Indonesian Government KNB Scholarship in Indonesia 2026

The Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship is a prestigious fully funded program offered by the Government of Indonesia to outstanding international students from developing countries around the world. It provides an exceptional opportunity to pursue undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees at 47 leading partner universities across Indonesia's vibrant archipelago. The program covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and settlement allowances, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies and research without financial worries.

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Quick Overview

• Host Country: Indonesia

• Program Name: Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship

• Program Levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral (PhD)

• Number of Partner Universities: 47 leading universities across Indonesia

• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded

• Total Scholars (2006-2025): 2,299 students and alumni from 107 countries

• Application Period: 2nd February to 31st March 2026

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Program History and Background

The KNB Scholarship was first launched in 1992 following the 10th Conference of Heads of State of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Jakarta, initially open only to students from NAM member countries. The first cohort of scholars began their studies in 1993, establishing a tradition of academic excellence and international cooperation.

• 1992: Program established after NAM Conference in Jakarta

• 1993: First cohort of scholars began studies

• 2002: Program expanded beyond NAM and officially renamed Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship

• 2006-2025: Supported 2,299 students and alumni from 107 countries

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Vision and Mission of the Program

The KNB Scholarship is guided by three core objectives that shape its approach to international education and cultural exchange.

• Human Resource Development: Contribute to human resource development in developing countries by equipping future leaders with advanced knowledge and skills needed for national development

• Cultural Understanding: Promote deeper cultural understanding and strengthen diplomatic and people-to-people ties between Indonesia and partner nations across the globe

• Academic Excellence: Support Indonesian higher education institutions in improving their research capacity and global competitiveness, aligning with the national strategy to develop world-class universities

This threefold mission ensures that the scholarship benefits not only individual students but also their home countries and Indonesia itself.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the KNB Scholarship.

General Requirements

• Be a citizen of a developing country

• Hold a valid passport

• Meet the academic requirements of their chosen program at Indonesian universities

Program-Specific Requirements

• Bachelor's applicants: Must have completed secondary education with strong academic records

• Master's and doctoral applicants: Must hold relevant previous degrees with strong academic records from recognized institutions

Language Requirements

• English proficiency is required for applicants from non-English-speaking countries, demonstrated through recognized language tests

Doctoral Applicants Additional Requirements

• Submit a research proposal outlining intended research

• Secure a recommendation letter from a potential supervisor at one of the 47 partner universities in Indonesia

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Scholarship Coverage Includes

Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial support that covers all major expenses throughout their studies in Indonesia.

• Full tuition fees – for the entire duration of the program

• Monthly living allowance – for accommodation, food, and daily expenses

• Health insurance – access to medical care when needed

• Round-trip international airfare – to and from Indonesia at the beginning and end of the program

• Settlement allowance – for doctoral students to support transition to Indonesia

• Research allowance – for doctoral students to support research activities

• Accommodation assistance – help finding suitable housing near universities

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Partner Universities and Academic Programs

The KNB Scholarship offers study opportunities at 47 leading partner universities across Indonesia, providing diverse academic environments and specializations.

• Institutions are distributed throughout the Indonesian archipelago, from Sumatra to Papua

• Students gain exposure to different regions and cultures within Indonesia

• Programs available in various fields including:

• Science and Technology

• Engineering

• Social Sciences

• Humanities

• Professional disciplines

• Each partner university has its own strengths and research focuses, allowing students to choose institutions that align with their academic interests and career goals

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2026 Application Timeline

The selection process follows a structured schedule that applicants must follow carefully to ensure consideration.

• Application Submission: 2nd February to 31st March 2026

• Verification by Indonesian Embassy: 6th to 17th April 2026

• Verification by Directorate of Institutional Affairs: 20th to 30th April 2026

• Academic Selection: 4th May to 12th June 2026

• Final Announcement: 19th June 2026

• Re-Registration: 22nd to 26th June 2026

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How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1: Download the official KNB Scholarship Offering Letter from the official website to understand program requirements and benefits

• Step 2: Contact the Indonesian Embassy in your home country to submit required documents including:

• Academic certificates

• Transcripts

• Passport

• CV

• English test scores

• Medical report

• Recommendation letters

• Step 3: The Embassy issues a Recommendation Letter after verification, which must be uploaded during the online application process

• Step 4: Shortlisted candidates undergo academic selection, online interviews, and psychological tests administered by partner universities

• Step 5: Final results are published on the official KNB website and announced through Indonesian diplomatic missions worldwide

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Required Documents

Applicants must prepare a complete set of documents for their application.

• Academic certificates and transcripts – showing strong performance throughout education

• Valid passport – with sufficient validity for the study period

• Comprehensive CV – highlighting academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and relevant experience

• English test scores – demonstrating language proficiency for non-native speakers

• Medical report – confirming health status and fitness for international study

• Recommendation letters – from academic referees who know the applicant's work and potential

• Research proposal – for doctoral applicants

• Supervisor recommendation letter – for doctoral applicants from a potential supervisor at a partner university

Why Choose Indonesia for Your Studies

Studying in Indonesia through the KNB Scholarship offers numerous benefits beyond academics.

• Rich Cultural Diversity: Experience Indonesia's vibrant traditions, multilingual society, and diverse cultures across the archipelago

• Southeast Asia's Largest Economy: Gain unique insights into regional development and international cooperation

• Natural Beauty: Explore tropical beaches, volcanic mountains, and unparalleled opportunities for adventure

• Lifelong Networks: Build connections with scholars from 107 countries and develop cross-cultural understanding

• Language Skills: Develop Indonesian language abilities and cultural competencies

• International Perspective: Prepare to become a globally minded professional and leader in your home country

• Quality Education: Study at 47 leading Indonesian universities with strong academic programs

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Tips for a Strong Application

• Start Early: Begin preparing documents months before the February 2nd opening date

• Contact Embassy Soon: Reach out to the Indonesian Embassy in your country for guidance

• Secure Strong Recommendations: Ask academic referees who know your work well

• Meet Language Requirements: Ensure valid English test scores are ready

• For Doctoral Applicants: Prepare a strong research proposal and secure supervisor support early

• Complete All Documents: Ensure all required materials are accurate and complete

• Submit Before Deadline: Applications close March 31, 2026 – submit well in advance

• Track Your Application: Monitor your status through official channels after submission

Final Thoughts

The KNB Scholarship 2026 in Indonesia represents a life-changing opportunity for students from developing countries to pursue fully funded undergraduate, master's, or doctoral degrees at 47 leading Indonesian universities. With comprehensive coverage including tuition, monthly living allowance, health insurance, round-trip airfare, and research support, selected scholars can focus entirely on their studies without financial worry.

Since its establishment in 1992, the program has supported 2,299 students and alumni from 107 countries, creating a global network of scholars and leaders. The threefold mission of human resource development, cultural understanding, and academic excellence ensures that benefits extend beyond individual students to their home countries and Indonesia itself.

The application period runs from February 2nd to March 31st, 2026, with a structured selection process involving Indonesian Embassy verification, academic selection, and final announcement on June 19th, 2026. Applicants must prepare documents including academic certificates, transcripts, passport, CV, English test scores, medical report, and recommendation letters. Doctoral applicants also need a research proposal and supervisor recommendation.

If you are a talented student from a developing country seeking a fully funded degree in Southeast Asia's largest economy, the KNB Scholarship could be your pathway to academic excellence and cross-cultural understanding. Start preparing your application today.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to submit your online application, visit the official KNB Scholarship website:

Apply for KNB Scholarship 2026 Indonesia