Malawi’s standing on the international academic stage has reached a new milestone following reports that the country emerged as one of the premier beneficiaries of the Indonesian Government’s prestigious KNB Scholarships in 2025.
This achievement, which saw a record number of Malawian scholars headed to Southeast Asia, has set a high bar for the newly announced 2026/2027 International Student Admission Programme.
The Republic of Indonesia, through its Honorary Consulate in Malawi, has officially invited applications for the upcoming academic year, seeking to build on the momentum of what officials describe as a remarkable period of bilateral educational exchange.
Speaking in Blantyre, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia to Malawi, Tariq Kidy, remarked that the success of Malawian students in 2025 was no fluke but a reflection of the burgeoning talent within the country’s youth.
He emphasized that the scholarship programme is designed to act as a bridge, fostering long-term diplomatic and people-to-people relations.
Kidy noted that education remains the most resilient bridge that can be built between the two nations, adding that Indonesia is opening its doors to offer not only rigorous academic training but also deep cultural immersion.
The goal is for these scholars to return with a global perspective that can be infused into Malawi’s education, finance, and development sectors.
A standout feature of the 2026 intake is the opportunity for Malawians to specialize in niche markets that are currently reshaping the global economy.
Specifically, the programme highlights Indonesia’s leadership in Shariah banking and Islamic economics.
Kidy explained that because the global financial system is evolving, Shariah-compliant banking has become a rapidly growing segment.
By exposing Malawian students to these diverse financial models, the programme prepares them to operate in a modern world where these systems exist alongside conventional banking.
The 2026 programme is hosted by Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta, a leading public institution, and is open to non-Indonesian citizens under the age of 23 for Bachelor’s degree programmes.
The scholarship is split into two distinct categories.
The highly competitive full scholarships cover the entirety of tuition, monthly living stipends, visa fees, health insurance, and dormitory accommodation.
Alternatively, partial scholarships focus on tuition waivers and cultural immersion, providing a pathway for students with partial self-funding capabilities.
The application window is currently open and will close in April 2026.
Interested students must undergo a strict screening process, including Computer-Based Tests and interviews, with final results expected on May 29, 2026.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the official portal to begin their journey toward international qualification.
