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KNB Scholarship: Complete Guide & How to Apply [2026]

The KNB Scholarship provides fully-funded opportunities for Master's and PhD studies in Indonesia. It covers tuition, living expenses, and airfare. Apply now to pursue your academic dreams!

February 28, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: May 31, 2026
KNB Scholarship fully funded

Quick Overview

Host CountryIndonesia
University/OrgVarious Indonesian Universities
Degree LevelMaster's, PhD
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyEconomics, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences
DeadlineMay 31, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Overview

The KNB Scholarship, offered by the Indonesian government, provides a remarkable opportunity for international students from developing countries to pursue Master’s or Doctoral degrees at prestigious Indonesian universities. This fully-funded scholarship aims to foster global academic collaboration and enhance mutual understanding between Indonesia and other nations. The program is designed to support future leaders committed to contributing to their home countries’ development after completing their studies. Each year, hundreds of students are selected, making it a competitive yet highly rewarding opportunity.

What Does It Cover?

The KNB Scholarship is renowned for its comprehensive financial support, allowing students to focus entirely on their academic pursuits. The scholarship covers a wide range of expenses, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience in Indonesia. Importantly, successful applicants receive support from the moment they arrive until they complete their studies.

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  • Tuition Fees: Full coverage of all academic expenses directly related to the study program.
  • Living Allowance: A monthly stipend to cover daily living costs, including accommodation, food, and local transportation.
  • Research Grant: Financial assistance for research activities, thesis preparation, and academic resources.
  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage throughout the study period.
  • Return Airfare: Round-trip economy class air ticket from the student’s home country to Indonesia and back upon graduation.
  • Settlement Allowance: A one-time allowance to assist with initial setup costs upon arrival in Indonesia.

Who Can Apply?

The KNB Scholarship has specific eligibility requirements to ensure that selected candidates are well-prepared and committed to their studies. Applicants should carefully review these criteria before applying to ensure they meet all the necessary qualifications. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee selection, as the scholarship is highly competitive.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Nationality: Must be a citizen of a developing country (as defined by the Indonesian government).
  • Education: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s program applicants) or a Master’s degree (for Doctoral program applicants) from a recognized university.
  • Age: Maximum age of 35 years for Master’s program applicants and 40 years for Doctoral program applicants.
  • English Proficiency: Provide proof of English proficiency through a recognized test (TOEFL iBT or IELTS) with a minimum score of 80 for TOEFL iBT or 6.0 for IELTS.
  • Health: Be in good health and able to provide a medical certificate.
  • No Dual Citizenship: Not a citizen of Indonesia.
  • Commitment: Demonstrate a strong commitment to returning to their home country upon completion of their studies.

Application Process

Applying for the KNB Scholarship involves a series of steps, from initial registration to the final submission of required documents. Prospective applicants should adhere strictly to the guidelines and deadlines provided by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. A well-prepared application significantly increases the chances of selection. Note that all documents must be translated into English if they are not originally in English.

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  1. Online Registration: Create an account and complete the online application form on the KNB Scholarship website.
  2. Document Submission: Upload all required documents, including academic transcripts, diplomas, passport copy, and English proficiency test scores.
  3. University Selection: Choose up to three Indonesian universities and study programs from the list of participating institutions.
  4. Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview (conducted online or in person).
  5. Announcement of Results: Successful applicants will be notified via email and on the KNB Scholarship website.
  6. Visa Application: Upon acceptance, begin the visa application process at the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Tips for a Strong Application

Securing the KNB Scholarship requires more than just meeting the minimum requirements. A compelling application highlights your unique strengths and demonstrates your potential to contribute to both your field of study and your home country. Consider these tips to enhance your application.

  • Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize any academic or professional experiences that align with your chosen field of study.
  • Craft a Compelling Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate your reasons for pursuing studies in Indonesia and how your research will benefit your home country.
  • Secure Strong Recommendation Letters: Request letters from professors or employers who can attest to your academic abilities and character.
  • Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail.
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Funding Coverage

  • Full Tuition Fee Coverage
  • Monthly Living Allowance (amount varies by city)
  • Research Grant (amount varies by program)
  • Health Insurance
  • Round-trip Economy Class Airfare
  • Settlement Allowance upon Arrival

Eligibility Criteria

  • Citizens of developing countries.
  • Maximum age of 35 for Master's programs, 40 for Doctoral programs.
  • Bachelor's degree for Master's applicants, Master's degree for Doctoral applicants from a recognized university.
  • Minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 or IELTS score of 6.0.
  • Must be in good health (medical certificate required).
  • Not an Indonesian citizen.
  • Commitment to return to home country after graduation.

Required Documents

  • Completed online application form
  • Passport copy
  • Academic transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's, if applicable)
  • Diplomas (Bachelor's and Master's, if applicable)
  • English proficiency test score (TOEFL iBT or IELTS)
  • Motivation letter
  • Two recommendation letters from academic advisors or employers
  • Medical certificate
  • Statement of purpose

Application Process

  1. Complete the online application form on the KNB Scholarship website.
  2. Upload all required documents, ensuring they meet the specified format and requirements.
  3. Select up to three universities and study programs of interest.
  4. Await notification for an interview (if shortlisted).
  5. Check the KNB Scholarship website for the announcement of results.
  6. If accepted, begin the visa application process at the Indonesian embassy or consulate.
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Master's programs, applicants must be no older than 35 years old. For Doctoral programs, the maximum age is 40 years old as of the application deadline. Meeting this age requirement is a critical eligibility factor.
Yes, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by achieving a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 or an IELTS score of 6.0. These scores must be valid at the time of application, and official score reports are typically required as part of the document submission.
Unfortunately, the KNB Scholarship is specifically designed for citizens of developing countries, as defined by the Indonesian government. If you are not a citizen of a developing country, you would not meet the eligibility criteria for this particular scholarship.
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview. Not receiving an interview invitation does not necessarily mean your application was weak; it simply indicates that other candidates may have presented a stronger match for the scholarship's objectives.
Generally, deferral of enrollment is not permitted with the KNB Scholarship. Successful applicants are expected to commence their studies in the academic year for which they were awarded the scholarship. Contact the scholarship administrators directly to explore any potential exceptions.