Exchange guide Universitas Indonesia
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Universitas Indonesia in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Snapshot
Indonesia's top-ranked university (QS ~206, founded 1849) with 50,000 students on a self-contained green campus — strong in medicine, engineering, law, and social sciences, in Southeast Asia's largest and most dynamic megacity.
Why students shortlist it
Public university with a large green Depok campus near Jakarta and a health campus in Salemba. Good fit for students seeking Southeast Asian urban life with exchange options in engineering, economics, law, public health, humanities and social sciences.
Teaching languages: Indonesian/Bahasa Indonesia (primary); English-taught courses and programmes available for exchange students
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.
Exchange Basics
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.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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
| 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 – EU/EEA | 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 – non-EU | 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
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes.
EHIC Accepted
No
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.
Campus Services
Student Life
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 Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active bilateral agreement between home university and UI. English-track availability by faculty.
Nomination (Odd semester)
May 31
Home coordinator nominates to UI OIA.
KITAS visa
8 weeks before arrival
Apply at Indonesian embassy with UI support letter — allow 8 weeks minimum.
International Orientation
August/September
Attend — KITAS registration, student card, campus system, and social on-ramp.
Idul Fitri (Lebaran)
Variable (Islamic calendar)
Campus and city quiet during Lebaran — many businesses close. Plan travel or join local family celebrations.