Overview
The Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship, which translates to “Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship,” is a prestigious fully funded scholarship program offered by the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. The program is designed to support students from developing countries to pursue Master’s (S2) degrees at Indonesian universities, with the dual aim of developing competent professionals and leaders in developing nations, promoting mutual cultural understanding, and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and partner countries.
The KNB Scholarship covers a wide range of academic disciplines, from Philosophy to Architectural Engineering, providing recipients with access to diverse and high-quality education at Indonesian institutions. As all courses and thesis work are conducted in Bahasa Indonesia, the program includes a mandatory 12-month language and preparatory course before the commencement of Master’s studies.
What’s Included?
The KNB Scholarship is a fully funded award that covers all major costs. Recipients receive the following benefits:
- Settlement Allowance: A one-time settlement allowance provided upon arrival in Indonesia to help with initial expenses.
- Monthly Living Allowance: A monthly stipend to cover day-to-day living costs throughout the programme.
- Tuition Fees: All tuition fees for both the 12-month language preparatory course and the 2-year Master’s programme are fully covered.
- Accommodation: University housing or a housing allowance is provided during the programme.
- Bahasa Indonesia Language Course: A compulsory 12-month intensive Bahasa Indonesia language and master’s preparatory course is included before the degree programme begins.
- Research Allowance: Support for thesis research and related academic activities.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage during the study period.
- Book Allowance: Funds to purchase academic materials and textbooks.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the KNB Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a developing country that has diplomatic relations with Indonesia. The list of eligible countries is updated annually — check the official KNB website for the current list.
- Academic Level: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (S1) with a minimum GPA of 2.9 out of 4.0.
- Age: Generally must be under 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Language: Applicants are not required to know Bahasa Indonesia at the time of application — the 12-month language preparatory course is provided as part of the programme.
- Field of Study: All academic fields are eligible. The programme covers a wide range from humanities to technical disciplines.
- Health: Must be in good physical and mental health (medical examination required).
- Status: Must not currently be holding another scholarship or be a registered student in Indonesia.
How to Apply
To apply for the KNB Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Visit the official KNB Scholarship website at knb.kemdikbud.go.id to check the eligible countries and available universities.
- Register and complete the online application form on the KNB website during the application period.
- Choose your preferred Indonesian university and study programme from the list of participating KNB institutions.
- Prepare and upload required documents, which typically include: completed application form, Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript, passport copy, CV, motivation letter, research proposal (for research-based programmes), health certificate, and recommendation letters.
- Submit the complete application by the deadline.
- Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for an interview or additional documentation.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening | Typically January–February each year |
| Application Deadline | May 31, 2026 |
| Results Announcement | June–July each year |
| Language Preparatory Course Begins | September–October each year |
| Master’s Programme Begins | September of the following year |
Contact Information
For more information and to apply, visit the official KNB Scholarship website at knb.kemdikbud.go.id. You may also contact the nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in your home country for assistance with the application process and to confirm your country’s eligibility.
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