Indonesia is home to nearly 3,000 higher education institutions, including 573 universities (2018). Many of these universities are private institutions under the oversight of the Ministry of National Education. Higher education has grown dramatically since the country's independence in 1945, with an estimated 6,000 international students currently enrolled. Ten Indonesian universities are listed in the QS World University Rankings® 2022, and three of them are among the top 450 universities in the world. In addition, Indonesia is intensifying its efforts to improve the quality of education it offers to international students as well as its own citizens.
The official teaching medium in Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, but many universities offer more courses in English that are catered specifically to international students. However, the most common English programs are at the master's level at private universities.
Where to study in Indonesia
Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Yogyakarta are part of the island of Java.
Jakarta is also the home of many higher education institutions, including Universitas Indonesia, the highest ranked institution in the country. The cost of living in Jakarta can be higher than elsewhere in the country, especially in terms of rent, but for many international students, the price of living in "Big Durian" is worth it.
Alternatively, if the capital is not for you, then Surabaya has several good universities, including Universitas Airlangga, which is considered one of the most prestigious in the country. Bandung, the university city par excellence, is home to the oldest and most renowned technical university in Indonesia: the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB).
Nicknamed "Jogja", Yogyakarta is the small "student city" in size and population, but it is well known as an educational center. Popular with young foreigners, the city's tertiary institutions regularly conduct academic exchanges. Among many highly respected universities, Universitas Gadjah Mada is one of them.
Tuition and living costs for international students in Indonesia
Education fees are relatively low for both public and private universities in Indonesia. They range from US$3,000 to US$6,100 per year, depending on the course of study (medical degrees are at the higher end of this range).
Even though the cost of living in Indonesia may vary between cities and lifestyles, it is actually still considered quite low compared to many Western countries. Universitas Indonesia recommends that students have a budget of approximately US$8,600 per year to cover the cost of accommodation, tuition, school materials and transportation. However, depending on your spending habits, you may want to consider a higher amount. In this sense, note that the cost of living in the capital is significantly higher than elsewhere in the country.
What are the requirements and procedures for studying in Indonesia?
Once you have determined which program you are interested in, you must apply directly to the appropriate higher education institution. In Indonesia, there is a fee for this process, which will be around US$50 per application. Therefore, you should keep this in mind if you are applying to more than one university.
The documents to be submitted are:
- Your high school diploma if you are applying for an undergraduate course, or your degree if you plan to pursue a master's degree
- Transcripts of your academic records
- Proof of English proficiency. If you are a non-native English speaker, you may need to take an IELTS or TOEFL test.
- Depending on your chosen course of study, you may need to meet additional requirements. For example, if you are applying for a master's degree in business or economics, you may need to take a GRE or GMAT test.
- International health insurance to be taken out before departure to Indonesia. In this regard, it is advisable to consult a doctor to check your vaccination schedule.
Student visa for Indonesia
If you plan to study in Indonesia, you will have to apply for and obtain a sosial / budaya (social /cultural) visa. You must apply for this visa at the Indonesian embassy or consulate closest to your country of residence as soon as you have been accepted at an Indonesian university or college. It is advisable to start the process well in advance so that your application can be processed prior to your departure for Indonesia and the start of your university courses.
The social/cultural visa allows you to stay in Indonesia for 60 days initially and may be extended once you are there. For this, your university will need to act as a sponsor.
You will be required to pay a small fee when applying for this visa. As for the exact visa requirements, fees and process, the Indonesian embassy closest to you can provide clearer and more up-to-date information.
The following documents are usually required:
- Your passport, which must be valid for at least six months after your arrival in Indonesia
- Two recent passport-size color photographs
- The completed visa application form
- Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your academic stay
- A medical certificate of good health
- Your letter of acceptance from an Indonesian institution of higher learning
- Proof that all fees have been paid in advance (or proof of scholarship if applicable)
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