Apply Now: From Thesis to Impact – Indonesia–Nederland Thesis Prize 2026

Turn Your Research into Real-World Impact | Win a bespoke fellowship programme in Indonesia or the Netherlands!

Have you recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis at a university in Indonesia or the Netherlands?

Did your research address challenges, opportunities, or collaborations between the two countries? Or do you see the potential for your research to strengthen Indonesia–Netherlands relations?

Do you have a compelling story to share: one that demonstrates how academic research can contribute to a more sustainable and collaborative future?

If so, we invite you to apply for the Indonesia–Nederland Thesis Prize 2026.

This is your opportunity to showcase your research, share your ideas with a broader audience, and compete for an exclusive fellowship experience designed to strengthen academic and professional connections between Indonesia and the Netherlands.

About the Indonesia–Nederland Thesis Prize

The Indonesia Nederland Society (INS) proudly presents the fourth edition of the Indonesia–Nederland Thesis Prize, organized in close collaboration with its valued partners.

The prize aims to:

• Highlight outstanding student research;
• Encourage innovative and impactful academic work;
• Connect academic knowledge with societal challenges;
• Strengthen collaboration between Indonesia and the Netherlands; and
• Inspire the next generation of researchers and changemakers.

Applicants are invited to present their research through a concise and engaging video pitch designed for a general audience.

The participant who delivers the most compelling presentation of their Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis will be awarded the Indonesia–Nederland Thesis Prize 2026.

The Prize

The winner will receive a bespoke fellowship program in Indonesia or the Netherlands, including a return flight between Jakarta and Amsterdam (or vice versa), subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Open to graduates from all academic disciplines;
• Hold a completed Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis;
• Thesis assessed by a Dutch or Indonesian university;
• Thesis assessment date between 31 August 2023 and 31 May 2026.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

• A digital copy of your Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis;
• Proof of your final grade;
• An English summary of your thesis (maximum 500 words);
• A recorded video statement in English (maximum 3 minutes).

Your Video Pitch Should Explain

• How your research contributes to one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
• Why the relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands is important within this context;
• How collaboration between both countries can generate meaningful and lasting impact in addressing sustainability challenges.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

1. Eligibility and Completeness

• Compliance with all application requirements;
• Completeness of the submitted materials.

2. Academic Quality and Originality

• Relevance and significance of the research topic;
• Quality of the theoretical and methodological approach;
• Originality and innovation;
• Scientific and societal relevance;
• Potential to generate new insights.

3. Quality of the Video Pitch

• Ability to communicate research clearly to a general audience;
• Ability to explain the relevance of the research for Indonesia and the Netherlands;
• Ability to connect the research to the Sustainable Development Goals;
• Ability to demonstrate how bilateral collaboration can create real-world impact;
• Ability to present and promote the main findings in a compelling and inspiring manner.

Selection Process

A jury of experts will review all submissions and select the strongest candidates.

Finalists will be invited to present their research during WINNER 2026, taking place 6–8 October 2026.

Following the final presentations, the jury will select the recipient of the Indonesia–Nederland Thesis Prize 2026 and award the accompanying fellowship experience.

Application Deadline

Applications are open until 31 July 2026.

Submit your application via the designated application form.