Exchange guide Universitas Indonesia
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Universitas Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Study abroad at Universitas Indonesia (UI): overview
Study abroad at Universitas Indonesia (UI) makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. Universitas Indonesia (UI), founded in 1849 and re-established in its current form in 1950, is consistently Indonesia's highest-ranked university (QS #206 in 2026). Useful proof points: Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Medicine and Public Health, Engineering and Computer Science, Law and Social Sciences. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
Visible university community; verify the current headcount on the official page.
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Medicine and Public Health, Engineering and Computer Science, Law and Social Sciences and are willing to check language, seats, campus rules and housing before choosing.
Language of instruction: Indonesian/Bahasa Indonesia (primary); English-taught courses and programmes available for exchange students
Exchange & application at Universitas Indonesia (UI)
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At Universitas Indonesia (UI), rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
Exchange document
Fact Sheet Universitas Indonesia 2025 2026.pdf
Host-university document shared through UAB partner materials. Check the academic year and faculty scope before applying.
✅Requirements
Nomination or direct application, transcript, learning agreement, English proof, KITAS/visa documents, and comprehensive travel insurance.
📨Nomination Process
Home international office nominates to UI's Office of International Affairs (OIA). UI contacts student directly.
🛂Visa Support
Indonesia requires KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas — Limited Stay Permit) for study stays over 60 days. UI OIA provides visa support letter. Apply at Indonesian embassy — allow 8 weeks.
👥Buddy System
UI Buddy Programme pairs exchange students with Indonesian student volunteers from relevant faculties.
🧭Orientation Week
UI International Student Orientation at semester start — campus tour, KITAS registration guidance, academic briefing.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Odd semester (Sep–Jan) | May 31 | June 30 |
| Even semester (Feb–Jun) | November 30 | December 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- Arrange KITAS before arrival — apply at Indonesian embassy with UI visa support letter (allow 8 weeks minimum).
- Register with UI OIA within first 3 days — KITAS registration and student card.
- Get Indonesian SIM card (Telkomsel or Indosat Ooredoo) — very affordable data packages.
- Download Gojek and Grab apps — essential for transport, food delivery, and daily logistics in Jakarta.
Academics & courses at Universitas Indonesia (UI)
Academics combine credits, exam calendars and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, the real teaching language of each course and whether course lists can change before enrolment.
📝Course Registration
Course registration via UI's SIAK-NG system after admission. English-taught courses listed separately for international students. Build backup list — popular courses fill quickly.
🎓Credit System
Indonesia uses SKS (Satuan Kredit Semester). UI provides ECTS equivalences. Typically 1 SKS = ~1.5–2 ECTS. Full semester = 18–24 SKS.
💯Grading System
Indonesian letter grade: A (4.0) = 80–100, B+ (3.5) = 75–79, B (3.0) = 70–74, C (2.0) = 60–69. Grade conversion provided.
✍️Exam Culture
Midterm (UTS) and final exams (UAS) plus coursework. Engineering and science faculties are exam-heavy; social sciences include essays and presentations.
📚Library Access
UI Central Library (Perpustakaan UI) — one of Indonesia's largest with strong digital access. Open 7 days with student card.
Tuition & fees at Universitas Indonesia (UI)
For exchange, separate home tuition, local admin fees, insurance and living costs. Full-degree tuition is a different category and must be checked on the official fee page.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 to UI (pay home institution fees only) | Bilateral exchange students pay no tuition to UI. Jakarta living costs: €400–700/month — very affordable for a major Asian capital. |
| Full degree – international student | IDR 20,000,000–50,000,000/year (~€1,200–3,000) | UI is a public Indonesian university — international fee rates much lower than comparable Asian universities. |
| Full degree – international (higher programmes) | IDR 50,000,000–120,000,000/year (~€3,000–7,000) | Graduate and medical programmes higher. Indonesia LPDP and DIKTI scholarships available for international applicants. |
€0 to UI (pay home institution fees only)
Bilateral exchange students pay no tuition to UI. Jakarta living costs: €400–700/month — very affordable for a major Asian capital.
IDR 20,000,000–50,000,000/year (~€1,200–3,000)
UI is a public Indonesian university — international fee rates much lower than comparable Asian universities.
IDR 50,000,000–120,000,000/year (~€3,000–7,000)
Graduate and medical programmes higher. Indonesia LPDP and DIKTI scholarships available for international applicants.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Universitas Indonesia (UI)
Housing near Universitas Indonesia (UI) should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Jakarta
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Universitas Indonesia (UI)
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin mistakes from becoming blockers.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes.
🏥Campus Clinic
UI Campus Clinic (Klinik UI) — primary care, vaccination, and basic dental on campus.
🧠Mental Health
UI Counselling Centre (Pusat Konseling UI) — free psychological support for enrolled students.
BPJS Kesehatan (national insurance)
~IDR 150,000–300,000/month (~€9–18)
Excellent value for stays over 1 month. Register through UI OIA or directly.
International private insurance
€200–400/year
Recommended for comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation and repatriation.
Student life at Universitas Indonesia (UI)
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, ESN or faculty groups. Do not wait for the campus to do all the work; join repeated channels early.
Student Clubs
- BEM UI
- 100+ student clubs
- UI Choir
- UI Sport clubs
Buddy Program
UI Buddy Programme pairs exchange students with Indonesian student volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- UI Sport facilities (gym, swimming pool, tennis, badminton, football)
- Cycling around UI Depok campus lake
- Weekend trips to Puncak hill resort (1.5 hours) or Thousand Islands (3 hours)
Your First 2 Weeks
- Register with UI OIA on Day 1 — KITAS registration, student card, and campus system access.
- Download Gojek and Grab immediately — essential for navigating Jakarta affordably.
- Explore UI's campus lake by bike — one of the most beautiful tropical campuses in Asia.
- Visit Kota Tua (Old Batavia) on a weekend — Jakarta's colonial Dutch quarter is a 30-min commute and remarkable.
Key exchange dates at Universitas Indonesia (UI)
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Before nomination
Confirm active bilateral agreement between home university and UI. English-track availability by faculty.
-
2
Nomination (Odd semester)
May 31
Home coordinator nominates to UI OIA.
-
3
KITAS visa
8 weeks before arrival
Apply at Indonesian embassy with UI support letter — allow 8 weeks minimum.
-
4
International Orientation
August/September
Attend — KITAS registration, student card, campus system, and social on-ramp.
-
5
Idul Fitri (Lebaran)
Variable (Islamic calendar)
Campus and city quiet during Lebaran — many businesses close. Plan travel or join local family celebrations.