Study abroad
Study in Indonesia
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Indonesia
Higher education in Indonesia, an archipelago in South-East Asia, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in agriculture, energy and tourism, which is reflected in many study options. Many courses are taught in Indonesian, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Why study in Indonesia?
Students choose Indonesia for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in South-East Asia. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Agriculture, energy and tourism matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Energy, Oil & Gas and Hospitality, Tourism & Events, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Indonesia means everyday contact with Indonesian and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.
Top subjects to study in Indonesia
Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For Indonesia, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as agriculture, energy and tourism, not a league table.
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Energy, Oil & Gas
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Engineering
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Business & Management
Links to agriculture, energy and tourism mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for Indonesia on this site, with its specializations.
When choosing between these areas, think about what you enjoy studying, the entry requirements for each course and the kind of work you would like to do afterwards. A specialization can matter as much as the broad subject.
Universities in Indonesia
- University of IndonesiaDepok, Indonesia
- THE 2026 801–1000
- Universitas Sebelas MaretJawa Tengah, Indonesia
- THE 2026 1001–1200
- BINUS UniversityJakarta, Indonesia
- THE 2026 1201–1500
Scholarships to Study in Indonesia
Finding funding for Indonesia takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Indonesia
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Indonesia
Many programmes in Indonesia start around August or September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Some institutions also admit students around February, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Indonesia
Budgeting for a degree in Indonesia starts with the tuition fee for your specific course, which depends on the institution, subject and level.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Indonesia
Rules on studying in Indonesia as a foreign national depend on your citizenship and course, so the first step is to find out which category applies to you.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Indonesia in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Indonesia
Your everyday budget in Indonesia will depend on your city, your accommodation and your lifestyle. Costs in Jakarta can differ noticeably from those in Bandung or Yogyakarta and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
On islands and in remote areas, imported goods can raise everyday prices. Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Indonesia
Why should I study in Indonesia?
It depends on your goals. Indonesia offers programmes across many subjects, a location in South-East Asia and study in Indonesian (with some English-taught options). Students interested in agriculture, energy and tourism may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Indonesia?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Energy, Oil & Gas, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Engineering. The subjects page for Indonesia lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Indonesia?
Many programmes start around August or September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Indonesia?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Indonesia?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Indonesia.
Are scholarships available for international students in Indonesia?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Indonesia?
Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Indonesia?
Many courses are taught in Indonesian. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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