Jakarta, February 2026 – Since 2010, the Ajinomoto Foundation through PT AJINOMOTO INDONESIA (Ajinomoto) has been opening doors for young Indonesians to pursue higher education in Japan. This year, Ajinomoto is once again opening registration for the Ajinomoto Post-Graduate Scholarship for Indonesian students who aspire to continue their master's degree (S2) studies at renowned universities in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Last year, this opportunity led Rafiq Usdiqa Maulana to become the recipient of the Ajinomoto Scholarship for the 2026 academic year. Rafiq is a young man from Solok, West Sumatra, who graduated with a degree in Biotechnology from Brawijaya University. This scholarship is a big step in Rafiq's journey to develop his knowledge and make a real contribution to society.
Rafiq Usdiqa Maulana, awarded the 2026 Ajinomoto Scholarship program
"Through the Ajinomoto Scholarship, I have the opportunity to continue my studies at one of seven leading universities in Japan, namely the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Nagoya University, Tokyo Institute of Science, Ochanomizu University, Japan Nutrition University, and Waseda University. This scholarship program is open to outstanding students who are interested in the fields of Nutrition, Food, Agriculture, Engineering, and Science, and who have a strong commitment to continue learning and developing," said Rafiq.
This year, Rafiq will continue his master's program (S2) at the Department of Clinical Applications, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, under the supervision of Prof. Megumu K. Saito. The studies will begin in April 2026 as a Research Student, and will continue at the Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine as a Master's Program. The target completion date is April 2029 with a Master of Medical Science (M.Med.Sci.) degree. The Ajinomoto Scholarship is a full scholarship that covers a monthly living allowance of ¥150,000 for Research Students (for 1 year) and ¥180,000 for Master Course Students (for 2 years), full tuition fees, administrative and examination fees, and airfare to Japan.
Rafiq Usdiqa Maulana, awarded the 2026 Ajinomoto Scholarship program
"I am very grateful and honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Ajinomoto scholarship for the 2026 academic year. The selection process I went through was a valuable experience that taught me the importance of thorough preparation, not only academically, but also in terms of my long-term vision," added Rafiq.
Through this scholarship, Rafiq hopes to study as hard as he can and make a real contribution in his field of study. Rafiq also expressed his gratitude for this extraordinary trust and opportunity.
"For those of you who want to realize your dream of pursuing higher education in Japan, registration for the Ajinomoto Scholarship is open from January 5 to March 5, 2026, and the entire selection process is FREE – no fees are charged. Complete information about this scholarship program can be accessed through the official Ajinomoto Indonesia website: www.ajinomoto.co.id/id/beasiswa. Now is the time to take a big step towards the future. Don't hesitate, prepare yourself, and make your dreams come true with the Ajinomoto Scholarship," concluded Rafiq at the end of the conversation.