√Study in Indonesia: Discover Scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD Students

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, is more than just a land of tropical beauty and cultural diversity — it’s also an emerging education hub in Southeast Asia. Over the past decade, the country has made remarkable progress in improving its higher education system and attracting international students from across the globe.

With government-backed scholarships, affordable tuition fees, and globally recognized universities, Indonesia offers an excellent opportunity for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students who want to pursue quality education in a rich cultural setting.

In this article, we’ll explore the best scholarships in Indonesia, including government programs like KNB, Darmasiswa, and LPDP, as well as university-funded opportunities available.

1. The Growing Popularity of Studying in Indonesia

Indonesia has become a top study destination for international students for several reasons:

• High-Quality Education: Many Indonesian universities are now listed in the QS World University Rankings, offering globally competitive programs.

• Cultural Diversity: With over 300 ethnic groups and hundreds of local languages, students can experience a rich cultural exchange.

• Affordable Living Costs: Indonesia provides a comfortable lifestyle at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.

• English-Taught Programs: Many universities now offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses entirely in English.

• Strong International Partnerships: Indonesia collaborates with universities in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., making exchange and joint-degree programs widely available.

2. Indonesian Government Scholarships for International Students

The Indonesian government actively supports international education through several fully funded scholarship programs. These scholarships aim to strengthen academic cooperation and promote cultural understanding.

A. KNB Scholarship (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang)

Overview:
The KNB Scholarship, or the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship, is one of Indonesia’s most prestigious government-funded programs. It is offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) to students from developing countries who wish to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees in Indonesia.

Coverage:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly living allowance
✅ Research and thesis fund
✅ Health insurance
✅ Return airfare

Eligible Levels:

• Bachelor’s (S1) – 8 semesters

• Master’s (S2) – 4 semesters

• Doctoral (S3) – 8 semesters

Fields of Study:
Engineering, science, economics, social sciences, humanities, and education.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Citizen of a developing country

• Age limit: 21 years (Bachelor), 35 years (Master), 40 years (PhD)

• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent)

• Recommendation from the Indonesian Embassy

Application Process:

1. Visit the official KNB portal.

2. Submit your online application form and required documents.

3. Wait for selection and university placement results.

Why It’s Ideal:
KNB is a fully funded scholarship that not only supports tuition and living costs but also provides a cultural immersion experience through pre-academic Indonesian language courses.

B. Darmasiswa Scholarship Program

Overview:
The Darmasiswa Scholarship is a non-degree program that allows foreign students to study Bahasa Indonesia, arts, and culture in various universities across the country. It’s also organized by Kemendikbudristek.

Duration:
6 months to 1 year

Benefits:
✅ Monthly living allowance
✅ Tuition fee exemption
✅ Cultural activities and excursions
✅ Visa assistance

Eligibility:

• Age between 18–27 years

• Completed secondary education

• Interested in Indonesian language and culture

Application Timeline:
Typically open between February and April every year through the Darmasiswa official website.

Why It’s Unique:
Perfect for students who want to learn Indonesian arts, culture, and language without pursuing a degree. It’s a bridge between education and cultural exchange.

C. LPDP Scholarship (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education)

Overview:
The LPDP Scholarship, managed by the Ministry of Finance, primarily funds Indonesian citizens, but some international students and researchers can apply through cooperation programs.

Available for:

• Master’s (S2)

• Doctoral (S3)

• Research collaborations

Coverage:
✅ Full tuition fees
✅ Monthly living allowance
✅ Health insurance
✅ Research funding
✅ Round-trip airfare

Priority Fields:
Renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, education, technology, public policy, and Islamic studies.

Why LPDP Matters:
LPDP is Indonesia’s most reputable postgraduate funding program, supporting thousands of scholars each year and strengthening academic partnerships worldwide.

3. University Scholarships in Indonesia for International Students

Beyond government programs, many Indonesian universities offer scholarships to attract high-achieving students worldwide.

A. Universitas Indonesia (UI)

Overview:
As Indonesia’s top-ranked university, Universitas Indonesia (UI) offers several scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs.

Scholarship Types:

• UI International Student Award (partial tuition waiver)

• Research collaboration funding

• Exchange program scholarships

Why Choose UI:
Located in Depok, near Jakarta, UI combines academic excellence with access to Indonesia’s business and research hubs.

B. Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)

Overview:
UGM, based in Yogyakarta, is one of Indonesia’s oldest and most respected universities. It offers various scholarships for postgraduate international students.

Scholarship Opportunities:

• UGM ASEAN +3 Scholarship

• UGM International Graduate Fellowship

• Research and cultural exchange grants

Highlight:
UGM has a strong international community and provides a welcoming environment for global students.

C. Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)

Overview:
ITB is Indonesia’s leading science and technology university, offering programs in engineering, architecture, and natural sciences.

Scholarship Options:

• ITB International Graduate Scholarship (tuition waiver)

• Joint Research Programs

• Academic Excellence Awards

Why ITB:
Students benefit from strong international partnerships and world-class research facilities.

D. BINUS University Global Scholarship

Overview:
BINUS University, located in Jakarta, offers merit-based scholarships for international students in fields like IT, business, and communication.

Benefits:

• Partial to full tuition coverage

• Leadership development training

• Access to global internship programs

Why BINUS:
BINUS combines global education standards with practical industry experience, preparing graduates for international careers.

4. How to Apply for Scholarships in Indonesia

Applying for scholarships in Indonesia is straightforward if you plan ahead. Here’s a general guide:

Step 1: Choose the Right Program

Decide your study level — Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD — and research suitable scholarships.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

• Valid passport

• Academic transcripts

• English proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS)

• Motivation letter and CV

• Recommendation letters

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Apply through official portals (KNB, Darmasiswa, or university websites). Double-check deadlines — most open between February and May.

Step 4: Interview and Selection

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview or additional testing.

Step 5: Receive Admission and Apply for Visa

Once accepted, you’ll receive an Admission Letter and can proceed with your Indonesian student visa application.

5. Life as an International Student in Indonesia

Studying in Indonesia offers more than academic growth — it’s a chance to explore a unique blend of modern and traditional lifestyles.

• Cost of Living: On average, living expenses range between USD 250–400 per month.

• Food & Culture: Experience a wide variety of local cuisines like nasi goreng, sate, and rendang.

• Transportation: Affordable options include public buses, Gojek, and GrabBike.

• Student Community: Many universities have international student associations and cultural exchange clubs.

Conclusion

Indonesia offers more than just affordable education — it offers a world-class academic experience with deep cultural roots. Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, there’s a scholarship designed to support your academic dreams.

Programs like KNB, Darmasiswa, and LPDP, along with scholarships from universities such as UI, UGM, and ITB, provide fully funded or partially funded opportunities for students worldwide.

If you’re ready to experience Asia’s hidden educational gem, Indonesia is waiting for you — a place where academic excellence meets cultural discovery.