Indonesian Government KNB Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded in Indonesia
February 17, 2026 by Tuition Free Trek
Indonesia is rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic and culturally rich study destinations in Southeast Asia. For international students from developing countries seeking to pursue their Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degrees, the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship offers one of the most comprehensive fully funded programs available.
The application window for the Indonesian Government KNB Scholarship 2026 is currently OPEN. Initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, this prestigious program aims to build academic cooperation and foster cross-cultural exchange by funding global talents at 47 of Indonesia's top partner universities.
Why Choose the KNB Scholarship?
Complete Financial Support: This scholarship is fully funded, covering everything from your international airfare to your monthly living allowances, ensuring you can focus purely on academic excellence.
Cultural Immersion: Before starting your core degree, you will undertake a fully sponsored one-year Indonesian Language (BIPA) and cultural training program, allowing you to deeply integrate into local society.
Diverse Disciplines: With 47 partner universities, you have access to hundreds of programs in Humanities, Engineering, Science, Education, and Social Sciences.
Global Network: Join an elite alumni network spanning across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Oceania, and Eastern Europe, expanding your global career prospects.
Scholarship Details
The KNB Scholarship provides outstanding financial coverage for the entire duration of your language preparation and academic degree.
Host Institution: 47 Partner Universities in Indonesia.
Scholarship Name: Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship.
Coverage for International Students:
Full Tuition Fees: Paid directly to the host university.
Settlement Allowance: A one-time payment of IDR 1,500,000 upon arrival.
Living Allowance: Monthly stipends to cover accommodation and daily needs.
Research & Book Allowance: Provided during the academic program.
Health Insurance: Monthly premium coverage for medical services.
Airfare: International round-trip economy class flight tickets.
Eligible Levels: Bachelor's (48 months), Master's (24 months), and PhD (36-48 months), plus 1 year of language training.
Application Status: Currently Accepting Applications (Deadline: March 31, 2026).
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this highly competitive scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
Citizenship: You must be a citizen of a developing country recognized by the Indonesian government.
Age Limits: * Bachelor’s applicants: Maximum 21 (or 25 depending on the specific partner university guidelines) years old.
Master’s candidates: Maximum 35 years old.
Doctoral candidates: Maximum 40 years old.
Academic Excellence: You must hold the preceding degree (High School for Bachelor's, Bachelor's for Master's, Master's for PhD) with an outstanding academic record.
Health & Marital Status: You must provide a certified medical report proving physical/mental fitness. You must also agree not to be pregnant during the scholarship period and not to marry an Indonesian citizen/permanent resident.
Language Requirements for this Scholarship
While you will learn the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) during your first year, you must still prove your English proficiency to be selected.
English Proficiency is Mandatory: For non-native English speakers, you must submit a certificate obtained within the last 2 years.
Required Level: * Bachelor's/Master's: Minimum TOEFL IBT 80, IELTS 6.0, or TOEIC 700.
PhD: Minimum TOEFL IBT 90 or IELTS 7.0.
Note: Applicants from English-speaking countries or those who graduated from English-medium programs are generally exempt from this requirement.
Required Documents for Scholarship
You must upload a comprehensive set of documents to the official KNB portal:
Online Application Form: Completed on the KNB website.
Recommendation Letter from Indonesian Embassy: This is a mandatory document obtained from the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate in your home country.
Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Scanned, legalized copies in English.
Proof of English Language: TOEFL or IELTS certificate.
Recommendation Letters: One from your employer/supervisor and one from previous schools (or a potential research supervisor for PhDs).
Official Passport Copy: Must be valid for at least 2 years.
Medical Certificate: Issued by a certified physician within the last 3 months.
Video Profile: A maximum 5-minute YouTube video explaining your profile, why you chose Indonesia, and your study goals.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Download Invitation Letter: Go to the official KNB Scholarship website and download the Invitation Letter.
Secure Embassy Recommendation: Submit the Invitation Letter, your passport, academic certificates, and transcripts to the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your country to acquire their official Recommendation Letter.
Register Online: Create an account on the KNB online portal.
Upload Documents: Fill out the application form carefully and upload all required documents, including your Embassy Recommendation and YouTube video link.
Submit: Finalize and submit your online application before the March 31, 2026 deadline.
Important Dates 2026
Application Window: February 2, 2026 – March 31, 2026 (Strict Deadline).
Data Verification by Embassy: April 6 – April 17, 2026.
Academic Selection: May 4 – June 12, 2026.
Final Results Announced: June 19, 2026.
Orientation & Language Course Begins: September 2026.
FAQs: KNB Scholarship
Can I apply without the Indonesian Embassy Recommendation Letter?
No. The recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy in your country of origin is strictly mandatory. You must contact them early to acquire it before submitting your online application.
Does this scholarship provide an allowance for my family?
No. The KNB Scholarship is intended for a single person only. It does not provide any financial or pastoral support for dependents, nor will it endorse visa applications for family members.
Do I have to study in the Indonesian language?
Yes. All courses required to complete your academic program (lectures and thesis) will be conducted in Bahasa Indonesia. This is why a one-year intensive Indonesian Language Training Program is fully funded and compulsory before you begin your degree.
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