Funding

Scholarships in Indonesia for 2026-27

The main scholarships for students from India and Pakistan: the KNB Scholarship (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang, the Indonesian government scholarship for developing countries) and Darmasiswa. There are also awards such as NEW UI GREAT at Universitas Indonesia (UI). Money is in Indonesian rupiah (IDR).

Indonesia Scholarship Overview

Government and university scholarships for international students.

Scholarships at a Glance

The Indonesian government runs two big scholarships for foreign students: KNB for full degrees and Darmasiswa for one year of Indonesian language, arts and culture.

Some universities have their own awards, such as NEW UI GREAT at UI and the Gadjah Mada International Fellowship (GMIF) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).

Embassy letter needed for KNB

KNB applicants need a recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General (a main Indonesian office in a city). Ask the Indonesian embassy in your country (New Delhi or Islamabad).

Scholarship Overview

Since 2006, KNB has supported 2,299 current and past students from 107 countries.
In 2026, 47 universities took part in KNB.

Why Apply for Scholarships?

KNB pays your tuition fees (the fee for your classes), a monthly living allowance, travel and health insurance.
Darmasiswa pays a monthly allowance for one year of language and culture study.
NEW UI GREAT covers master's tuition fees at UI.

Types of Scholarships

Scholarships for international students come from the government or from universities.

Government scholarships

Paid by the Government of Indonesia.

KNB Scholarship
Darmasiswa
The Indonesian AID Scholarship (TIAS)

University scholarships

Paid by the university.

NEW UI GREAT (UI)
Gadjah Mada International Fellowship (UGM)

Rules change each year

Check the latest guide on each scholarship's website before you apply.

Indonesian Government Scholarships

KNB is the main government scholarship for a full degree. The list above shows what KNB covers.

KNB students must go home within 60 days of graduation.

KNB Scholarship (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang, the Developing Countries Partnership scholarship)

For bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at partner universities. Run by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology.

Darmasiswa

A one-year non-degree scholarship to learn Indonesian language, arts and culture. Open to countries with diplomatic relations with Indonesia; ages 18 to 32 (the limit set for this round).

The Indonesian AID Scholarship (TIAS)

For government workers whom their own government nominates.

Key Benefits of Indonesia Government Scholarships

Tuition fees (the fee for your classes)

Monthly living money

Arrival allowance

Book and research allowance

Travel to Indonesia and back home after graduation

Monthly health insurance

University Scholarships

Some universities fund international students themselves.

Selection

NEW UI GREAT applicants must finish both UI's admission and the scholarship steps.

NEW UI GREAT (Universitas Indonesia)

Master's tuition fees paid for up to 4 semesters (half-years), visa and stay permit costs, health insurance and, for the full award, IDR 3,500,000 a month.

Gadjah Mada International Fellowship (GMIF)

For master's and doctoral students at UGM, with a focus on students from ASEAN (South-East Asian countries) and other developing countries (the Global South).

How to Find University Scholarships

Where to Look

Your university's international office
Pages of each faculty (a part of a university, such as Medicine): many UGM faculties have their own scholarships

Application Tips

Read each scholarship's own rules and dates.
Prepare two referees (people who write your recommendation letters) for NEW UI GREAT.

Tips for Applying

What helps your application.

Start early

KNB needs an embassy letter before you apply, so contact the embassy well before the deadline.

Check your passport

KNB 2026 asked for a passport valid until at least 31 December 2027.

Get a medical report

KNB asks for a medical report that is less than 3 months old.

Meet the age limit

KNB age limits on 31 December 2026: bachelor's 21 years; master's 35 and doctoral 40 years, at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB).

Meet the grade limit

KNB asks for a GPA (grade average) of at least 2.75 for bachelor's and 3.00 for master's and doctoral.

Show your English

KNB bachelor's English scores: TOEFL iBT 53, IELTS 5.5 or TOEIC 510 (English tests). Duolingo and other English tests that check writing, listening and speaking are also accepted.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for a level you already have a degree in. KNB does not allow this.
Asking an honorary consul for the embassy letter. Only an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General can give it.