Quick Answer: Chevening Scholarship offers Indonesian students fully-funded master's degrees in the UK worth £18,000-35,000 annually. Applications for 2026 intake open in August 2026 with a November deadline, requiring 2+ years work experience, unconditional UK university offers, and strong leadership potential demonstrated through essays and references.

Introduction

The Chevening Scholarship represents one of the most prestigious opportunities for Indonesian students to pursue master's degrees in the UK. As the UK government's flagship scholarship program, Chevening has supported over 1,800 Indonesian scholars since 1983, creating a powerful network of leaders across Indonesia's government, business, and civil society sectors.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for the Chevening Scholarship as an Indonesian student, from eligibility requirements to application strategies that have helped previous Indonesian scholars succeed.

What is the Chevening Scholarship?

The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded scholarship program established by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. For Indonesian students, this scholarship covers tuition fees (up to £35,000), monthly stipend (£1,347 in London, £1,084 elsewhere), travel costs to and from the UK, visa application costs, and additional allowances for thesis and conference attendance.

The scholarship specifically targets future leaders who demonstrate exceptional academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to creating positive change in Indonesia. Recipients study at any eligible UK university and become part of the global Chevening Alumni network, which includes prominent Indonesian figures like former ministers, CEOs, and social entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Requirements for Indonesian Students

Basic Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Chevening Scholarship as an Indonesian citizen, you must:

• Hold Indonesian citizenship and be ordinarily resident in Indonesia
• Have completed an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class 2:1 honours degree
• Possess minimum two years of work experience (calculated as 2,800 hours)
• Meet the English language requirement (typically IELTS 6.5 overall, no component below 6.0)
• Apply to three different eligible UK university courses and receive unconditional offers from at least one

Work Experience Requirements

The work experience component is crucial for Indonesian applicants. Acceptable experience includes:

• Full-time employment in government, private sector, or NGOs
• Part-time work (minimum 12 hours per week)
• Voluntary work with recognized organizations
• Internships and graduate trainee programs
• Military service or teaching positions

Many successful Indonesian applicants combine different types of experience. For example, a recent scholar from Jakarta combined two years of NGO work with part-time consulting to meet the requirement.

Application Timeline for 2026 Intake

The Chevening application cycle for Indonesian students follows a strict timeline:

August 2026: Applications open on the Chevening website November 2026: Application deadline (typically first Tuesday in November) December 2026 - February 2027: Initial screening and shortlisting March - May 2027: Interview period at British Embassy Jakarta June 2027: Final results announced September 2027: Scholarship commences in the UK

Indonesian applicants should note that the interview process typically takes place at the British Embassy in Jakarta, though virtual interviews may be offered for applicants from remote areas of Indonesia.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your UK Universities and Courses

Before starting your Chevening application, secure unconditional offers from UK universities. Popular choices among Indonesian scholars include:

• London School of Economics (International Development, Public Policy)
• University of Oxford (Development Studies, Public Policy)
• University of Cambridge (Development Studies, Engineering)
• King's College London (International Relations, Public Policy)
• University of Edinburgh (Sustainable Development, International Relations)

When you explore scholarships through various programs, remember that Chevening requires you to apply to three different eligible courses.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

The Chevening online application consists of several sections:

Personal Information: Include your Indonesian identification details, contact information, and current employment status.

Education History: Provide detailed information about your undergraduate degree, including transcripts and degree certificates with official translations if needed.

Work Experience: Document all relevant experience with specific dates, responsibilities, and achievements. Include reference contacts for verification.

University Choices: List your three chosen courses with detailed explanations for each selection.

Step 3: Write Compelling Essays

The four Chevening essays are critical for Indonesian applicants:

Leadership Essay (500 words): Describe specific leadership experiences relevant to Indonesia's development challenges. Many successful applicants discuss leading community projects, workplace initiatives, or social enterprises.

Networking Essay (500 words): Explain how you'll leverage Chevening's network to benefit Indonesia. Reference specific Indonesian alumni and their contributions.

Study in the UK Essay (500 words): Articulate why UK education specifically benefits your career goals and Indonesia's development needs.

Career Plan Essay (500 words): Outline your three and five-year plans, showing clear connections between your studies and Indonesia's priority sectors like digital economy, sustainable development, or governance reform.

Step 4: Secure Strong References

Choose references who can speak to different aspects of your profile:

• Academic Reference: From professors who know your intellectual capabilities
• Professional Reference: From supervisors who can attest to your leadership and work quality
• Character Reference: From mentors or community leaders who know your personal qualities

Inform your referees about Indonesia-specific development challenges and how your proposed studies address them.

Interview Preparation for Indonesian Candidates

Shortlisted Indonesian applicants typically interview at the British Embassy Jakarta. The interview panel usually includes British Embassy officials and prominent Indonesian Chevening alumni.

Common Interview Topics

• Indonesia's current development challenges and your proposed solutions
• Specific examples of your leadership impact
• How UK education differs from Indonesian higher education
• Your networking strategy within Indonesia's professional landscape
• Post-graduation plans and commitment to returning to Indonesia

Interview Tips

• Research recent UK-Indonesia bilateral initiatives and trade relationships
• Prepare specific examples of how you'll contribute to Indonesia's development goals
• Practice discussing complex Indonesian issues in English
• Demonstrate knowledge of your chosen field's landscape in Indonesia
• Show familiarity with previous Indonesian Chevening scholars' achievements

Financial Coverage and Benefits

The Chevening Scholarship for Indonesian students includes:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage up to £35,000 for most courses
• Monthly Stipend: £1,347 in London, £1,084 elsewhere in the UK
• Travel Allowance: Return airfare Jakarta-UK (approximately £800-1,200)
• Visa Costs: Full Student visa application fees
• Arrival Allowance: £1,347 for initial settling-in expenses
• Departure Allowance: £1,084 for final departure preparations
• Thesis Grant: Up to £500 for dissertation research
• Conference Allowance: Funding for relevant academic conferences

The total scholarship value typically ranges from £25,000-40,000 depending on course fees and location.

Tips for Success from Indonesian Alumni

Application Strategy

• Start Early: Begin preparing 12-18 months before the deadline
• Demonstrate Indonesia Focus: Show clear understanding of Indonesia's development priorities
• Quantify Impact: Use specific metrics to describe your achievements
• Show Progression: Demonstrate career advancement and increasing responsibilities
• Cultural Bridge: Emphasize your role as a bridge between UK and Indonesian expertise

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Generic essays not tailored to Indonesia's context
• Insufficient work experience documentation
• Weak university choices without clear justification
• Poor English language test scores
• Late submission of supporting documents

Alternative Funding Options

While focusing on Chevening, Indonesian students should consider complementary opportunities:

• LPDP Scholarships: Indonesian government funding for overseas studies
• Commonwealth Scholarships: UK government funding for developing country students
• University-specific scholarships: Direct funding from UK institutions
• Private foundations: Sampoerna Foundation, Tanoto Foundation scholarships

Conclusion

The Chevening Scholarship offers Indonesian students an unparalleled opportunity to gain world-class education while building networks that benefit Indonesia's development. Success requires thorough preparation, authentic essays demonstrating leadership potential, and clear commitment to contributing to Indonesia's future. Start your application preparation early, engage with the Indonesian Chevening Alumni community, and approach the process as an investment in both your career and Indonesia's development trajectory.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 1,800 Indonesian students have received Chevening Scholarships since 1983, creating Indonesia's largest UK-educated leadership network

💰 Average Chevening Scholarship value for Indonesian students is £28,000-35,000, covering full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs

🎯 Chevening acceptance rate for Indonesian applicants is approximately 2-3%, making it highly competitive with only 40-50 scholarships awarded annually

📈 Indonesian Chevening alumni hold leadership positions in 15+ government ministries and 200+ major corporations across Indonesia

⏰ Application timeline spans 10 months from August opening to June results, with November deadline being the most critical date

🌍 Indonesian scholars can choose from 150+ UK universities, with LSE, Oxford, and Cambridge being the most popular destinations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I meet the work experience requirement for Chevening as an Indonesian applicant?

You need minimum 2,800 hours of work experience, which equals approximately 2 years of full-time work. This can include employment in government, private sector, NGOs, teaching, military service, or substantial voluntary work. Part-time work counts if it's minimum 12 hours per week. Many Indonesian applicants combine different experiences - for example, 18 months of full-time work plus 6 months of significant volunteer work with recognized organizations. Document all experiences with specific dates, responsibilities, and contact details for verification.

What are the English language requirements for Indonesian Chevening applicants?

Most UK universities require IELTS Academic with overall score 6.5 and minimum 6.0 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). Some competitive courses may require IELTS 7.0 or higher. Alternative tests include TOEFL iBT (typically 90+ overall), PTE Academic, or Cambridge English qualifications. Indonesian applicants should take the test at official centers in Jakarta, Surabaya, or other major cities. Test scores must be valid when you submit university applications, so plan timing carefully as results take 2-3 weeks.

How much does the Chevening Scholarship cover for Indonesian students?

Chevening provides comprehensive funding including full tuition fees (up to £35,000), monthly stipend of £1,347 in London or £1,084 elsewhere, return flights Jakarta-UK (£800-1,200), full visa costs, arrival allowance of £1,347, departure allowance of £1,084, thesis grant up to £500, and conference funding. The total value typically ranges £25,000-40,000 depending on course fees and location. The scholarship does NOT cover family/dependent costs, so it's for individual study only.

What is the application deadline for Chevening Scholarship 2026?

The Chevening application for 2026 intake opens in August 2026 and closes on the first Tuesday of November 2026 (typically November 5th, 2026). This deadline is strict with no extensions. Indonesian applicants should submit applications at least one week before deadline to avoid technical issues. Remember you also need unconditional offers from UK universities, which have separate earlier deadlines, so start the entire process 12-18 months before the Chevening deadline.

How competitive is Chevening Scholarship for Indonesian students?

Chevening is extremely competitive for Indonesian applicants with acceptance rate of only 2-3%. Indonesia typically receives 1,500-2,000 applications annually for 40-50 scholarships. Success factors include strong leadership experience, clear career progression, excellent academic record, compelling essays linking studies to Indonesia's development needs, and outstanding interview performance. The competition has increased significantly as more Indonesian professionals pursue UK education, making early preparation and strong applications essential.

Can I apply for Chevening if I'm already studying or working outside Indonesia?

You must be an Indonesian citizen who is ordinarily resident in Indonesia when you apply. If you're temporarily abroad for work, study, or other commitments, you may still be eligible if Indonesia remains your main residence and you plan to return before starting the scholarship. However, if you've been living permanently outside Indonesia, you likely won't qualify. The scholarship is designed for Indonesian residents who will return to contribute to Indonesia's development after completing their UK studies.

Key Takeaways

✅ Chevening applications for 2026 intake open in August 2026 with November deadline - start preparing at least 12-18 months early

✅ You must secure unconditional offers from UK universities separately from your Chevening application, requiring excellent academic credentials and English language scores

✅ Work experience requirement of 2,800 hours can be met through various combinations of employment, volunteering, and professional activities

✅ Essay questions focus heavily on leadership, networking, study rationale, and career plans - tailor all responses to Indonesia's development context

✅ Interview at British Embassy Jakarta covers Indonesia-specific challenges and your proposed solutions using UK education

✅ Scholarship provides comprehensive funding worth £25,000-40,000 including tuition, living expenses, travel, and additional allowances