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The Indonesian educational system is ranked the fourth largest in the world. According to statistics, Indonesia has 122 state universities. These universities had around 2.9 million students in 2020.

Students who want to chase their educational goals in another country and choose Indonesia will have to apply for an Indonesia Student Visa.

The process of getting an Indonesian Student Visa comprises several permits. Essential permits that international students must receive are:A study permit, An entrance visa, A residence permit.

How to Apply for an Indonesia Student Visa?

First, students must be accepted at an Indonesian university and receive an invitation letter. Next, students must:

Indonesia Student Visa Requirements and application 
  • Contact the Indonesian Ministry of Education and get approved for a Study Permit
  • Visit an Indonesian Embassy and request a VITAS (entry visa)
  • Visit the Immigration Department in Indonesia and change the VITAS into a KITAS (limited stay permit)
  • Get a Police Registration Card

Here are details about each step:

Contacting the Indonesian Ministry of Education

This is the first step after getting an invitation from an Indonesian university. The university should help students by issuing their acceptance certificate when students contact the Ministry of Education in Indonesia to perpetuate the process. The documents you need when you apply for a Study Permit from the Ministry of Education include:

  • Copies of students’ passports (three copies)
  • A copy of the University Recommendation Letter
  • A copy of the student’s Letter of Acceptance/Invitation
  • The application form (must be filled out completely)
  • A recommendation letter from the representative of the Indonesian Embassy in the student’s country
  • A copy of the student’s academic records and educational certificates
  • Student’s Curriculum Vitae (Latin for “course of life”) or CV
  • Two photographs (must be passport-sized)
  • A piece of evidence proves the student can cover their expenses, such as a Financial Guarantee Letter or a sponsorship certificate.
  • Health-related certificates

After the Ministry of Education inspects these documents and approves them, they will issue student study permit forms. Then, students must send their Study Permit form to the Immigration Department Head Office. This office is located in Jakarta (the dynamic capital city of Indonesia).

Visiting an Indonesian Embassy for VITAS

The Immigration Department Head Office sends a letter to the Indonesian Embassy where students can apply for an Indonesian student visa (VITAS).

The required documents for an Indonesia Student Visa are:

  • A copy of the student’s passport
  • A copy of the student’s study permit
  • A copy of the Letter of Recommendation from the student’s Indonesian university ( this letter must be addressed to the Directorate of Immigration)
  • A copy of the Acceptance Letter from the student’s Indonesian university
  • A copy of the student’s academic records and educational certificates
  • Student’s Curriculum Vitae (Latin for “course of life”) or CV
  • Two pictures ( must be passport-sized and 4×6 cm)
  • A piece of evidence proves the student can cover their expenses, such as a Financial Guarantee Letter or a sponsorship certificate.
  • Health-related certificates

Here are different steps of applying for VITAS. Students:

  1. Have to learn about the visa application requirements. Then, they make an in-person appointment at the Embassy or visit their website.
  2. Have to gather the essential documents for the Indonesia student visa.
  3. Have to pay the Indonesia student visa fee.
  4. have to submit the documents at the Indonesian Embassy (either by mail or by in-person visiting).
  5. When the Indonesian Embassy reaches a decision, they contact students to go back and collect their passport and documents. (If students apply by mail, the Embassy will mail the documents back to students).

Visiting the Immigration Department to change the VITAS into a KITAS

VITAS is a temporary visa. After students arrive in Indonesia, they have to make an appointment at the Immigration Department in 30 days. They have to change their VITAS to KITAS (temporary residence permit). Students have to go to the Immigration Offices in Indonesia, pay the required fee, and get the ITAS Stamp on their passports.

Here is the list of required documents to apply for a KITAS regarding an Indonesia student visa:

  • Student’s  passport
  • Student’s Letter of Acceptance
  • Student’s Certificate of Sponsorship from the university
  • A copy of the telex visa
  • A copy of the Study Permit
  • Student’s CV
  • Student’s academic reports and educational certificate
  • A piece of evidence that proves the student can cover their expenses from their parents, legal guardians, or a sponsor

Note: Telex visa is a letter of approval from the Directorate General of Immigration to the Indonesian Embassy. This letter is used to issue visas for foreigners.

Getting a Police Registration Card

After students receive their KITAS, they have to go to the local police department and get the STM (Police Report Letter). Then, they need to register with the local municipality’s population office in order to receive their SKPPS (Certificate of Registration for Temporary Resident).

Here is a list of the required documents:

  • A Letter of request from your university for receiving the Police Registration Card
  • The recommendation letter or the Certificate of Sponsorship from the university
  • A copy of the student’s passport and KITAS
  • Passport-size pictures

How Long is the Indonesia Student Visa Valid?

The entire process of receiving an Indonesian student visa can take about two months. The validity of the Indonesian student visa depends on the duration of the student’s courses. A VITAS visa is valid for up to six months, while a KITAS can be valid for up to one year.

Can students extend an Indonesia Student Visa?

Yes. An Indonesian student visa can be extended for the entire duration of a student’s studies. Students need to be careful about their KITAS. If their KITAS is valid for six months, then they have to renew it every six months. If their KITAS is issued for one year, then they have to renew it every year.

Can students Work With an Indonesia Student Visa?

No. A KITAS for an Indonesia student visa does not allow students to work in Indonesia.

What Is the Fee for an Indonesia Student Visa?

The fees students have to pay for each permit of an Indonesian student visa are:

  • Study Permit: 0.039 USD or IDR 550.000
  • Approval letter from the Immigration Department: 0.000046 USD or .650.000 IDR
  • KITAS:
    • Six months: 29.47 USD or 420,000 IDR
    • One year: 54.03 USD or 770,000 IDR
  • Limited Stay Visa:
    • Six months: 50 USD or 712577.56 IDR
    • One year: 90 USD or 1282639.62 IDR
    • Two years: 160 USD or 2280248.21 IDR

Note: IDR stands for “Indonesian Rupiah” which is Indonesian currency. Every IDR is 0.000070 USD.

Let’s sum up…

Indonesia is the fourth country in terms of its educational system. In addition, Indonesia student visa fees are reasonably priced, making it a perfect opportunity for many students to benefit from its low cost. In this article, we explained about the Indonesia student visa, how to apply for it, and its requirements.

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