√Top Indonesian Universities Offering Scholarships for International Students

Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy and cultural hub, has become an increasingly popular destination for international students. With a blend of world-class universities, affordable tuition, and rich traditions, it’s a top choice for learners seeking both academic excellence and cultural experience.

Even better, many Indonesian universities now offer scholarships for international students, supported by government initiatives and university partnerships. Whether you’re pursuing language studies, engineering, business, or cultural programs, Indonesia has a scholarship that fits your goals.

This article explores the top Indonesian universities offering scholarships, the types of funding available, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Why Choose Indonesia for Higher Education?

Before we dive into the universities, it’s worth noting why Indonesia is becoming a favorite study destination.

Key Benefits:

• Affordable living costs — Accommodation, transportation, and food are cheaper than in most Western or Asian study destinations.

• Cultural diversity — Indonesia is home to over 300 ethnic groups and 700 languages, offering an enriching intercultural experience.

• Strong academic growth — Several Indonesian universities are ranked in QS World University Rankings and have strong international collaborations.

• Government support — The government actively funds scholarships for global learners through programs like KNB, Darmasiswa, and LPDP.

• Warm hospitality — Indonesians are known for their friendliness, making adaptation easier for newcomers.

Top Indonesian Universities Offering Scholarships (2025)

Let’s look at the top universities that welcome international students and provide fully or partially funded scholarships.

1. Universitas Indonesia (UI) – Jakarta

Overview:
Located in Depok, just outside Jakarta, Universitas Indonesia (UI) is one of the country’s most prestigious universities. It consistently ranks among the top 300 globally and is renowned for its research, innovation, and strong international programs.

Scholarships Available:

• UI International Student Scholarship: Tuition fee waivers for undergraduate and postgraduate international students.

• KNB Scholarship (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang): Fully funded by the government, available for degree programs at UI.

• LPDP Collaboration Programs: For postgraduate studies and joint research.

Fields of Study:
Engineering, Public Health, Medicine, Business, Law, and Social Sciences.

Website: https://www.ui.ac.id

2. Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) – Yogyakarta

Overview:
UGM is Indonesia’s oldest and most internationally recognized university, located in Yogyakarta — a cultural and academic hub known as the “City of Students.”

Scholarships Available:

• KNB Scholarship: Fully funded program for students from developing countries.

• UGM International Undergraduate Scholarship: Covers tuition fees for high-achieving international students.

• Darmasiswa Program: For non-degree students learning Bahasa Indonesia and Indonesian culture.

Why UGM?
UGM emphasizes community engagement and sustainable development studies. It’s also known for its affordable campus living and vibrant student life.

Website: https://www.ugm.ac.id

3. Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) – West Java

Overview:
ITB is Indonesia’s top-ranked technology and engineering university, located in Bandung. It’s highly regarded for innovation, architecture, and environmental research.

Scholarships Available:

• ITB Scholarship for International Students: Partial or full tuition coverage for outstanding students.

• KNB Scholarship: Fully funded degree programs supported by the government.

• LPDP Research Collaboration Grants: Joint postgraduate and doctoral research funding.

Fields of Study:
Engineering, Architecture, Natural Sciences, Art and Design, and Environmental Technology.

Website: https://www.itb.ac.id

4. Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) – Surabaya

Overview:
UNAIR is one of the fastest-growing universities in Indonesia and is known for its strong medical, business, and social science programs.

Scholarships Available:

• UNAIR Global Scholarship: Tuition reduction or exemption for international students.

• KNB Scholarship: Fully funded programs available in partnership with the Indonesian government.

• LPDP Research Grants: For postgraduate and doctoral students conducting regional research.

Why UNAIR?
UNAIR emphasizes global cooperation and offers student exchange programs with institutions across Asia and Europe.

Website: https://www.unair.ac.id

5. Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) – Bandung

Overview:
UNPAD is a top public university known for academic excellence and research innovation, especially in public policy, medicine, and communication.

Scholarships Available:

• UNPAD International Student Scholarship: Tuition waiver and living cost allowance for selected students.

• KNB Scholarship: Fully funded degree opportunities.

• Darmasiswa: Cultural and language learning for non-degree students.

Why UNPAD?
Located in Bandung, a student-friendly city surrounded by mountains, UNPAD offers a lively academic and cultural environment.

Website: https://www.unpad.ac.id

6. Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) – Semarang

Overview:
UNDIP is an environmentally conscious and research-driven university in Central Java, known for its engineering and public health programs.

Scholarships Available:

• UNDIP Scholarship: Covers tuition and living costs for selected international students.

• KNB Scholarship: Government-funded degree program available at UNDIP.

• Research Fellowships: For postgraduate students in marine and environmental science.

Website: https://www.undip.ac.id

7. Universitas Brawijaya (UB) – Malang

Overview:
UB is located in Malang, a cool and student-friendly city in East Java. It’s one of Indonesia’s most active research universities.

Scholarships Available:

• Brawijaya International Student Scholarship (BISS): Full or partial scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

• KNB and LPDP Programs: Available for degree-seeking international students.

Fields of Study:
Agriculture, Engineering, Law, Economics, and Medical Sciences.

Website: https://www.ub.ac.id

National Scholarship Programs Supporting These Universities

Many of the scholarships offered at these universities are supported by national-level initiatives, including:

A. KNB (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang) Scholarship

• Fully funded by the Indonesian government.

• Covers tuition, living allowance, airfare, health insurance, and research grants.

• Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs.

Eligibility:
Open to students from developing countries with strong academic performance.

Website: https://knb.kemdikbud.go.id

B. Darmasiswa Scholarship

• Focuses on non-degree cultural and language learning.

• Covers tuition, accommodation, and living allowance for 6–12 months.

• Available at many universities such as UGM, UNPAD, and UI.

Website: https://darmasiswa.kemdikbud.go.id

C. LPDP Scholarship

• Managed by the Indonesian Ministry of Finance.

• Focused on postgraduate and research-based programs.

• Open to both Indonesian and international researchers collaborating with local universities.

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

Application Process for University Scholarships

To apply for scholarships at these universities, follow these steps:

1. Choose your target university and program.
   Research the field of study and check scholarship availability.

2. Prepare required documents:

   • Academic transcripts and diplomas

   • Motivation letter

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

   • Passport copy

   • English proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)

   • Recommendation letters

3. Apply online through university portals or the KNB/Darmasiswa official websites.

4. Attend interviews (if required) by university representatives or Indonesian embassies.

5. Wait for selection results, then complete your visa and travel arrangements once accepted.

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

• Start applying early — deadlines often close by April or May.

• Write a personalized motivation letter explaining your interest in Indonesia.

• Highlight academic achievements and cultural openness.

• Follow all document requirements and formats carefully.

• Join Indonesian Embassy social media pages to stay updated.

Final Thoughts

Studying in Indonesia is more than earning a degree — it’s a journey of cultural discovery and global networking. The country’s universities are increasingly globalized, offering high-quality programs taught in English, supported by generous scholarships.

From Universitas Indonesia’s international programs to UGM’s cultural immersion, ITB’s engineering excellence, and UNAIR’s medical innovation, Indonesia’s universities are opening doors for international students worldwide.

If you’re ready to explore Southeast Asia’s educational gem, now is the time to apply. Start researching programs and scholarship options at your preferred university, prepare your documents, and take the first step toward studying in Indonesia.