KNB Scholarship 2025–26: Indonesia’s Fully Funded Scholarship for Pakistani Students via HEC
The Government of Indonesia, through its prestigious Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship Program, has invited applications from students of developing countries — including Pakistan — to pursue fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs at top Indonesian universities. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has officially announced this opportunity and is facilitating Pakistani applicants through its Learning Opportunities Abroad (LOA) portal.
This is a remarkable opportunity for Pakistani students to receive world-class education completely free of cost while experiencing the rich culture and diversity of Indonesia.
What is the KNB Scholarship?
The KNB Scholarship, initiated during the 10th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Conference in 1992, is one of Indonesia’s oldest international scholarship programs. Since its launch, it has benefitted over 1,600 recipients from 97 countries. The program is managed by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Indonesia and aims to strengthen educational and cultural ties between Indonesia and developing nations.
In 2025, the program will select approximately 222 students — 30 for Bachelor’s, 162 for Master’s, and 30 for Doctoral degrees — across 31 partner universities in Indonesia.
Scholarship Benefits
The KNB Scholarship is truly fully funded. Here’s what it covers:
- Full tuition fees for the entire duration of the program
- Monthly living allowance of IDR 2,550,000
- Research allowance of IDR 400,000 per month
- Book allowance of IDR 350,000 per month
- Settlement allowance of IDR 1,250,000 upon arrival
- Monthly health insurance of IDR 200,000
- Round-trip airfare covered
- One-year Bahasa Indonesia language training (so no prior language knowledge is required)
Degree Programs and Duration
- Bachelor’s Degree: 8 semesters (4 years)
- Master’s Degree: 4 semesters (2 years)
- Doctoral Degree: 3 years
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the KNB Scholarship, Pakistani applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age Limits:
- Bachelor’s: Maximum 25 years
- Master’s: Maximum 35 years
- Doctoral: Maximum 40 years
Academic Requirements:
- Bachelor’s: High school diploma with strong academic record
- Master’s: Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree holders are NOT eligible)
- Doctoral: Master’s degree
English Proficiency:
- TOEFL IBT: 80 | IELTS: 6.0 | TOEIC: 700 (for Bachelor’s and Master’s)
- TOEFL IBT: 90 | IELTS: 7.0 (for Doctoral)
- Students from English-taught institutions may submit proof instead of a test score.
Required Documents
- Valid passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (in English)
- English proficiency test score
- Recommendation letter from the Indonesian Embassy in Pakistan
- Recommendation letter from employer/supervisor (if applicable)
- Academic recommendation letter from previous institution
- Statement of Purpose (for Master’s and PhD)
- Research proposal (for Doctoral applicants)
How to Apply
- Visit the official KNB Scholarship website: knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id
- Download the invitation letter from the website
- Submit the invitation letter to the Indonesian Embassy in Pakistan to obtain your official recommendation letter
- Complete the online application form
- Upload all required documents (in .jpg/.jpeg format, max 300KB per file)
- Submit before the deadline
Important: Each applicant can only create ONE account. Ensure all documents are ready before submitting.
Pakistani students can also check HEC’s official announcement at: hec.gov.pk/english/HECAnnouncements/Pages/KNB.aspx
Why Study in Indonesia?
Indonesia is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic universities and is the world’s fourth most populous country, offering an incredibly diverse and multicultural learning environment. Studying here equips graduates with global exposure, research skills, and international networks that are invaluable in today’s competitive job market.
Final Words
The KNB Scholarship is a golden opportunity for ambitious Pakistani students to earn internationally recognized degrees without any financial burden. With HEC Pakistan facilitating the process, the application pathway is straightforward. Don’t miss your chance — gather your documents, visit the Indonesian Embassy, and apply today!
For more scholarship opportunities and updates, stay connected with HEC Pakistan and follow this blog.
