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Situated off the coast of Sumatra, Batam Island is a free-trade zone with a blossoming education hub. This Indonesian gem promises academic excellence, unique cultural experiences, and affordability. So if you’re an international student with wanderlust and a budget, Batam might just be the melody your study abroad dreams have been searching for. This blog will uncover the cost of living in Batam for international students in 2024, along with the average tuition fees and some tips to consider before moving to the Indonesian paradise. Let’s get started!
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Why Study in Batam?
Compared to other Indonesian cities, the cost of living in Batam is significantly lower, making it a haven for budget-conscious students. You can enjoy a world-class education and a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look at some other reasons for students to choose the largest city in the province of Riu Islands:
- Renowned international and Indonesian universities like Universitas Internasional Batam (UIB) and Universitas Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) have set up camps in Batam. These institutes offer top-notch programs in fields like engineering, business, and hospitality.
- From batik workshops to fiery rendang feasts, Batam offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that will broaden your horizons and nourish your soul.
- Craving a break from the textbooks? Batam’s pristine beaches, lush mangroves, and vibrant coral reefs await your exploration. Imagine swapping your study breaks for kayaking adventures or sunset strolls on the beach.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Bali for International Students in 2024
Cost of Living in Batam
The average monthly cost of living in Batam for international students is IDR 3,000,000 – IDR 5,000,000 (USD 210 – USD 350). Let’s take a look at some of the essential expenses covered under this overall cost.
Living Accommodation
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rent (IDR) |
| Shared Apartment | IDR 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 |
| Studio Apartment | IDR 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 |
| Single Room in Residence Hall | IDR 500,000 – 700,000 |
| Apartment Type | Monthly Rent |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | IDR 4,997,426 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | IDR 3,333,252 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | IDR 13,799,772 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | IDR 7,333,170 |
Food
| Grocery Item | Price |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | IDR 24,250 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500 g) | IDR 20,666 |
| Rice (white), (1 kg) | IDR 13,500 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | IDR 26,800 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | IDR 125,000 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | IDR 55,000 |
| Apples (1 kg) | IDR 48,000 |
| Banana (1 kg) | IDR 24,666 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | IDR 35,000 |
| Tomato (1 kg) | IDR 20,000 |
| Potato (1 kg) | IDR 19,000 |
| Onion (1kg) | IDR 32,500 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | IDR 30,000 |
| Water (1.5 litre bottle) | IDR 6,666 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | IDR 425,000 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | IDR 18,181 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) | IDR 30,000 |
Also Read: A Guide on Cost of Living in Indonesia
Entertainment
| Mode of Entertainment | Cost |
| Cinema Ticket | IDR 50,000 |
| Museum Visit | IDR 20,000 |
| Local Concert | IDR 100,000 – 300,000 |
| Gym Membership | IDR 200,000 – 300,000 |
Utilities
| Utility | Monthly Cost |
| Electricity | IDR 100,000 – 150,000 |
| Water | IDR 50,000 – 80,000 |
| Internet | IDR 150,000 – 250,000 |
| Mobile Phone Plan | IDR 50,000 – 100,000 |
Transportation
| Mode of Transport | Cost |
| Bus Pass | IDR 50,000 |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | IDR 8,000 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | IDR 235,000 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | IDR 8,500 |
| Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | IDR 10,000 |
| Taxi Ride (short distance) | IDR 20,000 – 30,000 |
| Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | IDR 50,000 |
| Motorcycle Rental | IDR 500,000 – 800,000 |
Cost of Living in Batam: Average Tuition Fees
Average tuition fees at international universities in Batam range from IDR 15,000,000 – IDR 25,000,000 per semester (USD 1,050 – USD 1,750). Scholarship opportunities for international students are also available, further easing the financial burden.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Batam
Before you finalise your budget for the cost of living in Batam and move there, here are some things you need to keep in mind:
- Visa Regulations: Research and apply for the required visa well in advance.
- Language Barrier: While English is spoken in universities and tourist areas, learning basic Bahasa Indonesia will enrich your experience.
- Embrace the Spice: Indonesian cuisine packs a punch! Be prepared to explore new flavors and don’t shy away from spice.
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FAQs
Ans: Batam generally boasts a lower cost of living than major Indonesian cities like Jakarta or Surabaya. You can expect significantly cheaper accommodation, food, and transportation in Batam, making it a budget-friendly student destination.
Ans: While individual needs and spending habits vary, a comfortable monthly budget for an international student in Batam would be around IDR 3,000,000 – IDR 5,000,000 (USD 210 – USD 350). It covers basic living expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation.
Ans: Absolutely! Opting for shared accommodation, cooking meals at home instead of eating out frequently, and utilizing public transportation are great ways to cut down on expenses. Also, take advantage of student discounts offered by restaurants, cinemas, and other service providers. Learning basic Bahasa Indonesia can also help you find cheaper local options for food and shopping.
And that’s it! We hope that this blog helped give a detailed insight into the cost of living in Batam for international students. Tune into Leverage Edu daily for more updates like this on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!
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