en.Sketsamalang.com – Indonesia’s National Zakat Agency, known as BAZNAS, has opened applications for the 2026 Beasiswa Cendekia BAZNAS (BCB) Middle East Scholarship. The program aims to support 300 Indonesian undergraduate and postgraduate students studying in eight countries across the Middle East and North Africa. It was officially launched in Cairo, Egypt, on October 27, 2026, and broadcast live on BAZNAS TV’s YouTube channel.
BAZNAS Chairman Dr. Ir. H. Sodik Mudjahid, M.Sc., outlined the agency’s goals during the launch event.
“In 2026, BAZNAS is targeting 300 recipients of the Beasiswa Cendekia BAZNAS Middle East program from all provinces across Indonesia. For the implementation of the 2026 BCB Middle East program, BAZNAS has allocated a budget of Rp8,162,500,000 for a period of two years or 24 months,” quoted from Sodik’s remarks at the Cairo launch.
An official statement shared through the agency’s Instagram account @beasiswabaznasri described the broader purpose of the support.
“This program is BAZNAS’s effort to ease the path of students so they can study with peace of mind and later return home bringing benefits to the community,” quoted from the statement issued by @beasiswabaznasri.
Eight Countries Eligible for the Scholarship
The scholarship is open to Indonesian students enrolled in active undergraduate or master’s programs in Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Türkiye, Syria, Jordan, and Yemen. Undergraduate students are given priority, although master’s students are also eligible.
BAZNAS has also highlighted the importance of maintaining educational opportunities for Indonesian students in the region, including young Palestinian students studying at Al-Azhar University in Egypt. However, prospective applicants should consult the official technical guidelines to confirm the program’s specific eligibility provisions.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
Applicants must be Indonesian citizens and Muslim and must be actively enrolled in years one through four of their studies. They must not be receiving another scholarship and must be unmarried, with a commitment to remain unmarried throughout the scholarship period.
Candidates must also demonstrate academic or non-academic achievements, have memorized portions of the Qur’an, and submit all required administrative documents.
The application documents include identification records, proof of active university enrollment, academic transcripts, previous educational certificates, a recommendation letter, a statement of commitment, and evidence of achievements. Applicants must also prepare an essay explaining their reasons for studying in the Middle East, their planned activities during their studies, and how they intend to contribute after graduation.
Applications are open from October 28 to November 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB). Candidates can download the technical guidelines and required document templates through the official BAZNAS short link and submit their applications through the designated registration portal.
The selection schedule is as follows:
- October 28–November 9, 2026: Application period
- November 10–18, 2026: Administrative screening
- November 26, 2026: Announcement of shortlisted applicants
- November 27–30, 2026: Interviews
- December 10, 2026: Final results announcement
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Supporting Indonesian Students Abroad
The BCB Middle East Scholarship is part of BAZNAS’s efforts to expand educational support and develop human resources through the distribution of zakat funds. By providing financial assistance and mentoring, the agency aims to help Indonesian students complete their studies and prepare for future contributions to their communities.
Prospective applicants should review the official BAZNAS announcement and technical guidelines carefully before submitting their applications. The documents specify the detailed requirements and procedures that candidates must follow.
With the application deadline set for November 9, eligible Indonesian students studying in the eight designated countries should prepare their documents and submit their applications within the registration period.