JAKARTA – Indonesia and France strengthened their partnership in education and research by signing the LPDP–France PhD Joint Scholarship Program agreement on Wednesday (26/3) morning at the LPDP headquarters in Jakarta. This moment marks a strategic step toward expanding Indonesians' access to doctoral education at leading French universities while deepening scientific and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

“With this new agreement, only a year after the launch of the LPDP-France Masters Program, France and Indonesia show their wish for a stronger student mobility and cooperation in the research field. The fact that this is a co-funded scheme, where the French Embassy – Institut français Indonésie and LPDP work closely together, is representative of the way we want to develop our relations with Indonesia: through a win-win and partnership approach,” French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, H.E. Jean-Noël Barrot, said.

The French Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Fabien Penone, and the President Director of LPDP, Dr. Andin Hadiyanto, signed the cooperation agreement for the LPDP–France PhD Joint Scholarship Program, with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot and the LPDP Board of Directors witnessing the signing.

As part of efforts to expand access for the Indonesian public, the LPDP–France PhD Joint Scholarship Program will target up to 50 scholarship recipients annually, with a study duration of up to four years. The selection process will begin in April 2025, and awardees are scheduled to start their studies in October 2025 at various universities across France. This program is among the best opportunities for Indonesians seeking to pursue doctoral studies abroad.

The program offers several advantages, including being the first scholarship scheme with more flexible language requirements than other international doctoral scholarship programs, accepting a minimum of IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 61, or DELF B2. Additionally, the maximum age limit of 47 years opens more opportunities for experienced academics and researchers to pursue higher education. The French Embassy in Indonesia, Timor Leste, and ASEAN – Institut français Indonésie also provides full support throughout the application process to French universities, making it easier to access top institutions. With a wider variety of destination universities and study programs than other LPDP scholarships, applicants have more options that align with their academic interests and needs.

President Director of LPDP, Dr. Andin Hadiyanto, together with the LPDP leadership, warmly welcomed this visit as a shared commitment to building a stronger academic ecosystem. The direct presence of Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his delegation at the LPDP office underlines the French Government’s commitment to deepening diplomatic relations with Indonesia, particularly in the fields of education and research.

With full support from both governments, the LPDP–France PhD Joint Scholarship Program is expected to foster a generation of leaders and innovators who will drive impactful progress for Indonesia and the world.