Indonesia is one of the fastest-growing study destinations in Asia, offering high-quality education, fully funded scholarships, and a rich multicultural experience. For international students—especially Africans—Indonesia provides some of the most accessible government-funded scholarships in the world.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting scholarships in Indonesia, such as the best fully funded programmes, who can apply, the benefits of getting a scholarship, and how to apply step by step.
Why You Should Study in Indonesia as an International Student
Indonesia is not only cheap; it is also strategic, diverse, and connected to the rest of the world.
Many international students are choosing Indonesia for these reasons:
- Government scholarships that cover all costs are available.
- Living expenses are lower than in Europe or the US.
- Universities that are known around the world
- There are programs that teach English.
- Strong ties with African and developing countries
- A lot of different cultures (over 17,000 islands)
The government of Indonesia also pays for programmes that promote international education to build future leaders and strengthen cooperation around the world.
Different kinds of scholarships in Indonesia
In Indonesia, there are three main types of scholarships:
1. Scholarships from the government
These are the most important and easy to find.
2. Scholarships for College
Offered directly by universities in Indonesia.
3. Scholarships for cultural exchange
Concentrated on language, the arts, and cultural exchange.
The majority of scholarships are the following:
- All costs covered (tuition, living expenses, and airfare)
- Partially paid for (only tuition or living costs)
- Short-term (training or cultural programmes)
Best Scholarships in Indonesia for Foreign Students
Now let’s look at the most important scholarships you should apply for.
1. KNB Scholarship (a scholarship from the Indonesian government)
This is Indonesia’s most popular and fully funded scholarship.
The official name for it is the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship.
Main Features
- Government scholarship that pays for everything
- For Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees
- Available to students from less developed countries
- The initiative includes more than 40 universities and hundreds of programmes.
Pros
- All tuition costs
- Monthly money for living
- Help with housing
- Insurance for health
- Airfare for a round trip
- Money for research and writing a thesis
Length
- Bachelor’s degree: up to four years (plus time to learn a language)
- Two years for a master’s degree
- PhD: up to four years
Who can apply
- Must come from a country that is still developing
- A strong academic background
- You must be able to speak English.
- Age limits:
- Undergraduate: less than 21
- Master’s: less than 35
- PhD: less than 40
Timeline for Applications
- Starts in February
- Due date: every year around March 31
If you want a fully funded scholarship in Indonesia, the Darmasiswa Scholarship is your best bet.
2. The Darmasiswa Scholarship
The Darmasiswa Scholarship Program is a one-of-a-kind Indonesian government grant that focuses on language and culture.
Main Features
- Scholarship without a degree
- Focus on the arts, culture, and language of Indonesia
- Length: 1 year
Pros
- Monthly payment
- Paying for school
- Experience of living in a different culture
What you need
- CV
- A passport that is good for at least 18 months
- Certificate of health
- Transcripts from school
- Letter of recommendation
If you want to learn about other cultures instead of getting a full degree, this scholarship is perfect for you.
3. Indonesian AID Grant
This initiative is another programme that the government supports.
Main Features
- Helps students from developing countries who come to study in other countries
- Focus on leadership and development goals
- For diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees
Pros
- Paying for school
- Support for living
- Go to the best universities in Indonesia to study
The program’s goals are to build partnerships around the world and expand education.
4. Scholarships for college students in Indonesia
Many Indonesian universities give scholarships to students from other countries.
Some of the best universities are the following:
- Universitas Indonesia (UI)
- Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)
- UGM, or Universitas Gadjah Mada
These colleges and universities offer:
- Free tuition
- Scholarships based on merit
- Funding for research
The KNB scholarship programme covers most of these schools.
5. LPDP (Scholarship from the Indonesia Endowment Fund)
The Indonesian government runs the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education, which is a big scholarship fund.
Note:
- Mainly for people from Indonesia
- There are opportunities for international collaboration.
It is a big part of paying for education and research in Indonesia.
What Indonesian Scholarships Pay For
Most scholarships from the government pay for everything.
Common advantages include:
- Fees for school
- Monthly payment
- Help with housing
- Insurance for health
- Costs of travel
- Funding for research
This makes Indonesia one of the cheapest places for international students to go.
Requirements for Eligibility
Most scholarships have similar rules, but the requirements are different for each one.
General Requirements
- You have to be an international student.
- Passport that is still good
- Doing well in school
- Health and fitness
Requirements for School
- Undergraduate: High school diploma
- Master’s degree: Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree: PhD
Requirements for language
- You must be able to speak English.
- You often need IELTS or TOEFL
- There are some exceptions.
Extra Requirements
- Letter of recommendation (usually from the Indonesian embassy)
- Purpose statement
- CV
How to Get Scholarships in Indonesia
Carefully follow these steps one by one.
Step 1: Pick Your Course
Make a choice:
- Level of degree
- Area of study
- Most wanted colleges
Step 2: Choose the Scholarship
Pay attention to:
- KNB Grant
- Darmasiswa
- AID for Indonesia
Step 3: Get your papers ready
You will need:
- Certificates for school
- Records
- Passage
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Results of the English test
Step 4: Ask the embassy for advice
For KNB:
- You need to get a letter of recommendation from your country’s Indonesian embassy.
Step 5: Sign up online
Use the official scholarship system to send in your application.
Step 6: Go to the Interview
Some colleges and universities may hold interviews.
Step 7: Get Accepted
If chosen:
- You get in
- Continue with the visa process
The Best Classes to Take in Indonesia
Indonesia is strong in several areas.
Some popular programmes are:
- Technology and Engineering
- Science of the Environment
- Farming
- Management and Business
- Travel and Hospitality
- The Social Sciences
A lot of programs are in line with Africa’s and Asia’s development goals.
How much it costs to study in Indonesia without a scholarship
Indonesia is cheap even without a scholarship.
Costs that are thought to be the following:
- Cost of tuition: $1,000 to $5,000 a year
- Cost of living: $300 to $700 a month
This option is a lot less expensive than in most Western countries.
Benefits of Studying in Indonesia
- Scholarships that cover all costs are available
- Low cost of living
- Top-notch colleges and universities
- A strong community of international students
- Different cultures
- Location that is good for business around the world
Things You Should Know About Challenges
- Language barrier (Bahasa Indonesia is widely spoken)
- Scholarships that are competitive
- Few direct application routes
- Adjusting to a new culture
But most students get used to it quickly.
How to Get Scholarships in Indonesia
Use these tips to improve your chances:
1. Submit your application early
Deadlines are very strict, especially KNB.
2. Look for government grants
They pay for everything.
3. Write a strong personal statement
Make your goals clear.
4. Ask the Embassy for a Recommendation First
KNB needs this.
5. ensure that your course fits with your background.
Stay away from programmes that aren’t related.
6. Send in all of your paperwork
Applications that are not complete are not accepted.
Last Words
If you want a fully funded scholarship in Asia with less competition, Indonesia is one of the best places to go.
You should focus on:
- KNB Scholarship (most important)
- Darmasiswa (for cultural events)
- AID Scholarship for Indonesians
Your chances of success are very high if you get ready, apply early, and send in strong documents.
In addition to education, Indonesia offers life-changing experiences, exposure to the world, and job opportunities that can change your future.