Almost every shortlisted person gets an interview. It lasts 10–20 minutes. They use the same 25 questions every single year (only tiny changes).
We have collected these exact questions + the real answers that made people win in 2025. Copy the style, not the words. Be yourself, but don’t go unprepared.
The 25 Interview Questions (grouped so you can prepare fast)
About You & Motivation
- Please introduce yourself in 2 minutes.
- Why do you want to study in Indonesia?
- Why not study in Malaysia / Turkey / China / your own country?
- What do you know about Indonesia?
- How will this scholarship help your country when you go back?
- What is your plan after finishing the study?
- Tell us about your family background.
- How do you handle culture shock or living far from home?
Academic & Program
- Why did you choose this specific program?
- Why did you choose [University Name]? → See which universities are easiest/hardest in the KNB Universities Tier List 2026.
- What is your research plan / thesis topic? (Master & PhD) → Download the research proposal template that got 50+ people accepted.
- Who will be your supervisor? Have you contacted him/her?
- How does your previous education connect to this program?
- What courses interest you the most in our curriculum?
Indonesia & Contribution
- Name three famous Indonesian cultures or foods.
- Can you say something in Bahasa Indonesia? (they love this)
- How will you promote Indonesia in your country after you return?
- What do you think about the relationship between Indonesia and your country?
- Have you ever joined any Indonesian cultural event in your city?
Random / Stress Questions
- What if you don’t get the scholarship this year?
- What is your biggest weakness?
- Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned.
- Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend? (yes, they sometimes ask)
- How will you support yourself if the stipend is late?
- Any questions for us?
Winning Answer Style (real examples from 2025 winners)
Question 2 – “Why Indonesia?” Bad answer: “Because it’s cheap and beautiful.” Winning answer (Nigerian girl, now at UGM): “I chose Indonesia because it is the biggest Muslim country that successfully combines democracy, tolerance, and fast economic growth. My country faces similar challenges with religious harmony and youth unemployment. I want to learn from Pancasila and the Indonesian moderate Islam model, then bring it back to help northern Nigeria.”
Question 3 – “Why not Malaysia or Turkey?” Winning answer (Pakistani guy, ITB): “Malaysia and Turkey are excellent, but their engineering focus is more theoretical. Indonesia, especially ITB, has direct industry links with geothermal, palm oil, and maritime projects — areas my country Pakistan needs urgently. Also, KNB gives full research funding which most Turkish scholarships don’t.”
Question 16 – Say something in Bahasa Indonesia Every winner says one of these (prepares 2–3 days):
- “Selamat pagi Bapak/Ibu. Terima kasih banyak atas kesempatan ini. Saya sangat mencintai Indonesia.”
- “Indonesia negara yang sangat indah, dari Sabang sampai Merauke.”
Question 23 – Girlfriend/Boyfriend question Winning answer (Bangladeshi girl): “Right now my full focus is on my studies and making my parents proud. After I finish PhD and go back, inshaAllah I will think about that.”
Quick Preparation Plan (Do this in 1 week)
- Write answers for the first 10 questions → record yourself on phone
- Memorise 5 basic Indonesian sentences
- Prepare 2 smart questions to ask them at the end:
- “What is the biggest success story of a KNB alumnus from my country?”
- “How can I get research funding or publish papers during my study?”
Once you finish the interview, prepare your visa with the full documents checklist here.