USK Welcomes New KNB Scholarship Awardees 2025
As part of Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening global education networks, the Indonesian government once again opened the Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship (Beasiswa Kemitraan Negara Berkembang/KNB) for international students. In 2025, a total of 250 students from 46 countries were selected from 2,724 applicants. They will pursue studies across 34 Indonesian universities, with 40 in undergraduate programs, 175 in master’s programs, and 35 in doctoral programs.
To welcome these awardees, the Inauguration of New KNB Scholarship Students 2025 was held on August 24–26, 2025 in Jakarta. This centralized orientation introduced academic and non-academic policies, regulations, and essential information to support their studies in Indonesia. The event also served as a pick-up point for international students upon arrival in Indonesia, before they proceeded to their respective universities. A highlight of the inauguration was the signing of the Student Agreement by all KNB recipients.
Through the KNB Scholarship scheme, Indonesia underscores its commitment to supporting human resource development in developing countries while strengthening educational diplomacy and international cooperation.
Among the host universities, Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) in Banda Aceh has once again been entrusted to welcome new KNB students. This year, USK is hosting seven international students:
- Mosa Ebrahemi (Afghanistan) – Master of Artificial Intelligence
- Mohammad Yousuf Safi (Afghanistan) – Master of Civil Engineering
- Abotle Ralekwalo (Botswana) – Master of Environmental Management
- Richard Banda (Malawi) – Master of Disaster Science
- Suzan Joseph Misinzo (Tanzania) – Master of Environmental Management
- Kaloma Tombena (Papua New Guinea) – Bachelor of Civil Engineering
- Jayleen Rizwold Qoqonokana (Solomon Islands) – Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
USK also sent a representative from the Office of International Affairs (OIA), Ria Ervilita, S.Pd., M.Sc., to attend the inauguration in Jakarta. Her presence symbolized USK’s direct support for the new KNB awardees while fostering stronger collaboration with other Indonesian universities.
By welcoming these international students, USK reaffirms its role as a globally oriented university and strengthens Indonesia’s mission of higher education internationalization. Their presence not only enriches the academic diversity on campus but also deepens cross-cultural friendships and international ties.
