Study abroad in Indonesia
Visa, costs, healthcare and the best cities for exchange students in Indonesia.
Capital
Jakarta
Languages
Indonesian (Bahasa)
Academic Year
Most universities use odd semester from August or September to January and even semester from February to June, with local variations by campus.
Population
275M+
Typical Budget
IDR 6,500,000 - 15,000,000/month
Overview
A massive, diverse archipelago where adventure meets extreme affordability.
Country Overview
What student life feels like in Indonesia.
Indonesia is Southeast Asia's giant. For students, it offers a dual experience: the raw, bustling energy of Jakarta or the tropical, spiritual serenity of Bali and Yogyakarta.
It's a place where you can study emerging markets by day and explore volcanoes or world-class beaches by weekend. The cost of living is incredibly low, allowing for a high quality of life on a student budget.
Country Framework
What shapes student life in Indonesia.
Use this page to understand the legal context, budget baseline, safety feel, and everyday rhythm before comparing cities or universities.
Safety Snapshot
Generally safe, but traffic is the biggest danger. Be aware of petty theft in crowded Jakarta markets and use reputable taxis like Blue Bird.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Safety & Cost Indices
Source: Numbeo crowdsourced data. Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Crime Index
Moderate
World avg: 44.7
Safety Index
Moderate
World avg: 55.3
Cost of Living
Very affordable
IDR 6,500,000 - 15,000,000/month
Crime factors measured
Big Cities vs Small Towns
Big Cities
- Jakarta is the economic and business capital — essential for finance, consulting, and international corporate careers. Infrastructure is improving but traffic remains severe.
- Surabaya is Indonesia's second city — lower cost than Jakarta, strong manufacturing and trade sector.
- Large cities have English-language support infrastructure for international students; malls, expat areas, and international schools provide a comfort buffer.
- Jakarta's scale (33 million metro area) means enormous professional networking potential but a challenging daily environment.
Small Towns
- Yogyakarta (Jogja) is Indonesia's student and cultural capital — home to UGM (one of Indonesia's top universities), affordable, safe, art-saturated, and welcoming to foreigners.
- Bandung has excellent universities (ITB for engineering), a cool climate (1,000m altitude), and a creative/design scene.
- Smaller Indonesian cities require Indonesian language skills — Bahasa Indonesia is essential outside tourist areas.
- Bali (Denpasar) offers a unique lifestyle but is more of an expat hub than a student city — costs higher, local integration harder.
Culture
Social Norms
- Modesty: Outside tourist spots like Bali, dress conservatively (shoulders and knees covered).
- The Right Hand: Always use your right hand for eating, giving, or receiving. The left is considered unclean.
- Rubber Time (Jam Karet): Expect things to start later than scheduled. Patience is a virtue here.
Daily Rhythm
Local pace05:30–08:00
Morning
Early starts driven by the azan (Muslim call to prayer) at sunrise. Breakfast staples: nasi goreng, bubur ayam (congee), or lontong from a warung. Traffic in Jakarta is brutal before 09:00.
12:00–14:00
Midday
Dhuhur prayer break at midday. Lunch eaten at warungs (local stalls) — very cheap and filling. Many offices pause for 30–60 minutes.
14:00–17:30
Afternoon
Hot and humid — productivity dips. Ashar prayer at ~15:30. Motorbike traffic picks up after 16:00 as people head home.
18:00–21:00
Evening
Maghrib prayer at sunset (~18:00) marks the transition. Dinner around 19:00. Malls and food courts are busy 18:00–21:00 — air conditioning and cheap food.
21:00–00:00
Night
Most Indonesians home by 22:00. Night markets active until 23:00. Bali has a distinct expat nightlife scene; Jakarta has clubs and rooftop bars in SCBD district.
Food Culture
Warung Food
USD 1.50 - 3.00Small family-owned eateries. Nasi Campur is the king of student meals.
Look for warungs that are busy with locals; the food will be fresh and cheap.
Nasi Goreng
IDR 15,000–40,000 / EUR 0.90–2.50Indonesian fried rice seasoned with kecap manis (sweet soy), shallots, garlic, and chilli — topped with a fried egg. One of the most universally loved Indonesian dishes.
Night warungs near campuses serve nasi goreng until 2am — cheap, fast, and filling after evening study sessions.
Mie Goreng
IDR 12,000–35,000 / EUR 0.75–2.20Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, egg, and choice of protein — a close rival to nasi goreng as the most commonly eaten quick meal in Indonesia.
Instant mie goreng (Indomie brand) is a student staple — found in every minimarket for under IDR 5,000.
Sate (satay)
IDR 20,000–50,000 / EUR 1.20–3Skewered and grilled marinated meat — chicken, beef, goat, or lamb — served with peanut sauce and rice cakes (lontong). One of the most internationally recognised Indonesian dishes.
Sate carts at the roadside at night serve the most authentic versions; order extra peanut sauce (kacang) at no extra cost.
Gado-gado
IDR 15,000–35,000 / EUR 0.90–2.20Indonesian salad of boiled vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled egg, dressed in a rich peanut sauce. A hearty and nutritious vegetarian-friendly dish.
Gado-gado is one of the best-value vegetarian meals in Indonesia — filling, cheap, and available at most warungs.
Rendang
IDR 25,000–60,000 / EUR 1.50–3.70Slow-cooked dry beef curry in a rich blend of coconut milk and spices — originally from West Sumatra and considered one of the most flavourful dishes in the world.
Rendang keeps well and is often served at Padang restaurants (nasi Padang style) where you only pay for what you take.
Dos and Don'ts
Do
Smile often; Indonesians are among the world's friendliest people.
Learn 'Terima Kasih' (thank you), 'Permisi' (excuse me), and basic numbers in Bahasa Indonesia — locals appreciate the effort and it helps enormously in markets and transport.
Bargain politely in traditional markets (pasar), but never in pharmacies, malls, or minimarkets — fixed-price shops have no negotiation culture.
Register with your campus international office within 48 hours of arrival — they handle immigration reporting, ITAS formalities, and clinic referrals.
Get a local SIM (Telkomsel, Indosat, or XL) with data within 24 hours — WhatsApp is how everyone from landlords to lecturers communicates, and you will need a +62 number for Gojek/Grab and e-wallets.
Set up GoPay or OVO e-wallet for food, transport, and merchant payments — daily discounts and promos make it cheaper than cash for many purchases.
Bring enough cash from ATM in cities — smaller towns, markets, and warungs are still cash-dominant.
Pack a rain jacket or small umbrella for every day out — sudden heavy rain is daily in the wet season (October to April) and not unusual in the dry season.
Don't
Do not drink tap water — use bottled or filtered water even for brushing teeth.
Do not use your left hand to touch others, eat, or hand over objects — it is considered unclean in Indonesian culture.
Do not lose your temper in public — 'saving face' matters deeply, and visible frustration damages relationships and makes admin worse.
Do not ride a motorbike without a proper helmet and insurance — scooter accidents are common and most travel policies exclude motorbike incidents without specific coverage.
Do not enter mosques or religious sites in shorts or without covering shoulders — carry a sarong or scarf if you plan to visit temples or kampung areas.
Do not take photos of people, ceremonies, or military sites without permission — especially on Bali (during Nyepi or temple ceremonies) and in rural communities.
Do not leave housing or visa admin to the last minute — ITAS processing and campus dormitory allocation move slowly and the international office queue fills early.
Do not assume Bali rules apply elsewhere — conservative dress, alcohol access, and religious norms vary substantially between Bali, Java, Sumatra, and other islands.
Lifestyle & Travel
Borobudur and Prambanan temple visit
Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple on Earth. Student entry USD 25 (combo with Prambanan). Sunrise tour from USD 40 all-inclusive. Once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Learn more
Bali rice terrace trek
UNESCO Subak irrigation system. Tegallalang terraces free to walk (small donation). Jatiluwih UNESCO entry IDR 20,000. Rent motorbike IDR 70,000/day to explore.
Learn more
Komodo National Park
See wild Komodo dragons — largest lizards on Earth. Liveaboard tours 2-3 nights from USD 120. Pink Beach and Manta Point snorkelling included. UNESCO site.
Learn more
Surf lessons in Bali
Bali is one of the best learn-to-surf destinations in the world. Group lessons from USD 20 including board. Canggu has the best intermediate waves and student scene.
Learn more
Jakarta street food night tour
Jakarta night markets: bakso (meatball soup) IDR 15,000, nasi goreng IDR 20,000, es teler IDR 8,000. Kota Tua colonial area is free to walk. Total dinner budget: IDR 80,000.
Learn more
Bromo volcano sunrise trek
Pre-dawn trek or jeep to the crater rim for sunrise over the sea of volcanic sand. Tour from Surabaya or Malang from USD 40. Otherworldly landscape.
Learn more
Ubud cultural immersion
Bali arts capital: batik painting classes (USD 10), traditional dance performances (USD 8), cooking classes (USD 20). Monkey Forest free for KTP holders.
Learn more
Raja Ampat snorkelling
Highest marine biodiversity on Earth — 600+ coral species. Budget liveaboards from USD 100/night. Entry permit USD 35/visit. For adventurous students with time.
Learn moreFestival Calendar
chill
Moves each year
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
Nationwide
Class schedules, opening hours, travel prices, and social rhythm change. Book intercity travel very early before Eid.
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March, date varies
Nyepi
Bali
A full island day of silence. No airport operations and very limited movement, so plan food and travel in advance.
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June-July (1 month)
Bali Arts Festival
Denpasar, Bali
Month-long showcase of Balinese dance, music, crafts, and food. Most performances free or under USD 5. Grand parade opens the festival.
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February/March
Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival
Jakarta (JIExpo)
One of Asia largest jazz festivals. 3-day pass from USD 60. 100+ acts, international headliners, Indonesian talent. Strong student community.
chill
May (full moon)
Waisak (Vesak Day) at Borobudur
Borobudur, Yogyakarta
Buddhist celebration at Borobudur with candle procession, meditation, and lantern release. One of Indonesia most beautiful ceremonies. Special entry required.
Travel Tips
- GoJek and Grab are essential apps — motorbike taxi (ojek) is 3x cheaper than car in cities. Download on day 1.
- Drink only bottled or filtered water everywhere. Many restaurants and warung (small eateries) have free filtered water if you ask.
- SIM card: Telkomsel or XL best network coverage nationwide. Tourist SIM with 50GB data costs IDR 100,000 (~EUR 6).
- Register your foreign passport with local police (POLRI) within 30 days of arrival — university international office can help.
- Rupiah (IDR): 1 EUR = approximately 17,000 IDR. Always have small bills for warung, angkot (minibus), and markets.
Benefits & Scholarships
Personalize this layer
Add where you currently study in your profile to separate incoming support from outgoing scholarships.
Support is clearer once we separate incoming help from outgoing mobility money.
Useful either way
Support and discounts that still matter even if you are not in a strict incoming or outgoing case.
Campus canteen pricing
The biggest daily saving is eating on or near campus: warung and kantin meals are usually much cheaper than malls, beach clubs, or delivery-heavy expat areas.
Host university / local canteens
Official sourceLocal e-wallet ecosystem
GoPay, OVO, ShopeePay, and bank QR payments unlock everyday discounts, food delivery promos, and transport convenience. Setup depends on SIM, local number, and sometimes bank verification.
Local payment platforms
Official sourceASEAN and university scholarships
Scholarships are usually university-led rather than one simple national exchange grant. Check the host university international office early, especially for UI, ITB, UGM, Binus, and Udayana.
Host universities
Official sourceVisa Requirements
Difficulty: ComplexStudent visa / Limited Stay Visa for education, followed by ITAS/KITAS process
The Indonesian host university normally acts as sponsor and helps obtain the study permit and visa approval before arrival. After arrival, students complete immigration reporting and temporary stay permit formalities with the international office.
Check with host university before using visitor visa
Do not assume a visitor visa is acceptable for study. Short summer schools and exchange programmes differ by sponsor, campus, and length.
Application Checklist
5 steps-
1
Get the official Letter of Acceptance and ask the international office which visa route your programme uses.
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2
Confirm who is the sponsor; most student routes require the Indonesian university to handle or initiate documents.
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3
Prepare passport scan, proof of funds, health/insurance documents, photo, and any study permit paperwork requested by the university.
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4
After arrival, follow the campus instructions for immigration reporting, biometric appointments, and ITAS/KITAS conversion.
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5
Do not work on a student stay permit unless your university and immigration status explicitly allow it.
Health & Healthcare
How It Works
Indonesia has a national health insurance scheme (BPJS Kesehatan) for residents, but exchange students are generally not enrolled in it and rely instead on private insurance or university health coverage. Private international hospitals in Jakarta (RSPI Pondok Indah, Siloam Hospitals, Eka Hospital) and Bali (BIMC Nusa Dua, BIMC Kuta) provide care comparable to Western standards, but costs without insurance are high — USD 100-300 for a consultation. Public hospitals (Rumah Sakit Umum, RSU) offer lower-cost care but English is often limited and waiting times are long. For most exchange students, the host university campus clinic (klinik kampus) is the primary first-contact point for minor illness.
Student Needs
All students: arrange comprehensive private health insurance before departure — cover should include emergency hospitalisation, repatriation, and outpatient care at private hospitals. Your visa sponsor (host university) may require proof of insurance. Register with your university campus clinic immediately after arrival — it handles routine consultations, vaccinations, and referrals for enrolled students. Recommended vaccinations before arrival: hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus (check with your own doctor for up-to-date guidance). Pharmacies (apotek) are widely available and sell common medicines without prescription — Kimia Farma and K-24 are nationwide chains open 24 hours.
Emergency vs Clinic
Call 112 for general emergencies, 119 for ambulance specifically. In Jakarta and Bali, going directly to the nearest reputable private hospital emergency department is often faster than waiting for an ambulance. For non-urgent care, use your campus clinic first, then ask the international office for referrals to English-speaking private clinics nearby.
Public Coverage Notes
BPJS Kesehatan is not available to most short-stay exchange students — private insurance is the standard.
Private hospital costs without insurance: USD 100-300 consultation, USD 500-2,000+ per hospitalisation night — ensure your policy covers Indonesia specifically.
Campus clinics (klinik kampus) at major universities (UI, UGM, ITB, Binus) are free or low-cost for enrolled exchange students.
Emergency
112 (general emergency), 110 (police), 118/119 (ambulance)EXTRA: Culture Shock & Apps
High Culture Shock Expected
This destination may feel different from Western campus routines. The apps and advice below are high-impact setup items for everyday student life.
The ultimate Indonesian super-app. Essential for GoRide (bike taxis to beat traffic), GoFood, and payments.
Strong competitor to Gojek. Essential in Bali and for longer car trips.
Best for booking local flights and trains across the archipelago.
The standard for all communication, including business and university groups.
Cities to Explore
Jakarta
Indonesia's serious urban exchange base: best for Universitas Indonesia and business/ASEAN-focused students who can handle traffic, humidity, malls, commuter rail, and a…
Open City Guide
Bali
A beautiful but non-traditional study base: Bali works best for students tied to Udayana or a short Asia programme who want tropical…
Open City Guide