Spreadsheet to help you with your progress. It is sure to come in handy when you are applying to multiple schools, where you can track each of those required documents with a checklist.

Tip #6: Review Your Application!

Before submitting, carefully review everything about your application!

Ensure all the documents submitted are correct and meet all the criteria, proofread your essay for clarity and coherence, ensure the recommendation letters are submitted before the deadline, and verify all test scores and transcripts are correctly sent.

It is highly encouraged that you ask your professor, mentors, peers, and colleagues to provide feedback regarding your application, especially for the essay. This feedback will open you to another perspective from a reader's point of view. Based on their response, you can easily measure whether your writing is understandable or intriguing enough for them to read the whole essay. Your essay will never be absolutely perfect, but asking other people for feedback will definitely bring you closer to excellence!

Tip #7: Be Prepared For Any Tests Or Interviews, If Necessary!

Many programs and scholarships require interviews or entrance exams. Preparation is key:

• Practice common interview questions: You may start with how the way you are introducing yourself and explaining your interests and future goals.

• Review your research interests: Be ready to discuss your proposed work in a more technical manner

• Stay up to date with current issues: Especially if applying for funding that involves national development contributions. This is very useful in every case, especially when you are being interviewed by a panel outside your field of expertise. If you are talking about CO2 capture, it would be logical if you also know about the current carbon market scheme and policies. If you are working on industrial robotics, it would be helpful if you know more about the current local manufacturing capabilities and challenges.

• Conduct mock interviews: Practice! Practice! Practice! Get feedback from peers or professors by asking them to conduct mock-up interviews.

Here is the list of frequently asked questions for the LPDP Scholarship.

Potential LPDP Interview Questions

Some graduate studies may also require an interview to be admitted to the program (very common in Japan). Be sure that you are prepared for your research plan and have some general knowledge regarding your academic background. For instance, the interview could also look like a verbal comprehensive test of basic mechanical engineering knowledge (including some thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mechanics of materials,  vibration, and control).

Here is an example of mechanical engineering interview questions (which can be helpful for job interviews as well).

Mechanical Engineering Summary

Tip #8: Hope For The Best And Goodluck!

Finally, you have completed all your applications! Congrats!🎉 Now is the waiting part, which, in my opinion, is nearly as crucial as the previous steps. Have time to appreciate yourself for this journey that you have gone through! Whatever the results will be, know that you have done everything at your best for that time, and there will always be room for improvement.

While waiting, continue to enhance your skills and hone your knowledge through other projects. Prepare for alternative opportunities in case you don't get your first-choice program.

Remember, applying for graduate school is a long but rewarding journey. Even if one application doesn’t work out, there are always other paths to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Don't fill your journey of pursuing graduate studies with any regret. Pray and believe that you will be given the best! 

Good luck, and may your future academic endeavor be a successful one!