Some Jakarta international schools offer scholarships and bursaries: but they are rarely advertised openly. Here is what we know and how to ask.
The Reality of Financial Aid
International schools in Jakarta are private institutions. They do not receive government funding. Fee revenue funds everything: teacher salaries, facilities, operations, co-curricular programmes. Unlike universities, which have large endowments, alumni donation programmes and government-backed financial aid systems, most international schools operate on tight margins and cannot offer financial aid at scale.
The scholarships that do exist fall into two categories.
Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional ability, academic, artistic, athletic or in community leadership. These are selective, competitive and usually restricted to Indonesian nationals. The purpose is to diversify the student body by bringing in talented students from backgrounds that would not normally access international schooling.
Bursaries and fee reduction are occasionally available on a needs-based or discretionary basis, but they are not standard and not publicly advertised at most schools. Some schools will consider partial fee reduction in specific circumstances, a family experiencing financial hardship mid-enrolment, for example, but this is handled case by case, not as a published programme.
Corporate sponsorship is the most common form of "financial aid" in practice. Most families at Jakarta's premium international schools have their fees paid or subsidised by an employer. If your company offers a relocation package with school fee coverage, that is the single most effective financial support mechanism available. See our guide to corporate relocation to Jakarta for how to negotiate this.
JIS - BTI Scholarship
JIS runs the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (BTI) Scholarship, the most established scholarship programme at any Jakarta international school.
What it covers100% of school fees from the grade of entry through to graduation (Grade 12). This is a full scholarship, tuition, capital fees and guarantee fees are all covered.
Who it is forIndonesian students entering Grade 8 or Grade 9 who demonstrate outstanding achievement and potential in academics, the arts, athletics or community service.
RequirementsCandidates must meet standard JIS admissions requirements and pass the Scholarship Selection Board process, which includes admissions testing, an essay, student interviews and a parent meeting. Candidates must be able to study in English.
The programmeBTI Scholars follow the same curriculum as all JIS students and can pursue the IB Diploma, IB Career-related Programme or AP Capstone in Grades 11-12. They have full access to JIS's campus facilities and co-curricular programme.
How to apply: Contact [email protected]. The annual deadline is typically in February, the 2026 intake deadline was 14 February 2026.
The BTI Scholarship is competitive. JIS does not publish acceptance rates, but the number of awards is small relative to the number of applicants. If your child is an exceptional Indonesian student with strong English, this is a genuine opportunity.
AIS - IB Scholarship Programme
AIS offers four academic scholarships each year for Indonesian students entering the IB Diploma programme.
What it covers100% of tuition fees, 100% of IB Diploma exam fees and 100% of capital development fees for three years (Grade 10 through Grade 12 graduation). The family is responsible for other costs: uniforms, camps, extracurricular activities and transport.
Who it is forAcademically talented Indonesian students who would contribute to the academic and social life of the school.
DurationThree years, from Grade 10 to Grade 12. The scholarship is conditional on sustained academic performance and good conduct, it can be withdrawn if standards are not maintained.
How to apply: Contact [email protected] for current deadlines and application requirements.
Four scholarships per year is a small number. The programme is designed to bring exceptional students into AIS's IB Diploma cohort, not to provide broad financial access.
ISJ - Bursaries and Scholarships
ISJ runs two programmes through The Schools Trust, covering both expat and Indonesian families, the broadest eligibility of any Jakarta school's financial aid offering.
Global Continuity Bursary
Designed to maintain a diverse international community at ISJ. This is means-tested financial assistance for expatriate families who are privately funding their children's education, families on local-plus contracts, the self-employed, or those without a full employer education allowance.
EligibilityAt least one parent must hold a non-Indonesian passport and valid KITAS. Families must demonstrate they are paying fees privately.
AssessmentConfidential review of household income, liquid assets, the proportion of net income required to pay full fees, relocation expenses and number of siblings enrolled at ISJ.
What it coversAnnual tuition fees only. It does not cover the capital levy, uniforms, transport or trips unless stated in the award letter.
DurationTypically one academic year, reviewed annually. Support is intended to be consistent provided the family's circumstances do not change.
ConfidentialityBoth the school and the family agree to keep the bursary confidential.
The Global Continuity Bursary is notable because it is the only published programme at a premium Jakarta school that targets expat families rather than Indonesian nationals. For families without a corporate education package, this is worth investigating early.
Ki Hajar Dewantara Scholarship
Named after Indonesia's national education hero, Ki Hajar Dewantara (1889-1959), who founded the Taman Siswa movement and championed accessible education regardless of background.
EligibilityIndonesian citizens only.
What it coversUp to 100% fee relief. Limited places each year.
SelectionDemonstrated academic potential via assessment and academic review, plus means-tested on family financial circumstances.
How to apply for either programme: Contact [email protected] or +62 811 1000 7672 to start a confidential conversation about eligibility.
Other Schools
BSJ has offered scholarships and bursaries in previous years. The school does not currently publish detailed scholarship information on its website. Contact BSJ admissions directly to ask about current availability, eligibility and application timelines.
Binus Simprug, NJIS, ACG, NAS, we are not aware of published scholarship programmes at these schools. This does not mean they do not exist in any form. If financial support is a factor in your decision, contact admissions at each school and ask directly.
SPH (Sekolah Pelita Harapan) operates under a Christian foundation and may offer bursary support through that foundation. Contact the school directly for current information.
How to Approach It
Ask early. If you need financial support, raise it during your first conversation with admissions, not after you have received the fee schedule. Schools that offer any form of aid prefer to know upfront so they can guide you through the process.
Be specific about what you need. "Can you help with fees?" is vague. "We can afford $20,000 per year, is there any mechanism that would bridge the gap?" gives the school something to work with.
Explore corporate sponsorship first. If you are relocating for work, negotiate school fees into your package before you arrive. This is by far the most common way families manage the cost of premium international schooling in Jakarta. Employers expect this expense in Jakarta compensation packages.
Consider the mid-tier. If a scholarship at a premium school is not available, a mid-tier school at $10,000-$20,000 per year may deliver strong outcomes without financial strain. Binus Simprug (IB average 34 points) produces competitive university applicants at a lower fee point than the premium tier. Quality teaching at a school you can comfortably afford is better than stretched finances at a school you cannot.
Look at university scholarships separately. Some families focus on school-level scholarships when the larger financial question is university funding. If your child attends a strong IB school and scores 38+, they may qualify for significant university scholarships or bursaries, particularly at UK and Australian universities. The school's university counselling team can advise on this from Year 10 onward.
