How to Apply for LPDP Scholarship Without Scholastic Aptitude Test: A Comprehensive Guide

illustration-of-examination-day-scholastic-test-sat The LPDP scholarship is highly sought after by many prospective recipients as it offers full funding for Master’s and Doctoral studies both in Indonesia and abroad. One of its advantages is that applicants meeting certain criteria can be accepted without taking the Scholastic Aptitude Selection or Seleski Bakal Skolastik (SBS). Let’s explore the complete strategy!

What is the Scholastic Aptitude Selection and Who Can Avoid It?

Scholastic Aptitude Selection or Seleski Bakal Skolastik (SBS) is an exam to measure cognitive abilities, such as verbal reasoning, numerical skills, and problem-solving. However, LPDP provides an exemption for applicants who already have an Unconditional LoA (Letter of Acceptance without conditions) from their target university.

Main requirements to skip the LPDP SBS:

  1. Have an Unconditional LoA that meets LPDP requirements.
  2. The target university must be listed in LPDP’s database or meet specific criteria (e.g., included in world rankings).

LPDP scholarship programs that can be applied for without SBS are the LPDP Regular Scholarship, LPDP Affirmative Scholarship, and World’s Leading Universities Scholarship (PTUD).  Also read the differences between LPDP Regular and Affirmation.

Steps to Apply for LPDP Without Scholastic Aptitude Selection

1. Prepare Unconditional LoA

An Unconditional LoA is a letter of acceptance without conditions from the target university. Ensure this document includes your full name, study level, study program, and start date of the course.

The LoA must be uploaded during registration. If your target university is not on the LPDP list, attach proof that the campus is included in international rankings (e.g., QS World University Rankings).

To obtain an Unconditional LoA, you must first apply to the target university. This means you need to go through the admission process at that university and be accepted without conditions, as evidenced by the Unconditional LoA from the target university.

2. Register Online on the Official LPDP Website

  • Access the registration portal: https://beasiswalpdp.kemenkeu.go.id/
  • Choose the appropriate scholarship program (e.g., Regular, Affirmation, Targeted, or PTUD)
  • Upload mandatory documents:
    • National ID Card (KTP)
    • Legalized diploma and academic transcript
    • Unconditional LoA
    • Valid English language proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS/MEPT)
    • Recommendation letter from an academic/supervisor/community leader

Please read the LPDP 2025 guidebook for more detailed information.

3. Skip the Stage and Proceed to Substantive Selection

  • If your Unconditional LoA is valid, the LPDP system will automatically direct you to the Substantive Selection without going through the SBS.
  • Substantive Selection includes:
    • Document verification
    • On-the-spot essay
    • Leaderless Group Discussion (LGD)
    • Interview

Read more about tips for successfully securing the LPDP scholarship.

How to Obtain an LoA from Monash University, Indonesia

  1. Meet Program Entry Requirements
    Each Master’s program at Monash University, Indonesia has different entry requirements. Generally, requirements include:
    • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or equivalent.
    • English language proficiency certificate (TOEFL iBT 79/IELTS 6.5/MEPT 6.5) for all programs.
    • Supporting documents such as CV, motivation letter, and portfolio (depending on the study program).

    Learn more about how to apply for a master degree program at Monash University, Indonesia.

  2. Application Process to Monash University, Indonesia
    • Apply directly through the official portal at Monash My.App.
    • Ensure the chosen study program aligns with the LPDP course list. Currently, there are 9 Master’s programs at Monash University, Indonesia registered with LPDP.
    • An Unconditional LoA will be issued after all academic and administrative requirements are met.

Strategies to Optimize Your Chances

  • Submit Your Application to Monash University, Indonesia As Soon As Possible. The LoA issuance process takes 5-10 days. Make sure to apply before LPDP application deadline.
  • Pay Attention to Intake Schedules. Monash University, Indonesia has opened applications for July 2025 and January 2026 intakes. Visit the intake periods page for more information.
  • Ensure the LoA Meets LPDP Criteria. The LoA must include full name, study program, and start date without additional conditions (except funding sponsorship or physical diploma documents).

Benefits of Choosing Monash University, Indonesia

  • Education quality equivalent to the main campus in Australia.
  • Campus location in Indonesia facilitates adaptation and reduces living costs.
  • Included in the list of world’s leading universities (PTUD) recognized by LPDP.
  • Opportunity to participate in the Global Mobility Program including Australia Exchange Program.

Tips for Success Without Scholastic Aptitude Test

  1. Expedite the Unconditional LoA Process
    • Submit your application to the target university as early as possible. Some universities may take 3-6 months to issue an LoA.
  2. Choose Relevant Study Programs
    • Ensure the study program aligns with your academic or professional background to increase your chances of passing the substantive selection.
  3. Practice Essay Writing and Group Discussions
    • Master structural essay writing techniques and communication skills for group discussions.
  4. Prepare Additional Documents
    • For civil servants/military/police: attach a recommendation letter from the institution.
    • For overseas graduates: include degree equivalency results from the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Important Notes

  • Ensure the LoA does not contain additional conditions (other than funding sponsorship or physical diploma documents)
  • LPDP only accepts LoAs from regular class study programs. Make sure not to choose part-time classes.
  • If you haven’t received an LoA from Monash University, Indonesia before the LPDP registration deadline, you can still apply by choosing 3 alternative universities and make sure to include Monash University, Indonesia as one of your domestic university choices.

With an Unconditional LoA, you can save time and energy by skipping the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Ensure all documents are complete and submitted before the deadline! For more detailed information, visit the official LPDP page or download the program guidebook.

Study at Monash University, Indonesia with LPDP Scholarship

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Our Programs

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 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. Apply now and realize your dream of studying further at a leading educational institution!