The Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship is a fully funded international scholarship program offered by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to outstanding students from developing countries who wish to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral (PhD) degrees at leading universities in Indonesia.
Recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious government-funded scholarships, the KNB Scholarship 2025–2026 provides recipients with the opportunity to gain a globally competitive education, immerse themselves in Indonesia’s rich multicultural society, and build long-term academic and professional networks.
What Is the KNB Scholarship?
The KNB Scholarship was first conceived during the 10th Conference of Heads of State of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held on 1–6 September 1992. Initially, the program was exclusively available to students from NAM member countries.
Due to increasing international interest, the Indonesian Government officially removed regional restrictions in 2002 and renamed the program Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship. Since then, the scholarship has expanded globally and is now open to developing countries across Asia, Africa, the Pacific, South America, and Eastern Europe.
Today, the KNB Scholarship serves as a strategic educational diplomacy initiative, aiming to strengthen people-to-people relations while nurturing future leaders from the Global South.
Why Study in Indonesia with the KNB Scholarship?
KNB awardees receive more than financial support. They gain:
- 🎓 Fully funded degree programs at top Indonesian public universities
- 🌏 First-hand experience living in a multicultural and multilingual society
- 🤝 International networking with scholars from developing countries
- 🚀 Enhanced career prospects through globally recognized qualifications
Students will study at 31 partner universities, expanded to 34 host universities in 2025, offering strong academic environments and growing research capacity aligned with Indonesia’s goal of becoming a hub for world-class universities.
KNB Scholarship 2025 Overview
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia plans to award approximately:
- 200 fully funded scholarships, covering:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Doctoral Degree (PhD)
This limited quota makes the KNB Scholarship highly competitive and sought after by students from developing countries worldwide.
Vision and Mission of the KNB Scholarship
🎯 Vision
To contribute to human resource development in developing countries.
🌱 Mission
- Promote cross-cultural understanding and global cooperation
- Strengthen diplomatic relations among developing nations
- Improve Indonesian universities’ research capacity
- Support Indonesia’s national strategy to increase the number of world-class universities
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
1️⃣ Download the KNB Offer Letter
Applicants must download the KNB Scholarship Offering Letter from the official website:
👉 https://knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id
2️⃣ Contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate
Applicants must contact the Indonesian Representative in their home country, either:
- Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, or
- Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia
⚠️ Applications without an official recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate will not be accepted.
3️⃣ Prepare and Submit Required Documents
Applicants submit all documents to the Indonesian Representative to obtain a Recommendation Letter.
4️⃣ Online Registration
After receiving the recommendation letter, applicants must register online at:
👉 https://knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id
📌 Notes:
- One account per applicant only
- File format: .jpg / .jpeg
- Maximum file size: 300 KB per document
Download Official Documents
- 📘 KNB Scholarship 2025 Guidebook
- 📄 KNB Scholarship Offer Letter
- 📜 Indonesian Embassy Recommendation Letter Template
Applicants must request the recommendation letter directly from the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in their country.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements (KNB Scholarship)
Eligibility
- Maximum age: 21 years old (by December 31, 2025)
- Hold a High School diploma
- Bachelor’s degree holders are not eligible
English Proficiency (minimum)
- TOEFL ITP: 477
- TOEFL iBT: 53
- IELTS: 5.5
- TOEIC: 510
(Exemptions apply for English-speaking countries or English-taught programs.)
Required Documents
- Embassy/Consulate recommendation letter
- Employer recommendation (if applicable)
- Academic recommendation letter
- Legalized high school certificate and transcript
- Valid passport (until at least 31 December 2026)
- Completed online application form
📌 All documents must be in English or Bahasa Indonesia.
Master’s Degree Requirements (KNB Scholarship)
Eligibility
- Maximum age: 35 years old (by December 31, 2025)
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s degree holders are not eligible
English Proficiency (minimum)
- TOEFL ITP: 500
- TOEFL iBT: 61
- IELTS: 6.0
- TOEIC: 575
Required Documents
- Embassy/Consulate recommendation letter
- Employer recommendation (if working)
- Academic recommendation letter
- Legalized Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript
- Valid passport
- Completed online application form
📌 Documents must be in English or Bahasa Indonesia.
Doctoral Degree (PhD) Requirements – KNB Scholarship
Eligibility
- Maximum age: 40 years old (by December 31, 2025)
- Hold a Master’s Degree
- Doctorate degree holders are not eligible
Additional Academic Requirements
- Recommendation letter from a potential research supervisor
- Statement of Purpose / Dissertation Proposal outlining:
- Research objectives
- Motivation for studying in Indonesia
- Academic and career plans
English Proficiency (minimum)
- TOEFL ITP: 530
- TOEFL iBT: 71
- IELTS: 6.0
- TOEIC: 640
Required Documents
- Embassy/Consulate recommendation letter
- Employer recommendation (if applicable)
- Academic recommendation letter
- Legalized Master’s degree certificate and transcript
- Supervisor recommendation letter
- Statement of Purpose
- Valid passport
- Completed online application form
📌 All required documents must be in English or Bahasa Indonesia.
KNB Scholarship 2026 Selection Schedule
📝 Application Submission
02 February – 31 March 2026
🏛️ Verification by Indonesian Embassy
06 April – 17 April 2026
🏢 Verification by Directorate of Institutional Affairs
20 April – 30 April 2026
🎓 Academic Selection
04 May – 12 June 2026
📢 Announcement of Awardees
19 June 2026
✍️ Re-Registration (Student Agreement Signing)
22 June – 26 June 2026
Why the KNB Scholarship Is Worth Applying For
- ✔ Fully funded by the Indonesian Government
- ✔ Open to students from developing countries worldwide
- ✔ Covers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees
- ✔ Strong academic, cultural, and diplomatic value
- ✔ Limited quota increases global prestige
Final Thoughts
If you are from a developing country and seeking a fully funded international scholarship in Asia, the KNB Scholarship 2025–2026 is a rare and valuable opportunity to study in Indonesia, gain global exposure, and build a strong foundation for future leadership.
📌 Start early, contact your Indonesian Embassy, and prepare your documents carefully.
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