Scholarship Programme Widens Access to Industry-Based Education

Amidst an increasingly competitive job market, many young people are seeking educational pathways that not only provide academic knowledge but also offer direct access to industry. Educational programmes linked to corporate needs are considered capable of enhancing graduates’ readiness to meet the evolving demands of the labour market. Addressing this need, PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) has reopened registration for the BCA Scholarship through the Banking and Business Education Programme (PPBP) and the Informatics Engineering Education Programme (PPTI) for the 2027 academic year. The programme, which has been running since 1996, offers industry-based education for high school and vocational school students and graduates looking to develop competencies in banking and information technology. Registration for the BCA PPBP and PPTI scholarships is open from 13 April to 20 October 2026. The programme is open to students in Year 11, Year 12, and high school or vocational school graduates planning to continue their education in 2027. Specifically for PPTI, vocational school graduates must be from a major related to Informatics Engineering. Successful candidates will undergo 2.5 years of education at the BCA Learning Institute in Sentul, Bogor. All participants receive a full tuition fee waiver as well as various supporting facilities, such as a living allowance, accommodation, and learning resources. PPTI participants will also receive a laptop to support their studies. In addition to academic material, participants will be equipped with skills relevant to industry needs. The PPBP programme is intended for those interested in business, management, and banking, while PPTI is designed for those wishing to delve into information technology, data processing, and digital system development. EVP Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility BCA, Hera F. Haryn, stated that human resource development is a crucial long-term investment for the nation’s progress. ‘BCA believes that human resources are the main capital in driving the nation’s progress. Through the PPBP and PPTI Scholarships, we aim to provide a platform for young Indonesian talents to grow and develop with BCA. We invite high school and vocational school students and graduates to seize this golden opportunity to pursue higher education and develop themselves for the future,’ said Hera. According to her, the programme aims not only to improve access to education but also to help prepare the younger generation with competencies suited to the current needs of the working world. One of the programme’s attractions is the career opportunities available to its graduates. In addition to gaining learning experience and industry practice, participants also have the opportunity to receive a job offer upon completing their education. Company data indicates the number of PPBP and PPTI scholarship recipients in 2025 reached 195 people. Of that number, approximately 97 per cent of graduates subsequently joined as permanent BCA employees. This achievement demonstrates the strong link between industry-based vocational education and the workforce needs of the business sector. To participate in this programme, applicants must meet several requirements, including being an Indonesian citizen, being a maximum of 19 years old at the time of registration, having a minimum average report card score from Year 10 to Year 12 of 75, and a minimum score of 75 for Mathematics and major-specific subjects. Participants are also required to have basic English skills, must never have repeated a year, must not be involved in drug abuse or legal violations, and must pass all stages of the selection process.