Study in Indonesia. 36 best institutions in Indonesia

High-Quality Education Indonesia offers an evolving and captivating market for international students aiming to unleash their creative potential. While Indonesia's education system might not yet rival major Asian powerhouses like Japan, China, and Singapore, it provides students with invaluable exposure to a rapidly growing tech sector.

International Ambience Indonesia is a melting pot of over 200 ethnic groups and boasts more than 300 spoken languages. Bridging the continents of Asia and Australia, it offers a diverse range of landscapes and biodiversity stretched along the equator. Here, students have the chance to immerse themselves in various global cultures.

Business Education Indonesian business schools and their entrepreneurial students exhibit a remarkable knack for critical thinking and addressing global market challenges. This prowess has led many competitive professional institutes to actively recruit Indonesian business students.

Multicultural Connections With its standing as the fourth most populated country globally, boasting around 250 million inhabitants, Indonesia embodies multicultural diversity and a broad societal spectrum. The locals are generally friendly and eager to engage with foreigners. They genuinely appreciate it when you converse in their language. Proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia allows one to stay with local families instead of hotels, providing a deeper insight into their culture.

Indonesia's education system is structured to ensure that all children have access to education. Nine years of schooling are mandatory and free of charge. Currently, the literacy rate in the country exceeds 92%.

The stages of school education in Indonesia are as follows:

• Primary school (Sekolah Dasar, SD)
• Secondary school

Preschool education is minimal in Indonesia. Children typically start first grade between the ages of 6 and 7. Education generally lasts for 6 years, although advanced students may complete primary school in just 5 years.

There are three levels of secondary education, each offering different opportunities:

1. Junior secondary school (SMP) is mandatory for all students who complete primary school. The curriculum spans 3 years and culminates in a national exam. Successful students are awarded a certificate attesting to their basic education.

2. After this, students may opt to attend senior secondary school (SMA) or

3. Vocational middle schools (SMK).

Admission to SMA and SMK requires good scores on entrance exams. Education at these institutions is fee-based but generally more affordable than higher education. Over the next three years, students either acquire foundational skills for their future careers or prepare for university admissions.

The Ministry of National Education places special emphasis on vocational-oriented secondary schools. They cater to middle-income families aiming to obtain basic technical education and evolve into highly skilled professionals.

In Indonesia, there are also Islamic schools:

• Pesantren, which primarily focuses on religious education with minimal secular curriculum
• Madrasah, which balances religious with secular education
• Sekolah, where the curriculum is mainly secular but includes foundational Islamic teachings.

Since Indonesia gained independence from the Netherlands in 1945, there have been significant improvements and growth in its education system. As of 2022, the country boasts around 3,000 private and 150 public universities catering to international students. The Ministry of Education and Culture oversees both private and public institutions.

State-funded universities in Indonesia are financed by the government but operate as independent entities. The Higher Education Board makes changes to curricula and teaching methodologies. As a result, the quality of education offered in these state universities is top-notch, providing excellent facilities and infrastructure for foreign students.

Private universities in Indonesia are owned and managed by private organizations. While they finance and govern themselves, they still have to adhere to and implement national educational policies. Polytechnic colleges in Indonesia offer a broad range of diploma programs for international students.

Indonesia follows a traditional three-tiered degree system—bachelor's, master's, and doctorate. Additionally, there are academic ranks like associate professor. The Ministry of Education and Culture supervises all higher education institutions. However, both public and private institutions have considerable autonomy in shaping their policies and academic programs. Currently, Indonesia is revisiting its education system with the aim to develop world-class educational and research institutions.

Indonesia is a prime destination for postgraduate studies. Universities offer exceptional master's programs that are state-of-the-art, well-facilitated, and yet more affordable. Pursuing a master's degree in Indonesia appeals to many students not only for academic reasons but also for affordable living costs, travel opportunities, vibrant cities, and a plethora of cultural experiences, arts, and cuisine. Many students aim to earn master's degrees in Indonesia in fields like engineering, urban planning, management, and healthcare. Enrollees in Indonesian master's programs will be immersed in a multicultural student community and will engage with experienced international faculty. Master's programs in Indonesia are comprehensive, equipping students with a competitive edge in the global job market.

The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, but across the islands, there are over 700 recognized languages. English is spoken in major cities and is used as the medium of instruction in educational institutions, but it's seldom spoken in the provinces. It's beneficial for foreign students to learn a few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia to navigate more easily initially.

Popular fields of study in Indonesia include IT and computer technologies, hospitality, automotive engineering, fashion design, architecture, HUMSS courses, and medical disciplines.

The academic year for most universities consists of two semesters—odd and even—each lasting 16 weeks, followed by examinations. The academic year typically starts in early September and concludes in June.

To enroll in an Indonesian university, you need to:

1. Submit an application for study in Indonesia, which includes academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and other necessary documents.
2. Apply for a student visa at the Indonesian consulate or embassy in your home country.
3. Secure appropriate accommodation.

Indonesian law mandates that every student, regardless of nationality, holds a valid student visa for the duration of their studies in Indonesia, with the exception of students from EU countries. The visa is officially issued by the Immigration Department of Indonesia. Students are eligible to apply for the Indonesian student visa shortly after receiving their acceptance letter and settling the respective university tuition fees.

1. Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)
2. Bogor Agricultural University (IPB)
3. Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP)
4. Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS)
5. Brawijaya University

Career Prospects Post-Study in Indonesia:

The unemployment rate in Indonesia is relatively low, offering numerous opportunities for both local and international graduates. Key multinational industries include the oil and gas sectors, clothing and footwear manufacturing, mining, fertilizer production, and tourism. Currently, almost half of Indonesia's workforce is employed in the service sector. The majority of Indonesia's international workers are based in foreign countries or the export sector. Those proficient in English can also explore opportunities in teaching the language. Students wishing to work in Indonesia should secure employment before completing their studies, allowing their prospective employer to assist in obtaining a work visa.

Financing Your Education in Indonesia:

For international students, the cost of education in Indonesia varies depending on the university and course selected. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia offers numerous courses at reasonable rates: the average cost for undergraduate studies ranges from $2,400 to $6,100 per year, while postgraduate studies range from $2,600 to $7,000 annually.

To alleviate tuition expenses, there are grants and scholarships available. Most universities in Indonesia offer international students scholarships that cover 50% of the tuition fee. These are typically awarded to students with outstanding academic or athletic achievements. However, the criteria may vary among universities.