Why Should You Consider UNS?
If you’re looking for an affordable, safe, and culturally rich destination to study abroad, Indonesia should be on your radar — and the Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) scholarship makes it even more attractive. Located in Solo, Central Java, UNS is ranked between 1000–1200 in the QS World University Rankings. While it might not yet be in the world’s top 500, it’s one of Indonesia’s most respected public universities with a growing reputation for international collaboration.
Indonesia itself is a well-kept secret for students: low living costs, warm local hospitality, beautiful beaches, and growing research opportunities — all in one package. Add in a fully funded scholarship that requires no IELTS and no application fee, and it becomes one of the best budget-friendly study abroad options for students from developing countries.
Who Can Apply?
The best part is its flexibility — students from any country can apply, except for local Indonesian citizens. Whether you’re fresh out of high school, finishing a Bachelor’s degree, or planning a PhD, you can apply to all three levels under this funding scheme.
If you’ve done your FSc or equivalent, you’re eligible for a Bachelor’s. You hold a Bachelor’s, you can apply for a Master’s. If you have a Master’s, you’re eligible for PhD funding.
Two Types of Scholarships — Full vs. Partial
UNS offers two coverage types:
- Full Scholarship: This is the ideal goal. It covers your 100% tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, free Indonesian language courses, free accommodation, and even breakfast at your dorm. Basically, all your major living and study costs are handled.
- Partial Scholarship: If you don’t get the full slot, you may still receive a partial award. This covers full tuition fees and free language training — but you must arrange your own housing and meals.
Even if you land the partial option, it’s still worth grabbing — living in Indonesia is inexpensive compared to Europe or the US, so your own savings or part-time work can easily cover food and rent.
What Does the Scholarship Actually Pay For?
Here’s what’s covered if you win the full funding:
- 100% tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance:
- ~IDR 1 million for Bachelor’s
- ~IDR 1.5 million for Master’s
- ~IDR 1.75 million for PhD
- Free Indonesian language course
- Free on-campus accommodation
- Breakfast included at your dorm
For the partial funding, you’ll still get:
- 100% tuition fee waiver
- Free Indonesian language course
- No accommodation or food support — but tuition is a huge saving already.
Registration Deadlines & Timeline
The application window for UNS is open from 1st July to 30th September 2025. This is quite a generous window — almost three months — but don’t delay. Early applicants often get better slots and faster processing for documents.
Once the portal closes on 30th September, the university will verify documents from 1st to 3rd October, conduct computer-based tests (if needed) around 10–11 October, and then hold interviews. The final selection announcement comes out after that, and if you’re selected, you move straight into the visa stage.
Which Fields Can You Study?
UNS has a massive course catalog — with about 190 pages of programs for Bachelors, Masters, and PhDs. Fields include:
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Urban Planning)
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Education
- Business & Economics
- Agriculture
- Health Sciences
- Arts & Culture
- Law and Governance
In short, almost every popular field is available. You can check the full list via the official course document link provided on the UNS portal.
Where’s the Official Info?
Always use the official UNS website:
🌐 UNS International Scholarships
And cross-check any course details through the linked program catalog. Never rely on random Telegram groups — stick to what’s officially published.
Eligibility Criteria — Who Qualifies?
UNS is flexible but has some ground rules:
- You must be an international student (not an Indonesian citizen).
- You must have a genuine academic interest in your chosen field.
- You should be ready for an online interview.
- You should have no criminal background and no refugee status.
- You’ll need to show some financial ability if applying for partial funding (a simple financial statement is fine).
Language Requirements
Here’s a big win: No mandatory IELTS.
If you have an IELTS or TOEFL, great — it can strengthen your case. But it’s not compulsory. You can submit a simple English Proficiency Letter from your last institution instead.
Required Documents — Full List
To keep your application strong, you’ll need:
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Valid passport
- Latest degree certificate (or a provisional/hope certificate if you’re waiting for results)
- Official transcripts
- Health certificate (use the template provided)
- CV
- Financial statement (simple form, no heavy bank balance)
- Personal statement
- English proficiency letter (or IELTS/TOEFL if you prefer)
- Two recommendation letters from professors who taught you
- Research proposal (for PhD only)
- Embassy recommendation letter (optional but helps)
The UNS portal provides templates for almost every document — just download, fill, and attach.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Let’s break the whole application process down clearly.
1: Create an Account
Visit the official UNS scholarship portal. Click Register, add your email, full name, date of birth, and create your password.
2: Verify Your Account
Check your email inbox. Click the verification link. Note: your password may arrive separately — so watch spam folders too.
3: Log In
Return to the login page. Enter your email, paste the provided password, solve the captcha, and click Log In.
4: Start New Application
Inside the portal, select Apply next to UNS International Scholarship.
5: Fill Your Biodata
Enter your personal info: name, phone, gender, birth date, passport number & expiry date, nationality, home address, province, city, zip code.
6: Family & Financial Info
State how you plan to fund your stay. Pick Scholarship as the source. Fill your family’s monthly income honestly.
7: Choose Program & Department
Select your degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD). Pick your department from the dropdown. UNS covers nearly every field.
8: Upload Documents
One by one, upload:
- Photograph
- Passport
- Diploma/degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Medical certificate (template provided)
- CV (template provided)
- Financial statement (template provided)
- Personal statement (template provided)
- English proficiency proof
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal (PhD)
- Embassy letter (optional)
Each document section has a helpful “Example” link so you can see the format.
9: Double-Check Everything
Review your application carefully. Confirm your passport number, names, and files. Incomplete or wrongly named files cause rejections.
10: Submit & Wait
Click Submit. You’ll receive a confirmation email. Keep an eye on your inbox for interview instructions.
What Happens Next?
Your documents get verified in early October. Some applicants are asked to take a computer-based test (CBT). Next is the interview round, usually online. If you pass, you get your final result notification, then you move to the visa application.
Tips to Make Your Application Stronger
Thousands of students apply — but most fail because they rush or copy generic statements.
- Write a fresh, honest motivation letter — don’t just download a free sample.
- Get recommendation letters on official letterheads, signed and stamped.
- Use clear, scanned PDFs — no blurry phone pics.
- Don’t lie about English proficiency — you can get rejected at the interview stage.
- Be ready to answer why you chose UNS, your course, and your career plans.
Is Indonesia Safe & Affordable?
Absolutely. Many students compare Indonesia to Thailand — warm weather, beaches, mountains, vibrant cities. Living costs are low: food, transport, and essentials are cheap. Even if you receive partial funding, you’ll find it much more affordable than Europe or Australia.
What If You Miss Out?
UNS runs this scholarship every year. If you miss this cycle or aren’t selected, don’t stress — improve your documents, rewrite your statements, and apply for the next intake.
Official Links to Bookmark
- National Scholarship Programme Slovakia 2026 – €620/month mobility, no IELTS
- McCall MacBain Scholarship 2026 Canada – CAD $2,300/month at McGill
- GCUB Brazil Scholarship 2026 – R$2,100/month, no fee
- Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship 2026 – BND $500/month + meals, no IELTS
All updated for 2026 intake | ScholarshipDose.com
Final Thoughts — Make This Your Year
If you want an international degree without massive debts, the UNS scholarship is one of the smartest, most budget-friendly choices for 2025–2026. No application fee. No IELTS stress. Real chance to study in a beautiful, safe country.
Start now — prepare your documents, verify your email, talk to your professors for references, and hit Submit well before the 30th September deadline.
See you in Solo — good luck! 🇮🇩✨
