Study in Indonesia for Free: KNB Indonesian Government Scholarship 2026 Fully Funded Bachelor, Masters, and PhD Guide (Tuition + Stipend + Flights)

If you’ve ever priced out an international degree and felt your soul quietly leave your body, the KNB Indonesian Government Scholarship 2026 is the antidote. This is the kind of scholarship that doesn’t just “help.” It picks up the tab—tuition, living costs, health insurance, and even airfare—so you can focus on studying instead of doing late-night math about exchange rates and instant noodles.

And here’s the twist that makes KNB feel different from a lot of big-name programs: it’s not a single university dangling a few awards like golden tickets. It’s a government-backed pathway into Indonesia’s higher education system, with dozens of participating universities and over a thousand degree programs. That means you’re not trying to squeeze your goals into a tiny set of options. You can shop for fit—academically, geographically, culturally.

There’s also a practical upside people underestimate: Indonesia is not just beautiful; it’s strategically interesting. It’s a major economy in Southeast Asia, deeply connected to global supply chains, environmental challenges, public health realities, and fast-growing tech and creative sectors. If your studies touch development, sustainability, engineering, public policy, disaster management, business, or culture, you’re stepping into a living laboratory.

One more thing: no application fee. That alone makes this worth your attention. Plenty of “opportunities” love to charge you for the privilege of being rejected. KNB doesn’t play that game.

KNB Scholarship 2026 At a Glance

Quick note on deadlines: The raw listing mentions “ongoing” and also gives 31 March 2026. Treat 31 March 2026 as your real target unless the official site posts an updated schedule.

What This Fully Funded Scholarship Actually Covers (And Why It Matters)

“Fully funded” is one of those phrases that gets thrown around until it becomes meaningless. With KNB, the benefits are specific—and importantly, they cover the expensive parts that usually sink international study plans.

First, the scholarship pays full tuition. That’s the big anchor. Tuition is the bill that doesn’t care how clever your budgeting spreadsheet is.

Then you get a settlement allowance when you arrive. This is more valuable than it sounds. The first month in a new country is when costs jump you from behind: deposit for housing, basic supplies, SIM card, transport, maybe warmer clothes depending on where you’re coming from, and the inevitable “I didn’t know I needed this” purchases.

You’ll also receive a living allowance—the monthly support that keeps you fed, housed, and able to function like a student instead of a part-time survivalist. Add to that a research and book allowance, which is scholarship-speak for “we know students aren’t powered by vibes alone.”

There’s health insurance, which is non-negotiable if you want peace of mind abroad. And yes, KNB includes an economy-class air ticket, plus local transport to your host university—a detail that quietly reduces logistical chaos when you first land and everything feels unfamiliar.

In short: KNB doesn’t just pay for classes. It pays for the reality around the classes.

The Mandatory BIPA Year: The One Requirement You Should Not Underestimate

Every KNB recipient completes a one-year Indonesian language training program (BIPA) before starting the degree.

This isn’t a random hurdle. Think of it like being handed a map before you enter a new city. Even if your program uses English in some capacity, daily life won’t. Banking, housing, clinics, government paperwork, local friendships, research interviews—language shows up everywhere.

Treat BIPA as a genuine part of the scholarship, not a waiting room. If you show up curious and committed, that year can turn you into the kind of student who can actually navigate Indonesia confidently (and not just order coffee).

Scholarship Duration: How Long You’re Funded

KNB lays out the standard study periods in semesters:

• Bachelors: 8 semesters (48 months)
• Masters: 4 semesters (24 months)
• PhD: 8 semesters (48 months)

Remember that BIPA adds one year before the degree program. So mentally plan for a longer total stay. That’s not a downside—it’s a chance to build language skills, networks, and cultural fluency that will outlast the diploma.

What Can You Study? A Ridiculously Wide Menu of Programs

The KNB Scholarship spans a huge range of fields across Indonesian universities. The source list includes everything from engineering, economics, pharmacy, computer science, and statistics to visual art and design, architecture, law, psychology, international relations, nursing, anthropology, and disaster management.

If you’re trying to match your background to Indonesia’s strengths, here are a few smart ways to think about it:

• If you care about climate, oceans, cities, or land use, programs tied to earth sciences, water resource management, urban planning, logistics, and disaster management make Indonesia a compelling place to study. The country deals with real, complex environmental and infrastructure challenges—perfect for applied research.
• If you’re in health or social sciences, fields like public administration, nutrition, nursing, sociology, and psychology connect directly to the kinds of development and equity questions international students often want to tackle.
• If you’re creative, the inclusion of visual art and design isn’t window dressing. Indonesia has serious cultural production—traditional and contemporary—and studying design in a place with deep craft and fast modern growth can be a career accelerant.

The key takeaway: you’re not limited to one narrow theme. You’re picking from 1008 programs, which is practically a buffet.

Who Should Apply (Eligibility, Explained Like a Human)

This scholarship is designed for citizens of developing countries. That’s the first gate. If that fits you, the next gates are about degree level and age.

For Bachelors applicants, you need a high school diploma, and you must not already hold a bachelor’s degree. KNB is trying to fund first-time bachelor’s students, not second bachelor’s collectors. The maximum age is 21 for the bachelor’s track, so this is primarily for younger applicants.

For Masters applicants, you need a bachelor’s degree, and you must not already have a master’s degree. The maximum age is 35. This track fits people who are ready to specialize—maybe you’ve worked a couple of years and now want a graduate credential without putting your life into debt.

For PhD applicants, you need a master’s degree, and you must not already hold a PhD. The maximum age is 40. This is for researchers who are ready to commit to a multi-year project and can explain why Indonesia—and a specific Indonesian university—makes sense for their topic.

On English tests: the listing notes IELTS is not required if you are a native English speaker or if you completed education at an English-speaking university. That doesn’t mean language never matters; it means the scholarship may have flexibility. Different universities and programs can still have their own requirements, so verify details on your program page before you relax.

Real-world examples of strong-fit applicants

A strong bachelor’s candidate might be a top student who’s outgrown local options and wants a full degree abroad in engineering, computer science, or public administration.

A strong master’s candidate might be a mid-level professional in government, education, health, or tech who can explain a clear career goal—“I need this degree to do X”—and why Indonesian expertise and regional context help.

A strong PhD candidate is someone with a research plan that benefits from Indonesia’s setting, data, communities, or faculty. PhD applications that feel copy-pasted for any country usually lose.

Insider Tips for a Winning KNB Scholarship Application (The Stuff People Learn Too Late)

This is a tough scholarship to get, but absolutely worth the effort. And like most competitive programs, the winners aren’t always the “smartest.” They’re the clearest.

1) Treat your motivation letter like a story with receipts

Your motivation letter shouldn’t read like a list of compliments about Indonesia. It should read like a decision you’ve already made—backed by evidence.

A useful structure is: past → present → future. What shaped your interests? What are you doing now? What exactly will this degree allow you to do afterward? Then stitch Indonesia into that narrative as a logical next step, not a postcard fantasy.

2) Choose a program like you’re choosing a supervisor, not a brand

People waste time chasing famous university names instead of academic fit. With KNB’s big network, you can be strategic.

Look for programs where your interests match the curriculum and where faculty research aligns with your proposed direction. Reviewers can smell “random choice” from a mile away.

3) Make peace with the BIPA year—and use it as a selling point

Instead of apologizing for needing language training, position it as part of your plan: you want to engage with local communities, understand local systems, read local materials, collaborate effectively. That’s especially persuasive for social science, public health, public policy, education, and field-based research.

4) Get recommendation letters that say something real

A weak recommendation is basically a participation trophy: “This student is hardworking and nice.” You want letters that provide specific examples—projects completed, leadership shown, research potential, integrity under pressure.

And since one option is a recommendation via the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate channel, start early. Diplomatic offices do not move at the speed of your panic.

5) Your CV should look like a promise, not a biography

A scholarship CV isn’t meant to record every activity since birth. It’s meant to prove you can finish what you start.

Highlight academic achievements, research or projects, work experience with measurable outcomes, leadership roles, publications (if any), and relevant volunteering. If you’re applying for a master’s or PhD, show evidence of writing and analysis—papers, thesis, reports, presentations.

6) Watch the file requirements like a hawk

The application asks you to scan documents as .jpeg/.jpg with a max size of 300kb each. That’s small. If you upload blurry documents, you’re handing reviewers a reason to move on.

Do test scans early. Learn how to compress files without turning text into a foggy crime-scene photo.

7) Don’t submit a generic application across multiple scholarships

KNB has a specific identity: development partnership, Indonesia-based study, language training, wide university network. A generic “I want to study abroad to broaden my horizons” application won’t survive.

Make it clear you understand what KNB is for—and why you belong in that cohort.

Application Timeline (Working Backward From 31 March 2026)

If you want a calm application season (a rare luxury), start early and treat embassy steps as the long pole in the tent.

8–12 weeks before deadline: Decide your degree level and shortlist programs/universities. Draft your motivation letter and CV. Request academic transcripts and degree scans. Identify recommenders and give them your draft letter so they can write something aligned, not random.

6–8 weeks before deadline: Contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General in your country to understand their process for the recommendation letter. Build in buffer time for appointments, document formatting, and follow-ups.

4–6 weeks before deadline: Finalize your document scans and file sizes. Proofread your motivation letter like it’s a legal document—because it basically is. Make sure your narrative is consistent across CV, letter, and program choice.

1–2 weeks before deadline: Complete online registration once you have the embassy/consulate recommendation letter. Upload documents, double-check readability, and submit with time to spare in case the portal or your internet decides to be dramatic.

Required Materials (And How to Prepare Them Without Losing Your Mind)

Based on the listing, you should prepare:

• Scanned degree certificate appropriate to your level (high school for bachelor’s, bachelor’s for master’s, master’s for PhD). Make sure names and dates match your passport spelling. If they don’t, prepare an explanation or supporting document.
• Recommendation letter (options include Indonesian Embassy, supervisor, or previous school). Aim for specificity—projects, outcomes, and why you fit the chosen program.
• Passport copy. If your passport expires soon, renew it. International applications and visas are allergic to soon-to-expire passports.
• Updated CV. Keep it clean, readable, and tailored to your intended field.
• Motivation letter. This is your main sales document. Show direction, maturity, and fit.

Also, build a folder with backup versions (PDF originals, high-resolution scans) even if the portal requires JPG. You’ll thank yourself later.

What Makes an Application Stand Out (What Reviewers Are Quietly Judging)

Reviewers typically look for three things: fit, readiness, and follow-through.

Fit means your chosen program in Indonesia makes sense for your goals. Not vaguely—specifically. Name the skills you’ll gain and how they connect to your work back home.

Readiness means you have the academic foundation to succeed. For master’s and PhD applicants, readiness often shows up as research exposure, writing ability, and a clear topic area—even if it evolves later.

Follow-through is the underrated one. A fully funded scholarship is an investment. Reviewers want applicants who will finish the language year, adapt to a new environment, complete the degree, and represent the program well. Your application should quietly communicate: “I complete hard things.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid (So You Do Not Self-Sabotage)

First, don’t treat “fully funded” as “I can be vague.” The more funding on the table, the more reviewers demand clarity. State what you want to study and why.

Second, don’t ignore the embassy/consulate step. Many applicants get stuck here because they start too late, don’t follow instructions, or assume it’s optional. Build time for it.

Third, don’t submit messy scans. If reviewers can’t read your documents, you’re forcing them to work harder than the next applicant who uploaded crisp files.

Fourth, don’t pick a program that doesn’t match your background at all without explaining the bridge. Career changes are allowed; unexplained jumps look risky.

Fifth, avoid writing a motivation letter that’s all admiration and no plan. Indonesia is wonderful. Great. Now tell them what you’ll do with the education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the KNB Scholarship really fully funded?

According to the listing, yes: tuition, living allowance, settlement allowance, research/book allowance, health insurance, airfare, and local transport support are included.

Do I need to pay an application fee?

No. The listing states there is no application fee.

Is the scholarship only for masters programs?

No. It supports bachelors, masters, and PhD programs (plus the mandatory BIPA language year).

Do I need IELTS?

The listing says IELTS is not required for native English speakers or applicants who studied at an English-speaking university. Individual universities/programs may still set their own proof-of-language expectations, so confirm on the official site and your target program page.

Can I apply for a bachelors scholarship if I already have a bachelors degree?

No. The listing explicitly says bachelor’s degree holders are ineligible for bachelor’s scholarships (same logic applies for master’s and PhD tracks).

What are the age limits?

As stated: 21 max for bachelors, 35 max for masters, 40 max for PhD.

How many scholarships are available?

The listing references 222 scholarships awarded in 2024. That’s not a guaranteed number for 2026, but it gives you a sense that this is a serious national program, not a token award.

Can I apply to more than one university/program?

The listing emphasizes “one applicant per account,” which suggests the portal expects a clean, controlled submission. Follow the portal instructions carefully—don’t try to hack the system with multiple accounts.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step, Without the Confusion)

KNB’s process has a key twist: you need a recommendation letter through the Indonesian diplomatic mission before you complete the online registration. So don’t start by filling out the portal and hoping for the best.

1. Download the KNB Scholarship Offering Letter (as directed on the official site). This helps you understand available programs and the formal framework.
2. Contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General in your country and submit the required administrative and academic documents to obtain a recommendation letter. Treat this like a mini-application of its own.
3. After you have that recommendation letter, register online on the KNB Scholarship website.
4. Scan and upload documents in .jpeg/.jpg format with maximum 300kb per file. Test compressions early so you don’t scramble on deadline day.
5. Submit and keep copies of everything. Create a simple checklist and confirm every upload is readable.

Get Started and Apply Now (Official Link)

Ready to apply? Go straight to the official KNB scholarship portal and program details here: https://knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id/

Before you hit submit, do yourself a favor: open a blank document and write, in one sentence, what you want to study, where, and what you’ll do with it afterward. If that sentence is sharp, your application will be sharper. If it’s fuzzy, fix that first—because KNB rewards applicants who know exactly why they’re coming to Indonesia, and what they plan to carry back home.