DARMASISWA is a non-degree scholarship program offered by the Government of Indonesia to international students from countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Indonesia. The program provides participants with opportunities to study Bahasa Indonesia, Indonesian arts, culture, and other selected academic subjects at participating universities throughout Indonesia. The DARMASISWA Program aims to promote Indonesian language and cultural exchange by encouraging international students to experience academic and cultural life in Indonesia directly.
Participants may apply to participating universities based on the study programs offered by each institution. Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma Jaya has been appointed as one of the host universities for the DARMASISWA Program since 2009. For the academic year 2026/2027, prospective participants are invited to submit their application through the official DARMASISWA application portal. Please note that DARMASISWA is a non-degree program. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program period.
“My name is Shiho Isono, and I studied at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia for 10 months through the DARMASISWA Program.
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the DARMASISWA Program for giving me such valuable and memorable experiences.
One of the most meaningful experiences for me was studying Bahasa Indonesia. Before coming to Indonesia, I did not fully understand Indonesian grammar, especially verb forms such as me-kan and me-i. After studying together with my lecturers for 10 months, I was finally able to understand and use them confidently. I was very happy to deepen my understanding of the Indonesian language.
Outside the classroom, joining the university choir was also an unforgettable experience. At first, I was surprised to see numbered musical notation because it was my first time using it. However, my friends in the choir kindly taught me how to read it. Through the choir, I had the opportunity to participate in many activities such as ceremonies, graduation events, and other campus events. I also learned many Indonesian regional songs and made many wonderful friends.
There are still so many memorable experiences from my time in Indonesia. The beautiful memories I made here will stay with me forever. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to carry these experiences with me into the future.
Once again, thank you very much to everyone.”
— Shiho Isono (Japan)
DARMASISWA Student at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia
“Hello, my name is Luca, and I am a DARMASISWA student at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia.
First of all, I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the DARMASISWA Program. Through this program, I gained many new experiences and learned how to live within an amazing cultural environment filled with people from different backgrounds and countries.
I was also fortunate to meet many new friends who gradually became like family to me. This program showed me that no matter how different our cultures and origins may be, we can always come together and understand one another.
Thanks to Atma Jaya, I experienced many valuable moments that I will never forget, especially through the various activities organized by the university. Those moments were truly meaningful and unforgettable for me.
My time in Indonesia has been filled with valuable experiences that I will always cherish.
Thank you very much.”
— Luca (Madagascar)
DARMASISWA Student at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia
“I attended the BIPA 1 and BIPA 2 courses from September 2024 to June 2025.
I am very satisfied with my experience in learning Bahasa Indonesia as well as the support provided by the International Office.
The classes were engaging, and the learning environment was very positive. The language department provided helpful learning materials and was flexible in accommodating students’ needs.”
— Natsuki (Japan)
DARMASISWA Student at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia
“Through the DARMASISWA Program, I gained many wonderful experiences.
The lecturers and International Office staff were very kind and welcomed me warmly, and I am truly grateful for their support.
During my classes at Atma Jaya, I learned many things beyond just the Indonesian language. I also really enjoyed spending time and traveling together with the International Office staff and my friends.
My 10 months in Jakarta became one of the most valuable experiences in my life.
I hope that one day I will be able to meet again with the people I got to know in Indonesia.
Thank you very much to everyone!”
— Aiko (Japan)
DARMASISWA Student at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia
“My experience studying at Atma Jaya through the DARMASISWA Program was both enjoyable and meaningful.
The BIPA classes provided a supportive learning environment, and the lecturers were very helpful throughout the program. I also appreciated the assistance and guidance provided by the International Office during my stay in Indonesia.
Through this experience, I was able to improve my Bahasa Indonesia skills while learning more about Indonesian culture and meeting people from different backgrounds.”
— Koen de Boer (The Netherlands)
DARMASISWA Student at Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia
No. | Activities | Important date |
1. | Online registration | 15 May 2026 – 15 June 2026 |
2. | Interview and Administration at Indonesian Embassies and Consulates | 16 June 2026 – 23 June 2026 |
3. | Selection by the University (Online) | 24 June 2026 – 30 June 2026 |
4. | Announcement of Initial Selection Results | 2 July 2026 |
5. | Attendance Confirmation | 3 July 2026 – 13 July 2026 |
6. | Final Announcement | 14 July 2026 |
7. | Flight Itinerary Confirmation | 20 July 2026 – 21 August 2026 |
8. | Pre-Departure Briefing at Indonesian Embassies and Consulates | August 2026 |
9. | Orientation Program in Jakarta, Indonesia | 29 August 2026 – 31 August 2026 |
| 10. | Lecture Starts | Early September 2026 |
Source: Official DARMASISWA Academic Year 2026/2027 Announcement and Application Portal.
Applicants must:
- be foreign nationals,
- have completed secondary education or equivalent
- be at least 18 years old,
- demonstrate English proficiency,
- be in good health,
- have strong interest in Indonesian language, arts, and culture,
- and not currently study or work in Indonesia.
The DARMASISWA scholarship provides:
- monthly living allowance,
- settlement allowance,
- accommodation and transportation support during orientation,
- and cultural and academic learning opportunities in Indonesia.
Participants are encouraged to prepare additional personal funds for unforeseen expenses during their stay in Indonesia.
Applicants are generally required to prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume,
- medical certificate,
- passport,
- recommendation letter,
- academic transcript and certificates,
- English proficiency certificate (if applicable),
- passport photo,
- motivation essay,
- and a short introduction video.
Detailed requirements can be accessed through the official DARMASISWA portal.
Applicants are required to submit their application through the official DARMASISWA application portal provided by the Government of Indonesia.
Applications submitted outside the official portal may not be processed.
Applicants are encouraged to review all requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and monitor the official DARMASISWA website regularly for updates regarding schedules, announcements, and program information.
Official Application Portal:
https://apply.darmasiswa.kemendikdasmen.go.id/
Official DARMASISWA Website:
https://darmasiswa.kemendikdasmen.go.id/
For inquiries regarding the DARMASISWA Program at Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma Jaya, please contact:
International Office
Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma Jaya
Email: international@atmajaya.ac.id
Telephone: +62 21 5795 0476
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday, 07.30–16.30 WIB
For questions specifically related to national DARMASISWA policies, application systems, or central administration, applicants are encouraged to contact the official DARMASISWA Secretariat through the official DARMASISWA website.