Updated: 8 September 2026 · SpecTa Education
What scholarships can Indonesian students get for a bachelor's degree abroad in 2026?
For a bachelor's degree abroad in 2026, Indonesian students can target university scholarships (partial to full), full government scholarships from China and Malaysia, and foundation or corporate grants. Major schemes like LPDP, Australia Awards, and Chevening are generally for master's and PhD, not bachelor's. Deadlines change annually—check official sources 12–18 months before departure.
Over 60,000 Indonesians now study abroad, and scholarship options for bachelor's degrees differ sharply from those for postgraduate study.
Key facts
| Australia bachelor's tuition | AUD 20,000–45,000/year (Excludes living costs AUD 20,000–25,000/year) |
|---|---|
| UK bachelor's tuition | GBP 15,000–35,000/year (London more expensive; most degrees 3 years) |
| Malaysia bachelor's tuition | MYR 20,000–60,000/year (Many UK/Australian branch campuses with same degrees) |
| Indonesian students abroad (2026) | >60,000 (Record interest; destinations diversifying) |
| UK post-study work (Graduate Route) | 2 years (3 for PhD) (Available after graduation [verify]) |
| Australia student visa charge | AUD 2,000 (Raised from AUD 1,600 [verify]) |
| Canada proof of funds | CAD 20,635/year (Single applicant outside Quebec [verify]) |
University Scholarships (Partial to Full)
Many universities in Australia, the UK, Canada, Malaysia, and other destinations offer scholarships ranging from 10% to 100% of tuition for international undergraduates. These are awarded based on academic merit, English proficiency, or extracurricular achievement. Awards like Monash University Malaysia's scholarships can cover a significant portion of tuition.
Check each university's scholarship page, as amounts and eligibility vary widely and deadlines change annually. A partial scholarship at a AUD 25,000/year program still saves thousands.
- Merit-based: GPA, IELTS/TOEFL scores, extracurriculars
- Need-based: financial documentation required
- Country-specific: some universities offer awards exclusively for Indonesian students
Full Government Scholarships: China and Malaysia
China and Malaysia stand out for offering full undergraduate scholarships to Indonesian students. The Chinese Government Scholarship through the China Scholarship Council covers tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. Malaysia offers options at branch campuses of UK and Australian universities through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), where tuition runs MYR 20,000–60,000 per year—far lower than studying in the UK or Australia directly.
- China: full tuition, housing, monthly stipend via CSC
- Malaysia: affordable branch-campus degrees with various funding options
What About LPDP, Australia Awards, and Chevening?
LPDP, Australia Awards Scholarship, and Chevening are prestigious but generally fund master's and PhD study, not bachelor's degrees. LPDP's undergraduate programs, when available, are limited and typically tied to domestic Indonesian institutions. Students aiming for an S1 abroad should not rely on these schemes. Focus instead on university scholarships and government-funded options in China and Malaysia.
Budgeting for a Bachelor's Abroad in 2026
Tuition and living costs vary significantly by destination. Australia requires financial evidence of at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs [verify], plus AUD 20,000–45,000 tuition. The UK typically charges GBP 15,000–35,000 per year. Malaysia offers a more affordable path at MYR 20,000–60,000 per year. Canada requires proof of CAD 20,635 per year [verify]. Partial scholarships reduce these amounts but rarely cover everything.
Prepare Early: English and Timelines
Most universities require IELTS 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate admission. Moving from 5.5 to 6.5 typically takes 2–4 months of focused study for most Indonesian learners. Start preparation at least 12–18 months before your planned departure.
Scholarship deadlines fall at different times of the year and change annually, so track each program's official website. A strong English score opens more scholarship opportunities and strengthens visa applications.
- IELTS Academic required by most universities
- Alternatives accepted: TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo (varies by institution)
- Australia's student visa now requires minimum IELTS 6.0 overall [verify]
Key takeaways
- For bachelor's 2026, focus on university scholarships (partial–full) and full scholarships from China/Malaysia.
- LPDP, Australia Awards, and Chevening are not for bachelor's; don't spend time on them.
- Australia/UK tuition runs AUD 20–45k or GBP 15–35k per year; partial scholarships still matter.
- Prepare IELTS 6.0–6.5 early; most scholarships and visas require English proof.
- Scholarship deadlines shift yearly; check official sites 12–18 months before departure.
Related questions
Can LPDP fund my bachelor's degree abroad?
No. LPDP primarily funds master's and PhD study. Any undergraduate LPDP programs are limited and typically tied to domestic Indonesian institutions, not overseas universities.
Which countries offer full scholarships for Indonesian undergraduates?
China and Malaysia are the strongest options for full undergraduate scholarships. The Chinese Government Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, and a stipend. Malaysia offers affordable study at UK/Australian branch campuses with various funding options.
What IELTS score do I need for a bachelor's abroad?
Most universities require IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall for undergraduate admission. Australia's student visa now also requires a minimum IELTS 6.0 [verify]. Medicine and law programs commonly demand 7.0+.
How much should I budget per year for Australia or the UK?
For Australia, expect AUD 20,000–45,000 in tuition plus AUD 20,000–25,000 in living costs. For the UK, budget GBP 15,000–35,000 in tuition per year, with London living costs higher than elsewhere.
When should I start applying for 2026 scholarships?
Begin 12–18 months before your intended start date. Scholarship deadlines change yearly, so monitor official university and government websites. Prepare your IELTS and application documents early.