The Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship, popularly known as the KNB Scholarship, is a financial assistance program offered by the Government of Indonesia to prospective international students from developing countries who wish to pursue Master’s or Doctoral degrees at Indonesian universities.
The scholarship was conceived during the 10th Conference of Heads of State of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held from 1–6 September 1992. The Government of the Republic of Indonesia began offering the scholarship in the following year to students from NAM member countries.
In 2002, the regional exclusivity of the scholarship was revoked due to growing global interest. At that time, the program was officially renamed the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship, and eligibility was extended beyond NAM member countries. To date, the scholarship has been offered to students from developing countries across Asia, the Pacific, South America, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Ultimately, the KNB Scholarship aims to strengthen people-to-people relations between Indonesia and recipient countries while nurturing future global leaders.
At Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya, the KNB Scholarship is offered for both Master’s and Doctoral programs and has attracted applicants from developing countries across Europe, Africa, Latin America, Oceania, and Asia. Bahasa Indonesia (the Indonesian language) is used as the primary medium of instruction for all academic activities, including lectures in the class.
*The scholarship benefits are granted exclusively to the awardee. The KNB Scholarship does not cover dependents or provide family allowance.
The maximum age to apply is 40 years old, as of December 31, 2026.
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (scanned degree certificate and academic transcripts in English). Please note that Doctoral degree holders are not eligible to apply for the Doctoral Degree scholarship.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25.
Applicants must provide a recommendation letter in English from a potential supervisor at ITS. This requirement applies to applicants who choose ITS as their first or second choice.
Applicants must submit a Statement of Purpose, which at minimum explains the purpose of study, the motivation for studying in Indonesia, the research interest and chosen topic, and academic plans for the future (dissertation proposal). The document must be written in English or Bahasa Indonesia.
Applicants must have an English Proficiency Test score with the following minimum requirements: TOEFL ITP 530, TOEFL iBT 71, IELTS 6.0, TOEIC 640, or equivalent. The certificate must have been issued within the last two (2) years.Applicants who are nationals of English-speaking countries, or who graduated from study programs conducted in English (as stated in the diploma or academic transcript), are exempted from this requirement, provided that official proof from the home university is submitted.
Applicants must provide a recommendation letter for the KNB Scholarship from the Indonesian Embassy or Indonesian Consulate General in the applicant’s home country.
Applicants must provide a recommendation letter from their employer or immediate supervisor in English (for applicants who are currently employed). Applicants who are not employed must submit a statement letter instead.
Applicants must provide an academic recommendation letter from their previous educational institution in English.
Applicants must submit scanned copies of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and academic transcripts, in English, which have been legalized by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the applicant’s home country.
Applicants must provide proof of citizenship by submitting an official passport, valid at least until December 31, 2027. Diplomatic or work passports are not accepted.
Applicants must submit an introduction video uploaded to YouTube. Detailed requirements refer to the official KNB guidelines.
Applicants must submit medical certificates issued within the last three (3) months, including: physical examination results, communicable disease tests (Tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Mpox), mental health assessment, and a negative drug test (screening for amphetamine, methamphetamine, marijuana, morphine, and benzodiazepines). All documents must be in English.
Applicants must complete the online application form via:http://knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id
All required documents must be scanned and uploaded in .jpeg or .jpg format, with a maximum file size of 300 KB per document, to avoid technical issues during the upload process.
Each applicant is allowed only one account on the KNB Scholarship website. Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that all required documents are complete and accurate before finalizing the registration.
Master Student at Department of Electrical Engineering
Graduated with Cum Laude
“As a Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) scholarship awardee, I was able to experience Indonesian culture and learn the language. Learning Indonesian was an amazing experience that lasted one whole year, after which I started my master’s degree. I was able to feel the warmth of ITS students, join multiple activities, such as being part of my faculty’s volleyball team, get to know people, both from Indonesia and overseas, get a taste of their culture, get to know new flavors and different approaches to practical problems. As a master’s degree student, I lived a different teaching method, closer to the research made by my teachers, looking up closely what was being researched and developed at the university. Also, I was able to visit other faculty’s laboratories and work together with them, enriching my learning experience. I made great friends during my stay at ITS, and was able to feel the spirit of unity that characterizes Indonesians and ITS students. I thank all the people that accompanied and guided me throughout this amazing experience!
Master Student at Department of Mechanical Engineering, ITS
“The learning atmosphere at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is excellent. I had strong support from supervisors, lecturers, friendly colleagues, classmates, staff members, and international offices towards completing my master’s degree. Being taken care of by all of them makes me feel relax and motivated to attend the class, participating in the class activities. This university time has enabled me to immerse myself in international experience and meet a wide range of friends from different cultures. There, I am encouraged to explore my potential fully. The most enjoyable time during my university life at ITS is having a snack together and experimental study. My message for the next generation of students is always to prepare and not be afraid to try. Preparation is essential. When we are ready, the results achieved are maximized. If you encounter difficulties, be brave to face them. There is a lot of hidden potential in yourself.”
Master of Engineering in Renewable Energy Engineering
“The ITS learning environment was really conducive and I was able to interacts with colleagues of the same concentration (Renewable Energy) and colleagues of the other concentration (Instrumentation) as well. The courses which I studied during my 2 years at the department were solid and the concept was grasped accordingly which has adequately equipped me to undertake a any PhD program in the future. During the duration of my study by the grace of the Almighty Allah, I was able to published 3 publications and the 4th one is under review by the Journal of Applied Engineering Science ( JAES). Most importantly, the entire International Office ( IO) staff were so passionate about the welfare of international students during my tenure of studying at ITS. The other staff at IO and the volunteers as a whole were very kind, amicable, and supportive. I say a very big thank to you all. I pray that may the ITS continue to excell internationally.”
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