Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago and home to over 600 ethnic groups is a unique and fun combination of ethnic diversity and modernity. It also has 9 world heritage sites, 100 active volcanoes, and a resounding love for social media with 80% of its population with unhindered access to the internet. As one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, the country actively encourages international students to study at its unique universities in Indonesia. These are respected and known for their quality education, cheap tuition fees as well and a plethora of courses that can accelerate one’s career! Want to break the norm and study at an epic destination this year, then check out the best universities in Indonesia!
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Why Study in Indonesia?
- Affordable Country: If you want to pursue higher studies then Indonesia is one of the cheapest countries to study and live in. The average cost of living in Indonesia for a single person averages at Rp 13,415,843 (about $900 or INR 70,168.94) a month.
- Multicultural Land: Indonesia is known for its diverse multicultural land and also for cheaper education. A melting pot of diversity, culture and unique student cities, this archipelago is an excellent destination for students who wish to travel and explore multicultural cuisine.
- Quality of Education: Indonesia provides a good quality of education with more employment opportunities. Some of its popular universities are ranked amongst the top Asian universities by QS World Rankings, and THE World Rankings and are accredited for their programs.
- Variety of Courses: Universities in Indonesia provide their aspirants with a variety of courses to choose from and degrees bachelor’s, master or PhD. Indonesia is home to the most prestigious universities with good infrastructure, motivating faculty, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
- Graduating from nationally accredited high schools or Completed General Certificate of Education (A-Level), the Advanced International Certificate of Education at a Pass level or above.
- SAT results must be provided by undergraduate applicants who do not hold a certificate of A Level or STPM or equivalent.
- Graduates of Diploma Program of European Baccalaureate, Diploma Program of International Baccalaureate
- In general, candidates must meet the requirement of obtaining ITP/International TOEFL with a minimum score of 500 (PBT); 173 (CBT); 60 (iBT) or an IELTS minimum score of 5.5.
- Applicants of International Bachelor Programs must obtain ITP/International TOEFL with a minimum score of 550 (PBT); 213 (CBT); 80 (iBT) or an IELTS minimum score of 6.0.
- Students may require GRE/GMAT or other relevant tests to seek admission.
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General Application Requirements
Most Indonesian universities allow international students to fill out an online application, upload all required documents and photographs, or send all required documents in an email to the desired university. Due to the student visa process, it is recommended that you submit your application roughly two and a half months before the start of the intake.
The following is a list of the most typical application requirements:
- Official academic transcripts
- Legalised certificate of graduation
- A statement of purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- An English language proficiency test certificate recognised by the university
- Proof of registration fee
- Updated CV/ Resume
Top 10 Universities in Indonesia
Name of the University | Town | QS World Rankings 2024 |
Universitas Indonesia | Depok | =237 |
Universitas Gadjah Mada | Sleman | 263 |
Universitas Brawijaya | Malang | 801-850 |
Universitas Airlangga | Surabaya | =345 |
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia | Bandung | 1201-1400 |
Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta | Sleman | 1201-1400 |
Institut Pertanian Bogor | Bogor | – |
Universitas Diponegoro | Semarang | 791-800 |
Universitas Padjadjaran | Sumedang | 661-670 |
Universitas Negeri Semarang | Semerang | – |
Universitas Gadjah Mada
Universitas Gadjah Mada is a public university with high research output. It has a QS ranking of 263 with 738 international students from across the world enrolled in different programs. It has approximately 55000 students including foreign students.
Universitas Indonesia
The University of Indonesia has a QS ranking of =237 with 1412 international students. It has more than 30000 students including foreign students and from Indonesia. It enriches students with absolute care and a high variety of courses under 4210 faculty.
Bandung Institute of Technology
Bandung Institute of Technology has a QS ranking of =281 making it an excellent choice for international students. It is a public university with very high research output. It has more than 25000 students including foreign students and from Indonesia. One of the earliest technological universities in Indonesia with 2228 faculty members working on diverse subjects.
Airlangga University
Airlangga University is a public university with a high research output. It has a QS ranking of =345 and 495. It has more than 10000 students including foreign students and from Indonesia. It offers students graduate as well as post-graduate degrees.
Bogor Agricultural University
Bogor Agricultural University is a public university with a very high research output. Bogor Agricultural University has a QS Ranking of 489 and attracts thousands of students worldwide. It also has 745 international students. It has more than 10000 students including foreign students and from Indonesia. The university provides the finest quality of research.
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Average Fees
University | Application Fees | Admission Fee | Tuition Fees |
University of Gadjah Mada | $70 – $90 | $1800 – $9300 | $700 – $1800 |
University of Indonesia | Undergraduate Tuition fee $1500- $3500/ + Admission fee $2000- $7000 Postgraduate Tuition fee $2000 – $2500 + Admission fee $1500 – $2000 For doctoral Tuition fees $2500 – $2800 + Admission fees $1500 – $2000 For specialist Tuition fees $2500 – $2600 + Admission fee $2000 – $2200 For professional Tuition fees $1500 – $2000 + Admission fee $700 – $1500 | ||
Institute of Technology, Bandung | $3300 – $3500 | $2200 – $2400 per semester | |
Bogor Agricultural University | $170 – $860 | ||
Airlangga University | $90 for the February semester |
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Popular UG and PG Courses in Indonesia
Here are the most- sought after courses to study in the Indonesia:
Popular Postgraduate Courses
Name of The Course | Name of The University |
Master Of Management In Technology | President University |
Master In Accounting | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
Master In Disaster Science | Universitas Syiah Kuala |
Master In Biomanagement | Indonesia International Institute For Life Sciences (I3l) |
Master Of Education Management Study Program | Ahmad Dahlan University |
Master Of Design Program | Indonesian Computer University |
Master In Integrated Microfinance Management | Universitas Padjadjaran |
Master In Environmental Health | Diponegoro University |
Msc In Management | School Of Business And Management Itb |
Master Of Islamic Education Management | Ptiq Jakarta |
Master Of Management | Batam International University |
Masters In Economics | Brawijaya University |
Master In Information Technology | President University |
Master Of Physics Education Study Program | Ahmad Dahlan University |
Master Of English Language Education | Ahmad Dahlan University |
Master In Applied Statistics | Universitas Padjadjaran |
Master In Literary Studies | Universitas Padjadjaran |
Master In Cultural Studies | Universitas Padjadjaran |
Master In Civil Engineering | Diponegoro University |
Popular Undergraduate Courses
Course Offered | Name of The University |
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicines | Ipb University |
International Undergraduate Program in Biology | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
Bachelor in International Accounting Program | Universitas Syiah Kuala |
Bachelor in International Relations | President University |
Bachelor of Agribusiness | Hasanuddin University |
Bachelor of Food, Science And Resources | Ipb University |
Bachelor of Agro-Industrial Engineering | Ipb University |
International Undergraduate Program in Accounting | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
International Undergraduate Program in Management | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
International Undergraduate Program in Economics | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
International Undergraduate Program in Law | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
International Undergraduate Program in Chemistry | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
International Undergraduate Program in Computer Science | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
International Undergraduate Program in International Relations | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
International Undergraduate Program in Public Policy And Management | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
International Undergraduate Program in Communication | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
International Undergraduate Program in Psychology | Universitas Gadjah Mada |
Bachelor in International Management | Universitas Syiah Kuala |
Bachelor in International Economic Development | Universitas Syiah Kuala |
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indonesia is not so expensive as compared to other locations, for a student it’s approximately $8600.
Flights | 40,000- 50,000 INR |
Meals | 25, 250 rp/INR 131.37947.84 rp/INR 41.328768 |
One Bedroom Apartment | 3501469.15 rp /INR 39,007.6396 |
Getting a Student Visa
In order to apply for an Indonesian student visa, students need to apply for a Study Permit from the Indonesian Ministry of Education. Students should book their visa appointments three months before departure and assemble all the required documents in time:
- Three copies of your passport
- A copy of the Recommendation Letter issued by your university
- A copy of your Letter of Acceptance
- The completed application form.
- A Letter of Recommendation from the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence.
- A copy of your academic transcript and records
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two passport-sized photographs
- A Letter of Financial Guarantee or a sponsorship certificate that proves you can cover your study and living expenses.
- Health certificate
Languages in Indonesia
Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia. Several universities offer courses in their native tongue while there are many for international students in the English language. English is only second in popularity in Indonesia as several natives are proficient in the language making it easier for international students, professionals and tourists to interact with the locals.
Safety in Indonesia
Indonesia is a safe country for students, professionals, and tourists. Many government advisors warn travellers against the risk of street crime and pick-pocketing, particularly in busy tourist areas in Bali, where there have been reports of bag-snatching. It is advised to take caution and not travel late at night.
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Fast Facts on Indonesia
- The Republic of Indonesia is the official name.
- Indonesia declared independence from the Netherlands in 1945, but the Dutch did not recognise it until 1949.
- It is made up of almost 14,000 islands.
- More than 255 million people live there.
- A unitary presidential constitutional republic governs the country. Joko Widodo is the current president of Indonesia.
- Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim-majority population, with 87% of the population being Muslim.
- The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is the currency.
- More than 700 regional languages are spoken, although Indonesian is the official language. The most popular subject taught at universities is language.
- The national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (“Unity in Diversity” literally “many, yet one”), illustrates the country’s variety.
- Java is the world’s most populous island, accounting for half of Indonesia’s total population.
- The 17th of August is a national holiday in Indonesia.
- Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Malaysian Borneo share land boundaries with the country.
- Indonesia has around 150 volcanoes, 125 of which are active.
- Indonesia borders the equator on both sides.
- The rich wildlife of the country includes Komodo dragons.
- Indonesia has the world’s second-highest biodiversity (behind Brazil).
- In 2015, 10.41 million visitors from all across the world visited Indonesia.
FAQs
Ans. Yes, Indonesia is a perfect place to probe. Furthermore, it’s cheap to study in a university in Indonesia as well as provides a good quality of education.
Ans. Not exactly free but universities in Indonesia provide various scholarship programmes that make studying in Indonesia a top priority.
Ans. Indonesia is one of the most popular study destinations for international students. It has more than 122 state universities that provide good quality education that too at low fees.
Ans. According to QS Ranking, the University of Indonesia is one of the best universities in Indonesia.
Ans. The language spoken in Indonesia is Indonesian.
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