KNB Scholarship: Your Fully Funded Study Guide
The Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship is a prestigious initiative by the Indonesian Government designed to foster educational partnerships with developing countries. For the 2025–2026 academic cycle, the KNB Scholarship provides fully funded opportunities for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral studies at 31 esteemed Indonesian universities. This program not only offers comprehensive financial support but also immerses scholars in Indonesia’s rich cultural and academic environment, making it an ideal choice for recent graduates, early-career researchers, and professionals seeking to advance their education and research endeavors.
About the KNB Scholarship Program
Program Name
Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship
Current Status
The KNB Scholarship is actively accepting applications for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Scope & Objectives
The primary aims of the KNB Scholarship are to:
- Enhance human resource development in developing countries.
- Strengthen cultural and educational ties between Indonesia and partner nations.
- Provide access to quality higher education across diverse disciplines.
Program Duration
- Indonesian Language Training: 12 months
- Bachelor’s Degree: 48 months
- Master’s Degree: 24 months
- Doctoral Degree: 48 months
Study Mode
Full-time, on-campus study is required at the participating Indonesian universities.
Focus Areas
The scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines, including, but not limited to:
- Engineering
- Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Education
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s Program: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Master’s Program: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is mandatory.
- Doctoral Program: A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
Work Experience
Work experience is not mandatory; however, relevant experience may strengthen an application.
Age Limit
- Bachelor’s Program: Applicants should be no older than 21 years.
- Master’s Program: Applicants should be no older than 35 years.
- Doctoral Program: Applicants should be no older than 40 years.
Nationality
This scholarship is open to citizens of developing countries.
Language Proficiency
- Bachelor’s Program: Minimum scores required include TOEFL ITP 477, TOEFL iBT 53, IELTS 5.5, or TOEIC 510.
- Master’s Program: Minimum scores required include TOEFL ITP 500, TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 6.0, or TOEIC 575.
- Doctoral Program: Minimum scores required include TOEFL ITP 530, TOEFL iBT 71, IELTS 6.0, or TOEIC 640.
Note: Applicants from English-speaking countries or those who have completed their education in English may be exempted, provided official proof is submitted.
Additional Requirements
- A valid passport with at least two years’ validity.
- A recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General.
- Academic recommendation letters.
- A statement of purpose (for doctoral applicants).
- A recommendation letter from a potential research supervisor (for doctoral applicants).
Application Process
- Download the Offering Letter: Access the KNB Scholarship Offering Letter from the official website.
- Obtain a Recommendation: Contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General in your country to acquire a recommendation letter.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents as specified.
- Online Registration: Register and complete the online application at https://knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id/.
- Submit Application: Upload all documents in .jpeg or .jpg format; each file should not exceed 300 KB.
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
- Academic certificates and transcripts (translated into English or Bahasa Indonesia).
- English proficiency test scores.
- A copy of a valid passport.
- A recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate General.
- Academic recommendation letters.
- A recommendation letter from an employer or immediate supervisor (if applicable).
- A statement of purpose (for doctoral applicants).
- A recommendation letter from a potential research supervisor (for doctoral applicants).
Focus Areas / Fields of Study
The KNB Scholarship supports a wide array of academic disciplines at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels across 31 leading Indonesian universities. These fields include:
- Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Environmental Engineering.
- Natural Sciences: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics.
- Social Sciences: Sociology, Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations.
- Humanities: History, Philosophy, Cultural Studies.
- Economics and Business: Accounting, Management, Development Economics.
- Education: Curriculum Development, Educational Technology, Teacher Training.
- Health Sciences: Public Health, Nutrition, Biomedical Sciences.
- Environmental Studies: Sustainability, Climate Change Policy, Renewable Energy.
Interdisciplinary Projects:
The KNB Scholarship encourages interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral projects, particularly those that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote international collaboration.
Financial Benefits
The KNB Scholarship provides a generous, fully funded support system for selected scholars, which includes:
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered by the Indonesian government.
- Monthly Living Allowance:
- Bachelor’s Degree: IDR 1,200,000
- Master’s Degree: IDR 1,500,000
- Doctoral Degree: IDR 1,750,000
- Research and Book Allowance:
Additional funds for Master’s and Doctoral levels to support thesis or dissertation research. - Relocation Allowance:
A one-time payment upon arrival in Indonesia. - Airfare:
Return international airfare (economy class) from the applicant’s country to Indonesia. - Health Insurance:
Coverage for general medical treatment throughout the scholarship period. - Indonesian Language Course:
A mandatory 1-year Bahasa Indonesia program before the commencement of academic studies.
Selection Process
Evaluation Stages
- Document Screening:
Indonesian embassies review academic backgrounds, transcripts, and recommendation letters. - Embassy Recommendation:
Only candidates receiving a recommendation from an embassy may proceed. - Online Application Verification:
The KNB Secretariat validates online registrations and document uploads. - Academic Evaluation:
Host universities assess academic relevance and language proficiency. - Interview Stage (if applicable):
Some institutions may conduct virtual interviews. - Final Selection:
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology announces the selected scholars.
Assessment Criteria
Candidates are evaluated based on the following:
- Academic excellence and GPA.
- Relevance of previous studies and the proposed program.
- Strength of the statement of purpose.
- Quality of recommendation letters.
- Leadership potential and alignment with development goals.
Key Application Deadlines (2025–2026 Cycle)
| Stage | Date |
| Application Open Date | March 3, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | March 21, 2025 |
| Document Submission Deadline | March 21, 2025 |
| Interviews (if any) | April–May 2025 |
| Admission Results Announcement | June 13, 2025 |
| Program Start Date | August–September 2025 (Language training begins) |
Note: Always check the official website and consult your local Indonesian embassy for the most updated schedule.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Crafting a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Clearly explain your academic background and your reasons for choosing Indonesia.
- Highlight your career goals and demonstrate how the program supports them.
- Exhibit a strong commitment to returning to and contributing to your home country.
Building a Competitive CV
- Emphasize research, internships, volunteering, or leadership experiences.
- Maintain consistent formatting and include quantitative metrics to demonstrate impact.
Securing Strong Recommendations
- Select recommenders who are well acquainted with your academic or professional strengths.
- Provide your recommenders with your CV and SOP to assist in writing focused letters.
Contact Information
For all official queries and document submissions, please contact:
- Program Coordinator: Secretariat of KNB Scholarship
- Email: info@knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id
- Phone: +62 21 12345678
(Please note that the official number may vary; check the contact page for the most updated information.)
Additionally, contact your local Indonesian embassy or consulate to obtain the mandatory recommendation letter.
Conclusion
The KNB Scholarship offers a unique, fully funded opportunity to pursue a world-class education in Indonesia, one of Asia’s most culturally rich and economically dynamic nations. With comprehensive support covering tuition, living expenses, and a year of language training, this program is ideally suited for those pursuing academic excellence and international exposure.
Start your application today by visiting the official KNB Scholarship portal.
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Program Name | Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship |
| Host Country / Region | Indonesia |
| Funded By | Government of Indonesia |
| Eligibility | Citizens of developing countries with academic and language qualifications |
| Financial Support | Tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, relocation allowance, and health insurance |
| Fields of Study | Engineering, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Education |
| Application Deadline | March 21, 2025 |
| Official Website | https://knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id/ |
Citations
- KNB Scholarship Official Portal: https://knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id/
- ITB Partnership KNB Page: https://partnership.itb.ac.id/knb-scholarship/
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Indonesia
- Embassy of Indonesia Guidelines for KNB 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
The KNB Scholarship is a fully funded program by the Indonesian Government, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral studies at 31 top universities in Indonesia.
You apply online by registering at the official website, uploading your documents in JPEG format, and following the step-by-step application process provided on the portal.
Eligible candidates are citizens of developing countries who meet the academic, age, and language proficiency criteria specified for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs.
You must submit a curriculum vitae, academic certificates, transcripts, English proficiency scores, passport copy, embassy recommendation, academic recommendation letters, and (if applicable) a statement of purpose.
The scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines such as Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics, Education, Health Sciences, and Environmental Studies.
Applicants must meet minimum TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC scores based on the study level. Exceptions apply for those educated in English or from English-speaking countries with proper proof.
The program includes 12 months of language training, followed by 48 months for a Bachelor’s, 24 months for a Master’s, and 48 months for a Doctoral degree.
Financial support includes full tuition coverage, monthly living allowances, research funds, a relocation bonus, return airfare, health insurance, and a mandatory 1-year Indonesian language course.
Yes, the process may include an interview stage after document screening and recommendation approval, depending on the host university’s requirements.
