Scholarship guide
Scholarships for Indonesian Students Studying Abroad
Indonesian students can look at home-country schemes, destination-country awards, and university scholarships. Learn how to organise your search, documents, and budget for a 2027 start.
Start your comparison
✓ Programs and universities
✓ Scholarships and total cost
✓ Requirements and deadlines
Check your WiseScore →
Last verified 10/01/2026. Admission, tuition, scholarship, and visa information can change. Use this guide to compare options, then confirm current details with the university and official sources such as LPDP (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education), Indonesian Ministry of Education, The scholarship provider's official guidelines, The admissions office of the university you apply to before applying.
Three places to look for funding
Funding for Indonesian students generally comes from home-country programs, destination-country government awards, and university scholarships. LPDP is a well-known Indonesian government funding body, and applicants should read its current terms directly, including any conditions that apply after study. Destination awards, such as those offered in China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Germany, are a separate track with their own eligibility and routes. University scholarships are usually decided with admission.
Documents, translation and verification
Prepare passport details, academic transcripts, and certificates in clear copies. Ask each institution whether Indonesian-language records require an official translation, and whether originals, certified copies, or online verification are expected. Allow time for these steps, since issuing certified copies or translations can delay applications that are otherwise ready.
Matching destination to your profile
Different destinations suit different circumstances. Consider the teaching language, how your qualification is recognised, living costs, and the scholarship options that exist for your level of study. Weigh these factors together rather than one at a time, and keep a short written comparison so that you can discuss the trade-offs with family and advisers.
- Language of instruction and the evidence you hold
- Recognition of your school or university qualification
- Total cost across the length of the degree
- Funding routes open to Indonesian nationals
Budgeting in rupiah
Plan the full year, not just tuition, including housing, insurance, flights, and visa-related costs. Exchange rates move, so leave room for changes between planning and payment. Treat scholarships as conditional until the provider confirms them in writing, and use the cost calculator to compare destinations on the same basis.
Avoiding unreliable intermediaries
Be cautious about anyone who promises a scholarship in exchange for a fee. Confirm opportunities on the official website of the funder or university, and ask the institution directly if an agent claims to represent it. No application can guarantee funding, admission, or a visa.
Frequently asked questions
Is LPDP the only scholarship for Indonesian students?
No. LPDP is one well-known Indonesian government funding body, but students also look at destination-country awards and university scholarships. Check each provider's current terms, because eligibility, coverage, and obligations differ and can change between application rounds. Always check the latest official terms before you rely on this.
Do I need to translate my documents?
Often a university will ask for an English translation of Indonesian-language records, sometimes by an official translator. Rules differ by institution and country, so ask the admissions office what format, certification, or verification they require before preparing final copies. Verify the specifics with the institution directly before you plan around them.
Which destinations should Indonesian students compare?
China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Germany are common starting points, but the right choice depends on your subject, language evidence, budget, and funding options. Compare individual programs and their scholarship terms rather than choosing a country first. Confirm the current details with the university or provider before you decide.