UNAIR NEWS – LPDP program awardees for Bidikmisi student usually came from low-income family. So far, Bidikmisi is only intended for bachelor’s degree student (S1). Then, how about the Bidikmisi students who want to continue their master studies?
According to Huda Abdul Rohman, S.Hum., M.Hum., Awardee of LPDP from Affirmation scholarship in 2015 PK-44 who in 5th Anniversary of AUBMO PSDKU Universitas Airlangga in Banyuwangi, there were three choices after graduation. These three things are work, marriage, or continuing studies.
The majority of Bidikmisi students immediately got a job after graduation. Taking care their parents, supporting younger siblings’ education, building houses are the few reason why they will not continue to master’s degree. However, there were few students wanted to continue their education. Both fresh graduate or who have worked for several years.
“Don’t be afraid to continue to your master’s degree. There was government assistance through LPDP scholarships that are equivalent to Bidikmisi scholarships that would help low income family,” said Hudha.
Responding to quite a lot of students’ wishes to take masters with scholarship, Abdul gave a few tips to get LPDP scholarship. Instead of going through public route, you should try affirmation scholarship route.
“It’s hard if you go through the public route, your rival is from non Bidikmisi too. Bidikmisi students are prioritized on the affirmation path that is intended for them,” said Hudha.
Second, identify your abilities and prepare to choose categories early in the affirmation route.
“Get to know your passion. Remember, achievements are not only in forms of trophies. Contribution such as community service is also an achievement to be considered. There is a special category that facilitates the achievement of the outstanding Bidikmisi alumni scholarship, “said the 2014 student who was UNAIR best graduate.
Third tip, carefully plan for your future before the interview test.
“Elaborate why you choose your studies, what are your future plans. Make it simple. Tell them in a unique, realistic, and different perspective way. For example, I took a humanities study because this program has A accreditation. This means that this study is guaranteed. I want to be a linguistic lecturer because it is still rare. My lecturer is old, so I want to continue his work in future. And so on, “explained Hudha.
The last tips, pray and get your parent’s blessings.
“Where there is a will, there is a way. Just pray. If your parents don’t allow it, try to convince them slowly. If you have to take care your sibling which I have experienced as well. God willing, we should manage it well. God’s willing, hopefully its enough for our sibling’s supports, ” concluded Hudha. (*)
Author: Siti Mufaidah
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
