Studying abroad has become a top goal for many Indonesian students, motivated by the chance to receive a world-class education, enhance career prospects, and experience diverse cultures. In fact, 98% of Indonesian students cite career opportunities as their main reason for studying overseas.
This guide on how to get scholarship abroad is designed to help Indonesian students navigate available opportunities, highlighting options that can ease financial burdens and make studying overseas more attainable.
Understanding available scholarships and the application process is essential for turning your dream of international education into reality.
Why Scholarships Matter for Indonesian Students
Scholarships are essential for helping Indonesian students study abroad, offering more than just financial help. Here’s why they are important:
- Financial Support
Studying abroad can be costly, covering tuition, housing, and daily living expenses. Scholarships help ease this burden, making international education more accessible. For example, UECFOCS provides funding for tuition, living costs, and travel, allowing students to focus on their studies and personal development.
- Global Exposure and Career Opportunities
Studying abroad lets students experience different cultures and advanced learning environments. This improves adaptability and a global perspective, skills that employers highly value. It also creates opportunities for careers both overseas and in Indonesia.
- Networking with International Students
Scholarships often let students meet and connect with people from all over the world. This lets students make friends, collaborate on projects, and build professional connections. Meeting classmates from different backgrounds also makes learning more engaging and helps create a global community.
Scholarships make studying abroad possible for Indonesian students by providing financial support, global exposure, and valuable connections, helping them grow academically and professionally.
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Types of Scholarships Available Abroad
- Merit-Based Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students with excellent academic records, exceptional talents, or strong leadership skills. They recognize hard work and reward outstanding achievements.
- Need-Based Scholarships
Designed for students facing financial challenges, these scholarships help ensure that money does not become a barrier to studying abroad. Applicants typically need to provide proof of financial need.
- Country-Specific Scholarships
These scholarships encourage students to study in a particular country, fostering cultural exchange and international collaboration. Examples include the Chevening Scholarship (UK) and the MEXT Scholarship (Japan).
- Program-Specific Scholarships
These scholarships support students in specific fields, like engineering, medicine, arts, or social sciences, helping them excel in their chosen area.
Scholarships abroad can be based on your academic achievements, financial situation, the country you want to study in, or your chosen field of study.
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Popular Scholarship Opportunities for Indonesians
- UECFOCS (Taiwan): Supports overseas Chinese students for undergraduate to doctoral programs. Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel.
- LPDP (Indonesia): For bachelor’s degree holders and English proficiency. Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and research costs. Offers multiple scholarship tracks.
- MEXT (Japan): For high school graduates or higher. Covers tuition, living expenses, and airfare. Requires nomination by the Japanese Embassy.
- Chevening (UK): For graduates with at least two years of work experience and English proficiency. Covers full tuition, living allowance, travel, and visa fees. Applicants must apply to at least three eligible UK courses.
- Erasmus Mundus (EU): For bachelor’s degree holders accepted into a Joint Master’s program. Covers tuition, travel, and living allowances.
- Fulbright (USA): For graduates with leadership qualities and English proficiency. Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance. Open to most fields except clinical medicine.
These scholarships offer financial support and opportunities to study at top universities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
How to Get a Scholarship Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Research Scholarship Opportunities
Start your search early by checking university websites, government portals, and scholarship databases. Consider countries like Taiwan for quality education and scholarships.
Step 2: Understand Eligibility Criteria
Carefully read each scholarship’s requirements, which may include academic achievements, language proficiency, and other qualifications. Make sure you meet these criteria before applying to increase your chances of success.
Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
Prepare all required documents in advance, such as academic transcripts, identification, and language test scores. Organizing your documents early prevents last-minute stress and ensures a smooth application process.
Step 4: Craft a Strong Application
Write persuasive personal statements and essays that highlight your achievements, goals, and unique qualities. Tailor each application to the specific scholarship to show genuine interest and suitability.
Step 5: Obtain Recommendation Letters
Ask teachers, professors, or mentors who know your strengths to write recommendation letters. Strong references enhance your credibility and give a well-rounded view of your abilities.
Step 6: Submit Applications on Time
Meet all deadlines by submitting your application and supporting documents early. Late submissions are rarely accepted, so plan to avoid missing opportunities.
Step 7: Prepare for Interviews or Assessments
Some scholarships require interviews or additional tests. Practice answering questions, research the scholarship’s values, and demonstrate your passion for your field of study.
Start early, stay organized, and craft strong, tailored applications. Following these steps significantly increases your chances of securing a scholarship and studying abroad successfully.
Common Mistakes Indonesian Students Make
- Applying Too Late
Waiting until the last minute often leads to rushed applications, missed details, and missed deadlines. Start your search and application process at least 6–12 months in advance. Use tools like Google Alerts and scholarship databases to stay updated on opportunities.
- Submitting Generic Essays
Using the same essay for multiple scholarships can hurt your chances. Each essay should be tailored to the specific scholarship, highlighting your goals, values, and personal stories that show your passion and fit for the award.
- Ignoring Language Requirements
Failing to meet language requirements like IELTS or TOEFL can disqualify your application. Check the required scores carefully and take the tests well before the deadlines.
- Overlooking Smaller or Lesser-Known Scholarships
Focusing only on big-name scholarships limits your options. Smaller or lesser-known scholarships often have less competition and can still provide significant financial support. Apply to a mix of major and minor scholarships to maximize your chances.
By avoiding these common mistakes and planning carefully, you can greatly improve your chances of securing a scholarship abroad.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship Abroad
- Join Scholarship Communities in Indonesia
Being part of local scholarship communities gives you valuable guidance and keeps you updated on opportunities. Platforms like Eduplan Indonesia and the Tanoto Foundation provide resources, tips, and connections with fellow applicants.
- Network with Scholarship Alumni
Talk to students who have already received scholarships. Alumni can offer advice and tips to improve your scholarship application.
- Take Online Courses to Boost Your Academic Profile
Taking online courses helps you develop new skills, strengthen your academic profile, and demonstrate your dedication to learning, qualities that can make your scholarship application more competitive.
- Volunteer or Join Extracurricular Activities
Participate in volunteer work or extracurricular activities to demonstrate your leadership and dedication to helping others. Scholarship committees value students who show initiative, collaborate well, and make a positive impact in their communities.
By actively participating in these activities, you can build a stronger profile and significantly improve your chances of winning a scholarship abroad.
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