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Indonesia

Indonesia is an emerging study destination in Southeast Asia, hosting over 10,000 international students as of 2024 within one of the region’s largest higher education systems. With more than 4,000 universities spread across the country, Indonesia offers affordable education, cultural immersion, and regional exposure. Public universities are government-regulated and relatively low cost, while private institutions dominate the sector. However, Indonesia is best suited for students seeking cost-effective education and cultural experience, as post-study work options are limited and there is no automatic pathway to employment after graduation.

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Indonesia

Key insights

10,000+

International Students

4.85%

Employment Rate

No formal

Post Study Work Rights

Not permitted

Part Time Work

Not permitted

Hourly Wage For Student Level Jobs

Indonesian Qualification Framework

Institutions Are Regulated Under National Education Quality Frameworks (TEQSA & ASQA)

Cost of Studying in Indonesia

Tuition at public universities is subsidised for local students, with international students typically paying 3–4 times domestic fees
Bachelor's (Public Universities)

$1,000 - $5,000

Bachelor's (Private Universities)

$650 - $3,900

Bachelor's (Private Universities - Medicine)

$5,000 - $10,000+

Master's (Public Universities)

$1,000 - $5,000

Master's (Private Universities)

$650 - $3,900

Doctorate/PhD (Public Universities)

$1,000 - $5,000

Doctorate/PhD (Private Universities)

$650 - $3,900

Development Fee (One-time, Private Universities)

$650 - $6,500

Cost of Living in Indonesia

Indonesia is among the lowest-cost study destinations in Asia, with expenses varying by city and lifestyle. Jakarta and Bali are the most expensive, while regional cities are significantly cheaper.
Cost of Living Pie Chart in Indonesia

Admission Requirements for Studying in Indonesia

  • Academic transcripts from all previous institutions
     
  • Certified English or Indonesian translations of documents
     
  • Secondary school certificate or relevant university degree
     
  • Official Letter of Acceptance from an accredited Indonesian institution
     
  • Proof of Indonesian language proficiency for Indonesian-taught programs
     
  • English proficiency proof for limited English-taught programs
     
  • Statement of Purpose outlining academic goals and study plans
     
  • Letters of Recommendation (academic or professional)
     
  • Curriculum Vitae detailing education and experience
     
  • Valid passport (18–36 months validity depending on KITAS duration)
     
  • Proof of financial resources (minimum USD 2,000)
     
  • Sponsor letter from Indonesian university
     
  • Medical certificates (TB clearance required for some nationalities)
     
  • Police clearance certificate (if required)

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Language Requirements

Most programs are taught in Bahasa Indonesia, with limited English-taught options mainly at postgraduate level.
English Language Test Required Score
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Outfit,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">Intermediate to advanced level for undergraduate programs; requirements vary by institution as no standardized international Indonesian proficiency test exists</span></span></span></p>

Intermediate to advanced level for undergraduate programs; requirements vary by institution as no standardized international Indonesian proficiency test exists

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Outfit,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">Many universities require 1 year preparatory Indonesian language study for students without proficiency</span></span></span></p>

Many universities require 1 year preparatory Indonesian language study for students without proficiency

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Outfit,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">5.5-6.5 overall; varies by institution and program</span></span></span></p>

5.5-6.5 overall; varies by institution and program

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Outfit,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">60-80 overall; varies by institution</span></span></span></p>

60-80 overall; varies by institution

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Outfit,sans-serif"><span style="color:#000000">550-650+; some institutions accept</span></span></span></p>

550-650+; some institutions accept

Visa Requirements

Indonesia’s student visa process is strict and sponsor-based, meaning students can study only after securing admission and visa sponsorship from an approved institution

Indonesia Study Visa requirements:

Document Checklist:

  • Valid passport (minimum 18 months validity for 1-year KITAS, 36 months for 2-year KITAS)
  • Letter of Acceptance from accredited Indonesian institution
  • Study permit from Ministry of Education (university assists in application)
  • Sponsor/guarantee letter from university or personal sponsor registered on eVisa platform (2025 requirement)
  • Financial proof: Bank statements showing minimum USD 2,000, scholarship letters, or sponsor documents
  • Academic transcripts and certificates with certified translations
  • Passport photos meeting Indonesian specifications (recent, plain background)
  • Medical/vaccination certificates (varies by nationality; tuberculosis clearance mandatory for Vietnamese nationals)
  • Completed visa application forms for eVisa portal (evisa.imigrasi.go.id)
  • Birth certificate (for some applications)
  • Police clearance certificates (if required)

Intakes in Indonesia

Intake

Application Timeline

September (Fall Semester) - Main Intake Primary intake for most universities

Application deadlines February - June current year; allows 2-4 months visa processing before September start

February/March (Spring Semester) - Secondary Intake Limited availability, not all programs offer

Application deadlines September - December previous year; more common at private institutions

Post-Study Work Opportunities in Indonesia

Indonesia does not offer a post-study work visa. Graduates must secure employer-sponsored work permits, which are difficult to obtain and heavily regulated.

Field

Average Salary (IDR/Month)

Employment Prospects

Engineering

IDR 5,000,000 - 10,000,000 (USD 325-650)

Data not officially published - estimated from secondary sources; requires Bahasa Indonesia proficiency and employer sponsorship

IT & Software Development

IDR 6,000,000 - 12,000,000 (USD 390-780)

Data not officially published - estimated from secondary sources; international companies offer 2-3x local rates

Business & Finance

IDR 5,000,000 - 10,000,000 (USD 325-650)

Data not officially published - estimated from secondary sources; concentrated in Jakarta

Education

IDR 4,000,000 - 8,000,000 (USD 260-520)

Data not officially published - estimated from secondary sources; limited positions for international graduates

Scholarships in Indonesia

Indonesia offers several government and university-level scholarships, though information is fragmented and requires individual research.

Scholarship Name

Administered By

Eligibility

Benefits

KNB (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang) - Developing Countries Partnership Scholarship

Government of Indonesia / Ministry of Education

Students from developing countries pursuing full degree programs at Indonesian universities; applied through Indonesian embassies or online portal; competitive selection

Full tuition waiver, monthly living stipend, accommodation support, health insurance, round-trip airfare; covers full degree program duration; application deadline typically January-March annually

Darmasiswa Scholarship

Government of Indonesia / Ministry of Education

International students from all countries pursuing non-degree cultural and language study programs; 1-year duration; applied through Indonesian embassies

Tuition waiver for Indonesian language and culture courses, monthly living stipend, accommodation assistance; highly popular cultural exchange program

University of Indonesia International Scholarships

University of Indonesia (UI)

International students with strong academic performance; merit-based and need-based programs

Varies by program: tuition reduction, partial to full coverage depending on scholarship type and student qualifications

Bandung Institute of Technology Scholarships

Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB)

International students with excellent academic records; research assistantships for graduate students

Tuition waivers, research stipends for graduate programs, merit-based awards

Gadjah Mada University International Scholarships

Gadjah Mada University (UGM)

International students demonstrating academic excellence and financial need; partnership scholarships with international institutions

Partial to full tuition coverage, varies by specific scholarship program and student eligibility

Bina Nusantara University Merit Scholarships

Bina Nusantara University (BINUS)

High-achieving international students; early application incentives

10-50% tuition reduction for high academic performance; early enrollment discounts; sibling discounts available

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program

Asian Development Bank

Students from ADB member countries studying at participating Indonesian institutions

Full tuition coverage, living expenses, travel costs for graduate programs

Private University Scholarships

Various Private Indonesian Institutions

Academic merit, early enrollment, specific demographics; requirements vary by institution

10-50% tuition reduction most common; some institutions offer sibling discounts, early payment discounts, achievement-based awards

Note: Scholarship information for Indonesia is fragmented without centralized national database. Students must research individual university websites and Indonesian embassy websites in their home countries for most current scholarship opportunities and application procedures.

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