How June, a Filipino Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s Through the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship

I am June from the Philippines. I am an educator for Social Sciences and Humanities. I recently earned my Master in Southeast Asian Studies at Universitas Indonesia under the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship. I chose my Master degree in Indonesia because I have a plan to pursue ASEAN studies in the future, and I believe that the academe needs more educators and researchers for Humanities.

Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship Details

During the process, the KNB scholarship will ask the applicants to choose two universities of their choice in Indonesia. I chose Universitas Indonesia. The scholarship is fully funded, covering the cost of the language and culture study program, plane ticket, visa, tuition fee, monthly allowance, health insurance, research, and an incentive after finishing the study.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I applied for the university scholarship for international students at Universitas Indonesia called ‘UI Great.’ I received an offer too from the mentioned scholarship. The eligible degrees are only Master and Doctorate. As far as I remember, the UI Great almost has the same coverage of support for international students.

Educational Background

My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Sciences from Laguna State Polytechnic University – Santa Cruz. I think the courses that I took in my undergraduate degree are surprisingly aligned with some of the courses I took at Universitas Indonesia. I also think my extracurricular activities and awards, and my years of professional and teaching experience helped to secure the scholarship.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Universitas Indonesia?

How Did You Find Information About Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship and Universitas Indonesia?

I studied Bahasa Indonesia at the Indonesian Embassy in Manila for a year, then my teachers mentioned the scholarship and encouraged me to apply.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

When I applied for the scholarship, they accepted my Duolingo English test result together with my Method of Instruction (English) from my home university. I think what help me as well in this scholarship is that I have an experience with learning Indonesian language for a year.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship?

I gave myself a year to decide and prepare the necessary documents. I even took an extra class of Bahasa Indonesia from the LINGUA Program of Universitas Airlangga for 2 semesters.

How is Your Experience at Universitas Indonesia?

I can say it’s fulfilling. It’s a great experience that I will never forget. The university is diverse in culture. I met a lot of people from around the world, and some of them became my close friends. They helped strengthen my research and critical thinking skills.

How Do You Rate Universitas Indonesia Academically?

Universitas Indonesia is focused on research. The university has enough facilities to support the students, especially in conducting research. It’s a great institution too to learn about culture and socialize.

How Does Universitas Indonesia Support International Students?

I can say they are very hands-on and supportive of the needs of international students. They conduct events too for international students. The professors are the same too; aside from guiding us with academic tasks, they are also encouraging us to have fun and explore Indonesia whenever we have the chance. Most people at Universitas Indonesia are hospitable and friendly.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Indonesian?

In my experience, the materials like books and research articles are mostly in English, but they conduct the classes in Bahasa Indonesia. If there’s a difficulty to understand some information, the professors will help to translate and explain it in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Indonesian?

Yes, it is a problem, and the KNB Scholarship program is prepared for that. The scholarship has already prepared a language and culture study program for a year before sending them to their chosen degree program.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think it’s the alignment of my undergraduate degree, my extracurricular activities, my professional experiences, my goals, and study plan.

I always think and show that I am not just working hard for myself, but that everyone who surrounds me will benefit, especially the connection between my country and Indonesia. They look for an authentic applicant that can make an impact.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I think I am going to do deep research about the study environment of an Indonesian university, and practice my Bahasa Indonesia communication skills. A new language and culture are overwhelming.

I will not rely much on my fellow applicants when it comes to scholarship and university updates. I will ask directly of the institutions. I will be patient. I will not be discouraged. I will ignore those applicants flaunting and bragging about their academic and professional experiences.   

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Be yourself. Stop making an imaginary version of yourself in front of the committee. Don’t disqualify yourself when you are not part of the scholarship and admission committee. Don’t compare yourself to other applicants. Reflect. Tell and show them that you are hungry for the whole development of yourself that you can share to the world soon.