KNB Indonesian Government Scholarship 2026 (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang) | Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology | Brilliant Scholarship
Fully FundedOpen
KNB Indonesian Government Scholarship 2026 (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang)
Fully funded Indonesian government scholarship for developing-country students at Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across 34 universities.
Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology
Overview
The KNB Scholarship — short for Kemitraan Negara Berkembang, which translates to "Developing Country Partnership" — is a fully funded scholarship program offered by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Designed to promote educational exchange and strengthen ties between Indonesia and other developing nations, the KNB Scholarship invites international students from eligible countries to pursue Bachelor's, Master's, or doctoral degrees at some of Indonesia's finest universities. With 34 participating institutions, over 1,000 degree programs across a remarkably diverse range of disciplines, and a comprehensive financial package covering all major costs of studying abroad, the KNB Scholarship is one of Southeast Asia's most generous and inclusive government scholarship programs. For students from developing countries who aspire to access high-quality university education in a vibrant and culturally rich environment, this scholarship represents an outstanding opportunity.
Scholarship Details
The KNB Scholarship is fully funded, providing a financial package that comprehensively covers the costs of studying and living in Indonesia for the entire duration of the programme.
Full tuition fees are covered regardless of the degree level or field of study. Upon arrival in Indonesia, new scholars receive a settlement allowance to help with the initial costs of relocating and establishing themselves in their new environment. Throughout the programme, scholars receive a monthly living allowance to cover daily expenses such as food, transportation, and personal needs.
A research and book allowance supports the academic work of scholars, particularly valuable for graduate students engaged in research-intensive programs. Health insurance is provided for the scholarship duration, and an economy class air ticket covers the international travel cost to Indonesia. Local transport to the host university is also included.
One of the distinctive features of the KNB Scholarship is the mandatory one-year Indonesian language training program (BIPA) that all scholars must complete before beginning their academic degree. This program is fully funded and prepares scholars linguistically and culturally for life and study in Indonesia.
The total programme durations are: Bachelor's — 8 semesters (approximately 4 years); Master's — 4 semesters (approximately 2 years); PhD — 8 semesters (approximately 4 years). All durations include the one-year BIPA language training at the start.
Eligibility Requirements
The KNB Scholarship is exclusively open to citizens of developing countries. Applicants from developed nations are not eligible. The specific list of eligible countries is published on the official KNB scholarship website and reflects Indonesia's development partnership priorities.
Award Amount
Fully funded — covers full tuition, living allowance, settlement allowance, research and book allowance, health insurance, economy class airfare, and local transport to host university
Payment: Total Program
Deadline
2026-03-31
Applicants must first obtain a recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General in their home country before registering online. The embassy recommendation step must be completed before the online registration deadline of March 31, 2026.
Duration
All levels include a mandatory 1-year Indonesian language training (BIPA). Bachelor's: 8 semesters (48 months); Master's: 4 semesters (24 months); PhD: 8 semesters (48 months)
About the AuthorActive ApplicantUniversity Graduate
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ProviderIndonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology
AmountFully funded — covers full tuition, living allowance, settlement allowance, research and book allowance, health insurance, economy class airfare, and local transport to host university
Deadline2026-03-31
Duration5 years
Fully FundedYes
RenewableNo
Who Is This Scholarship For?
Ideal Candidate:
The scholarship operates a strict one-level-up academic requirement: Bachelor's applicants must hold a high school diploma but must not already hold a bachelor's degree; Master's applicants must hold a bachelor's degree but must not already hold a master's degree; PhD applicants must hold a master's degree but must not already hold a doctoral degree. This ensures the scholarship is used to advance education rather than to fund redundant qualifications.
Age limits apply: applicants for the Bachelor's scholarship must be no older than 21 years; for the Master's scholarship, the maximum age is 35 years; and for the PhD scholarship, the maximum age is 40 years. Applicants should confirm their age eligibility before beginning the application process.
Regarding language requirements, IELTS is not required for native English speakers or for applicants who completed their previous education at an English-speaking university. This is a meaningful concession that makes the scholarship more accessible to a broad range of applicants from English-medium educational backgrounds. Applicants who do not meet this exemption should review the specific language requirements applicable to their chosen program and university.
All scholars, regardless of language background, are required to complete the one-year Indonesian language program (BIPA) upon arrival — this is non-negotiable and is built into the scholarship structure.
Fields of Study & Programs
One of the most impressive aspects of the KNB Scholarship is the sheer breadth of academic disciplines available. With over 1,008 degree programs across 34 universities, the scholarship supports virtually every major field of academic study.
Available disciplines include natural sciences such as biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, astronomy, and earth sciences; applied and technical fields including engineering, computer science, informatics, instrumentation and control, pharmacy, architecture, and transportation; health-related programs such as nursing, nutrition, midwifery, veterinary medicine, and public health; and social and humanistic disciplines including law, economics, management, accountancy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, communication science, political science, international relations, history, public administration, and English language and literature.
More specialized programs such as disaster management, water resource management, logistics, tourism planning, urban and regional planning, and library and information science reflect Indonesia's specific development needs and the unique academic strengths of its universities. Whether a student is drawn to fundamental science, applied technology, or social and cultural studies, the KNB portfolio almost certainly includes a relevant program.
Participating Universities
The KNB Scholarship is hosted across 34 Indonesian universities, spanning the country's most prestigious public research institutions as well as regional universities with specialized strengths in particular fields.
Among the most prominent participating institutions are Universitas Indonesia (UI) in Depok, near Jakarta — the country's oldest modern university and a consistent leader in law, medicine, social sciences, and humanities. Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in Bandung is Southeast Asia's leading technical university, internationally recognized for its programs in engineering, architecture, and natural sciences. Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta is one of Indonesia's largest and most comprehensive universities, with particular strengths in agriculture, social sciences, and medicine.
Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) in Bogor is a world leader in agricultural sciences, food technology, and environmental management. Universitas Airlangga in Surabaya is renowned for medicine, pharmacy, and health sciences. Other notable participants include Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Diponegoro, Universitas Hasanuddin, and many more institutions distributed across Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and other Indonesian islands.
This geographic distribution means KNB scholars have the opportunity to experience Indonesia's extraordinary regional diversity, from the cultural heartland of Java to the natural wonders of Sulawesi.
How to Apply
The KNB Scholarship application process involves several sequential steps, and it is important to follow them in order — particularly the requirement to obtain an embassy recommendation letter before registering online.
Step 1: Download the KNB Offering Letter
Visit the official KNB scholarship website (knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id) and download the KNB Scholarship Offering Letter. This document is required when approaching the Indonesian Embassy.
Step 2: Contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General
Visit or contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General in your home country. Submit all required administrative and academic documents — including your academic certificates, passport copy, CV, motivation letter, and any additional materials requested by the embassy — to obtain an official recommendation letter. This step is mandatory and must be completed before online registration.
Step 3: Register Online
Once you have received the recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate, proceed to register on the KNB scholarship online portal. Create only one account per applicant.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Scan and upload all required documents in .jpeg or .jpg format, with each file not exceeding 300KB. Required documents include: scanned academic degree certificate (appropriate to the level applied for), embassy recommendation letter, passport copy, updated CV, motivation letter, and a recommendation from a supervisor or previous academic institution.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Ensure your complete online application is submitted before March 31, 2026. No application fee is charged at any stage.
For a strong application, write a focused and specific motivation letter that clearly explains your academic interests, your reasons for choosing Indonesia and your chosen university, and how the scholarship aligns with your career goals. A compelling CV that highlights academic achievements, relevant experience, and personal qualities will strengthen your candidacy.
Deadlines & Important Dates
The application deadline for the KNB Indonesian Government Scholarship 2026 is March 31, 2026. This is a firm deadline applicable to the online registration and document submission stage.
However, because applicants must first obtain a recommendation letter from their local Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General before registering online, the effective preparation timeline is earlier. Embassy procedures can take time — some embassies may require advance appointments, document authentication, or additional processing steps. Candidates should contact their local Indonesian Embassy at least four to six weeks before the March 31 deadline to allow sufficient time for this step.
Applicants who delay contacting the embassy risk being unable to complete the online registration before the deadline, even if their academic documents are ready. Early engagement with the Indonesian diplomatic mission in your country is strongly advisable.
For the most current information on the 2026 application timeline, visit the official KNB scholarship portal.
Life as a Scholar
Studying in Indonesia on a KNB Scholarship is an immersive and genuinely distinctive experience — one defined by the country's extraordinary cultural diversity, warm hospitality, and rapidly developing academic environment.
Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country and home to hundreds of distinct ethnic groups, languages, and cultural traditions. For international students, living and studying in Indonesia means daily exposure to a richness of human experience that few other countries can match. From the historic temples of Yogyakarta and the cosmopolitan energy of Jakarta to the volcanic landscapes of Sulawesi and the marine biodiversity of Raja Ampat, Indonesia offers an environment of unparalleled natural and cultural variety.
The mandatory one-year Indonesian language program not only equips scholars with practical communication skills but serves as a profound introduction to Indonesian society and values. Many KNB alumni describe the BIPA year as one of the most memorable periods of their scholarship, during which they form close friendships with fellow international scholars and Indonesian students alike.
University campuses provide dedicated international student support services, housing assistance, and orientation programs. The cost of living in Indonesia is relatively low compared to many scholarship destinations, meaning the monthly allowance provides a comfortable standard of daily life. Healthcare coverage gives scholars and their families confidence throughout the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which countries are eligible for the KNB Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to citizens of developing countries. The specific list of eligible nations is published on the official KNB website and is updated each cycle.
2. Can I apply if I already hold a degree at the level I am applying for?
No. The scholarship uses a strict one-level-up requirement. Bachelor's applicants must not hold a bachelor's degree; Master's applicants must not hold a master's degree; PhD applicants must not hold a doctoral degree.
3. Is IELTS required?
IELTS is not required for native English speakers or for applicants who completed their prior education at an English-speaking institution. Other applicants should check program-specific language requirements.
4. Is the Indonesian language training mandatory?
Yes. All KNB scholars — regardless of their existing language skills — must complete the one-year Indonesian language training (BIPA) program before beginning their degree. This is included in the total programme duration.
5. How many scholarships are awarded?
In 2024, the Indonesian Ministry awarded 222 scholarships. The exact number for 2026 may vary — check the official KNB portal for confirmed figures.
6. Do I need to contact the Indonesian Embassy before applying online?
Yes. Obtaining a recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General in your home country is a mandatory prerequisite for online registration. This step must be completed first.
Final Thoughts
The KNB Indonesian Government Scholarship offers a rare combination of comprehensive financial coverage, remarkable academic breadth, and the opportunity to live and study in one of the world's most culturally and naturally extraordinary countries. It is a program designed with genuine intent — to build bridges between Indonesia and the developing world through education and mutual understanding. For students who meet the eligibility criteria and are willing to embrace the adventure of studying in a new language and culture, the KNB Scholarship is an investment in both professional growth and personal transformation. Begin the embassy recommendation process early, prepare your documents with care, and approach your application with authentic purpose and clarity.
Renewable
No
About This Scholarship
The KNB Scholarship (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang) is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship offered by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology to international students from developing countries. The program supports study at the Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels at 34 participating Indonesian universities across 1,008 degree programs covering a wide range of disciplines. The financial package includes full tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance, a settlement allowance upon arrival, a research and book allowance, health insurance, an economy class air ticket, and local transport to the host university. All scholars must complete a mandatory one-year Indonesian language training program (BIPA) before beginning their degree. Program durations are: Bachelor's — 8 semesters (48 months); Master's — 4 semesters (24 months); PhD — 8 semesters (48 months). Eligibility is restricted to citizens of developing countries, with age limits of 21 (Bachelor's), 35 (Master's), and 40 (PhD). Applicants must first obtain a recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy in their home country before registering online. The deadline is March 31, 2026. Approximately 222 scholarships were awarded in 2024. There is no application fee.
Eligible Study Levels
UndergraduateMasterPhD
Fields of Study
BiologyEngineeringEconomicsPhysicsChemistryVisual Art and DesignArchitectureTransportationManagement SciencePharmacyAstronomyMathematicsEarth SciencesInstrumentation and ControlLogisticsWater Resource ManagementTourism PlanningUrban and Regional PlanningComputer ScienceInformaticsStatisticsCommunication ScienceAccountancyLawPsychologyVeterinary MedicineLibrary and InformationNutritionEnglish Language and LiteratureMidwiferyPublic AdministrationAnthropologyNursingSociologyInternational RelationsHistoryDisaster ManagementPolitical Science
Available Countries
Indonesia
Eligibility Requirements
Open to citizens of developing countries only
Bachelor's scholarship: must hold a high school degree; bachelor's degree holders are not eligible
Master's scholarship: must hold a bachelor's degree; master's degree holders are not eligible
PhD scholarship: must hold a master's degree; PhD holders are not eligible
Maximum age of 21 years for bachelor's scholarship
Maximum age of 35 years for master's scholarship
Maximum age of 40 years for PhD scholarship
IELTS not required for native English speakers or those who completed education at an English-speaking university
No application fee required
Must obtain a recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General in their home country before applying online
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: Strong academic background required — specific GPA not stated; varies by university and program
Test Scores:
IELTS not required for native English speakers or graduates of English-medium institutions
Language Requirements:
IELTS waived for native English speakers or those who completed prior education at an English-speaking university
All scholars must complete a mandatory one-year Indonesian language training (BIPA) program upon arrival
Application Process
1Download the KNB Scholarship Offering Letter from the official KNB scholarship website
2Contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General in your home country and submit all required administrative and academic documents to obtain an official recommendation letter
3After receiving the embassy or consulate recommendation letter, register online at the KNB scholarship website (knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id)
4Scan and upload all required documents as .jpeg or .jpg files (maximum 300KB per file)
5Ensure only one application account is created per applicant
6Submit your online application before the March 31, 2026 deadline
Required Documents
Scanned Academic Degree Certificate*Required
High school certificate for Bachelor's applicants; Bachelor's degree for Master's applicants; Master's degree for PhD applicants — scanned in .jpeg or .jpg format
Recommendation Letter from Indonesian Embassy or Consulate*Required
Official recommendation letter obtained from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General in the applicant's home country — mandatory before online registration
Passport Copy*Required
Scanned copy of valid passport in .jpeg or .jpg format
Curriculum Vitae (CV)*Required
Updated CV detailing academic background, work experience, and relevant achievements
Motivation Letter*Required
Letter explaining the applicant's reasons for applying, academic interests, and career goals
Supervisor or School Recommendation Letter*Required
Recommendation from a supervisor or previous academic institution in addition to the Indonesian Embassy recommendation
Partner Universities
Universitas Indonesia
Depok, Indonesia
Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)
Bandung, Indonesia
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB)
Bogor, Indonesia
Universitas Airlangga
Surabaya, Indonesia
Universitas Brawijaya
Malang, Indonesia
Universitas Diponegoro
Semarang, Indonesia
Universitas Hasanuddin
Makassar, Indonesia
Additional Benefits
Settlement allowance for new students upon arrival in Indonesia
Full tuition fee coverage
Monthly living allowance
Research and book allowance
Health insurance
Economy class air ticket
Local transport to host university
One-year compulsory Indonesian language training program (BIPA) — fully funded
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