Why Indonesia's Middle-Class Students Struggle to Find Scholarships

Many middle-class students in Indonesia struggle to secure scholarships because existing programs often overlook their specific circumstances. Raisiya Rahma, a 20-year-old Public Health major at the University of Indonesia, emphasized the need for private companies to offer more scholarships tailored to this demographic.

“

In Indonesia, it is quite challenging for middle-class students to find scholarships. Usually, scholarship providers look for students who have outstanding achievements or come from underprivileged families. Our position is quite tricky.

"In Indonesia, it is quite challenging for middle-class students to find scholarships. Usually, scholarship providers look for students who have outstanding achievements or come from underprivileged families. Our position is quite tricky," Raisiya explained on July 22, 2026. She noted that while she is a recipient of the Lotte Shin Kyuk-ho Global Scholarship, which specifically targets middle-class students, such opportunities are not abundant.

Raisiya pointed out that students from middle-class families often do not qualify for social assistance programs but also lack the financial means to cover their educational expenses independently. She expressed a strong hope for the expansion of scholarship programs that cater to students like herself, who possess academic merit but come from families with moderate incomes.

“

I hope the scholarships will continue to exist and reach more students like me, who have achievements but come from middle-class families.

This scholarship was Raisiya's first successful application after several previous attempts. She was drawn to the Lotte Scholarship due to its relatively simple administrative process and substantial award. Out of five University of Indonesia students accepted into the program, she was one of them. "I am very grateful and very excited. Moreover, I also like K-pop and Korean dramas, so I am very happy to receive a scholarship from a Korean company," she said.

“

I am very grateful and very excited. Moreover, I also like K-pop and Korean dramas, so I am very happy to receive a scholarship from a Korean company.

Raisiya also highlighted the importance of extracurricular activities, such as organizational experience and community service, in the scholarship selection process. Her involvement in teaching children, assisting the elderly, and participating in grant programs was included in her application. For her, the scholarship, which covers her Rp10 million semester tuition fee, represents not only financial aid but also validation of her efforts and potential.

“

It's not just about the amount. For me, this proves that I can develop this far.