Scholarships Abroad Costly: Returnees Must Bring Contribution, Says Minister

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto, has reminded recipients of the "Garuda Scholarship" program about the substantial financial commitment the Indonesian government makes to their overseas studies. He highlighted that the investment in a single student studying abroad can be hundreds of times greater than the cost of educating a student domestically.

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You know that your scholarship represents many times the state's money compared to what we spend to fund studies domestically. Some are a hundred times, some are two hundred times.

"You know that your scholarship represents many times the state's money compared to what we spend to fund studies domestically. Some are a hundred times, some are two hundred times," Brian stated during a briefing for scholarship recipients and participants of the "SMA Unggul Garuda Transformasi" program in Jakarta on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

The minister clarified that the significant state expenditure does not create a monetary debt for the students. Instead, he stressed their moral responsibility to repay this investment through tangible contributions that advance Indonesia's progress. "You have a responsibility. You are responsible for giving back to our nation in another form, giving back in the form of our nation's progress," he urged.

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You have a responsibility. You are responsible for giving back to our nation in another form, giving back in the form of our nation's progress.

Furthermore, Brian advised scholarship recipients against prolonged dependence on government aid after completing their undergraduate degrees. He encouraged them to proactively seek opportunities and funding independently, leveraging their experience at top global institutions. "Once you finish your bachelor's, don't demand, 'Where is the master's scholarship?' Don't. You've been abroad, find scholarships there. If there's a good professor, approach them. Ask for a scholarship from the professor," he advised.

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Once you finish your bachelor's, don't demand, 'Where is the master's scholarship?' Don't. You've been abroad, find scholarships there. If there's a good professor, approach them. Ask for a scholarship from the professor.

He also impressed upon the students the importance of perseverance, resilience, and humility in facing challenges and failures abroad, viewing them as integral to character development. Brian urged them to absorb knowledge from developed nations and bring it back to propel Indonesia forward, emphasizing that success is a result of a long process, not instant gratification.

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All success is born from a long process, not instant.