Why Indonesian international schools use scholarships

In Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Bali, international school fees are high relative to local salaries. Many schools offer scholarships and fee remissions to attract talented Indonesian and expat students, particularly at IGCSE and pre‑university level.

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1. Scholarship types

• Academic excellence awards based on school grades or internal scholarship exams.
• IGCSE/A Level/IB scholarships for top performers entering upper‑secondary years.
• Talent scholarships in sport, music, arts or leadership.
• Needs‑based assistance for families facing financial challenges.

Examples of Indonesian schools with scholarship programmes

Jakarta:

• British School Jakarta

  • Academic scholarships: Typically 10–50% of tuition, with higher percentages for exceptional IGCSE/A Level results. IB/A Level scholarships can provide 25–60% fee reduction for outstanding candidates entering upper‑secondary years.
  • Talent scholarships: Sports and arts scholarships usually 10–25% depending on level (e.g. national representation).
  • Bursaries: Needs‑based assistance can provide partial to substantial support (often 20–60%) after confidential financial assessment.
  • Other: Also offers sibling discounts (typically 5–10% per additional child).
  • Deadlines: Applications usually October–December for the following academic year.

• Jakarta Intercultural School

  • Academic scholarships: Academic excellence awards often 25–40% fee reduction. Senior‑school scholarships sometimes 30–50% for top performers.
  • Talent scholarships: Music and sports scholarships typically 10–25%.
  • Deadlines: Applications often due September–November.

• Australian Independent School Jakarta – Merit scholarships, usually 10–30% coverage. Applications typically October–December.

• Sekolah Ciputra – Academic scholarships typically 10–35% fee reduction. Applications often September–November.

Surabaya:

• Surabaya Intercultural School – Academic scholarships typically 15–40% of tuition. Applications usually October–December.
• Ciputra School Surabaya – Merit scholarships available, usually 10–30% coverage.

Bali:

• Bali Island School – Academic scholarships typically 10–30% coverage.
• Green School Bali – Merit scholarships, usually 10–25% fee reduction.

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2. How much do Indonesian school scholarships cover?

Based on the schools listed above, typical coverage ranges are:

• Academic scholarships: 10–50% of tuition, with higher percentages (up to 60%) for exceptional IB/A Level candidates.
• Talent/sporting scholarships: 10–25% depending on level of achievement (e.g. national representation).
• Bursaries: 20–60% based on financial need, with substantial support possible after confidential assessment.

Full‑fee scholarships are rare and highly competitive.

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3. Eligibility and odds

Schools typically consider:

• Strong academic history and positive reports.
• Good behaviour and attitude.
• For talent/sporting programmes: demonstrable performance (e.g. competition results, portfolios, graded exams, coach references).
• For bursaries: transparent financial documents.

Competition levels:

• Premium schools like British School Jakarta and Jakarta Intercultural School receive many applications; competition is strong (see school examples above for specific requirements).
• Bursaries are competitive and require demonstrated financial need.
• Sporting scholarships are limited and often require national‑level representation or equivalent achievement.

Spaces are limited, especially in well‑known Jakarta schools; expect strong competition.

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4. How to apply and when

Typical process:

1. Check each school’s scholarship and fee‑assistance pages.
2. Submit application forms, reports and certificates by the published deadline.
3. Sit any entrance or scholarship tests.
4. Attend interviews or auditions if shortlisted.

Applications often close months before the school year, so families should plan at least 9–12 months ahead.

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5. Duration and renewal

• Most scholarships run for one academic year, with potential renewal based on grades and conduct.
• Schools may adjust the percentage of discount if performance changes significantly.

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How Tutopiya supports Indonesian families

Tutopiya works with students across Indonesia by:

• Providing online, 1‑to‑1 tutoring for IGCSE, A Levels and IB.
• Helping students achieve the grades they need to win or keep scholarships.
• Connecting school‑level scholarship planning with long‑term university goals in Indonesia and abroad.

If you’re targeting an international school scholarship in Jakarta or other Indonesian cities, Tutopiya can help your child stand out academically.