What is the LPDP scholarship? Everything you must know in 2025

If you are an Indonesian student looking to study a master’s or doctoral degree abroad, you need to know about the LPDP (Educational Fund Management Institution) scholarship by the Ministry of Finance.

One of the most well-known and anticipated scholarships programs, it will support you for postgraduate courses, and covers education fees, monthly grants for living expenses such as food, transportation, insurance and more.

When is the 2025 LPDP scholarship registration?

Registration for the 2025 LPDP Scholarship is now open, starts from January 17 to February 17, 2025.

Wondering what the LPDP scholarship application process is for 2025? Here is key information about the scholarship programs on offer and who can apply for them. 

Available programs for 2025 LPDP scholarships

In the scholarship exercise each year, the Ministry of Finance is offering 3 main programs for LPDP scholarships. For better understanding, deep dive into the LPDP scholarship programs for 2025 listed below.   

General Programs

1. Regular Scholarship

This is for Indonesia citizens (WNI) who wish to pursue master's and doctoral degrees.

2. World's Top Universities Scholarship (PTUD)

This program is intended for Indonesian citizens who have received an unconditional letter of acceptance from top universities in the world to pursue master's and doctoral degrees.

3. Partial Scholarship

The LPDP Partial Scholarship is a joint funding scheme for Indonesian citizens.

Targeted Scholarships

1. Scholarships for civil servants, Indonesian National Armed Forces, and Indonesian National Police

As the name implies, the PNS/TNI/POLRI scholarship is intended for civil servants (PNS), Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel, and members of the Indonesian National Police (POLRI).

2. Entrepreneurship Scholarship

The LPDP Entrepreneurship Scholarship is an overseas master's degree program aimed at Indonesian citizens who run a business or are engaged in the field of entrepreneurship.

3. Ulama Cadre Education Scholarship

This master’s and doctorate level scholarship is offered to prospective scholars and managed directly by the Istiqlal Mosque Management Agency (BPMI) together with the Ministry of Religion and the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection.

4. Specialist and Subspecialist Doctor Scholarships

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, this scholarship program aims to nurture specialist and sub-specialist doctors in Indonesia.

5. National Research and Innovation Talent Scholarship

This doctoral scholarship aims to enhance the quality of human resources in national research, particularly in biodiversity, nuclear, aviation and space, and maritime. It is provided through collaboration between LPDP and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

6. Practitioner Doctoral Education Scholarship

This prestigious doctoral-level scholarship is a collaboration between the LPDP and the National Brain Center Hospital (RSPON). Specifically designed for RSPON practitioner doctors, the Practitioner Doctoral Education Scholarship aims to enhance the quality of skilled professionals in the medical and research fields, empowering them to make groundbreaking contributions to healthcare and innovation.

Affirmation Scholarship

1. World's Top Universities Scholarship

This program is for persons with disabilities who meet the requirements of the LPDP, including persons with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, mental disabilities, sensory disabilities, and multiple disabilities.

2. Papuan Youth Scholarship

This scholarship is specifically for locals of the Province of Papua, West Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, Highlands Papua and Southwest Papua who wish to pursue master's and doctoral degrees.

3. Scholarship for Affirmation Regional

This scholarship is given to community or groups from less developed areas to continue their studies at the master’s or doctoral levels.

4. Pre-Prosperous Scholarship

This program is intended for people from underprivileged families so they can continue their studies and pursue a master's degree.

2025 LPDP scholarship registration requirements

While the requirements of each LPDP scholarship program may vary, here are the general conditions that you’ll need to meet:

1. Be an Indonesian citizen

2. Have completed studies in a diploma (D4) or undergraduate (S1) program to register for a master's scholarship, or a master’s (S2) to register for a doctoral scholarship

3. Attach a letter of recommendation issued no later than one year in the same month as the scholarship application time.

4. Choose only universities and study programs under the LPDP scholarship 

5. Fulfill the terms of service set by LPDP, such as the obligation to return and serve in Indonesia after completing your studies in accordance with the LPDP’s conditions; as well as returning to Indonesia and contributing to the country.

6. Meet the Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements

7. Fulfill the English proficiency test score, such as the IELTS test, no more than two years prior to the scholarship application year

Complete IELTS preparation materials to qualify for LPDP scholarship 2025

If you choose an English-speaking country as your study destination under the 2025 LPDP scholarship, it will be important to score a sufficient grade in your IELTS test, ranging from 6.5 (master’s program) up to 7.0 (doctorate program).  

One of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests in the world, IELTS is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations globally, including universities, employers and migration authorities.   

In Indonesia, the IELTS test is available at multiple locations throughout the country with IDP, so you can easily find a test location near you. You’ll also be able to choose from a range of test date options to fit your schedule.  

If you don’t speak or use English often, here are some ways to brush up on the language and score a qualifying grade on your IELTS test for your LPDP scholarship application:  

1. Study the thesaurus to enrich your vocabulary 

2. Take a writing class to improve your writing skills  

3. Find a friend to practise speaking English with, to boost your confidence for when you need to speak directly to the examiner

4. Speak to previous IELTS test takers to exchange tips and experiences  

5. Seek out insights from IELTS experts and leading universities through these quick videos by IDP

To ensure you obtain the best IELTS results, ensure you’re ready for the test by making use of the IELTS preparation materials available at IDP. You’ll find plenty of free resources in the form of articles, videos, and sample questions. Check out this guide that will lead you to the help you need. 

When you're ready, register for your IELTS test today with IDP so you can prepare to apply for LPDP scholarship in 2025!