Study in Indonesia: the ultimate guide for a PhD in 2024
Indonesia

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Indonesia in 2024

Browse all PhD programmes in Indonesia

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  • 8,000 Int. Students
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  • 279,135,000 Population

Study in Indonesia

Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia formed of thousands of islands, at the crossroads of the Indian and the Pacific Ocean.

Famous, especially for the fascinating and wonderful Bali Island, Indonesia has a rich and varied culture, a phenomenal cuisine and here you can enjoy low living costs. Indonesia counts around 6,000 international students, most of them coming from the neighbouring country of Malaysia. Since universities plan to deliver more English-taught programmes, the number of international students is bound to grow significantly.

Higher education in Indonesia is thought to provide a thriving academic environment that helps students advance and develop.

Find the best information about what it’s like to study in Jakarta, including degree course offers, career opportunities, student life, living costs, and more.

Education System

Important and new characteristics of the higher education system of Indonesia acts upon a law enacted in 2012, stating that universities are bound to have institutional autonomy, quality assurance system and to enhance and strengthen vocational education and training.

Tertiary education is largely influenced by the Anglo-Saxon model, except for some institutions where medical and vocational education takes the form of the European model.

From a large number of around 3,000 universities, only around three percent are private. There are five types of higher education institutions that include: universities, institutes, academies, polytechnics and advanced tertiary schools. Some of the public universities have partnerships with universities from Australia, or Netherlands.

The academic year begins in early September and finishes in June.

General Application Requirements

Within most universities from Indonesia, international students can fill an online application, loading up the necessary documents and images or by sending all the documents in an email at the chosen university. As a recommendation, you will need to send the application approximately two months and a half before the intake starts due to the student visa procedure.

Here is a list of the most common requirements for the application process:

  • Official and certified academic transcript from the last graduated school
  • Legalised certificate of graduation
  • A statement of purpose
  • An English language proficiency certificate recognised by the university
  • Proof of registration fee

Additional documents may be required by your chosen university (like cover letter from home school/university, curriculum vitae/resume etc.); always check with the university you are interested in regarding their list of necessary submission documents.

Applications will not be processed if proof of payment of the registration fee is not included.

Study Options

Some of the leading and renowned universities from Indonesia are located in Bali, Yogyakarta, Jakarta and Surabaya.

Offerings of universities in Indonesia cover Bachelor and Master degree courses and PhD programmes. You can specialise in fields like: technology, engineering, earth sciences, architecture, pharmacy, law, economics, agriculture, marketing, tourism, medicine, arts and more, with university programmes focusing mostly on interdisciplinary teaching style.

Language of Instruction

Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian), the official language of the country, is the language of instruction used in most universities. If you want to pursue an Indonesian-taught degree course, in most cases you will be required the TIBA (Tes Bahasa Indonesia sebagai Bahasa Asing) Indonesian language proficiency test. After enrolment, you can study Indonesian language in addition to your study programme.

However, most international students apply for programmes that are taught in English and they are asked to present one of the following internationally certified language tests: IELTS, TOEFL, and others.

More Indonesian universities are starting to offer programmes that are taught entirely or partly in English. These institutions are mostly to be found in the Jakarta and Surabaya regions.

English language preparation for studying in Indonesia

Develop your academic English language skills in order to meet the English language requirements at Indonesian universities offering degree studies for international students. Choose an English language school anywhere in the world and pick your preferred English exam preparation course from diverse language course options.

Living in Indonesia

  • Tuition fees in both public and private universities are affordable, as they generally don’t exceed 4,000 USD per year.
  • The rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs between 150 and 300 USD per month, depending upon location.
  • Living costs in big cities are about 450 EUR/month.
    • The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah.
    • Bahasa Indonesian language has twelve ways of saying "No" and several other ways of saying "Yes" when the actual meaning is "No".
    • As Indonesia gathers the largest Muslim population in the world, women are advised to dress conservatively.
    • Mudik is an annual and popular tradition in Indonesia, similar to Thanks Giving Day celebrated in the Western world.
    • The equator cuts straight across Sumatra, Sulwesi, Kalimantan as well as a few other small islands that make up the middle part of Indonesia.
    • Indonesia is home to around 150 volcanoes; however, most of them are not considered a threat even though the country does experience one volcanic eruption almost every year.
    • Some of the most incredible attractions worth visiting in Indonesia include: Lake Toba (a volcanic lake) on the island of Sumatra, the Gili Islands, the Komodo National Park, Borobudur (one of the most famous Buddhist temple in the world), Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, and Mount Bromo.
    • In Western New Guinea area, also part of Indonesia, you can check out the Baliem Valley and see the living conditions of the three local tribes, having traditions that remind you of the stone-age world.

About Indonesia

Indonesia is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting of 17,000 islands, most of them situated along the equator. The largest islands are Sumatra, Java, Bali, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, the Nusa Tenggara islands, the Moluccas Islands, and Irian Jaya, in the western part of New Guinea. The nation's capital city is Jakarta. The country shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Malaysia.

The name for Indonesia comes from the Greek word ‘nesos’, which means ‘island’, and the Latin name ‘Indus’ which means land beyond the Indus river.

Indonesia is famous for its volcanoes, which are among the most active in the world and attract international volcanologists for study, and the tourists, for the incredibly wonderful seaside resorts.

Having over 250 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. Religion plays an active role in every-day life of an Indonesian and the country counts for the largest Muslim population of any country in the world. Many other religions are practised and officially recognised, such as: Hinduism, Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism, and Confucianism.

The Dutch ruled Indonesia for nearly three centuries and by the beginning of the 20th century, after the Japanese invasion, Indonesia was encouraged towards independence, which took place in 1945.

The current legal system is still based on the old Dutch penal code and several Dutch words are still present in the Indonesian vocabulary. The cultural diversity of the country has marked the art and culture of Indonesia, today showing influences from the Far East, the Middle East, and Europe.

The World Economic Forum categorised Indonesia as an emerging economy, considered to enter the third stage of economic development. Indonesia is a member of the G-20 major economies. The Indonesian economy is the world's 16th largest by nominal GDP.

Indonesia is a republic with a presidential system. The president of Indonesia is the head of state and head of government, commander-in-chief of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and the director of domestic governance and foreign affairs.

Weather in Indonesia is affected by the location of the island, as it is placed across the equator. Mainly, there are two main seasons: the dry season that lasts from June to October, and the rainy season, which occurs from November to March.

Universities, colleges and schools in Indonesia

Jakarta

Interested in scholarships for Indonesia? Check out our scholarship search page.

How to Apply to a Master's in Indonesia

If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Indonesia, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in Indonesia?

To apply to a university in Indonesia you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

  • birth certificate;
  • recent photos;
  • your passport or national identity card;
  • one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
  • copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
  • academic transcripts;
  • letter of intent;
  • Curriculum Vitae;
  • Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Indonesia so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.

Application deadlines for Indonesia

The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Indonesia are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.

To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.

Interesting programmes for you

Find PhDs Degrees in Indonesia

What subject to study in Indonesia?

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

Discover other countries

Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland
Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway
Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece
Greece
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees. In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada
Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
United States
United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel
Israel
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’. While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history. In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
Australia
Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.
View all countries

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