Do you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions, stunning landscapes, and rich heritage of Indonesia while studying completely free of charge? The Government of the Republic of Indonesia is officially accepting applications for the prestigious Darmasiswa Indonesian Scholarship for the Academic Year 2026/2027. This premier program offers international students a lifetime opportunity to study Bahasa Indonesia, traditional arts, music, dance, and local crafts at 64 top-tier host universities across the Indonesian archipelago.

Organized by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Darmasiswa program is designed to build stronger cross-cultural ties, foster international friendships, and promote the beautiful language and culture of Indonesia among global youth.

Important Program Details

• Hosting Country: Indonesia
• Organizing Ministry: Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)
• Academic Level: One-year non-degree certificate program
• Fields of Study: Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Language), Traditional Arts, Culinary, Music, Dance, and Culture
• Number of Host Universities: 64 Universities across Indonesia (including Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Universitas Airlangga)
• Application Period: May 15, 2026 – June 15, 2026

Financial Benefits and Coverage

The Darmasiswa Scholarship is a fully funded program designed to cover your living expenses so you can focus entirely on learning and cultural exploration. The financial package includes:

• Monthly Living Allowance: Awardees will receive IDR 4,700,000 per month to cover food, local transport, and daily necessities.
• Settlement Allowance: A one-time settlement allowance of IDR 4,700,000 upon arrival in Indonesia to help you establish your living space.
• Book Allowance: A one-time educational book allowance of IDR 2,000,000.
• Accommodation & Orientation Transport: The Ministry covers local transit and housing during the official Orientation Program in Jakarta.
• Housing Assistance: Host universities will assist students in finding affordable housing (rooms or apartments) matching their monthly living allowance.
• Local Health Insurance: Basic medical coverage provided by the host institution.

Please note: The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education does not cover international airfare to and from Indonesia. Awardees are responsible for booking their own flights.

Eligibility and Qualifications

To qualify for the Darmasiswa Scholarship 2026/2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a foreign national from a country holding active diplomatic relations with the Republic of Indonesia.
• Have completed secondary education (high school diploma) or its equivalent.
• Be between 18 and 32 years of age (special extension granted for the 2026/2027 cycle).
• Possess the ability to communicate in English, with an English Language Proficiency Certificate (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, or equivalent) submitted if available.
• Be in excellent physical and mental health, verified by an official medical certificate.
• Possess basic knowledge and a demonstrated interest in the chosen field of study (Bahasa Indonesia or Indonesian Arts).
• Must not be an alumnus of the Darmasiswa Program or the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship.
• Must not be currently studying or working in Indonesia during the application process.

Required Application Documents

All prospective students must prepare and submit the following documents in English or Bahasa Indonesia:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Prepared using the official template downloadable from the Darmasiswa portal.
2. Medical Certificate: Issued by a certified doctor/hospital in English confirming your fitness to study.
3. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 18 months from the date of application submission.
4. Recommendation Letter: Written on official letterhead with a signature from an academic or professional institution.
5. Academic Transcript and Certificate: Your latest high school diploma, university transcript, or graduation certificate.
6. English Language Certificate: TOEFL, IELTS, or other proficiency proof (if applicable).
7. Specialty Certificates: Any certificates or portfolio work related to your applied field of study (if applicable).
8. Passport Photo: High-quality color digital passport photograph.
9. Purpose of Study Essay: A personal statement outlining your goals, maximum of 500 words, written in English or Bahasa Indonesia.
10. Application Video: A full-body video (maximum 2 minutes long) explaining your motivation to join the program and how you plan to contribute as an ambassador of Indonesian culture in your home country.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

The application process is fully digitized. Follow these exact steps to ensure a successful application:

1. Online Registration: Visit the official portal at apply.darmasiswa.kemendikdasmen.go.id and create an account. Fill out your profile and select your preferred host universities and courses.
2. Document Upload: Upload all required credentials, your essay, and your motivation video link before June 15, 2026.
3. Embassy Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview and document verification at the local Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in their home country between June 16 and June 23, 2026.
4. University Selection: Universities will evaluate applicants based on their portfolio and interview performance.
5. Final Selection & Announcement: Results will be officially published on July 14, 2026.
6. Visa Application: Selected students must apply for a Student Visa (Visa Index C316) through the assistance of their host university.
7. Orientation & Arrival: Arrive in Jakarta in late August 2026 for the national orientation, before moving to your host city for lectures starting in September 2026.

For comprehensive details and to submit your application directly, visit the official Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Darmasiswa Portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I choose which Indonesian university I want to attend?

Yes, during the online application, you can choose from the 64 participating host universities listed. However, final placement is decided by the selection committee based on course availability and university intake limits.

Is there an application fee for the Darmasiswa Scholarship?

No, the application process is completely free. The Indonesian Government does not charge any registration or processing fees for this program.

Can I work part-time in Indonesia while holding this scholarship?

No, according to Indonesian immigration laws and scholarship regulations, Darmasiswa awardees are strictly prohibited from working or earning any income while studying in the country. Violation of this rule will result in the immediate termination of the scholarship and deportation.

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