The Indonesian government’s endowment fund manager, the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), is once again opening its flagship Regular Scholarship 2025 programme for citizens who wish to pursue master’s (S2) or doctoral (S3) study either at home or abroad. The scheme offers full-funding (tuition, living allowance and more) to nurture Indonesia’s next generation of leaders, researchers and professionals. LPDP+2detikcom+2
In this article we break down what the scholarship covers, who qualifies, the application schedule, key requirements, and tips to maximise your chances of success.
What is the LPDP Regular Scholarship?
The LPDP Regular Scholarship is a fully-funded postgraduate scholarship open to Indonesian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to contributing back to Indonesia after their studies. According to LPDP:
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For Master’s (S2): Applicants must have completed at least a D4 or S1 programme. LPDP+1
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For Doctoral (S3): Applicants must have completed a Master’s (S2). Exceptions apply for D4/S1 directly to S3 under certain conditions (e.g., Unconditional Letter of Acceptance). LPDP+1
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Both domestic and overseas study options are available under this scholarship. detikcom
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The programme is intended for regular (non-executive) classes and professional degrees are excluded. LPDP+1
Funding Components: What the Scholarship Covers
One of the major attractions of the LPDP Regular Scholarship is the comprehensive funding. According to LPDP’s official listing, the components include:
1. Education Funding
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Registration/Admission fees
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Tuition fees (SPP / Tuition Fee / Single Fee)
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Book allowance
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Thesis/dissertation research costs
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International seminar costs
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International journal publication costs LPDP+1
2. Supporting Funding
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Transportation costs
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Visa / residence permit application costs
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Health insurance
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Arrival costs (for overseas study)
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Monthly living allowance
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International competition costs
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Family allowance (for doctoral level)
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Emergency fund (if required) LPDP
This level of support means that scholars selected under this scheme can focus on their studies and research with minimal financial worry.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements
To apply, you must meet a set of core eligibility criteria:
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Indonesian citizen (Warga Negara Indonesia). LPDP+1
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For Master’s (S2) level: Completed D4/S1.
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For Doctoral (S3) level: Completed S2 – or D4/S1 directly to S3 under LPDP conditions (e.g., Unconditional LoA). LPDP+1
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You must not already hold the same or higher degree as you are applying for (e.g., someone with S2 cannot apply again for S2). detikcom+1
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Must choose a regular class programme, not categories such as executive class, special class, employee class, distance learning, or cross-country multiple campuses. LPDP+1
Additional Requirements & Conditions
There are further specific requirements for doctoral applicants and for applicants whose prior education was abroad:
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Doctoral applicants are prioritized if they provide a promoter statement (for overseas) or a certificate from their institution/agency confirming alignment of research with institutional needs. LPDP+1
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If you graduated from a foreign university, you must submit equivalence of degree/credits or conversion of GPA issued by the Indonesian relevant ministry. LPDP+1
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Age limits apply: for example, some media report for Regular LPDP 2025: up to 35 years old for Master applicants, 40 years for Doctoral. For lecturers with NIDN (academic staff), slightly higher caps apply. detikcom+1
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English language certificate requirements (TOEFL/IELTS) and minimum GPAs apply. detikcom+1
Programme/Study Destination Conditions
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Applicants who already have an unconditional Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from a target university may select one university (domestic or overseas) from the LPDP-approved list. detikcom+1
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Applicants without LoA must select three universities (domestic or overseas) among the LPDP-approved list of target universities or programmes. LPDP+1
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If you choose a university or programme outside the list, extra conditions apply: e.g., accreditation “A”/“Unggul” from BAN-PT for domestic, or reputable global ranking for overseas. detikcom+1
Application Timeline & Selection Process (2025)
Understanding and adhering to the timeline is vital for applicants. For the 2025 Regular Scholarship, the following key dates and selection phases apply:
Key Dates (Batch 2 as example)
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Application registration opens: 30 June 2025. LPDP+2LPDP+2
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Administration (admin) selection: 1 – 21 August 2025. LPDP+1
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Announcement of admin selection: 22 August 2025. LPDP+1
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Challenging period (sanggah): late August 2025. LPDP+1
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Scholastic ability test (Seleksi Bakat Skolastik): ~10-25 September 2025. LPDP+1
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Substance selection (Seleksi Substansi): until 19 November 2025. Yureka Education Center+1
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Final announcement: 27 November 2025. detikcom
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Earliest study start: January 2026. LPDP+1
Selection Stages
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Administrative Selection: Review of eligibility and completeness of documentation.
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Challenging (Sanggah) Period: Applicants may clarify/explain issues in the admin result.
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Scholastic Ability Test: Measures academic potential and ability (for some applicants).
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Substance Selection: Interview, essay, research proposal (especially for S3), and review of commitment to Indonesia’s development.
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Final Decision & Announcement: Only successful applicants proceed to scholarship award. Yureka Education Center+1
Why Should You Consider Applying?
Strong Government Backing & Full Funding
LPDP is an Indonesian government-endowed fund established under the Ministry of Finance, tasked with managing funds for educational development. LPDP+1 Its flagship Regular Scholarship is highly prestigious and widely sought after. The full funding aspect means tuition, living costs, and research expenses can be covered, which alleviates a major barrier for high-potential Indonesian students.
Global and Domestic Study Options
You can choose to study in Indonesia or abroad (subject to listed universities and programme criteria). If you secure an unconditional LoA from a top university overseas, this could open doors to a world-class education while still remaining eligible. detikcom+1
Aligns with National Development Goals
LPDP emphasises scholars who will contribute back to Indonesia — whether through research, innovation, leadership or professional roles. This linking of education to national development adds purpose and resonance to the scholarship beyond personal ambition.
Top Tips to Maximise Your Chances of Success
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Start Document Preparation Early
Gather your transcript, degree certificate (or proof of completion), certificate of English proficiency, Letter of Acceptance (if you already have one), recommendation letters, and other supporting documents. Foreign graduates must secure equivalence conversion. LPDP+1 -
Select Your Target Universities and Programmes Carefully
If you have a LoA unconditional, select only one target university (domestic or overseas) from the LPDP approved list. If not, select three. Make sure your chosen programme complies with criteria (e.g., not executive class). detikcom+1 -
Craft a Strong Research/Study Plan & Contribution Statement
Especially for S3 applicants: your research proposal must align with your background, demonstrate relevance to your field and to Indonesia’s development, and show feasibility. For all applicants, craft a clear “return to Indonesia”/contribution plan. -
Prepare for the Interview and Substantive Selection
Be ready to articulate your academic background, motivation for study, institution choice, expected outcomes, and how you will contribute after graduation. -
Stay Attentive to Timelines and Submission Requirements
Being late or missing key documentation can disqualify you. Keep abreast of the official schedule from LPDP. LPDP+1 -
Ensure Your Choice Complies with All LPDP Technical Criteria
For example, your target programme should NOT be executive class, special class, distance learning, or at a non-main campus. Accreditation must be verified (for domestic programmes) via BAN-PT. LPDP+1
Potential Challenges & How to Overcome Them
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Competition is fierce: The scholarship is highly coveted. Hence you need strong academic background, well-crafted application, and clear plan.
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Documentation from foreign universities: If you have studied abroad, ensure you complete equivalence conversion early.
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English proficiency requirement: Make sure your certificate is valid and meets minimum scores before application date. detikcom
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University/Programme Choice: Choosing a programme not aligned with LPDP’s approved list or not matching the criteria can lead to rejection in the administration phase.
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Age and degree restrictions: Make sure you meet the eligibility for age and previous degrees to avoid disqualification.
Conclusion
The LPDP Regular Scholarship 2025 is a compelling opportunity for Indonesian citizens seeking to pursue Master’s or Doctoral study domestically or internationally with full financial support. The programme not only covers tuition but also living expenses, research and related costs — enabling recipients to focus on their academic and professional goals.
By thoroughly understanding the eligibility criteria, funding components, application stages and timeline, and by preparing attentively, prospective applicants can greatly improve their chances. If you are ready to take your postgraduate journey to the next level and commit to making an impact in Indonesia, this scholarship may well be your gateway.
