Learn & Serve Indonesia: Student Community Service Program

Take your learning beyond the classroom with Learn & Serve Indonesia, a unique four-week immersive experience in Indonesia. Hosted by our partner university Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), you will join the highly regarded KKN (Kuliah Kerja Nyata) community service program, known internationally for its strong community impact.

This program offers on-the-ground exposure to grassroots governance and community empowerment.

You will be placed in villages in Yogyakarta province, on Java Island, where you will live and work alongside local communities, gaining first-hand insight into everyday life. Working closely with Indonesian peers, village authorities, and residents, you will help identify and address real-world challenges that matter to the community.

Through hands-on projects, you will:

• Support community development initiatives
• Assist in local community capacity-building efforts
• Collaborate on real-world problem-solving challenges

Along the way, you will develop a deep understanding of Indonesian society, culture, and social norms; and build essential skills such as adaptability, and intercultural communication, all while navigating challenges in a real-world setting.

Build practical skills. Broaden your perspective. Become a future-ready leader in the Indo-Pacific.

Travel Scholarships Available

The program is supported by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan (NCP). For eligible students, the cost of this program can offset by:

• AUD $4,100 Australian Government New Colombo Plan Grant
• RA Simpson International Scholarship AUD $500 (subject to meeting eligibility requirements)
• OS-HELP up to AUD $10,130 (conditions apply)

For more details on eligibility, see the ‘Finances’ section below.

Program Costs (Indicative)

The cost of this program is approximately AUD $4,100 which includes a non-refundable deposit of AUD $400 after committing to the program. 

The cost will cover:

28-day program cost payable to UGM: $1400 (USD 900), which includes:

• Welcome pack & detailed orientation
• Accommodation: night accommodation in PLACE, inclusive of all bills and Wi-Fi (where available)
• Local Transportation: Domestic transport to and from airport
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Any other essential expenses: Regular organised events, trips & activities throughout the program
• Educational program delivered by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) 

The cost will not include:

• International flights (Adelaide – Jakarta – Adelaide)
• Student visa
• Vaccinations/medical arrangements (please consult your medical professional prior to departure for vaccination advice)
• Accommodation, Meals and transportation pre and post the project.
• Independent trips, shopping, and other meals                

 *Note that these costs can be offset with a New Colombo Plan grant – as detailed below – if an applicant is successful in securing a grant.

Flinders University reserves the right to alter the program cost at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by its partners.

All students participating in this program will be covered by the university’s travel insurance. Please note, this cover is limited. It is advised that you read the Flinders University Travel and Insurance schedule of benefits before you go, know what is covered and what is not covered.

Insurance Registration required.

Study Plan Query

Submit an Ask Flinders query to confirm whether you have room in your study plan to take topic GOVT3005 International Relations and Political Science Practicum in S1, 2027.

Please note that the selection process for the NCP-funded places will be based on a written application, an unofficial student transcript, as well as an interview with candidates that will take place once applications have closed.

Expression of Interest

Once your study plan is confirmed, submit an Expression of Interest to hongyi.liang@flinders.edu.au by 5pm - Friday, 14 August 2026 on the application deadline. Include the following information:

• First and last name
• Student ID
• Student email
• GPA
• Year level
• Program name (degree)

EOI Submission

Write a 300-word EOI addressing the following question:

• Why do you want to apply for this program?
• How will participating in this program benefit you and your study? 
• What are some of the skills and/or personal attributes that you could bring to this program?

For detailed information about this program, please contact Hongyi Liang at hongyi.liang@flinders.edu.au