(KNB Scholarship for Indian Students – Everything Indian applicants need – updated December 2025)
India is one of the biggest KNB applicant countries every year. In 2025, around 80–100 Indian students won the award. The process is almost the same as for other countries, but the Indian Embassy in New Delhi plays a key role for the recommendation letter.
KNB Scholarship for Indian Students Guide
1. Eligibility for Indian Students 2026
| Requirement | Bachelor | Master | PhD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age (on 1 September 2026) | Maximum 25 years | Maximum 35 years | Maximum 40 years |
| Minimum GPA (out of 10) | 7.5 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 |
| English Test | IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 or TOEIC 700 or Duolingo 100+ | Same | Same |
| Passport Valid Until | At least March 2027 | At least March 2027 | At least March 2027 |
| Country Eligibility | Yes – India is always eligible | Yes | Yes |
You must have completed your previous degree before September 2026.
2. Step-by-Step Application Process for Indians
- December 2025 – January 2026
- Select 3 universities (use the highest-acceptance list Below)
- Email them now for unconditional Letter of Acceptance (LoA) – start immediately
- 10–15 February 2026
- KNB portal opens → create account at knb.kemdikbud.go.id
- January–February 2026
- Get your recommendation letter stamped by the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi
- By 28 March 2026 (submit 7–10 days early)
- Complete and submit everything
- May–June 2026
- Interview (usually online via Zoom, sometimes in-person at the embassy)
- July–August 2026
- Results announced → winners receive award letter
3. New Delhi Embassy Guide (Very Important for Indians)
The Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi handles the mandatory recommendation letter for Indian applicants.
Address: 50-A, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021
Phone: +91-11-2611 8981 / 2611 8982 Email: kbri.newdelhi@kemlu.go.id Website: https://kemlu.go.id/newdelhi
How to get the embassy recommendation letter
- Documents to bring:
- Passport copy
- Degree certificate + marksheets (English version)
- CV
- LoA copy (if you have it)
- Printed KNB application form (from the portal)
- Visit the embassy in person (Monday–Friday, 9:00–12:00)
- Ask for the “Recommendation Letter for KNB Scholarship”
- They stamp it for free – usually takes 1–3 working days
- Bring one extra passport-size photo (4×6 cm, red background)
Tip: Many Indian students get the letter in January 2026. Go early so you can upload it when the portal opens.
4. Interview Tips for Indian Candidates
Interviews are 10–20 minutes, mostly online. Common questions asked to Indians in 2025:
- Why Indonesia and not Australia, Canada, or UK?
- How will you use this education to help India?
- What do you know about Indonesia’s culture or economy?
- How does your background connect to the program?
- Say a few sentences in Bahasa Indonesia (learn 5–6 basic ones)
Strong answers always talk about India-Indonesia ties (trade, Buddhism, cultural links) and your plan to return and work in India.
5. Best Universities for Indian Students 2025–2026
| Rank | University | Why Indians prefer it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IPB University (Bogor) | Easiest LoA, many Indians already there |
| 2 | Universitas Brawijaya (Malang) | Cheap living, strong in agriculture & engineering |
| 3 | Universitas Airlangga (Surabaya) | Popular for medicine, public health & business |
| 4 | Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) | Top engineering school, good alumni network |
| 5 | Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) | Best overall experience, large Indian community |
See the full list: Top 10 Highest Acceptance Rate Universities for KNB 2026
6. Real Cost of Living for Indian Students
Master/PhD stipend ≈ IDR 2.55 million ≈ ₹13,000–13,500 per month Typical monthly expenses:
- Room (kost): ₹5,000–12,000
- Food: ₹6,000–9,000
- Transport + data: ₹2,000–4,000
- Total: ₹13,000–25,000 → you can save ₹2,000–8,000 every month
7. Success Tips from 2025 Indian Winners
- “Email universities in November – don’t wait for February” – Rohan, IPB
- “Get the embassy stamp in January – it’s quick if you go early” – Priya, UGM
- “Mention India-Indonesia historical links (Buddhism, spices) in your motivation letter” – Arjun, UNAIR
- “Learn basic Bahasa before the interview – they really appreciate it” – Sneha, ITB