15 Cheapest Universities in Indonesia for International Students

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In Indonesia, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Indonesia without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Indonesia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 149 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Indonesia, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Indonesia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Indonesia ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Gadjah Mada University 46,000 Rp - 100,000 Rp 100%
Bandung Islamic University 1,600,000 Rp - 10,000,000 Rp 93%
University of Indonesia 2,000,000 Rp - 54,000,000 Rp 91%
Sultan Thaha Saifuddin State Islamic University 4,600,000 Rp 78%
Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya 6,528,600 Rp - 8,254,500 Rp 69%
University of North Sumatra 8,000,000 Rp - 37,500,000 Rp 62%
University of Islam Malang 8,400,000 Rp - 28,600,000 Rp 60%
Bina Darma University 10,800,000 Rp - 12,800,000 Rp 48%
Yogyakarta State University 12,000,000 Rp 43%
Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta 12,063,000 Rp - 15,750,000 Rp 42%
University of Jember 13,100,000 Rp - 27,000,000 Rp 37%
State University of Malang 15,000,000 Rp 28%
Telkom University 16,000,000 Rp - 36,000,000 Rp 23%
Indonesia University of Education 20,000,000 Rp 4%
Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Denpasar 20,000,000 Rp 4%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 20,696,900 Rp for universities in Indonesia.

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1. Gadjah Mada University

Gadjah Mada University, also known as Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia, is one of the country’s finest institutions. It has earned its place not just among elite national universities but also in the rankings of the world’s best institutions. This feat is possible through decades of experience, especially as Gadjah Mada is considered Indonesia’s oldest university.

Many programs are offered at Gadjah Mada University for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and specialist students. They may either be English or Bahasa-taught. Specific programs may also have tracks, like international exposure, that open more opportunities for admitted individuals.

2. Bandung Islamic University

Bandung Islamic University (UNISBA) aims to produce leaders, researchers, and pioneers in Islamic scientific society. This vision is described in its motto, ‘Mujahid, mujtahid, mujaddid’, which translates directly to ‘leader, researcher, pioneer.’ It is one of the oldest private universities in Indonesia. The university offers several programs in different fields, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, and has an acceptance rate of 25%, making it a highly competitive school.

3. University of Indonesia

Located in the capital city of Jakarta, the University of Indonesia is known as the top university in the country and ranks among the top universities in the world. Its logo represents knowledge as a tree that gives rise to new learnings and the results of knowledge as water, which flows in different directions. The university also takes pride in having over 250 international partners with which it conducts mobility and research programs. 

4. Sultan Thaha Saifuddin State Islamic University

Sultan Thaha Saifuddin State Islamic University was established in 1967 and is a pioneer Islamic higher educational institution in the province of Jambi. It has received several national and international recognitions for its outstanding research and social impact. The university aims to contribute to the development of the region and impart an international perspective and entrepreneurial spirit to its graduates.

5. Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya

Established by the Muhammadiyah Foundation in East Java, the Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya is a private non-profit university that started as a collection of several existing institutions of higher education. The university is research-oriented, having partnered with several other institutions of higher learning all over the world as well as many leaders in the industry to facilitate the improvement of their research and teaching as well. Located in Surabaya, a modern and culturally-rich city in Indonesia, Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya provides a conducive and lively environment for its students to grow personally and fully immerse themselves in the culture of the people.

6. University of North Sumatra

The University of North Sumatra is one of the most elite universities in Indonesia, particularly in the northern region of Sumatra. The university came to fruition through the establishment of Universitas Sumatera Utara Foundation, where the leaders, during that time, proposed to build a first-class higher education school for the people of North Sumatra. Since its inception, it has transformed countless lives, which has also led to contributing to the significant developments of the local society.

7. University of Islam Malang

The University of Islam Malang was founded in 1981 by Islamic scholars with the vision of establishing an independent, innovative, and internationally-competitive university. It comprises 10 faculties that offer high-quality programs in various areas of knowledge. The university also collaborates with different institutions overseas to conduct student exchange programs, joint projects, conferences, and other activities.

8. Bina Darma University

Bina Darma University (UBD) was established by the Bina Darma foundation and has been in operation as a private institution of higher learning since 1993. The university is equipped with modern facilities to facilitate proper learning for its students. UBD is one of the many great choices for higher education in Indonesia as it offers admission at an acceptance rate of 75% and also offers scholarships for students to attend school there.

9. Yogyakarta State University

Yogyakarta State University, or Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), was established in 1964 to educate competent Indonesian teachers. After several years of solely focusing on training educators, it was eventually granted university status in 1999. This has led to reforming its faculties and departments to develop study programs in other fields of study, including social sciences, engineering, and economics.

10. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta

The Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta is one of the 164 universities established by the Muhammadiyah, a major Islamic non-governmental organization. Abbreviated as UMS, the university offers 42 study programs and two international programs, as well as professional programs for people already practicing in their various industries. UMS has been included in lists such as the 50 Promising Indonesian Universities, a testament to its continued effort toward becoming a first-rate university.

11. University of Jember

The University of Jember aims to welcome students from various cultural backgrounds with the hopes of spreading high-quality education throughout the region. The university maintains an academic community that enhances the skills of individuals and hones them to become experts in their fields of choice. Its campuses have advanced facilities that allow students to experience accredited libraries, hybrid lectures, and top-notch laboratories.

12. State University of Malang

The State University of Malang was established in 1954 and operates under the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of communication, social sciences, applied sciences, and engineering. It has a long history of academic and research excellence and is recognized as one of the best universities in Southeast Asia.

13. Telkom University

Telkom University is one of only 104 Indonesian colleges to be awarded the highest accreditation level from the National Higher Education Accreditation Body. Since its foundation in 2013, the university has strived to carry out the TriDharma of higher education, namely, education, research, and community service. It offers internationally recognized and innovative academic and research programs in technology, management, and communication and carries out various activities to help the local community.

14. Indonesia University of Education

The Indonesia University of Education, or Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), is a specialized public institution in Bandung. It focuses on teacher training or educational courses but also offers a limited number of programs in other disciplines, like architecture and linguistics. UPI’s forte can be traced to its origins as a teacher’s college, and its expertise and credibility in the field have only grown. This is not just evident in their education quality but also in their international rankings. For instance, in 2022, it was ranked 201st by QS rankings for education and training.

15. Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Denpasar

Indonesian Institute of Arts, Denpasar, or ISI, Denpasar is a public university in Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. Established in 2003 as a conglomeration of various art institutes and colleges in Bali, ISI Denpasar focuses on art and culture. The university offers a variety of art and design programs, combining unique Indonesian arts and culture with contemporary knowledge and practices.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Indonesia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Indonesia ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Islamic University of Indonesia 4,500,000 Rp - 17,500,000 Rp 81%
Sultan Thaha Saifuddin State Islamic University 4,600,000 Rp 80%
University of North Sumatra 6,500,000 Rp - 9,000,000 Rp 72%
Diponegoro University 8,000,000 Rp - 10,000,000 Rp 65%
University of Islam Malang 9,000,000 Rp - 18,000,000 Rp 61%
Bina Darma University 10,000,000 Rp - 12,000,000 Rp 57%
Bandung Islamic University 11,200,000 Rp - 23,875,000 Rp 51%
Telkom University 14,000,000 Rp - 30,000,000 Rp 39%
Yogyakarta Arts Institute of Indonesia 14,000,000 Rp - 20,000,000 Rp 39%
University of Indonesia 16,000,000 Rp - 82,000,000 Rp 30%
Gadjah Mada University 16,000,000 Rp - 123,500,000 Rp 30%
State University of Malang 16,000,000 Rp 30%
Pakuan University 18,202,300 Rp 21%
Yogyakarta State University 25,000,000 Rp -9%
University of Jember 25,800,000 Rp - 31,400,000 Rp -12%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 22,846,500 Rp for universities in Indonesia.

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1. Islamic University of Indonesia

The Islamic University of Indonesia is an outstanding university in the country that offers exciting opportunities for students all over the world. It embraces diverse cultures, helping students cultivate their passions and train for their future careers. As a leading private university in Indonesia, it hopes to offer an excellent place for learning where everyone can experience highly-intellectual learning and academic freedom.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Islamic University of Indonesia should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 4,500,000 Rp to 17,500,000 Rp annually for their master's degree.

2. Sultan Thaha Saifuddin State Islamic University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Sultan Thaha Saifuddin State Islamic University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Sultan Thaha Saifuddin State Islamic University is 4,600,000 Rp.

Sultan Thaha Saifuddin State Islamic University was established in 1967 and is a pioneer Islamic higher educational institution in the province of Jambi. It has received several national and international recognitions for its outstanding research and social impact. The university aims to contribute to the development of the region and impart an international perspective and entrepreneurial spirit to its graduates.

3. University of North Sumatra

The University of North Sumatra is one of the most elite universities in Indonesia, particularly in the northern region of Sumatra. The university came to fruition through the establishment of Universitas Sumatera Utara Foundation, where the leaders, during that time, proposed to build a first-class higher education school for the people of North Sumatra. Since its inception, it has transformed countless lives, which has also led to contributing to the significant developments of the local society.

The tuition fee at University of North Sumatra for incoming international master’s students is 6,500,000 Rp to 9,000,000 Rp. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Diponegoro University

Another affordable university to consider in Indonesia is Diponegoro University.

Diponegoro University, or Universitas Diponegoro, is shortly known as UNDIP. It was founded as an educational foundation called the Foundation of Semarang University to cater to the rising number of students in Central Java in the 1950s. This foundation eventually became Semarang University, renamed the present-day Diponegoro University.

UNDIP offers courses across several disciplines, such as law, economics, public health, engineering, and more. International programs are also available to provide students with more globally-oriented opportunities and knowledge.

The tuition fee in Diponegoro University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 8,000,000 Rp.

5. University of Islam Malang

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, University of Islam Malang has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 9,000,000 Rp yearly.

The University of Islam Malang was founded in 1981 by Islamic scholars with the vision of establishing an independent, innovative, and internationally-competitive university. It comprises 10 faculties that offer high-quality programs in various areas of knowledge. The university also collaborates with different institutions overseas to conduct student exchange programs, joint projects, conferences, and other activities.

6. Bina Darma University

Bina Darma University (UBD) was established by the Bina Darma foundation and has been in operation as a private institution of higher learning since 1993. The university is equipped with modern facilities to facilitate proper learning for its students. UBD is one of the many great choices for higher education in Indonesia as it offers admission at an acceptance rate of 75% and also offers scholarships for students to attend school there.

7. Bandung Islamic University

Bandung Islamic University (UNISBA) aims to produce leaders, researchers, and pioneers in Islamic scientific society. This vision is described in its motto, ‘Mujahid, mujtahid, mujaddid’, which translates directly to ‘leader, researcher, pioneer.’ It is one of the oldest private universities in Indonesia. The university offers several programs in different fields, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, and has an acceptance rate of 25%, making it a highly competitive school.

8. Telkom University

Telkom University is one of only 104 Indonesian colleges to be awarded the highest accreditation level from the National Higher Education Accreditation Body. Since its foundation in 2013, the university has strived to carry out the TriDharma of higher education, namely, education, research, and community service. It offers internationally recognized and innovative academic and research programs in technology, management, and communication and carries out various activities to help the local community.

9. Yogyakarta Arts Institute of Indonesia

The Yogyarkata Arts Institute of Indonesia, founded in 1984, is one of the prominent institutions in Indonesia, known for its excellent performance and creativity. It is a State university of the arts under the country’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. This school offers several diploma, undergraduate, master, and doctoral study programs, which cover traditional and modern visual, performing, and media arts.

10. University of Indonesia

Located in the capital city of Jakarta, the University of Indonesia is known as the top university in the country and ranks among the top universities in the world. Its logo represents knowledge as a tree that gives rise to new learnings and the results of knowledge as water, which flows in different directions. The university also takes pride in having over 250 international partners with which it conducts mobility and research programs. 

11. Gadjah Mada University

Gadjah Mada University, also known as Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia, is one of the country’s finest institutions. It has earned its place not just among elite national universities but also in the rankings of the world’s best institutions. This feat is possible through decades of experience, especially as Gadjah Mada is considered Indonesia’s oldest university.

Many programs are offered at Gadjah Mada University for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and specialist students. They may either be English or Bahasa-taught. Specific programs may also have tracks, like international exposure, that open more opportunities for admitted individuals.

12. State University of Malang

The State University of Malang was established in 1954 and operates under the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of communication, social sciences, applied sciences, and engineering. It has a long history of academic and research excellence and is recognized as one of the best universities in Southeast Asia.

13. Pakuan University

The direct predecessor of Pakuan University is the University of Bogor, which merged with other institutions in 1977 to form the present-day Pakuan University in 1980. Decades later, Pakuan University has become a research-oriented institution offering several law, economics, education, languages, engineering, and sciences programs for undergraduates and postgraduates. It also has vocational studies. Its facilities are designed to help students achieve their desired goals, preparing them for future events.

14. Yogyakarta State University

Yogyakarta State University, or Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), was established in 1964 to educate competent Indonesian teachers. After several years of solely focusing on training educators, it was eventually granted university status in 1999. This has led to reforming its faculties and departments to develop study programs in other fields of study, including social sciences, engineering, and economics.

15. University of Jember

The University of Jember aims to welcome students from various cultural backgrounds with the hopes of spreading high-quality education throughout the region. The university maintains an academic community that enhances the skills of individuals and hones them to become experts in their fields of choice. Its campuses have advanced facilities that allow students to experience accredited libraries, hybrid lectures, and top-notch laboratories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Indonesia?

Applying to cheap universities in Indonesia requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Indonesia for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Indonesia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Indonesia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Indonesia is the Bandung Islamic University, which offers Islamic Family Law, Islamic Communication and Broadcasting, and Legal Studies to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Bandung Islamic University offers Sharia Economics, Notarial Law, and Professional Psychology.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Indonesia, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Indonesia as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Indonesia for international students was helpful!