Differences Between LPDP Regular and Affirmation Scholarships: See the Requirements
The LPDP (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan or Education Fund Management Institution) scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs offered by the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Finance. According to its official website, there are several types of LPDP scholarships. In this article, we will discuss in depth the differences between the two most sought-after types of LPDP scholarships: the LPDP Regular Scholarship and the LPDP Affirmation Scholarship.
The main differences between the LPDP Regular and Affirmation scholarships lie in their target recipients and program objectives. The LPDP Regular Scholarship is open to all Indonesian citizens without geographical limitations, focusing on academic achievement and the potential of candidates. Meanwhile, the LPDP Affirmation Scholarship is specifically for Indonesian citizens from Affirmation action regions, such as the 3T areas (Underdeveloped, Frontier, and Outermost), with the aim of increasing access to education and improving the quality of human resources in these regions.
As a potential applicant, it’s important for you to understand the characteristics, requirements, and advantages of each type of scholarship. With a good understanding, you can determine the program that best suits your needs and background. Let’s start by getting to know more about these two types of scholarships.
Differences Between LPDP Regular and Affirmation Scholarships
| Aspect | LPDP Regular Scholarship | LPDP Affirmation Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Target | All eligible Indonesian citizens | Special groups: people with disabilities, natives of Papua and 3T regions, underprivileged communities |
| Maximum Age |
Master’s: 35 years, Doctoral: 40 years |
Master’s: 47 years, Doctoral: 50 years (more flexible) |
| Minimum GPA |
Bachelor’s: 3.00 (out of 4.00), Master’s: 3.25 (out of 4.00) |
Bachelor’s: 2.5 (out of 4.00), Master’s: 3.00 (out of 4.00) |
| Language Proficiency |
Master’s: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, or PTE Academic 58 Doctoral: IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 94, or PTE Academic 65 | More flexible, language preparation program available |
| Selection Process | Standard, competitive | Tailored to characteristics of target groups |
| Funding Coverage | Standard (tuition, living expenses, research, etc.) | More comprehensive, including special support |
| Preparation Program | None | Special preparation program before study |
| Post-Study Obligation | Return to Indonesia | Return to region of origin |
| Service Period* | 2N years in Indonesia | 2N years in region of origin or designated institution |
| Contribution Focus | National development | Development of region of origin and local community empowerment |
| Alumni Network | General LPDP alumni network | LPDP Affirmation alumni network, mentoring role |
For both LPDP Regular and Affirmation scholarships, the funding duration is the same: for master’s programs, maximum 24 months; for doctoral programs, maximum 48 months.
*For the 2025 LPDP scholarship program, the mandatory service period in Indonesia after completing your studies has been revised to 2N instead of the previous 2N+1 formula. This means that if you pursue a Master's degree lasting 1.5 to 2 years, you'll only be required to return and work in Indonesia for 3 to 4 years after graduation.
Study at Monash University, Indonesia with LPDP Scholarship
Good news for future leaders of Indonesia! Monash University, Indonesia is proud to announce that we are opening registration for Masters and Doctoral programs through the LPDP 2025 scholarship, both for the Regular and Affirmation pathways for intakes in July 2025 and January 2026. This is a golden opportunity for you to pursue international quality education without leaving your home country.
Categorized as a Domestic University (Perguruan Tinggi Dalam Negeri), Monash University, Indonesia has the same quality and accreditation as Monash University, Australia. With a curriculum specifically designed to answer global challenges and Indonesia's development needs, Monash University, Indonesia is ready to produce superior generations who will bring positive changes to the nation. Register now and realize your dream of studying further at a leading educational institution!
Interested in applying Monash University, Indonesia with LPDP Scholarship? For those who are still confused about the latest requirements for the LPDP 2025 scholarship for Regular and Affirmation scholarships, here’s the information. However, it is highly recommended to visit the official LPDP website for more detailed and up-to-date information.
Requirements for LPDP Regular Scholarship
The general requirements for applying for the LPDP Regular scholarship are as follows:
- Indonesian citizenship
- Completed studies:
- Four-year diploma (D4) or bachelor’s degree (S1) for master’s scholarship;
- Master’s degree (S2) for doctoral scholarship, or
- Four-year diploma (D4)/bachelor’s degree (S1) direct to doctoral program.
- For applicants from four-year diploma (D4)/bachelor’s degree (S1) direct to doctoral program, must meet the following conditions:
- Have an Unconditional Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from the destination university,
- Meet all criteria requirements as a doctoral (S3) applicant.
- Age limit for applicants:
- Master’s level: maximum age of 35 years,
- Doctoral level: maximum age of 40 years,
- Permanent professors with NIDN: maximum age of 42 years for master’s and 47 years for doctoral.
- Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Master’s applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or equivalent,
- Doctoral applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.00 scale or equivalent, unless they already have a master’s degree without GPA, in which case they must attach a certificate from their previous university.
- English Language Proficiency*:
- Applicants for Domestic Master’s programs: TOEFL® ITP* 500, TOEFL® iBT 61, PTE Academic 50; or IELTS™ 6.0.
- Applicants for Overseas Master’s programs: TOEFL iBT® 80; PTE Academic 58; or IELTS™ 6.5.
- Applicants for Domestic Doctoral programs: TOEFL® ITP 530, TOEFL® iBT 70, PTE Academic 50; or IELTS™ 6.0.
- Applicants for Overseas Doctoral programs: TOEFL iBT® 94; PTE Academic 65; or IELTS™ 7.0.
*English language proficiency certificates must be issued by official institutions and valid within the last two years from the year of scholarship application.
- Required documents:
- Personal biodata,
- National Identity Card (KTP),
- Legalized diploma or Certificate of Graduation,
- Academic transcript,
- Diploma equivalency/GPA conversion document,
- English language proficiency certificate,
- Recommendation letter from community leader or academic,
- Statement letter on the application form,
- Recommendation letter from HR official (for civil servants/military/police),
- National Lecturer Identification Number (NIDN) document for permanent professors,
- Commitment to return to Indonesia, post-study plan, and plan for contribution in Indonesia,
- Research proposal (for doctoral applicants)
Requirements for LPDP Affirmation Scholarship
Here are the special requirements to obtain the LPDP Affirmation scholarship:
- Residence: Applicants must reside in an Affirmation action area, as evidenced by:
- National Identity Card (KTP)
- Certificate from the Village Head issued no more than 1 year in the same month as the scholarship application
- Educational or Domicile History: Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have completed primary and/or secondary education in an Affirmation action area, evidenced by a diploma, or
- Have lived for at least 10 years in an Affirmation action area, evidenced by a certificate from the Village Head
- Age Limit: As of December 31 of the application year:
- For master’s level: maximum age of 47 years
- For doctoral level: maximum age of 50 years
- Grade Point Average (GPA):
- For master’s level: minimum 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- For doctoral level: minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- GPA must be evidenced by original or legalized copy of academic transcript
- English Language Proficiency:
- Applicants for domestic scholarships are not required to have an English language proficiency certificate
- Applicants for overseas scholarships must upload an English language proficiency certificate valid for the last 2 years
- Scholarship recipients will receive a language enrichment program funded by LPDP
- Letter of Acceptance (LoA):
- Applicants with Unconditional LoA must choose 1 Destination University according to the LoA
- Applicants without Unconditional LoA must choose 3 Destination Universities from the list determined by LPDP
These special requirements aim to ensure that the LPDP Affirmation scholarship is given to candidates who truly come from Affirmation action areas and have adequate academic qualifications to continue their studies to a higher level.
After understanding the differences between the LPDP Regular and Affirmation scholarships, you can choose the path that best suits your conditions and goals in continuing your education.