Are you looking for a fully funded scholarship to study in Asia? The KNB Scholarship 2026 (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang) is one of the most prestigious opportunities for students from developing countries to pursue their dreams. Offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Indonesia, this award covers everything from tuition to airfare.
Whether you are aiming for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree, the KNB Indonesian Government scholarship for international students provides a gateway to world-class education at top-tier universities like Universitas Indonesia, Gadjah Mada, and ITB.
Types of KNB Scholarships Available
The program is divided into three main academic levels, each designed to foster human resource development:
- Undergraduate (Bachelor) Scholarship: Aimed at high school graduates under 21 years old.
- Postgraduate (Master) Scholarship: Designed for professionals and graduates under 35 years old.
- Doctoral (PhD) Scholarship: For researchers and academics under 40 years old.
Eligibility Criteria (Simplified)
To ensure your scholarship application ranks high during the selection phase, you must meet these simple requirements:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of a developing country (nations with bilateral diplomatic relations with Indonesia).
- Age Limit: * Undergraduate: Max 21 years.
- Master’s: Max 35 years.
- PhD: Max 40 years.
- Academic Background: You cannot apply for a degree level you already hold (e.g., if you have a Master’s, you cannot apply for another Master’s).
- English Proficiency: While some programs offer no IELTS scholarship options if your previous degree was taught in English, most require a TOEFL IBT (80+), IELTS (6.0+), or TOEIC score.
- Health: A valid medical certificate from a government hospital is mandatory.
Required Documents for KNB 2026
Gathering these documents early is the secret to a stress-free application process:
- Recommendation Letter: From the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your home country (Mandatory).
- Academic Recommendation: From your previous school or current employer.
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 18–24 months.
- Academic Transcripts: Legalized by your Ministry of Education.
- Motivation Letter: A handwritten or typed essay (approx. 500 words) explaining why you want to study in Indonesia for free.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The KNB 2026 application process is conducted entirely online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official KNB website (link below).
- Download Offering Letter: You must download the official invitation/offering letter first.
- Visit the Embassy: Take your documents to the Indonesian Embassy to get your Recommendation Letter.
- Complete Online Form: Upload all scanned documents (PDF/JPG, max 300KB each).
- Submit: Ensure all details are correct before hitting submit!
Benefits of the Fully Funded KNB Scholarship
This is more than just a tuition waiver. Awardees receive:
- Settlement Allowance: Approx. IDR 1,500,000 upon arrival.
- Monthly Stipend: Covering living expenses, books, and research.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage during your stay.
- Free Language Training: One year of Bahasa Indonesia (BIPA) course.
- Round-trip Airfare: Economy class international tickets.
Important Dates (2026 Cycle)
- Application Opens: February 2, 2026
- Deadline: March 31, 2026
- Selection Result: June 19, 2026
- Orientation in Indonesia: August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply without IELTS? A: Yes, if your previous degree was taught in English, you can provide an official letter from your university as proof of English proficiency.
Q: Does the scholarship cover my family? A: No, the KNB scholarship is for a single person only and does not provide a family allowance.
Q: What are the best subjects to study? A: High-demand fields include Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science.
Helpful Links
- Official Website: https://knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id/
KNB Scholarship 2026 Complete Guide This video provides a detailed, visual walkthrough of the application portal and document requirements for the 2026 cycle
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