The KNB Scholarship eligibility criteria 2026 are clear but slightly different for each study level. Before you apply, you need to make sure you meet the requirements for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral (PhD) programs.
This guide explains the full eligibility criteria, common mistakes that cause rejections, and a simple checklist you can use before applying.
KNB Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2026
The scholarship is only open to citizens of developing countries. If you are from Asia, Africa, Latin America, or the Middle East, you are likely eligible.
You must:
- Hold a valid passport from a developing country.
- Not hold Indonesian citizenship.
- Be in good health (medical certificate required).
- Be willing to study Bahasa Indonesia during your first year.
Eligibility by Study Level
1) Bachelor’s Degree (S1)
- Age Limit: Maximum 21 years old by the end of 2026.
- Education: Must have completed senior secondary/high school.
- English Proficiency: Proof of English test (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) is usually required.
- Restriction: You cannot apply if you already hold a Bachelor’s degree.
Next step after checking Bachelor’s eligibility: Required Documents for KNB Scholarship 2026
2) Master’s Degree (S2)
- Age Limit: Maximum 35 years old by the end of 2026.
- Education: Must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree.
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT ~80, IELTS ~6.0, or equivalent is typically needed.
- Restriction: You cannot apply if you already hold a Master’s degree.
Ready to apply? Follow the How to Apply for KNB Scholarship 2026
3) Doctoral Degree (S3 / PhD)
- Age Limit: Maximum 40 years old by the end of 2026.
- Education: Must hold a recognized Master’s degree.
- English Proficiency: TOEFL iBT ~80, IELTS ~6.0, or equivalent.
- Additional Requirement: Some universities require a research proposal and a prospective supervisor’s agreement.
- Restriction: You cannot apply if you already hold a Doctoral degree.
Shortlist your options here: KNB Scholarship 2026 Participating Universities
Universal Conditions (Apply to All Levels)
- Must be a citizen of a developing country.
- Must not be receiving another Indonesian government scholarship.
- Must provide a medical certificate from a licensed doctor.
- Must be ready to follow one year of Bahasa Indonesia language training.
Learn what the scholarship covers: KNB Scholarship 2026 Benefits Explained
Common Reasons for Rejection
Many students get rejected because they overlook simple details:
- Age Limit Exceeded → Even by a few months, your application may be disqualified.
- Expired English Test → Most tests must be taken within the last 2 years.
- Wrong Degree Level → If you already hold a higher degree, you cannot apply for a lower one.
- Missing Documents → Forgetting a health certificate, recommendation letter, or translated transcript can ruin your application.
- Ignoring University Requirements → Some universities set their own rules for specific programs.
Quick Eligibility Checklist
Use this before you start your application:
- I am a citizen of a developing country.
- My age is within the limit (Bachelor ≤21, Master ≤35, PhD ≤40).
- My education background matches the level I am applying for.
- I have a valid English test result (TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent).
- I can provide a medical certificate.
- I have checked the specific requirements of my target university.
Always check the official KNB Scholarship website to confirm your eligibility.