The capital of Indonesia is also one of the country's major cultural and educational centers. Jakarta is home to many top universities and institutions of higher learning, and every year, Jakarta welcomes thousands of students from around the world. Moreover, Jakarta's status as the country's most important commercial center enhances its attractiveness to aspiring students who seek the best opportunities in terms of education and employment.
As the administrative and economic hub of the Indonesian archipelago, Jakarta is quite naturally the main destination for foreigners who opt to study in Indonesia. The city has no less than 46 universities offering an impressive total of 532 study programs to approximately 1,200,000 students in total. According to the latest estimates, 300,000 of them were foreigners, and without a doubt, most of these expat students have chosen Jakarta.
While Jakarta has several excellent universities, it is still not a renowned academic hub like other Southeast Asian cities such as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Consequently, Jakarta's international reputation as a student city is not exactly brilliant. However, its main advantage over its impressive rivals is, without contest, the relatively moderate costs of its educational programs. On average, a year of study in Jakarta will cost between US$3,000 and US$6,100, whether you choose to study at a private or public university.
Above all, you should be aware that the educational system in Indonesia is not among the best in the world. In fact, the city only ranked 109th in the QS Ranking 2019 of the best universities in the world. Most of the local public universities lack recognition and generally offer courses of very uneven quality. On the other hand, Indonesian private universities have several institutions with good, and even in some cases, excellent reputations. Many of them offer specially designed programs for international students, but in general, you can expect to get a good quality education at a reasonable price if you decide to study in one of the best private universities in Jakarta.
Why study in Jakarta?
Besides being Indonesia's capital, Jakarta is also one of the country's main educational hubs. Young people from all over the country flock to the city to take advantage of this opportunity. Today, the Indonesian capital has some of the best universities and educational institutions in Indonesia.
Besides being one of the most dynamic cities in the world, Jakarta is home to many prominent multinational companies and organizations that heavily influence the development of the country's higher education institutions. The latter are constantly upgrading their programs to meet international standards, and consequently, some of Jakarta's universities are internationally acclaimed for their world-class courses led by experienced and committed lecturers.
Some private universities in Jakarta offer general courses, international programs and, in some cases, courses specifically designed for international students. Universities in Jakarta spend a lot of time and money to build a better international image, offering English courses and comprehensive study abroad programs to students from all over the world.
By deciding to study in this dynamic city, you will certainly open doors to a huge job market, with internship opportunities in world-class companies and, potentially, exciting openings that may not be available elsewhere once you graduate. Regardless of whether you want to work in commerce, business, finance, technology or any other sector, Jakarta is "the" place that can boost your future career. Moreover, knowing that Jakarta's job market is always on the lookout for new talent, you should have no trouble finding a job after graduation, especially if your new qualifications allow you to apply for an expatriate position, which is one of the most sought-after positions in Indonesia. In fact, while foreign employment remains complicated for companies based in Indonesia, many industries are constantly on the hunt for strong skills that cannot be sourced in the local labor market. If you want to know more about this, check out our article on work in Indonesia or our Jakarta jobs section.
The student visa in Indonesia
Before flying to Indonesia for your studies, you should apply for the appropriate visa. Be rigorous and patient, as obtaining a visa in Indonesia involves a lot of bureaucracy and tedious administrative procedures. To find out what steps to take, request an appointment at the Indonesian embassy in your home country. Once in Jakarta, you will be able to formally apply for a student visa, which will be valid for one year and renewable up to four times.
If you have already enrolled in an Indonesian university, the institution will be happy to help you secure your student visa. However, be aware that you will first need to obtain permission to study in Indonesia. Such permission is only issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, and when obtained, it represents the first step prior to a proper student visa. You will indeed have to apply for a VITAS, a visa to enter Indonesia issued by Indonesian embassies and consulates abroad. This document will only allow you to travel to Indonesia.
Upon arrival in Jakarta, you will be required to change your VITAS to KITAS, which is a limited residence permit. Then you will have to register at the nearest police station, where you will receive a police registration certificate. Remember to have all your information and identity documents with you, including your university acceptance letter, bank statement, visa, residence certificate, etc. Police registration is mandatory for all foreigners studying in Indonesia.
For more information, contact your university and/or the embassy of your country of origin.
The best universities in Jakarta
Beyond being home to Universitas Indonesia, which is regarded as the best university nationwide, Jakarta counts several dozen public or private universities and colleges, some of which are among the top 500 universities in the world. Enrollment in public universities is generally cheaper, ranging from IDR 2 million to IDR 7.5 million (USD 140 to 525) per semester compared to private universities, where one should expect to spend between IDR 5 million to IDR 15 million (USD 350 to 1,000) per semester. It is also worth mentioning that it is more challenging to get into national universities. This is because they have more rigorous and strict admission tests. Hereafter are some of the most prominent public universities in the Indonesian capital. They are equally the most popular among international students in Jakarta:
National universities in Jakarta
Universitas Indonesia (UI)
Universitas Indonesia, which was established in 1849, is the oldest university in the Indonesian archipelago and one of the oldest universities in the entire East Asian subcontinent. In 2022, the university ranked 290th in the QS Rankings of the world's best universities and 59th in Asia's best universities. This institution, located in Depok, Jakarta metropolitan area, has the largest library in Southeast Asia, with no less than 1.5 million listed books. The venerable institution underwent major changes in 2007, moving to a much more research-oriented focus and including more study programs open to, and even specifically designed for foreigners. UI also offers a variety of programs in natural sciences, medicine, technology, social and political sciences, economics and humanities, as well as professional training programs. With high-quality courses and lecturers, UI is considered one of the best universities in Indonesia. It attracts students from all over the world every year. Universitas Indonesia is nowadays considered the second best university in Indonesia, after Gadjah Mada University, located in Yogyakarta.
Bogor Agricultural University, or IPB University
As its name already suggests, Bogor Agricultural University focuses primarily on teaching agricultural practices and techniques. With its modern and scientific approach, IPB University is known for its inclination for innovation. For ten years in a row, from 2008 to 2018, the institution has been cited as the most innovative university in Indonesia. In 2022, Bogor is ranked 101st among the top universities in Asia. With its five campuses, digital library, 385 laboratories and numerous study programs, this university is also one of the best equipped in Indonesia.
Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ)
Universitas Negeri Jakarta is located in East Jakarta. UNJ is known for its modern teaching methods, its investment in research and its focus on science. It is one of the best universities in Jakarta. The most popular courses are related to teaching and education, perfect if you want to pursue a career in this sector.
Private universities in Jakarta
Bina Nusantara University (Binus)
Bina Nusantara University is the only private university in Indonesia to be listed in the top 500 universities in the world. Binus is scattered over several locations, including the three main campuses in West Jakarta and Alam Sutera, which is part of the Jakarta metropolitan area.
Binus is famous for its world-class courses in computer science and information systems, but it also offers courses in business, economics, hospitality and humanities. It offers 100% English courses and specially designed study programs for international students.
Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia
Also located in West Jakarta, Atma Jaya University is well known in Jakarta. Although not as popular amongst international students, it offers bespoke courses, free Indonesian language classes, and a well-designed curriculum to ensure a smooth transition for international students in Jakarta.
The most popular study programs at Atma Jaya are accounting, law and finance, but you can study science, medicine, engineering, social policy, technology or languages there if you wish.
Prasetiya Mulya University (Prasmul)
Located in Tangerang, in the greater Jakarta metropolitan area, Prasetiya Mulya University is considered the best business and management university in Indonesia. Most of Prasmul's students are among the top entrepreneurs and business owners in Indonesia.
In addition to business and management, Prasmul is also famous for its accounting and marketing study programs. Starting in 2018, Prasmul now also features programs in science, technology, engineering and law.
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