Indonesian Government KNB Scholarship 2026

Indonesian Government Scholarship (KNB) 2026 — Fully Funded Opportunity for International Students

The Indonesian Government Scholarship, also known as the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship, is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarship programs available for international students from developing countries for the academic year 2026–2027. This high-impact scholarship is designed to support ambitious learners to pursue their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees in Indonesia — a culturally rich and dynamic study destination in Southeast Asia.

What Is the KNB Scholarship?

The KNB Scholarship is a government-funded initiative by the Republic of Indonesia that offers comprehensive financial support to international students who want to engage in higher education at Indonesian universities. It is open to applicants from developing countries worldwide, building academic cooperation and fostering cross-cultural exchange.

The program supports thousands of students across disciplines and provides an enriching environment that blends academic excellence with deep cultural immersion. Indonesia’s education landscape includes numerous top universities such as Universitas Indonesia (UI), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), among others.

Scholarship Benefits — Fully Funded Package

The KNB Scholarship stands out for its fully funded benefits that cover almost all essential expenses throughout the study period. These include:

✔ Full Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers 100% of tuition costs for the entire academic program — whether it’s Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD level.
✔ Monthly Living Allowance: Recipients receive a monthly stipend to support accommodation, food, and daily necessities.
✔ Settlement Allowance: A one-time allowance is provided upon arrival to help new students settle into Indonesia.
✔ Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is included to cover medical treatments during the scholarship period.
✔ Research & Book Allowance: Students pursuing research-based programs receive extra support for academic materials.
✔ International Round-Trip Airfare: Economy class flight tickets from the student’s home country to Indonesia and back after completion are fully sponsored.
✔ Indonesian Language Training (BIPA): All scholars must complete a one-year language course to improve Bahasa Indonesia skills before starting their academic courses.

These benefits make the KNB Scholarship one of the most comprehensive fully funded international scholarships in Asia, removing financial barriers and empowering students to focus on academic success.

Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for the KNB Scholarship has been carefully designed to welcome students who demonstrate academic potential and a strong commitment to their home countries’ development:

Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of developing countries recognized by the Indonesian government.
Academic Requirements:

Bachelor’s applicants: Must have completed high school or equivalent.
Master’s candidates: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
PhD applicants: Must hold a Master’s degree.
Age Limits: For the 2026 intake:
Bachelor’s — up to 21 years old.
Master’s — up to 35 years old.
Doctoral — up to 40 years old.
Language Proficiency: English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) is required unless the applicant is from an English-speaking country or has proof of studying in an English-medium program.
Other Requirements: A valid passport, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a motivation letter, and other supporting documents are mandatory. Additionally, a recommendation from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s home country is required.

The KNB scholarship program is competitive, and prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare strong academic records, clear motivation statements, and all necessary documents well in advance.

Application Deadline & Timeline — 2026 Intake

For the 2026 scholarship cycle, the official application window opens in early February 2026 and closes on 31 March 2026. This gives students a clear period to organize documents and submit applications through the official portal.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline:

Application Period: February 2 – March 31, 2026
Document Verification by Embassy: Early April
Academic Selection: May – June 2026
Final Results Announcement: June 19, 2026
Orientation & Start of Classes: September 2026

Students must ensure they submit their applications before the deadline, as late submissions are not considered.

Fields of Study and Universities

The KNB Scholarship supports a wide range of academic disciplines across partner universities in Indonesia. These include fields such as Engineering, Business and Economics, Computer Science, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Health Sciences, Environmental Studies, and many others.

This diversity enables students to pursue careers that align with their academic interests and professional goals, while also contributing to development in their home countries.

Why Study in Indonesia with KNB Scholarship?

Indonesia offers an attractive study environment with:

Affordable living costs compared to many Western and Asian countries.
Cultural Diversity: With over 17,000 islands and hundreds of ethnic groups, students experience an enriched multicultural society.
Quality Higher Education: Indonesian universities are gaining recognition for international standards, research, and academic excellence.

Receiving the KNB Scholarship not only covers financial costs but also opens doors to global exposure, cross-cultural experiences, and lifelong professional networks.

Final Thoughts

The Indonesian Government’s KNB Scholarship 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for international students seeking a fully funded education abroad. Its comprehensive benefits, inclusive eligibility criteria, and structured application process make it a gateway for global education in one of Asia’s most vibrant countries.

Aspiring applicants should prepare early, gather all documents, and apply before 31 March 2026 to maximize their chances of success. With the right preparation and motivation, the KNB Scholarship could be your path to achieving academic excellence and global career growth