Government of Indonesia, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek)
KNB Scholarship (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang)
Edit ScholarshipThe KNB Scholarship, run by Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, funds students from developing countries at one of 47 partner universities in Indonesia. It is a full ride: full tuition, monthly living allowance, return airfare, health insurance and research support.
Overview
The KNB Scholarship, short for Kemitraan Negara Berkembang or Developing Countries Partnership, is the Indonesian government's flagship scholarship for international students from developing countries. It is administered by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) and lets you study at one of 47 partner universities across Indonesia, including UI, ITB, UGM and UNAIR.
This is a fully funded programme. It covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, a research and book allowance, health insurance, round-trip economy airfare and local transportation, along with settlement support and funding to publish a scientific article. Around 200 scholarships are offered each year across academic levels and a wide spread of fields, so the subject range is genuinely broad.
KNB is mainly a master's and doctoral programme, with bachelor's places offered in some cycles. It is part of Indonesia's wider effort to build ties with fellow developing nations through education, which means the selection looks for students who will carry strong links back home. If you are from a developing country with diplomatic relations with Indonesia and want a fully funded degree in a fast-growing part of Asia, this is a leading option.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | Government of Indonesia, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) |
| Host Country | Indonesia (47 partner universities) |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor's, Master's and PhD (Master's and PhD every cycle; Bachelor's in some) |
| Value | Full tuition, monthly living allowance, research and book allowance, health insurance, round-trip airfare, local transport, settlement and publication support |
| Deadline | Annual; 2026 cycle applications 2 February to 31 March 2026, results 19 June 2026, study begins September 2026 |
| Eligible Nationalities | Citizens of developing countries with diplomatic relations with Indonesia |
| Official Website | KNB Scholarship official portal |
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality Requirements
You must be a citizen of a developing country that has diplomatic relations with Indonesia. The scholarship is part of Indonesia's partnership with fellow developing nations.
Age & Academic Requirements
Master's applicants are generally limited to a maximum age of 35 and doctoral applicants to 40. You need the relevant prior qualification: a bachelor's degree for master's study and a master's degree for doctoral study. Doctoral applicants typically also need a supervisor's approval letter from a professor at the partner university and a statement of purpose outlining the research and dissertation plan.
Language Requirements
You must show English proficiency. A common benchmark for master's entry is around TOEFL ITP 500 or IELTS 6.0, though exact requirements can vary by university and programme.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full tuition fees at your partner university
- Monthly living allowance for day-to-day expenses
- Monthly research and book allowance
- Health insurance covering medical treatment and hospitalisation
- Round-trip economy-class airfare and local transportation
- Settlement allowance on arrival
- Funding to publish one scientific article (master's and doctoral students)
How to Apply
- Check eligibility. Confirm your country has diplomatic relations with Indonesia and that you meet the age and degree requirements.
- Prepare your English certificate. Arrange TOEFL or IELTS results that meet the programme benchmark.
- Register on the KNB portal. Create an account at the official KNB website when the cycle opens.
- Choose your universities and programmes. Select from the 47 partner universities and the fields they offer.
- Doctoral applicants, secure a supervisor. Obtain a supervisor approval letter and prepare your research statement of purpose.
- Submit before the deadline. For 2026, applications run 2 February to 31 March 2026.
- Await results and prepare to travel. Results are announced on 19 June 2026, with study beginning in September 2026.
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- English proficiency certificate (TOEFL ITP or IELTS)
- Recommendation letters
- A statement of purpose or motivation letter
- A copy of your passport
- Health certificate
- For doctoral applicants, a supervisor approval letter and research plan
Key Dates & Deadlines
| Stage | 2026 cycle |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 2 February 2026 |
| Application deadline | 31 March 2026 |
| Results announced | 19 June 2026 |
| Study begins | September 2026 |
KNB runs annually on a similar early-year schedule, so if you miss this round, expect a comparable window next year.
Tips for a Strong Application
What helps
- Pick programmes that match your background and explain the fit clearly.
- For doctoral study, contact a potential supervisor early to secure the approval letter.
- Make sure your English test result is valid and meets the benchmark before you submit.
- Write a statement of purpose that connects your study to development needs at home.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying past the age limit for your level.
- Leaving the supervisor letter to the last minute as a doctoral applicant.
- Uploading incomplete or unverified transcripts.
- Assuming a bachelor's track is open every cycle when it is offered only in some.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the KNB Scholarship?
Citizens of developing countries with diplomatic relations with Indonesia, meeting the age limits (around 35 for master's, 40 for doctoral) and holding the right prior degree, with adequate English.
Is the KNB Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, research and book allowance, health insurance, round-trip airfare, local transport, settlement and publication support.
What is the deadline for the KNB Scholarship?
For the 2026 cycle, applications run from 2 February to 31 March 2026, with results on 19 June 2026 and study starting in September 2026.
How many universities accept the KNB Scholarship?
47 partner universities across Indonesia, including UI, ITB, UGM and UNAIR.
What degree levels does the KNB Scholarship cover?
Master's and doctoral study every cycle, with bachelor's places offered in some cycles.
What English score do I need for the KNB Scholarship?
A common master's benchmark is around TOEFL ITP 500 or IELTS 6.0, though exact requirements vary by university and programme.
What documents do I need for the KNB Scholarship?
Transcripts, an English certificate, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, a passport copy, a health certificate, and for doctoral applicants a supervisor letter and research plan.
Does the KNB Scholarship cover airfare?
Yes. It includes round-trip economy-class airfare and local transportation.
Do doctoral applicants need a supervisor before applying to KNB?
Yes, typically. Doctoral applicants need a supervisor approval letter from a professor at the partner university and a research statement of purpose.
How many KNB Scholarships are awarded each year?
Around 200 scholarships are offered annually across levels and fields.