Prospective applicants are required to register and submit all documents to Darmasiswa RI official website apply.darmasiswa.kemdikbud.go.id. For applicants who are not in their home country are not allowed to be registered through the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate General in the participating countries (non-citizenship).
Ho Hoang Huy – VIetnam
Darmasiswa 2024
It has been 10 unforgettable months since the very first day I set foot in this country — a journey that has truly changed me in the best way possible.
This experience has been incredibly valuable. For the first time, I lived far away from home, stepped out of my comfort zone, communicated and learned in English every day, and took full responsibility for managing my own monthly expenses — a big shift from the “chill” life I once had with my family in Vietnam.
What made this journey even more meaningful were the moments we shared together. From participating in impactful extracurricular activities with ITS, to connecting with elementary, middle, and high school students in Surabaya — every experience left a lasting impression on me. The trips organized through ITS programs were also unforgettable highlights that I will always cherish.
My deepest thanks go to Mbak Desy and Mas Harris, who have supported us wholeheartedly since day one. Your dedication and careful preparation for international students made everything feel smoother and more special.
I am also sincerely grateful to all the staff and faculty members at ITS for their continuous support throughout my time here. Because of you, this place feels like more than just a university — it feels like home.
The memories I’ve made here will stay with me forever. This is not a goodbye, but simply a “see you again.” I truly hope our paths will cross again someday — whether in Vietnam or Indonesia.
“𝑻𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒂 𝒌𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒉 𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏-𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝒅𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏-𝒅𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒏 𝒅𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒊 𝒋𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒂 𝒍𝒂𝒈𝒊.” ✨
LI JIAHUI – China
My time in Surabaya at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) through the DARMASISWA program has been an invaluable and transformative experience. Studying alongside an international cohort allowed me to deepen my understanding of Indonesian language and culture while engaging in meaningful cross-cultural exchange.
I am sincerely grateful for the support and guidance of the lecturers, staff, and local friends, whose kindness and dedication enriched both my academic journey and personal growth. Beyond the classroom, participating in cultural activities and educational trips provided me with a broader appreciation of Indonesia’s heritage and natural beauty.
This experience has strengthened my independence, adaptability, and respect for cultural diversity. I will always cherish the knowledge, friendships, and memories gained during my time at ITS.
Sia Esther Kamanda – Sierra Leone
My name is Sia Esther Kamanda from Freetown, Sierra Leone. When I discovered the Darmasiswa Scholarship, it felt unreal—a chance to learn Bahasa Indonesia and experience a whole new culture. Getting accepted was one of the proudest, most emotional moments of my life. At Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya, I didn’t just study—I found a second home. The lecturers taught us that language is more than words; it’s a bridge to people, stories, and culture. Beyond the classroom, I explored the beauty of Indonesia—from Yogyakarta to Mount Bromo, Malang, and Bali—experiences I’ll cherish forever. I returned home not just with a new language, but with a new perspective: the world is kinder, more connected, and home can be found wherever you are welcomed.
Shin Dong Ho – South Korea
Darmasiswa 2023
“I am delighted to have Darmasiswa at ITS. The professors at ITS are very passionate and kind, and do their best to improve students’ academic ability. Of course, other than studying, there are many programs to enjoy Indonesian culture. The most memorable thing for me was the trip to Sidoarjo camp and Bromo mountain. In Sidoarjo, we were able to tour a local school and experience Indonesia’s unique culture. It was truly meaningful and I still remember the students who welcomed me. Mount Bromo was truly an amazing experience. It was my first volcano so I had high expectations, but it was so beautiful. However, the view from Mount Bromo was more beautiful than Mount Bromo. Compared to other universities, there are more classes and more programs. However, there is a lot of support, so only people who really enjoy Indonesia and want to spend their time should come.”
Manas Gupta – India
“My experience during my Darmasiswa program in ITS has been a very fulfilling and enlightening one. The staff of the Global Kampong have been nothing but supportive of me from the start and provided me with all the information and resources I could ask for, beforehand. GK also sponsored us to many learning experiences not just inside the class however outside too. Like our trip to Sidoarjo and Bromo. I received first-hand experiences and got to learn about different Indonesian culture from the people belonging to those culture themselves. I know that this level of authenticity availed to me by GK ITS and Darmasiswa will forever remain in my heart as my most precious memory. I encourage and invite all future applicants to choose ITS as their next learning spot.”
Jitendra Kumar Yadav – India
“The Darmasiswa program at ITS Surabaya has been an immersive voyage into language, culture, and community. Facilitated by the Indonesian government, this initiative has equipped me with a proficient grasp of Bahasa Indonesia while providing a firsthand experience of the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. Engaging in various local activities has allowed me to embrace traditions and celebrations, fostering personal and academic growth. The warm welcome extended by ITS Surabaya’s faculty and fellow students has transformed the campus into a home away from home. Beyond language classes, the program’s focus on cultural immersion has been invaluable, offering insights into Indonesia’s history, art, and societal dynamics. This journey has not only broadened my linguistic horizons but has also cultivated a deep appreciation for the diversity and uniqueness of Indonesian culture, leaving an indelible mark on my academic and personal development. Terima kasih banyak Indonesia”
Rajesh Kumar Das – Nepal Darmasiswa 2017
“I am a man who is always enthusiastic to explore places and people around the world. Being born in a country of mountains and no access to sea, I always dreamt of going overseas and increase my understanding about the globalization. After I completed my graduate degree in my country, I came to know about Darmasiswa program through one of my Nepali couleague. Darmasiswa, a scholarship program from Indonesian government gives a chance to learn Indonesian language and culture to foreign students. I choosed to apply at Institute of Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya for this program and luckily got selected. My one year starting from August 2017 was simply amazing at this campus. The guidance from language trainers and friendliness of staffs at this campus made me realize Indonesia my second home. As I started learning Indonesian language, it helped me a lot go around Indonesia and explore the cultural diversities and socialize with Indonesian society. Indonesia, a country of islands often lure me to go around. Today travelling has become my passion. I realize the fact that traveling does not only changes personal behavior but also support the economy of a country and helps in dissemination of knowledge. For this all, I would give my credit to Institute of Sepuluh Nopember for giving me this opportunity through Darmasiswa program.”
Hee Jae Park – South Korea
Darmasiswa 2017
“I am truly lucky guy because I spent Darmasiswa program at ITS. ITS has beautiful campus and enjoyable atmosphere of classes. All of these make me more motivate to learn Bahasa Indonesia and Indonesian culture. I am especially thankful to International Office. The staaff is full of kindness as well as really active to solve any kind of problem as an international student can have. I would love to choose ITS again if I get a chance to take participate in Darmasiswa program again.”
Mehdi Lassoued – Tunisia
Darmasiswa 2014
“I have been appointed to Surabaya by Darmasiswa program. Regarding ITS itself it is very green campus which pays a lot of attention to this issue, so it makes me happy. Regarding the way at teaching, I am happy with the lecturers which are professionals not only in language but also explaining cultural things in interesting ways. Cultural activities are well managed at ITS.It is also a chance for me to improve my experience and skills such as getting to a new language and cultures.”
Abigail Gasocyne – United Kingdom
Darmasiswa 2013
“I still remember when I came to Surabaya for the first time year and join Darmasiswa program for 2014, during ten months approximately. Its was really very nice experience for me because it helped me to learn all about Indonesian culture and about other cultures by meeting other people from different countries. Also, afterjoining Darmasiswa I could travel around Indonesia and discover wonderful places like volcanos, temples, and many more. “