Garuda School Offers 100 Per Cent Scholarships in First Year

The Garuda School, formally known as SMA Unggul Garuda Baru, will provide 100 per cent scholarships to students in its first year only. Ardi Findyartini, Director of Transformative Learning Strategy and Systems at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Kemendiktisantek), said that from the second year onwards the government would provide scholarships covering a minimum of 80 per cent of costs.

“For subsequent years, it will be at least 80 per cent. This is because we also hope to create space for community participation for students at SMA Unggul Garuda Baru,” she said at a press conference on the Garuda School socialisation programme at the ministry in South Jakarta on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

Ardi, commonly known as Titin, said the government would provide various facilities for Garuda School students. These include tools for mapping students’ English language proficiency and assistance with applications to both domestic and overseas universities.

“There will be facilitation of registration for overseas universities, particularly those requiring applications to obtain a letter of acceptance (LoA),” she said.

Titin emphasised that admissions to the Garuda School are open to all Indonesian children who demonstrate exceptional intelligence. Students from any region in Indonesia may apply provided they meet the established requirements.

General Requirements: - Indonesian citizen (WNI) - Currently enrolled in Year 9, second semester of junior secondary school or equivalent in the current year - Aged no more than 21 years as of 1 July 2026 - Priority given to students from economically disadvantaged families - Willing to be placed at the SMA Unggul Garuda Baru location and reside in dormitories throughout the education period - Prepared to participate in all personal development programmes

Special Requirements: - Minimum score of 85 in Indonesian Language, English Language, and Mathematics - Academic achievement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields that has been curated by the National Achievement Centre (Puspresnas Kemendikdasmen) and registered in the Talent Management Information System (SIMT).