Study in Indonesia: Course Search, Advice, Cost and Visa Information

Study in Indonesia

Indonesia is a wonderful and comparatively less explored country. The country is made up of thousands of islands and is the largest economy in Southeast Asia. It is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, cultures and languages. This makes it the perfect destination for international students wanting a study experience like no other.

Why Study In Indonesia?

Indonesia is an excellent choice for an international student. You will be getting a high quality education for a reasonable price. Filled with great food, wonderful sights and friendly people, the country has it all.

You will find public and private institutions of higher education across Indonesia. Both types of institutions are supervised by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Since the country became independent in 1945, education has experienced dramatic growth. Universities in Indonesia employ the traditional three-tiered degree system – bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral, as well as awarding Associate degrees. There are three of Indonesia’s universities in the QS World University Ranking top 500. These are Universitas Indonesia, Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and Gadjah Mada University.

There are around 6,000 international students enrolled at Indonesian universities. Many programmes are taught in English or other languages for those who do not speak the Indonesian language. However, studying in Indonesia is a fantastic chance to pick up another language, a skill that looks great on your CV/resume!

About Indonesia

Indonesia is a collection of 17,000 islands located in Southeast Asia straddling the equator. Only around 6,000 of these islands are known to be inhabited. The terrain varies across the country, from gorgeous beaches to impressive mountains. The country is rich in natural resources, including petroleum and natural gas. The country is known for its volcanoes, with some of the highest volcanic activity in the world. Home to nearly 250 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, and has the world’s largest Muslim population within Muslim-majority countries.

The country has a tropical climate, meaning that the temperatures remain consistent throughout the year. The climate tends to be warm, with averages of between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius depending on your location. This is due to the country’s proximity to the equator. The driest time is from June to October and monsoon season occurs in January and February.

The culture throughout the country is influenced by both religions and traditions. Music and dance have a distinctive style, and performances are often inspired by traditional culture or mythological events. The cuisine is generally spicy, and reflects the mixing pot of cultures. Common dish ingredients are rice, fish, soy and plenty of fruit.

Cost of Studying and Living in Indonesia

Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) as its currency.

Tuition fees in Indonesia will vary depending on the institution and level of study. International students should on average expect to pay between £2,300/$3,000 and £4,600/$6,100 per year. If you choose to study a medical degree, you can expect your tuition fees to be higher than this. Check with your chosen institution for the costs of your specific course.

Living costs in Indonesia will depend on the location of your studies. For example, if you choose to study in a big city such as Jakarta, you will likely have higher living costs than in the smaller cities. On average, annual living costs are around £6,500/$8,600 for students.

Another cost that international students should consider is health insurance. You should purchase health insurance before starting your studies. If you already have health insurance, you should ensure that your current policy is valid for your stay in Indonesia.

Visas

If you are going to study in Indonesia, you will need to apply for a student visa (KITAS). This can be done at the Indonesian embassy in your home country. You should first apply for a social visit visa, and apply for a student visa when you arrive in the country. The student visa is valid for one year, and can be renewed each year up to four times. To apply for the social visit visa, you will need to provide a copy of your passport, a copy of your most recent transcript and diploma/qualification, colour passport photos, proof of financial means, proof of good health and health insurance and acceptance and sponsor letters from your chosen institution. If you require more information about this, contact your university.

Language

The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesian. Across the islands however, there are over 700 recognised languages.

Whilst English is spoken in the bigger cities, and is used as a teaching language at institutions, you will not find an advanced level of English outside of these major cities. Before you move to Indonesia, it is worth learning some basic phrases so that you can get around in your first few weeks. When you have spent some time in the country, you will find that you have picked up more of the language than you expected to, make sure to utilise that skill and communicate with the locals and other international students.

Whether you choose to study a course in English, Indonesian or any other offered languages, you will probably have to prove your language proficiency. It is common for institutions to offer language courses for international students who do not meet the language requirements. For more information about the required standards of your course and details of language courses, contact your institution.

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