7 Study abroad scholarships for Indonesian students

Studying abroad is a dream of many students. Either to start a bachelor's degree or continue their education to a higher level such as a master's or doctorate. 

In fact, studying abroad is much more than pursuing a degree. You can have wonderful experiences by meeting students from all over the world, experiencing the international way of studying or working, and broadening the scope of your career. 

Studying abroad does provide many benefits. However, some students are facing financial problems to realise this dream. 

Even so, you don't need to worry. There are various choices of study abroad scholarships that you can take advantage of now. Every year, there are opportunities for you to get an undergraduate scholarship, master's scholarship, or doctoral scholarship, either from the government, private institution, or universities. 

For Indonesian students, scholarships play a crucial role in making education abroad more accessible and affordable. With the rising costs of tuition fees and living expenses overseas, scholarships offer valuable financial support—covering partial or full tuition, living allowance, and even airfare in some cases. 

More than just a financial aid, studying abroad with a scholarship also boosts your academic and professional profile. It gives you access to world-class education, global networking opportunities, and an internationally recognised degree without burdening your family financially. 

To help you easier in deciding your choice, here are several types of scholarships you need to know and a list of 2025 scholarships to study in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Ireland, Canada, England and New Zealand. Take a note and prepare for your journey abroad! 

4 Types of Study Abroad Scholarships

Scholarships provide an opportunity for you to pursue your education abroad. With a variety of scholarship options available, it’s important to understand the types so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and academic goals. Below are the common types of scholarships based on the institutions or parties that offer them. 

Government Scholarship 

These scholarships are funded by government institutions and are generally open to a wide range of applicants—from fresh graduates to professionals. They are often competitive and highly prestigious. 

One of the most well-known examples is the LPDP (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan) scholarship provided by Indonesia’s Ministry of Finance, which supports master's and doctoral studies abroad. Another example is the Australia Awards Scholarship, funded by the Australian Government, which aims to build leadership skills and foster people-to-people links between Australia and its partner countries, including Indonesia. 

Private Institution 

Private companies, foundations, and non-governmental organizations also offer scholarships, often tailored to specific fields or target groups. These scholarships may reflect the mission or industry focus of the institution providing them. 

For instance, the Tanoto Foundation Scholarship supports Indonesian students pursuing postgraduate degrees at top global universities. 

University Scholarships 

Many international universities provide scholarships to attract top-performing students from around the world. These can be based on academic merit, financial need, leadership potential, or a combination of factors. 

For example, the ANU Global Diversity Scholarship from the Australian National University supports international students from underrepresented countries, including Indonesia. 

Developed Countries Scholarship 

These scholarships are offered by the governments or agencies of developed countries as part of international cooperation to support education, development, and diplomacy. They often include additional support such as training, research opportunities, or infrastructure improvement in the recipients’ home countries. 

The Chevening Scholarship from the UK Government, for example, supports one-year master’s programs at any UK university and includes networking and leadership development opportunities. Similarly, the Fulbright Program from the United States offers scholarships for graduate study and research, as well as cultural exchange, for international students including those from Indonesia. 

List of 2025 Scholarships Available for Indonesian Students

1. LPDP Scholarship (Educational Fund Management Institution)

As previously mentioned, the LPDP Scholarship is a type of government scholarship provided by the Ministry of Finance. This scholarship is given to prospective students who wish to study in Indonesia or abroad.

The scholarship programs offered at the 2025 LPDP Scholarship also vary, including:

• The General Program consists of Regular Scholarships, Major World College Scholarships, and Partial Scholarships.

• The targeted Program consists of Civil Servants, TNI, POLRI Scholarships; Entrepreneurship Scholarship; Ulama Cadre Education Scholarship; Specialist and Subspecialist Doctor Scholarships.

• The Affirmation Program consists of Scholarships for Persons with Disabilities, Scholarships for Papuan Children, Regional Affirmation Scholarships, and Scholarships for Pre-Prosperous People.

2. Chevening Scholarship

Chevening is a scholarship program provided by the UK government, specifically funded by the Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. This scholarship provides an opportunity for students to study in the UK for one year on a fully funded master's degree program.

Besides a fully funded tuition fees, you'll also gain access to some of the best quality education in the world, expand your international network and have the opportunity to explore diverse British culture.

3. Australian Awards

Australia Award is a scholarship aimed at emerging leaders from developing countries to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia and beyond. This scholarship is a long-term program administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

There are many benefits that you can get from an Australia Award, from full tuition fees, overseas health insurance, to meeting accommodation and teaching materials costs.

4. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is a scholarship provided by the government to support international students from selected countries in pursuing their education in New Zealand. This scholarship covers tuition fees, travel and accommodation for the duration of the study program.

5. Irish Government Scholarship

The Government of Ireland provides scholarships for international students at various levels of education. Not only master’s degree, but also scholarships for undergraduate or PhD programs. A total of 60 scholarships will be awarded to students who successfully meet admission requirements at Irish universities.

6. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Name after the Canada's first French-speaking Governor General, Major General Georges P. Vanier, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) program helps students to pursue education in Canada. The programs offered by this college scholarship cover the fields of health research, science or engineering sciences, social sciences and humanities.

7. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Since 2000, the Gates Foundation has routinely provided assistance in the form of scholarships to the University of Cambridge. These scholarships are awarded to prospective students from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the university.

General eligibility criteria 

Studying abroad with a scholarship is a valuable opportunity that can help ease financial burdens while opening doors to world-class education and global networks. While each scholarship has its own specific criteria, there are several general eligibility requirements that are commonly shared across most international scholarship programs for Indonesian students—whether you're aiming for Australia, the UK, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA. 

• Indonesian citizenship: applicants must be Indonesian citizens and meet any country-specific eligibility requirements set by the scholarship provider. 

• Educational background: must have completed the required level of education with a strong academic track record. 

• English language proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in English, typically through standardised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, meeting the minimum score required by the scholarship or university. 

• University admission: applications are often required to apply to or receive a letter of offer from a university in the host country, with programs aligned with the scholarship criteria. 

• Field of study relevance: scholarships may target specific areas of study, such as development, science, education, public policy, or health, depending on the goals of the provider. 

How do I apply for scholarships abroad? 

Applying for a scholarship requires several important steps before submitting your application. It’s not just about sending documents—you need to make sure that the scholarship you choose is the right one to support your study goals. Most importantly, you must meet all the eligibility requirements and prepare your application carefully to increase your chances of being selected. 

1. Do your research 

Start by exploring available scholarship programs that match your study level (undergraduate, master's, or PhD), country preference, and field of study. Check official websites for details on eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and required documents. 

2. Prepare applications materials 

Once you’ve identified suitable scholarships, start gathering the required documents. Most scholarship programs will ask for academic transcripts and certificates, a personal statement or motivation letter, a valid English proficiency test result (IELTS or TOEFL), letter of recommendation, and a study or research plan. 

3. Submit your application 

Complete the application form through the official portal provided by the scholarship provider. Double-check that all your information is correct and that you've uploaded every required document. Some scholarships may also require you to apply to the university separately—so be mindful of the different deadlines and procedures. 

4. Follow up with scholarships providers 

After submitting your application, stay informed about the next steps. Some scholarships may invite you for an interview, written test, or further documentation. Be sure to check your email regularly and respond promptly if any additional information is needed. 

Applying for scholarships can be competitive, but with the right approach, you can significantly improve your chances of success.  To help you shine among other applicants, here are some practical tips to make your scholarship application stand out. 

• Be yourself 
  Authenticity matters. Let your true personality, values, and aspirations shine through your application, especially in your personal statement or interview.  

• Highlight your academic achievements 
  Emphasize your academic performance, awards, and recognitions in your application. You can include the relevant coursework, GPA, research experience, or related projects that demonstrate your dedication and capability in your chosen field. 

• Write a good personal statement 
  A strong personal statement can set you apart. Explain why you chose your field of study, how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals, and what you plan to achieve in the years after graduation. 

• Seek guidance 
  Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to mentors, teachers, alumni, or educations consultants like IDP, who are experienced with scholarship and study abroad applications. 

Benefits of scholarships 

Beyond financial support, studying abroad with a scholarship brings a wide range of benefits—from opening doors to global opportunities to building international networks. Here are some key advantages of receiving a scholarship to study abroad: 

• Scholarship ease the financial burden of tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs that let you focus on your studies. 

• Receiving a scholarship can help you achieve your dream of studying at top universities that might otherwise be financially out of reach. 

• Studying abroad through a scholarship program allows you to connect with fellow scholars, academics, and professionals around the world. 

• Holding a scholarship from a respected institutions or government body can strengthen your resume and give you a competitive edge in the global job market. 

• Living and studying in a new country helps you develop independence and adaptability which are valuable in both academic and professional environments. 

Get scholarship advice to study abroad with IDP 

With so many undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral scholarships available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming—especially with each scholarship having its own requirements and timelines. 

If you're unsure where to start, don’t worry. IDP’s experienced counsellors are ready to guide you through every step—from selecting a study program and university to applying for visas and identifying scholarship opportunities that match your goals. 

Start your journey with IDP today and take the first step toward studying abroad with a scholarship!