Study in Indonesia for Indian Students
*T&C Apply. Subject to restrictions under the Income Tax Act,
1961 and Budget 2025.
Indonesia is a large and culturally diverse archipelago in Southeast Asia that is steadily gaining recognition as an emerging destination for international higher education. The country is home to several well-established public universities offering programmes across engineering, sciences, business, arts, and social sciences at relatively low tuition costs compared to Western destinations. For Indian students exploring affordable study abroad options, Indonesia presents a practical choice, and many consider education loan for Indonesia options to manage the cost of studying in Indonesia alongside living and travel expenses. With a growing economy, a young and dynamic academic environment, and a welcoming attitude toward international students, Indonesia offers a distinctive study experience outside the conventional Western circuit.
Reasons to Study in Indonesia for Indian Students
- Indonesia offers significantly lower tuition fees and living costs compared to most Western and even several Asian study destinations.
- The country has a number of well-regarded public universities with strong programmes in engineering, natural sciences, agriculture, and social sciences.
- Indonesia's growing economy, particularly in digital technology, natural resources, and manufacturing, creates diverse career and internship exposure.
- The cultural and geographical diversity of Indonesia provides a rich, immersive international experience for students.
- English-taught programmes are increasingly available at the postgraduate level across major universities.
- Indonesia's strategic position in Southeast Asia offers proximity to ASEAN markets and regional networking opportunities.
- The country has a large and young student population, creating a vibrant campus environment for international students.
Sources: https://www.mastersportal.com/countries/109/indonesia.html
Student Cities in Indonesia
| City | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Yogyakarta | Major university city, home to public universities, affordable living, rich Javanese culture |
| Bandung | Known for technology and arts institutions, cooler climate, strong student community |
| Jakarta | Capital city with a mix of public and private universities, modern infrastructure, and professional opportunities |
| Surabaya | Second-largest city with strong engineering and science institutions, lower cost of living |
| Bogor | Home to the well-known IPB University (agricultural sciences), surrounded by natural landscapes |
| Denpasar | Growing education hub in Bali with an international atmosphere and tourism-linked programmes |
Sources: https://www.kemdikbud.go.id/ https://dikti.kemdikbud.go.id/
Universities and Colleges in Indonesia
| Institution | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Universitas Indonesia (UI) | Leading public research university in Depok/Jakarta offering programmes across medicine, law, engineering, humanities, and social sciences |
| Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) | Premier institution for engineering, technology, and arts with strong research output |
| Gadjah Mada University (UGM) | Comprehensive public university in Yogyakarta known for social sciences, agriculture, medicine, and engineering |
| Bogor Agricultural University (IPB University) | Specialised in agricultural sciences, environmental studies, and natural resource management |
| Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) | Technology-focused university in Surabaya with strong engineering and marine sciences programmes |
| Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) | Public university in Surabaya offering medicine, pharmacy, law, economics, and social sciences |
| Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) | Public university in Semarang with a broad academic offering including engineering, fisheries, and health sciences |
Education System in Indonesia
Indonesia's higher education system is overseen by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemdikbudristek). The system follows a credit-based structure and is broadly aligned with international degree conventions, though it operates independently of the European Bologna framework. Higher education is organised into the following levels:
- Bachelor's (Sarjana/S1): Typically 4 years in duration, covering foundational and specialised academic training in the chosen field.
- Master's (Magister/S2): Usually 1.5 to 2 years, offering advanced academic or professional specialisation.
- Doctoral (Doktor/S3): Research-focused programmes generally spanning 3 to 4 years, requiring a significant original research contribution.
In addition to degree programmes, Indonesia also offers diploma-level vocational qualifications (D3 and D4) through polytechnics and vocational institutes. There are mainly two intakes in Indonesia, the academic year typically begins in August or September and is divided into two semesters. Some universities, particularly at the postgraduate level, also offer spring intake in Indonesia. English-taught programmes are available primarily at the master's and doctoral levels across select universities. Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the primary medium of instruction for undergraduate programmes.
Sources: https://www.kemdikbud.go.id/ https://dikti.kemdikbud.go.id/
Courses to Study in Indonesia
| Course Area | Popular Programmes |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology | Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Marine Engineering |
| IT & Computer Science | Computer Science, Informatics Engineering, Data Science, Software Engineering |
| Business & Management | Business Administration, Management, Economics, Accounting, International Business |
| Agricultural & Environmental Sciences | Agribusiness, Forestry, Environmental Science, Food Technology, Fisheries |
| Health Sciences | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health, Nursing |
| Natural Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics |
| Social Sciences & Humanities | Law, Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, Communication Studies |
| Arts & Design | Architecture, Fine Arts, Product Design, Visual Communication |
Admission Requirements to Study in Indonesia
- Secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent for bachelor's programmes
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field for master's programmes
- Master's degree or equivalent for doctoral programmes
- Official academic transcripts from all previous institutions attended
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught programmes; Bahasa Indonesia proficiency may be required for Indonesian-medium programmes
- Statement of Purpose or Motivation Letter
- Letters of Recommendation from academic or professional referees
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Curriculum Vitae detailing academic background and relevant experience
- Research proposal for doctoral programme applicants
- Some programmes may require entrance examinations or interviews
Indonesia Student Visa Requirements
| Visa Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Exemption | Valid 30 days, non-extendable, for tourism/transit only — not for study |
| Visa on Arrival (VOA) | Valid 30 days, extendable once; for tourism only — not for study |
| Visit Visa for Short Course (Index C9) | Valid 60 days, extendable twice; for short courses and study visits |
| Limited Stay Visa – Student (Index E30B) | For students enrolled in diploma or bachelor's degree programmes; valid 1 or 2 years; multiple entry |
Sources: https://admissions.ugm.ac.id/v26/international-applicants-foreign/information/selection-process/
Cost of Studying in Indonesia
| Programme | Tuition per Semester (IDR) | Tuition per Semester (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine (IUP – International) | IDR 65,000,000 | ₹351,000 | Plus, one-time institutional fee of IDR 50,000,000 (₹270,000) |
| Dentistry (IUP – International) | IDR 67,000,000 | ₹361,800 | Plus, one-time fee of IDR 134,960,000 (₹728,784) |
| Engineering programmes (IUP) | IDR 29,300,000 – 39,800,000 | ₹158,220 – ₹214,920 | Varies by programme |
| Economics / Management / Accounting (IUP) | IDR 28,000,000 | ₹151,200 | Plus, one-time fee of IDR 100,000,000 (₹540,000) |
| Computer Science (IUP) | IDR 25,000,000 | ₹135,000 | Plus, one-time fee of IDR 50,000,000 (₹270,000) |
| Law (IUP) | IDR 28,000,000 | ₹151,200 | Plus, one-time fee of IDR 100,000,000 (₹540,000) |
| Nursing (Regular – WNA) | IDR 26,500,000 | ₹143,100 | Plus, one-time fee of IDR 30,000,000 (₹162,000) |
Disclaimer: All IDR to INR conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate of 1 Indonesian Rupiah = ₹0.0054 INR as of February 2026. Actual exchange rates may vary due to market fluctuations. Students are advised to check the latest rates before making financial decisions.
Source: https://admissions.ugm.ac.id/v26/international-applicants-foreign/information/tuition-fee/
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