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The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has announced a new wave of international scholarship opportunities for Sierra Leonean students, offered by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia for the 2026/2027 academic year.
The scholarships, facilitated through the KNB Scholarship program, are open to candidates seeking Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral (PhD) degrees.
Prospective students face a tight turnaround, with a strict deadline of March 15, 2026, for both online submissions and the physical delivery of hard-copy documents to the Ministry. The announcement, signed on March 2 by Acting Student Secretary George A. Dambo, outlines comprehensive and stringent application requirements.
The program enforces strict age limits for prospective scholars (calculated as of December 31, 2026):
- Bachelor’s Degree: Maximum age of 21 years.
- Master’s Degree: Maximum age of 35 years.
- Doctoral Degree (PhD): Maximum age of 40 years.
Across all degree levels, applicants are required to submit legalized academic transcripts, curriculum vitae (CV), English proficiency certificates, and a passport valid until at least December 31, 2027.
Applicants must also pass rigorous health screenings. A certified medical report issued within the last three months is required, which must include a physical examination, tests for infectious diseases (Tuberculosis, Syphilis, HIV/AIDS), a mental health assessment, and a negative drug test. Additionally, all applicants must be willing to attach a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Video Pitch Requirement
A unique component of the application is a digital pitch. All applicants must record a maximum 5-minute video in English and upload it to YouTube. The video must explain the applicant’s profile, their motivation for studying in Indonesia under the KNB Scholarship, and why they selected their specific university and study program.
Advanced Degree Specifics
Those applying for Master’s and Doctoral programs face additional requirements. Master’s candidates must provide recommendation letters from an employer or supervisor, or a Statement of Purpose if unemployed. PhD candidates must additionally submit a research proposal and a recommendation letter from a potential research supervisor at a KNB partner university.
How to Apply
The application process involves both a digital and physical component:
Online: Applicants must download the KNB Scholarship Offering Letter from the official website (https://knb.kemdiktisaintek.go.id) and complete the online submission by March 15, 2026.
Hard Copy: A completed application form with all supporting documents must be hand-delivered to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education in New England Ville, Freetown, on or before March 15, 2026.
The Ministry noted that physical application envelopes must be clearly labeled with “Application for Indonesia Scholarship Programs,” followed by the applicant’s full name, contact number, email address, and proposed course of study.
