Indonesian universities present courses and scholarships for Timorese students in Dili
On September 8th, 2026, at the Indonesian Cultural Centre in Dili, Mariano Assanami Sabino, the Vice-Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and interim Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, attended the 2026 Indonesian Higher Education Fair, an initiative designed to inform Timorese students about academic opportunities and scholarships in Indonesia.
Held under the theme “Opening Opportunities for the Future and Strengthening Friendship Between Indonesia and Timor-Leste”, the event brought together more than 25 Indonesian universities, which presented their course offerings, admission requirements, and study support opportunities across a range of disciplines.
The Indonesian Cultural Centre organised the event in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Timor-Leste and Indonesian education sector entities, and it ran until September 10th.
The Vice-Prime Minister highlighted the fair’s role in facilitating access to information for students—particularly secondary school finalists—about universities and scholarships available in Indonesia. Mariano Assanami Sabino also noted the role of such initiatives in strengthening cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia in the education sector.
The Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento, accompanied the Vice-Prime Minister at the event.
Throughout the fair, participating institutions provided information on educational programmes in fields such as health, technology, business, and management, along with admission procedures and scholarship opportunities. The programme also featured presentations, registration, testing, and meetings to foster contacts and partnerships between institutions.
According to information presented at the event by the Education Attaché of the Embassy of Indonesia, between 10,000 and 12,000 Timorese students are currently registered in Indonesia, though the actual number may be higher, as some students have not yet completed their registration.
In this context, Indonesian authorities urged Timorese students studying in Indonesia to register with the relevant consular offices to facilitate ongoing monitoring and assistance.
