The Interview

Hi.

As promised, I’'ll share a bit more about my LPDP scholarship test experience and try to recall some of the interview questions I was asked. Each applicant usually receives a different schedule consisting of three stages: an on-the-spot essay, a leaderless group discussion, and the interview. Applicants for overseas master’s or PhD programs complete the entire process in English, while those applying for programs in Indonesia take the tests in Bahasa Indonesia.

I was quite fortunate because all of my tests were scheduled on the same day. The only downside? My very first session was the interview 😂. Friends who had already received LPDP scholarships gave me plenty of advice - how to answer confidently, how to stay calm, and how not to panic before entering the room. Still, the waiting area was nerve-racking. Many applicants were discussing their interviews and rehearsing answers just minutes before their names were called.

Instead of joining the frenzy, I decided to retreat to the mushalla. I wanted a quiet place to clear my mind and focus only on God. I listened to music, reviewed my documents one last time, and checked if there was anything I had missed. My dear friend Eka also reminded me to give alms, even something as small as a bar of chocolate. She believed small acts of kindness bring good luck. Whether or not that is true, I’ve always found that doing good somehow brings peace... and maybe a little luck too 😊.

As 11:00 approached, I realized my turn was coming soon. By 10:45, I headed downstairs to queue, and sure enough, my name was already listed on the board. When the committee called me, I entered a large hall filled with rows of chairs and interview desks. There were around twelve desks in total, and I was assigned to desk number twelve. It looked like an exhibition room, but the atmosphere was far more intense.

I sat down in front of three interviewers: a psychologist and two academics (though I can’t remember which universities they were from). I greeted them politely, took a deep breath, and then the questions began.

Interviewer 1: Can you please introduce your name? Please state the university you are applying for and the reason you choose that university.

Me; My name is Nabilla, I graduated from Universitas Padjadjaran's Faculty of Law last 2015. I am currently holding an unconditional offer from the University of Sydney's Master in International Law program. I have been interested in studying in this university ever since I was still on my bachelor study. It is one of the best law schools in the world and I believe that its courses are interesting and they suit me well.

Interviewer 1: Only because of that?

Me: I have carefully researched several Master of International Law programs, and the University of Sydney stands out as the best fit for my academic goals. My strong interest in human rights issues, particularly the rights of refugees and foreign workers, has led me to plan a thesis in this area. During my research, I identified a distinguished scholar at the University of Sydney whose expertise closely aligns with my proposed topic. He previously worked with the United Nations and is widely recognized for his work in labor law.

I have had several opportunities to communicate with him, and he has shown genuine interest in discussing my research ideas. He has also kindly offered to connect me with his wife, who is likewise an expert in refugee and labor law. This academic network would be highly valuable in strengthening my research.

In addition, the University of Sydney is home to one of the leading research centers in international law, which offers internship opportunities for students. This would provide me with practical research experience and deepen my academic skills. As I aspire to become a lecturer and researcher in international law after completing my master’s degree, I believe the University of Sydney would provide the ideal environment to help me achieve those goals.

Interviewer 2: And are you confident that you will be accepted in that internship program?

Me: I am, Sir. The requirements are an application form and a strong academic report. With my previous academic record I am confident to apply for this program and as far as I know, the students who have not had previous opportunities to undertake paid or unpaid work in a relevant field are especially encouraged. So at least I believe that I will be qualified for the last criteria. (jokingly)

Psychologist: So tell me about your daily activities. Have you ever been involved in any kind of social activities around your neighborhood?

Me: Yes, it is actually quite an interesting story. It began when I spoke with a man in my neighborhood who handled administrative matters in our housing area. He told me that the computers at the village office had been damaged by a power outage, and the staff were overwhelmed trying to manage important legal and administrative documents manually.

Hearing this, I decided to visit the village office and offer my help. I was then given the opportunity to work as an intern, assisting the village secretary in transferring the remaining data into the new computers. It was a valuable experience that gave me firsthand insight into the daily challenges faced by local public institutions.

Through that experience, I realized that many aspects of the system still needed improvement. I also spoke with the village chief, who explained that many residents still lacked basic legal knowledge and often did not understand their rights or legal procedures. His words left a strong impression on me.

Inspired by this experience, I began thinking about creating a small community made up of law students and graduates who would be willing to share their legal knowledge with society. My hope was to help bridge the gap between legal expertise and the everyday needs of the community.

Interviewer 1: So did you make the community? Is it like an organization?

Me: Yes, in a way, I did. I gathered several friends who share the same concern, and together we formed a group called Pemuda Peduli Hukum (Youth for Legal Awareness). We organized a small seminar for residents in my village, scheduled for next December, where we plan to discuss domestic violence—an issue that is unfortunately more common in my neighborhood than many realize. Although it is a serious crime, people rarely speak up about it, either because they are afraid or because they do not fully understand its legal implications. Through this seminar, we hope to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and support those who may need help.

Psychologist: Can you please tell me. What is your biggest failure in your life, and how did you overcome it?

Me: Well, actually this is my second time applying for LPDP scholarship. I applied on the second batch of this year but I failed.

(All the interviewers' eyes are on me)

Interviewer 1: So what did you do?

Me: I believe I understood where I fell short at that time. I was simply not well prepared. During my previous interview, one of the panelists asked whether I had any experience as an assistant lecturer, since I had expressed my goal of becoming a lecturer. I answered no, as formal assistant lecturer positions at my university generally require at least a master’s degree. However, I did not let that discourage me. I applied for internship opportunities instead, and although it was challenging at first, I persisted. Today, I am working with the Department of International Law at my university, assisting lecturers with academic and administrative tasks. It has been an invaluable experience that has confirmed my passion for teaching, while also allowing me to join professional training programs for educators that will benefit my future career.

Secondly, I did not have a Letter of Acceptance during my previous application, but I have secured one now. More importantly, I took time to reflect on every weakness in my earlier interview, learned from those shortcomings, and worked to improve them through stronger preparation. I am now applying again with greater readiness, clearer goals, and a much stronger foundation.

Interviewer 2: Alright, I guess that is all from us. Thank you for your participation, and good luck with the result.

(All the interviewers shook my hand goodbye)

There were, of course, several other questions as well, including topics related to my family’s support and my understanding of the thesis subject I planned to pursue. However, I believe the questions I have shared above were the most significant parts of the interview. Naturally, my actual answers were not word-for-word like this, but they were more or less along the same lines 😉

For anyone preparing for LPDP or needing advice on applications, interviews, or anything related, feel free to reach out to me by email (you can ask for it through my Instagram or simply leave a comment below). I will do my best to help in any way I can.

Cheers!