7 Top Universities in Indonesia for International Students

Even though Indonesia is less explored compared to its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, it’s still the biggest archipelago in the world. You can find many public and private higher education institutions around Indonesia, and the Ministry of Education and Culture oversees each and every one of them. So if you want to study in Indonesia, you’re in the right place. This article discusses the best universities in Indonesia that accept international students.   

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Is Indonesia Good for International Students? 

The short answer is yes. Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s major economies. International students can obtain a top-notch education at a reasonable cost. There are over 6,000 foreign students in Indonesian universities and other higher education institutions. Eight universities from Indonesia are listed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. 

The majority of international students study humanities, literature, engineering, medicine, and pharmacy. Due to Indonesia’s status as the world’s largest Muslim nation, many people also pursue Islamic studies. Most universities use Bahasa Indonesia as their primary language, but there are also programs offered in English. If a university in Indonesia accepts international students, it’s likely they will provide language instruction to foreign students. 

7 Top Universities in Indonesia for International Students 

So, if you’re an international student, which top universities should you aim for? Check out our list below! 

1. University of Indonesia (UI) 

As the top university in Indonesia, the University of Indonesia is a public university with campuses in West Java and Jakarta founded in 1924. Many still consider UI the best university in Indonesia, as evidenced by the high number of applicants each year. Based on their Instagram account, there are three most popular faculties for foreign students: - The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) - The Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) - The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) 

2. Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Gadjah Mada University (UGM)

Located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, is another top university in Indonesia. For international students, UGM offers their best majors in the Faculty of Economics and Business. This is the only faculty to receive accreditation from the AACSB, which allows students to connect with more of the world’s top business schools. 

3. Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) 

Both domestic and international students are welcome to enroll in the International Undergraduate Program at this top university in Indonesia. Since 2022, ITB has admitted new students through ITB International Class and ITB International Track. For more information on the program and available courses, visit the ITB’s website. 

4. Bina Nusantara University (BINUS) 

Being a Christian institution, BINUS’ faith in God fuels its commitment to changing lives. As a result, they steadfastly pursue basic principles, including respect, integrity, cooperation, and perseverance. BINUS welcomes international students in their highly popular all-English degree programs offered by BINUS International and BINUS Business School. 

5. Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) 

As the name suggests, IPB is the best university in Indonesia, mainly focusing on agriculture. It has various colleges and departments related to agriculture and more, including animal sciences, forestry, fisheries and marine science, human ecology, and veterinary medicine. There are a few programs that admit international students: Food Science and Technology (ITP), Agroindustrial Engineering (TIN), Marine Science and Technology (ITK), and Business. 

6. Airlangga University (UNAIR) 

Thanks to its efforts to combat COVID-19 in Indonesia, UNAIR has more credibility than before. You can see detailed information about UNAIR’s International Undergraduate Programme here, where Medicine and Dental Medicine have the biggest admission capacity. 

7. Telkom University (Tel-U) 

Established in 2013 under PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia, the biggest telecommunication industry in Indonesia, Tel-U is a top private university in Indonesia. Even Webometrics declared Tel-U the No. 1 Private University. Tel-U is Indonesia’s first university to concentrate on the ICT (information and communication technology) field. International students can choose from the available 33 study programs across seven faculties.   

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And that’s our recommendation for international students looking for the top university in Indonesia. To make your life as a foreign student comfortable, ensure you have enough stipends for your monthly expenses. You can quickly transfer abroad using Flip Globe, making receiving transfers from your family easier. The international money transfer can be processed immediately after you confirm via SMS sent by the Flip partner. In most cases, funds will arrive in 1x24 hours. Start using Flip now!