KNB Scholarship (Indonesia) 2026

Overview

The KNB Scholarship (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang, or Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship) is a fully funded scholarship from the Government of Indonesia for international students from developing countries. It's run through the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and is part of Indonesia's South-South cooperation work, bringing students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America to study at Indonesian universities.

KNB covers undergraduate (Bachelor's), Master's and Doctoral study at a network of participating Indonesian universities across a wide range of subjects. Every award starts with a one-year Indonesian language course before scholars begin their degree. The 2026 cohort follows the same model, with applications handled online and verified through Indonesian embassies and representatives in applicants' home countries.

This guide covers eligibility, benefits, how to apply, the documents you'll need, the 2026 timeline, and some tips to help your application stand out.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Funding body: Government of Indonesia (Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology)
• Programme name: Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (Developing Countries Partnership)
• Host country: Indonesia
• Eligible applicants: citizens of developing countries
• Study levels: Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral
• Coverage: Full funding (tuition, living allowance, airfare, insurance, language course and study support)
• Maximum age (typical): 21 for Bachelor's, 35 for Master's, 40 for Doctoral
• 2026 application window: roughly February to 31 March 2026; programme start September 2026
• Official portal: knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is confirmed each cycle on the official KNB portal. The general requirements are:

• Be a citizen of an eligible developing country. The programme prioritises Indonesia's partner nations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
• Hold the relevant prior qualification: a senior secondary certificate for Bachelor's applicants, a Bachelor's degree for Master's applicants, and a Master's degree for Doctoral applicants.
• Be within the age limits, typically 21 for Bachelor's, 35 for Master's and 40 for Doctoral at the time of application.
• Show English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS, for example) or whatever language requirement your chosen programme sets.
• Be in good physical and mental health, backed by a medical certificate.
• Not currently hold another scholarship, and not be a permanent resident of Indonesia.
• Provide a recommendation and a clear academic and motivation record for your chosen field.

Check the exact age, language and country requirements on the official KNB portal before applying, as the details can shift between cycles.

Scholarship Benefits

KNB is fully funded. The award generally covers:

• Full tuition fees at the participating Indonesian university.
• A monthly living allowance for the length of the programme.
• A settlement allowance on arrival, plus study and research support including thesis or dissertation help.
• Round-trip international airfare between your home country and Indonesia.
• Health insurance during the scholarship period.
• A one-year Indonesian language and preparatory course before the main degree starts.
• Local transport or related support, as defined by the programme each year.

Allowance amounts are set each cycle, so check the official portal for the exact 2026 figures.

How to Apply

You apply online through the official portal. The steps are:

• Register an account on the KNB online application system (knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id).
• Complete the form with your personal, academic and study-preference details, including your choice of participating universities and study programmes.
• Upload all required documents in the formats specified.
• Submit recommendation letters and language proficiency evidence as instructed.
• Submit before the deadline. Applications are then verified by the Indonesian embassy or representative in your country and reviewed by the directorate and academic selectors.
• Selected candidates are announced and move on to visa and travel preparation ahead of the September intake.

Required Documents

The list is confirmed each cycle, but applicants usually prepare:

• A completed application form from the online system.
• A valid passport.
• Academic certificates and transcripts for your most recent qualification.
• One or more recommendation letters from a teacher, lecturer or employer.
• A statement of purpose or motivation letter.
• Proof of English (or the required language) proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
• A medical or health certificate confirming you're fit to study abroad.
• A recent photograph and anything else your chosen programme requests.

Important Dates & Deadlines

For the 2026 cohort, applications opened in February and closed at the end of March 2026, followed by embassy verification, directorate checks and academic review through the spring, results around mid-2026, and the programme starting in September 2026.

• Online submission: roughly 2 February to 31 March 2026.
• Embassy verification and directorate checks: April 2026.
• Academic review and selection: April to June 2026.
• Results announcement: around mid-June 2026.
• Programme commencement: September 2026.

Always confirm the exact dates on the official KNB portal before applying.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Pick universities and programmes that genuinely match your background and goals, and research them before you list your preferences.
• Write a focused motivation letter that explains why you want to study in Indonesia and how it ties into your future plans and your home country's development.
• Get your language certificate ready early so it's valid and meets the required level.
• Make sure your academic documents, passport and medical certificate are complete, clear and translated where needed.
• Line up strong, specific recommendation letters from people who know your academic ability well.
• Submit early to leave time for embassy verification and to dodge last-minute technical glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the KNB Scholarship? Citizens of eligible developing countries who meet the age, academic and language requirements for their chosen study level.

Where will I study? At one of the participating Indonesian universities offering KNB places across various fields and degree levels.

Does KNB include a language course? Yes. Scholars usually complete a one-year Indonesian language and preparatory course before starting the degree.

Is the scholarship fully funded? Yes. It generally covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, settlement and study support, round-trip airfare and health insurance.

Can Indonesian citizens apply? No. KNB is for international students from developing countries. Indonesian citizens should look at programmes such as LPDP instead.

Related Scholarships

• Indonesia LPDP Scholarship - Indonesia's endowment-fund scholarship for its own citizens studying at home and abroad.
• Darmasiswa Scholarship - Indonesian government programme for international students to study language and culture in Indonesia.
• Other government scholarships for study in Asia, such as MEXT (Japan), the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) and the Global Korea Scholarship.