The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelagic country located off the coast of mainland Southeast Asia, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is known for its temples, beaches, and diverse cultures. In addition to being a popular travel destination, Indonesia has a large and varied higher education system. Higher education institutions can take the form of academies, polytechnics, tertiary schools, institutes, and universities. In this article, we will look at practical ways international students can reduce their costs and, in some cases, study in Indonesia for free.
How to Study in Indonesia for Free
1. Prepare the Application with Care
If you have chosen to graduate from an Indonesian university, you should pay close attention to your application. It should be clear, well-organized, proofread several times, and focused on showing your strongest qualities as a potential student.
Before academic staff have the chance to meet you in person, they will usually judge your eligibility based on the application you provide. Work hard to create a strong submission: maintain a competitive GPA, attach relevant awards or certificates, prepare a strong personal statement or cover letter if the institution requires one, and make sure every document follows the university’s instructions. A strong application is one of the best ways to improve your chances of admission and scholarship funding.
2. Get the Paperwork Ready Early
Because admissions and immigration requirements vary by university and program, it is best to prepare your documents well in advance. Choose your preferred program early so you can review the entry requirements, language requirements, deadlines, and scholarship conditions before you apply.
You should also check the latest Indonesian visa rules before making travel plans. Indonesia’s official eVisa information for education-related stays lists required documents such as a passport valid for at least six months, proof of living expenses of at least US$2,000 or the equivalent, a recent color photograph, a curriculum vitae, a travel itinerary, a guarantee letter from an Indonesian citizen or the educational institution, and an acceptance letter that states the length of your study. Current education-related stay options are listed as up to one year, two years, or four years, with official visa fees of IDR 6,000,000, IDR 8,500,000, and IDR 12,000,000 respectively. Students should also note that this visa category does not allow work, employment, selling goods or services, or receiving wages in Indonesia.
3. Look for Universities in Indonesia with Lower Tuition Fees
Attending an affordable university in Indonesia can be a step in the right direction toward studying for free, especially if you combine lower tuition with scholarships. Tuition fees vary widely by university, program, level of study, and whether the program is a regular or international program, so it is better to check current official fee pages than to rely on a single national average.
For example, the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Indonesia lists different tuition and admission fees for foreign nationals depending on the program. Universitas Gadjah Mada lists 2025 foreign undergraduate tuition fees ranging from IDR 15,100,000 to IDR 67,000,000 per semester for listed programs, with some programs also requiring a one-time institutional development fee. Institut Teknologi Bandung’s 2026 International Undergraduate Program fee information lists tuition fees of IDR 24,500,000 to IDR 30,000,000 per semester, plus a one-time institutional development contribution. Before applying, always confirm the latest fees on the university’s official website and ask whether scholarships, tuition waivers, or installment plans are available.
4. Receive Help from the Government
Some students may be able to receive support from their home country’s government, but eligibility is not guaranteed and varies by nationality, destination, degree level, and field of study. To find out what is available, check the website of your national education ministry, student-aid agency, scholarship council, or study-abroad office. You can also contact the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your country for guidance on scholarships and student mobility programs.
5. Make Sure to Apply for Scholarships in Indonesian universities
Since tuition and living costs can vary significantly, scholarships are one of the most important ways to make study in Indonesia more affordable. The Indonesian Government’s KNB Scholarship is offered to eligible international students from developing countries for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at Indonesian universities. Current KNB guidance says the scholarship may include tuition fees, monthly living expenses, an arrival allowance, book and research allowance, publication assistance, transportation for arrival and return after graduation, and monthly health insurance, subject to the scholarship’s terms and conditions.
Universities may also offer their own forms of financial aid. For example, Institut Teknologi Bandung states that its scholarships are generally divided into need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships, with support coming from ITB, public funds, private donations, and government funds. Getting scholarships from universities in Indonesia is a very effective way to reduce your study costs, so take your time, research different opportunities, and apply according to each scholarship’s rules and deadlines.
6. Apply for an External Funding
External scholarships can also help, but you should always confirm whether a specific award can be used at an Indonesian university. The Rotary Foundation and Rotary clubs offer scholarship opportunities, including global grant scholarships for graduate students studying abroad in one of Rotary’s areas of focus. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program supports eligible developing-country nationals applying to selected master’s programs in development-related fields; however, its 2026 participating programs are specific programs in partner universities, so applicants should verify whether their intended Indonesian program is eligible before relying on this funding source.
There are many other scholarships and organizations that may offer support. Review eligibility carefully, especially nationality rules, required work experience, field-of-study restrictions, participating university lists, and whether the scholarship covers tuition, living costs, travel, insurance, or only part of the total cost.
7. Submit your application to universities in Indonesia
In most cases, the submission process is manageable if you follow the university’s instructions carefully. Read the admissions page for your chosen program, prepare documents in the requested format, and meet every deadline. Some universities also charge non-refundable application or registration fees, so include those costs in your budget.
Stay in touch with the institution at all times. Check your email regularly, respond quickly to document requests, and contact the university if there is an unexpected delay in correspondence. This is also a good time to research accommodation, health insurance, and arrival procedures. Do not rely on part-time work to cover your costs unless you have confirmed that your immigration status legally allows it.
8. Lower the Costs of Living
The cost of living in Indonesia depends heavily on the city, your accommodation, and your lifestyle. For Depok, Universitas Indonesia estimates a monthly student budget of IDR 9,200,000, or about USD 550. This estimate includes off-campus housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, communication and internet, personal needs, and incidentals. UI also lists boarding rooms around the Depok campus at about IDR 1,000,000 to IDR 1,500,000 per month, while UI dormitory rooms are listed at about IDR 200,000 to IDR 500,000 per month.
Costs may be lower in some student cities and higher in larger or tourist-heavy areas. Universitas Gadjah Mada notes that exclusive dorms in Yogyakarta commonly cost around US$80 to US$170 per month. To reduce expenses, plan your budget before arrival, compare housing options, limit unnecessary spending, use public transportation when possible, and keep extra funds available for visa fees, health insurance, books, and travel.
I hope this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Scholarships Page and Available Courses for International Students!
