√Affordable Study in Indonesia: Funding Options You Should Know

Studying abroad can be an exciting yet expensive dream for many students. However, when it comes to combining high-quality education, cultural immersion, and affordability, Indonesia stands out as one of the best destinations in Asia.

With tuition fees significantly lower than in Western countries and a wide range of government-funded scholarships, Indonesia makes international education truly accessible. Whether you’re interested in learning Bahasa Indonesia, earning a degree, or conducting research, there are multiple funding options available to help you study affordably.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the cost of studying in Indonesia, key scholarship programs, and funding opportunities that every international student should know.

1. Why Indonesia Is an Affordable Study Destination

Before diving into funding options, let’s look at why Indonesia is a financially smart choice for international students.

1. Low Tuition Fees

Compared to countries like the U.S., Australia, or the U.K., Indonesian universities offer much lower tuition costs.

• Public universities: USD 1,500–3,000 per year

• Private universities: USD 2,000–4,000 per year
  Many institutions even provide special international tuition rates that are lower than domestic ones.

2. Reasonable Living Costs

Living in Indonesia is surprisingly affordable. Depending on the city, your monthly expenses might range between USD 300–600, including accommodation, food, and transport.

For example:

• Accommodation: USD 100–200/month

• Food: USD 100–150/month

• Transportation: USD 30–50/month

• Internet and phone: USD 20–30/month

Cities like Yogyakarta, Malang, and Bandung are especially student-friendly, offering budget-friendly housing and rich cultural life.

3. Government Support for International Education

Indonesia’s government, through various ministries, provides fully funded scholarships to attract talented students worldwide. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also offer living allowances, airfare, and health insurance.

2. Top Scholarships for Affordable Study in Indonesia

Here are the most popular funding programs and scholarships that make studying in Indonesia accessible for international learners.

A. Darmasiswa Scholarship Program

Organizer: Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek)
Type: Non-degree, cultural and language learning program

Overview:
The Darmasiswa Scholarship is designed for students interested in learning Bahasa Indonesia and Indonesian culture for 6–12 months. It’s one of the best options for those seeking short-term, fully funded study experiences.

Coverage:

• Full tuition

• Monthly living allowance

• Accommodation assistance

• Cultural and educational tours

Eligibility:

• Non-Indonesian citizen

• Age 18–32 years

• Good academic standing

• Passion for Indonesian culture

Where to Apply:
https://darmasiswa.kemdikbud.go.id

B. KNB Scholarship (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang)

Organizer: Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture
Type: Fully funded degree scholarship

Overview:
The KNB Scholarship is one of Indonesia’s most prestigious programs. It targets students from developing countries and provides full financial support for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees at Indonesian universities.

Coverage:

• Full tuition

• Living allowance

• Settlement and research funds

• Health insurance

• Round-trip airfare

Partner Universities:

• Universitas Indonesia (UI)

• Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)

• Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)

• Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR)

• Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP)

Application Period: January – April (annually)

Where to Apply:
https://knb.kemdikbud.go.id

C. LPDP Scholarship

Organizer: Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (Ministry of Finance)
Type: Postgraduate and research funding

Overview:
While the LPDP Scholarship primarily targets Indonesian citizens, it also offers collaborative research and joint-degree programs open to international participants at Indonesian universities.

It’s ideal for researchers and postgraduate students seeking funding for academic collaboration or short-term study projects in Indonesia.

Coverage:

• Tuition and research costs

• Monthly living allowance

• Health insurance

• International research grants

Website:
https://lpdp.kemenkeu.go.id

D. University-Based Scholarships

Many top Indonesian universities offer internal scholarships or tuition waivers for international students.

Examples include:

• Universitas Indonesia (UI): UI International Student Scholarship

• UGM (Yogyakarta): International Undergraduate Scholarship

• Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB): ITB Global Scholarship

• Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR): UNAIR Global Scholarship

• Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD): International Student Funding

These scholarships often cover partial or full tuition fees and, in some cases, living costs.

3. Alternative Funding Options for International Students

Apart from scholarships, there are several other ways to fund your studies affordably in Indonesia.

1. Exchange Programs

If you’re enrolled at a partner university abroad, you may be eligible for tuition-free exchange programs with Indonesian institutions.

Many universities in Europe and Asia collaborate with Indonesia through:

• ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS)

• Erasmus+ Exchange Partnerships

These programs usually cover tuition, accommodation, and cultural activities.

2. Research Grants

Postgraduate and doctoral students can apply for research grants through Indonesian ministries or local universities.
Institutions like ITB, UGM, and UNAIR often fund joint research projects in areas such as:

• Sustainable development

• Environmental studies

• Tropical agriculture

• Maritime science

3. Sponsorships from Home Governments

Some students receive partial funding from their home governments or embassies to support education abroad.
Before applying for scholarships in Indonesia, check with your country’s Ministry of Education or Embassy in Jakarta for available programs.

4. Part-Time Work Opportunities

While student visas in Indonesia don’t allow full employment, international students may engage in part-time campus work or paid internships with university permission.
These experiences not only provide extra income but also valuable professional exposure.

4. How to Apply for Scholarships and Funding

Applying for scholarships or financial aid in Indonesia requires careful planning. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Research Scholarship Opportunities

Start by visiting the official websites of:

• https://knb.kemdikbud.go.id

• https://darmasiswa.kemdikbud.go.id

• University scholarship pages (e.g., UI, UGM, ITB, UNPAD)

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Common requirements include:

• Academic transcripts and diplomas

• Motivation letter or study plan

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)

• Recommendation letters

• Health certificate

• Copy of passport

Step 3: Apply Online

Applications are usually submitted through official portals.
Always double-check deadlines — most programs open between January and May each year.

Step 4: Interview and Selection

Shortlisted applicants may undergo interviews via Indonesian embassies or university panels.
Be prepared to discuss your academic goals and motivation for studying in Indonesia.

Step 5: Acceptance and Visa Process

Once accepted, you’ll receive an official scholarship offer letter and guidance for obtaining your student visa (VITAS).

5. Cost Breakdown: Example of Studying in Indonesia

Here’s an example of estimated annual costs for an international student in 2025:

With full funding, studying in Indonesia can be almost tuition-free, making it one of the most affordable destinations in Asia.

6. Why 2025 Is the Best Time to Study in Indonesia

The Indonesian government has significantly expanded its international education initiatives in 2025, with new partnerships across ASEAN, Europe, and Africa.

Many universities are now offering English-taught programs and hybrid learning options, making it easier than ever for international students to join.

This means more scholarships, more opportunities, and better support for global learners than ever before.

7. Final Thoughts

Studying in Indonesia doesn’t have to be expensive — in fact, it can be one of the most affordable international experiences available.

From fully funded scholarships like KNB and Darmasiswa to university-based grants and exchange programs, there’s a funding option for nearly every student.

With its rich culture, modern universities, and low cost of living, Indonesia offers not just education — but a life-changing journey.

If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in Asia without the heavy financial burden, Indonesia should be at the top of your list.

Start exploring scholarships today, prepare your documents, and make your affordable study journey in Indonesia a reality!