Guide for Foreign Students in Indonesia: Visa, Admission, Costs, and Entry Requirements

1. Visa and Residency Permits for Foreign Students in Indonesia

Student Visa (C316) – This is an example of a limited-stay visa affixed in the passport for foreign students. It is issued to international students as a permit to enter and stay temporarily in Indonesia. Foreign students intending to enroll in a study program in Indonesia are required to obtain the Limited Stay Visa for Education (indexed C316), commonly known as the student visa. This visa can only be obtained through the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s home country after the Indonesian university has applied for visa approval with the Directorate General of Immigration. It is typically issued for a period of 6 to 12 months (depending on the program duration) and can be extended as needed throughout the course of study.

Upon arrival in Indonesia, the student must apply for the Limited Stay Permit (KITAS) at the immigration office within 30 days. KITAS is a residency permit that legally allows the student to remain in Indonesia for the duration of their studies, generally valid for one year and requiring annual renewal until the course is completed. The renewal process involves coordination with the university and the relevant authorities – the student must update their study permit from the Ministry of Education and extend the KITAS at the local immigration office before it expires.

Application Process for the Student Visa:
Before obtaining the student visa, the student must first be accepted by an Indonesian university and receive an acceptance letter. The university then assists in obtaining the study permit from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, which is a prerequisite for the visa application. Once the study permit is issued, the university or the local sponsor in Indonesia applies for the student visa (C316) approval with the Immigration Office. Upon approval, the Immigration Office sends a telex visa (an electronic approval) to the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate. The student then submits a visa application at the Embassy with the following documents: passport, acceptance letter, study permit, proof of finances, and other supporting materials. The official fees include a visa approval fee (around Rp200,000) and a fee of about USD 150 for a one-year limited-stay visa (this fee does not include the annual KITAS cost). After arriving in Indonesia with the student visa, the student must register biometric data and report to the local immigration office to obtain the KITAS in electronic card form. With both a valid student visa and KITAS, the foreign student can legally reside and study in Indonesia throughout their course.

2. Admission Requirements for International Students in Private Universities

Foreign students wishing to apply to private universities in Indonesia must meet certain academic qualifications, language proficiency standards, and follow the selection process set by the institution. The general requirements are as follows:

Academic Qualifications:
Applicants must hold a diploma or certificate equivalent to the admission requirements of the desired program (e.g., a high school diploma or its equivalent for undergraduate programs). Good academic performance is crucial and is typically demonstrated by transcripts or academic records that meet the university’s standards. The admission process is generally based on the evaluation of academic documents and the candidate’s qualifications, with some universities not requiring a written test unless specified.
Language Requirements:
For programs conducted in Bahasa Indonesia, applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in Indonesian (e.g., by providing a BIPA certificate or test result). For programs taught in English, proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores) is required. For example, some universities may require a minimum TOEFL ITP score of around 500 or an IELTS score of 5.5 for English-taught programs. This evidence of language ability is essential to ensure that the student can effectively follow lectures.
Admission Process:
Most private universities in Indonesia do not require a written test for foreign students, except in certain cases or specific programs. The evaluation is based on submitted documents (such as diplomas and transcripts) and the candidate’s academic records. Some institutions might conduct remote interviews or specific tests (e.g., portfolio reviews for design programs) as per their internal policies. If an applicant meets the academic and language requirements and submits complete documentation, acceptance is likely. It is also important for applicants to adhere to the government regulations regarding the admission of foreign students—for example, ensuring that educational documents are officially recognized and that other stipulated criteria (such as age limits for certain programs) are met.

3. Cost of Living for Foreign Students in Indonesia

The cost of living for foreign students in Indonesia is generally affordable compared to many other countries, though it varies by city and lifestyle. Major cities like Jakarta or Surabaya tend to be more expensive than smaller student-oriented cities such as Yogyakarta or Malang. Below is an overview of the main monthly expenses for a student:

Accommodation:
The cost varies depending on location and type of housing. Staying in a campus dormitory or a simple boarding house (kost) in a smaller city can cost around Rp1–2 million per month. In larger cities or provincial capitals, renting a mid-range kost might cost between Rp2–4 million per month, while private apartments can be more expensive. Many foreign students choose fully furnished kosts that include amenities such as electricity and internet for added convenience.
Food:
Eating in Indonesia can be very budget-friendly. Meals at campus cafeterias or local eateries might cost around Rp20,000–Rp30,000 per meal (approximately $2 or less). With three meals a day, the estimated monthly food expense for a simple diet is about Rp1–1.5 million. However, costs can rise if dining at restaurants frequently or opting for imported foods. Cooking at home is a common way to reduce expenses.
Transportation:
Many students use public transport, motorcycles, or ride-hailing services (motorbike taxis, online taxis) for daily commuting. In major cities like Jakarta, monthly transportation costs can reach approximately Rp300–500 thousand if commuting regularly, while in smaller cities it may be around Rp150–250 thousand per month. For example, a bus ride might cost between Rp5,000–Rp10,000, and ride-hailing services may charge between Rp10,000–Rp20,000 per trip, depending on the distance. Additionally, some universities offer free campus shuttle services that help lower transportation expenses.
Daily Necessities:
This includes expenses for internet/mobile data, laundry, textbooks and photocopying, entertainment, and healthcare. A monthly mobile internet package typically costs around Rp50–100 thousand for an adequate data plan. Budgeting for textbooks or printing materials might cost around Rp200–300 thousand per semester, depending on the field of study. Entertainment expenses (such as movie tickets or outings) vary by personal habit; for instance, a cinema ticket might cost about Rp50 thousand.
Overall Estimate:
Various sources suggest that the overall monthly living expense for a student in Indonesia can range from approximately Rp2–3 million in cities with lower living costs—enough to cover basic needs like housing, food, and transport on a tight budget. In larger cities or for a more comfortable lifestyle, the budget should be higher—around Rp6–10 million per month to cover expenses comfortably. (These figures do not include tuition fees.) Actual costs depend on individual choices regarding accommodation, eating habits, and personal spending. Overall, Indonesia offers a cost of living that is friendly to students, making it feasible for many foreign students to manage on a moderate budget.

4. Application Process and Required Documents

The application process for foreign students at private universities in Indonesia generally consists of several stages—from the initial application submission to re-registration after acceptance. Prospective students should prepare the necessary documents in advance to ensure a smooth process. The common steps and required documents are as follows:

Application Submission:
Prospective students apply using the university’s application form (many institutions now offer online applications on their websites). Applicants must provide personal details, educational background, and indicate the study program they wish to pursue. An application fee may be required, varying by institution. It is important to submit the application before the deadline set for international students.
Submission of Supporting Documents:
Along with the application form, applicants must attach all required supporting documents as specified by the university. These typically include:
- Diploma and Academic Transcript:
  The latest educational certificate (e.g., high school diploma) along with academic transcripts. If the original documents are not in English or Indonesian, they must be officially translated into one of these languages.
- Proof of Language Proficiency:
  Depending on the language of instruction, this could be an English proficiency test score (TOEFL/IELTS) for English-taught programs or a certificate of proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia for programs conducted in Indonesian. If available, a certificate from an Indonesian language course can also be included.
- Copy of Passport:
  The passport must be valid—typically for at least 18 months from the time of application—to meet visa requirements. Provide scanned copies of the identification page and the photo page.
- Recent Colored Passport Photo:
  A passport-size photo (4x6 cm) with a plain background. Some universities might require a specific background color (such as red or blue) as per their guidelines.
- Medical Certificate:
  A health certificate issued by a doctor or a health facility, confirming that the applicant is free from contagious diseases and fit to study.
- Additional Documents:
  These might include a motivation letter outlining the reasons for studying, letters of recommendation from teachers or professors, a portfolio (particularly for arts or design programs), or a CV, depending on the program requirements. Always check the specific admission guidelines provided by the university.
All documents should be scanned in high quality according to the university’s instructions (usually in PDF or JPEG format with specified file sizes). It is also essential to ensure that the name on the passport matches the name on the academic documents to avoid any verification issues.
Selection and Announcement:
Once the application and supporting documents are submitted, the university will review the submission. The selection process for international students is generally based on the evaluation of academic records and language proficiency, as described above. If the applicant meets the requirements and submits complete documentation, the university will issue an acceptance letter (Letter of Acceptance, or LoA). The LoA is typically sent via email, and the applicant might be required to confirm their acceptance—often by paying a deposit or confirming online—before a specified deadline. If an applicant is not accepted, the university may offer an option to provide additional documents or to apply in the next admission cycle.
Re-Registration and Visa Documentation:
After receiving the LoA, the international student proceeds with re-registration as a new student. At this stage, the student usually pays a registration fee or an initial tuition fee to secure their spot. Additionally, as a foreign student, the next critical step is to process the legal documentation for study: obtaining the study permit from the Ministry of Education and the student visa (C316) as outlined in Section 1. The university typically assists by providing necessary documents (such as the LoA and a recommendation letter). The student must prepare additional documents including the original passport, recent photos, proof of financial means, and a guarantee letter from the university for the visa application. Upon arrival in Indonesia with the student visa, the student will be assisted in registering with both the university and the local immigration office. Lastly, it is important to bring the original educational documents (diploma and transcript) to Indonesia, as some universities require verification during orientation or re-registration.

With all these steps completed, the foreign student is officially enrolled and may begin their studies at a private university in Indonesia.

Source: The guidelines above are summarized from Indonesian immigration regulations and policies from several universities (e.g., Universitas Brawijaya, President University, etc.). Always verify the latest requirements on the official Immigration website and the host university’s site, as policies may change over time. With proper preparation and complete documentation, the application process and study in Indonesia can proceed smoothly. Welcome and best wishes for your studies in Indonesia!