Indonesia beckons, opens 2026 scholarships for Malawian students

The Government of Indonesia has intensified its academic recruitment in Malawi following data showing that Malawian students out-competed many of their global peers for the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarships in 2025.

This rising presence on the global stage has prompted the Indonesian Honorary Consulate to urge more Malawian youth to apply for the 2026 academic cycle, which promises to expand the country’s presence on the global academic stage.

The call for applications, which runs from January to April 2026, offers Malawian students a chance to study at Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta.

This institution is renowned for blending traditional academic disciplines with cutting-edge technology and modern financial studies.
Honorary Consul Tariq Kidy noted that the programme is strategically aligned with the needs of developing economies like Malawi.

He pointed to the wide range of faculties available, including Science and Technology, which offers degrees in Data Science, Biotechnology, and Informatics.
Kidy stated that the consulate is looking for students who want to be at the forefront of the digital revolution, as these programmes provide practical exposure in areas like digital commerce and data-driven disciplines that are becoming non-negotiable in the modern workforce.

To ensure that financial barriers do not hinder the brightest minds, the Indonesian government has structured a comprehensive support package for successful candidates.
Full scholarship recipients will benefit from a settlement allowance upon arrival, a monthly stipend, and a dedicated Indonesian language course to help them integrate into local society and the academic environment.

The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, with English and Arabic proficiency recognized for various international tracks.
Beyond the hard sciences, the university offers robust programmes in Education, Sharia and Business Law, and various disciplines within Languages and Civilisation.

Prospective applicants are required to submit a comprehensive dossier including academic transcripts, a valid passport, a curriculum vitae, and a recommendation letter from their previous school or employer.

The timeline for the 2026 intake is clearly defined, beginning with the online application phase through April, followed by administrative screening in early May.

Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to Computer-Based Tests and final interviews, with the announcement of successful candidates slated for May 29.

Kidy concluded by describing the initiative as a life-changing opportunity that allows Malawians to gain world-class education with full support, ensuring they come back home ready to lead.

Students are advised to visit the official scholarship website or follow the consulate’s social media handles for step-by-step guidance on the submission process.