Study Bachelor in Indonesia 2025
Study in Indonesia
Introduction to Indonesia
The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago of over 13,400 islands in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Over 238 million people live in Indonesia, making it the world's fourth most populous country. For centuries, Indonesia has been an important trade route, and the rich natural resources of the region have continued to draw trade throughout modern history.
Indonesia is known for its distinctively diverse culture, with hundreds of languages and ethnic groups throughout the islands. It also has the world's second highest level of biodiversity and plenty of wilderness and jungle areas that make it a beautiful place to visit.
What Is the Law System in Indonesia?
Indonesia's legal system follows the civil law system primarily. The diversity of the country brings customary law to many aspects of the system, and some Roman Dutch Law is also mixed into the system. The country's civil code largely follows Dutch colonial traditions, and its first law school was started by the Dutch.
Change currency
Basic monthly living cost
Rent in a shared flat
229Share of utilities
20Internet subscription
26Local transportation
9
Sample lifestyle cost
Fast food combo
3Cinema ticket
3Pint of local beer
2
About Indonesia
Higher Education in Indonesia
Indonesian higher education uses the traditional three-tiered system of degrees –
bachelor’
s, master’
s and doctoral. Associate degrees are also awarded. The Ministry of Education and Culture oversees all institutions of higher education;
however, both public and private schools have wide latitude for determining policies and academic curriculum. Indonesia is currently overhauling their education system, with the goal of providing world class education and research facilities.
Why Study in Indonesia?
Indonesia provides a vibrant, multi-cultural environment for international students. About 6,000 international students currently study in Indonesia, with most of them coming from Malaysia. Many master’
s degree programs, especially those at private institutions, are taught in English or other languages for students not proficient in the Indonesian language. MBA programs taught in English are especially popular.
Universities
Although nearly 3,000 public and private institutions of higher education exist in Indonesia, all but about 3 percent are private. There are four types of higher education institutions including universities, institutes, academies and polytechnics.
Tuition and Program Duration
Tuition at most Indonesian universities is paid up-front for the entire program of study. Although tuition at public universities is very low, even tuition at private institutions is very affordable. Tuition varies by the type of master’
s program and school, but generally costs around €
4,000. Program length also varies, but is usually 1-2 years, with MBA programs tending to be on the shorter side.
Academic Year
The academic year at most universities has two semesters, even and odd, each 16 weeks long and followed by exams. The academic year begins in early September and finishes in June.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
The unemployment rate in Indonesia is relatively low and there are many opportunities for both Indonesian and foreign workers after they have obtained their master’
s degree. Major multi-national industries include petroleum and gas, clothing and footwear, mining, fertilizers and tourism. Nearly half of the Indonesian workforce is currently in the services sector. The majority of foreign workers in Indonesia are employed by foreign countries or in the export sector;
foreign workers proficient in English also may find employment in teaching English. Students planning to work in Indonesia need to find employment before they graduate so the potential employer can help to obtain a work visa.
Health Insurance
Indonesia has a government-run health plan, but international students are not generally eligible for enrollment, as only people who work or meet other specific conditions are eligible. International students should purchase private health insurance or ensure that their home-country health insurance plan will cover them during their stay in Indonesia.
Tips
The official language in Indonesia is Indonesian and Javanese is also widely spoken, along with hundreds of local languages and dialects. English is not widely spoken outside major cities.
Student visas
do not allow for multiple exits and entries, so students who need to depart and reenter the country before completing their studies must make special arrangements.
Visa Requirements
- Social Visit Visa - best for exchange students, single-entry.
- Limited Stay Visa - for long-term studies only.
What type of Visa do you need?
Visa name
Student Visa (Social Visit Visa; Limited Stay Visa)
Price and currency
USD 45
The cost of the student visa is around 45USD, but it may change and is depending on the country you are applying from.
Who can apply for the visa?
All foreign students accepted to study in an Indonesian university need to get a student visa.
Citizens of certain countries may stay in Indonesia for a total of 30 days without a visa. However, the visa-free stay applies only to leisure activities, and does not grant the right to study or work, for example.
At some Indonesian embassies (e.g. Finland, Austria) it has been possible to apply for the Visa Type 211 (Tourist Visa). This visa can be converted into a sponsored Social Visit Visa upon arriving in Indonesia. Inquire at your local Indonesian embassy for the possibility of applying for this visa.
Where can you make the application?
Indonesian embassy or consulate
It is best to apply for a visa at the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country. The Indonesian Immigration department now also allows for an online visa application through their website.
How to make the application?
Required documents for a student visa to Indonesia include:
- A valid passport with at least one empty page for the visa (the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after leaving Indonesia)
- A copy of the identification page of your passport
- A filled out the application form
- Two passport photos in color, 4 x 6 cm
- A copy of your airline ticket or an electronic ticket
- The official acceptance letter from the host university
- A receipt or a copy of the receipt for the paid visa fee
- Embassy Letter. Embassy Letters, prepared by the host university, confirm that a certain student is in need of a Social Visit visa. An Embassy Letter is always addressed to the Indonesian embassy or consulate of a certain country: by default, this will be the student’s home country.
Upon arrival, the visa holder must report their entrance to the nearest Immigration office within 7 days.
When should you apply?
It is recommended to apply for a student visa at least 14 days before leaving for Indonesia. It is best to apply for a visa immediately after receiving the official acceptance letter.
You must arrive in Indonesia within 90 days from the day the visa was issued on.
The maximum length of a stay in Indonesia with a Social Visit visa is 60 days and the visa must be extended at the destination in accordance with the instructions given by the host university. The visa can be extended for one month at a time and the cost is around 50 USD.
The Limited stay visa is valid for 5 years and needs a renewal every 1 year.
Processing time
14 Days
Work opportunities
International students are normally not allowed to work during their studies in Indonesia.
Hours per week
0
Why do you need this type of visa?
Your visa application may be rejected if you are not able to show proof of the required funds, or if you provide incorrect or incomplete documents.
Institutions
- Paris University of International Education (PUIE)
- Undiknas University
- Universitas Gadjah Mada
- UIC College
- University Of Muhammadiyah Malang
- Islamic University Of Indonesia
- Tarumanagara University
- Duta Wacana Christian University
- Satya Wacana Christian University
- Maranatha Christian University (Universitas Kristen Maranatha)