Indonesia is located between Southeast Asia and Oceania. The country is the world’s largest island country, with about 14,000 islands, and the most populous Muslim country. The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta, and its national or official language is Bahasa Indonesia, as well as about 300 other foreign and local languages, such as Dutch, English, and Chinese, among others. Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is the largest city in the country and the biggest center for culture and education. There are numerous universities in Jakarta, both public and private. Jakarta accommodates most international students in its institutions and allows foreigners to enjoy the serenity of the country and all it has to offer. Choosing Indonesia as a study destination can be a transformative decision that offers abundant opportunities, diverse cultural experiences, and a distinct edge in the global job market. The country is known for its enchanting beauty, comprising more than 17,000 islands filled with vibrant cultures, a rich historical heritage, and a unique biodiversity that offers students a living classroom outside of their academic environment. Moreover, As one of Southeast Asia's major regional economic powerhouses, Indonesia attracts foreign professionals looking for opportunities to work. The country provides one of Southeast Asia's highest living standards in exchange.
Benefits of Studying in Indonesia
1. Indonesia offers an unparalleled array of benefits for international students. A notable benefit lies in the cost-effectiveness of education. When juxtaposed with numerous Western and Asian nations, tuition fees and living costs in Indonesia are substantially more economical. This aspect renders it a compelling option for students pursuing top-notch education without incurring exorbitant expenses.
2. The multicultural environment in Indonesia provides students with global exposure, an attribute highly valued in today's interconnected world. The country is home to over 300 ethnic groups with unique traditions, languages, and customs, promoting an enriching cultural exchange and fostering students' intercultural skills.
3. International students can also access numerous scholarships and funding opportunities from the Indonesian government, local universities, and international organizations. These financial aids aim to attract talented students worldwide and make education more accessible, regardless of their financial situation.
4. Moreover, a wide range of English-taught programs across various disciplines makes the learning experience more seamless for international students. Students can choose courses that align with their career goals and academic interests, from the humanities and social sciences to business and technology.
5. Indonesia's rich cultural and historical landscape provides a well-rounded educational experience. Learning extends beyond the classroom as students immerse themselves in the country's diverse cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and stunning natural landscapes.
6. The country's strategic location in Southeast Asia offers easy accessibility to other Asian countries, providing ample opportunities for travel and exploration. This proximity allows students to experience a broad range of Asian cultures, enhancing their global exposure and cultural understanding.
Benefits of Working in Indonesia
1. Healthcare coverage
Overseas workers in Indonesia can access a wide range of medical services, including hospitalizations, specialist consultations, and prescription medications, if they have comprehensive health insurance. This ensures that expats in Indonesia receive the necessary healthcare without worrying about the financial implications.
2. Housing allowances
Housing allowances for outsiders have numerous advantages. For starters, they assist expats in quickly acclimating to their new surroundings by providing a safe and comfortable living environment. This allows them to concentrate on their work and settle in quickly. Second, housing allowances relieve the financial burden of finding and renting housing in a foreign country, which can be difficult and costly. Finally, these allowances help attract and retain top talent worldwide, increasing diversity and expertise in various industries.
3. Education benefits for Employees families
Many companies provide tuition reimbursement or schooling allowances as part of their employee benefits package. Employees who pursue additional education or take courses related to their jobs may be eligible for financial assistance from their employer.
This can be a significant motivator for employees to further their education and skill development because it helps offset the costs of tuition and other educational expenses. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the company values its employees’ growth and development by fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
4. Transportation benefits
Providing transport allowances or vehicle provisions for overseas workers can have various advantages. For example, it provides employees with a convenient and dependable mode of transportation, removing the stress and inconvenience of commuting. This enables them to arrive at work on time and relax, increasing productivity.
Furthermore, transport allowances can be an appealing incentive for expat workers, enticing them to accept job offers and relocate, assisting organizations in attracting top talent worldwide.
5. Retirement plans
Employer-sponsored retirement plans can provide numerous benefits for expats. These plans allow expatriates to save for retirement while taking advantage of potential employer contributions and tax benefits. Additionally, these plans often offer a range of investment options to help individuals grow their savings over time. Expats can ensure a secure and financially stable future by participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans, even living and working overseas.
Cost of Living & Studying in Indonesia
Indonesia stands out as a country with a high level of affordable education. The country currently has about 30 public universities and 1000 private universities, and the cost of tuition that you pay every semester is averagely high for international students. An international student may pay between 3,000 and 6,000 EUR per semester in tuition fees in Indonesia, and this is varied depending on the choice of degree or course the student is applying
On average, you may spend between US$800 to US$1,000 per month on different living expenses like accommodation, water, electricity, telephone, food, books, clothes, internet, transport, and other things. Most universities in Indonesia offer accommodation, which comes as dormitories or shared apartments to students. There are also off-campus accommodations. The accommodation price always varies depending on the student's amenities or living standard. Living in the big cities in Indonesia, such as Bali, its capital, Jakarta, will cost much more for an international student than when compared to living in rural areas.
Necessary Steps to Work & Study in Indonesia
Indonesia is one such country that does not allow international students to work while they study. There are many reasons why some countries decide not to permit their students to work and study. Some of the few reasons may be to allow the students to concentrate on their studies, to enforce discipline and time management, to enable the student to manage funds effectively, and so on. For an aspiring international student who wants to study in Indonesia, there are a few guidelines you need to follow and be aware of to have a good start in the country without problems. An international student needs to obtain a visa called VITAS (Indonesia Student Visa Application), which they will exchange for another visa called KITAS upon entry into the country. The VITAS is a temporary visa or residence permit you will get in your home country before arriving in Indonesia. After you arrive in Indonesia with your VITAS, you have to go to the Immigration Department within 30 days so that you can exchange and receive your KITAS (temporary residence permit).
Documents for Indonesia Student Visa
1. A copy of your student passport
2. A copy of the study permit from the Ministry of National Education
3. A copy of the Recommendation Letter from your host university addressed to the Directorate of Immigration in Indonesia.
4. A copy of the Letter of Acceptance Letter from your host university
5. A copy of your academic transcript and certificate
6. Your Curriculum Vitae
7. Two recent passport-size pictures
8. A Letter of Financial Guarantee or a sponsorship certificate that proves you can cover your study and living expenses while in the country.
9. Proof of student Health certificate
A student visa (KITAS) does not allow the holder to work and study in Indonesia. You can only work if you have a work permit and work KITAS, another set of separate procedures. Generally, Indonesia does not allow international students to work while studying there. That is why it is always compulsory to show proof of financial guarantee before the student can get the VITAS to study in the country. Before the end of the 30 days, if the international student is in the country, you must exchange your student VITAS for KITAS. The documents you need for a student KITAS are:
1. Student international passport
2. The Letter of Acceptance
3. The Letter of Recommendation or the Certificate of Sponsorship from the university
4. A copy of the study permits must be sent to the university
5. Your Curriculum Vitae
6. Your academic transcripts
7. Proof of financial responsibility from your parents, legal guardians, or a sponsor during your studies
How to Apply for an Indonesian Study Permit?
After your successful acceptance into an Indonesian university of your choice, the next step is to apply for a study permit that would allow you to study in the country. In most cases, the host institution may help the students apply for this study permit as students may still be in their home country at the time of the study offer acceptance. The country’s Ministry of Education is always in charge of giving out this study permit to international students, but before it is given out, the Ministry of Education forwards the study permit to the immigration department head office, which is located in the country’s capital, Jakarta and then the study permit is issued. The study permit is always issued before the student can apply for the VITAS. Since the VITAS is obtained from the Indonesian embassy or consulate, the immigration department then forwards a letter to the embassy where you want to apply for your VITAS. When applying for a study permit, there are some documents that you need to have before you can obtain the study permit. Some of such documents are;
- Copies of student passport
- Copies of a recommendation letter from your host university
- Letter of acceptance
- Application form
- A letter of recommendation from the Indonesian embassy in your country
- Your curriculum vitae
- Passport photographs
- Health certificate
- Financial guarantee of sponsorship proof to cover your expenses while you study in the country
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Indonesia cheap to study?
Relatively cheaper than in other Asian countries.
2. Which city is best to study in Indonesia?
Jakarta
3. How much is MBBS in Indonesia?
20 lacs* onwards
4. What rank is Indonesia in education?
Indonesia has the fourth largest education system in the world, yet in a landmark education report of 50 nations, Indonesia ranked last.
5. Where is the best place to work in Indonesia?
Novo Nordisk Indonesia, an affiliate of the global healthcare company with over 95 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care, was awarded the top position, followed by AstraZeneca Indonesia, an affiliate of the multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company.
6. Is medical free in Indonesia?
Those registered with the program, both Indonesians and expatriates, are eligible for free health services ranging from dental care to medicines to physiotherapy. Patients are also eligible for free emergency and chronic care in addition to organ transplants.
Conclusion
With its affordable education, multicultural environment, and scholarships, Indonesia offers a compelling destination for international students. The country's rich cultural and historical landscape enriches the educational experience. However, it's essential to note that Indonesia generally does not allow international students to work while studying, emphasizing the importance of financial preparation and proper documentation for visas. For those considering studying or working in Indonesia, this information provides valuable insights into the opportunities and requirements in this vibrant and diverse nation.