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*
Bandung Institute of Technology 400,100 Rp 99%
Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya 6,528,600 Rp - 8,254,500 Rp 79%
University of North Sumatra 8,000,000 Rp - 37,500,000 Rp 74%
Petra Christian University 8,980,000 Rp - 35,200,000 Rp 70%
Bandung Islamic University 9,050,000 Rp - 38,680,000 Rp 70%
University of Jember 13,100,000 Rp - 27,000,000 Rp 56%
Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta 13,750,000 Rp - 16,250,000 Rp 54%
State University of Malang 15,000,000 Rp 50%
Telkom University 16,000,000 Rp - 36,000,000 Rp 47%
University of Muhammadiyah Malang 20,000,000 Rp - 40,000,000 Rp 33%
Indonesia University of Education 20,000,000 Rp 33%
Yogyakarta State University 22,933,600 Rp 23%
Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology 30,000,000 Rp -0%
Airlangga University 30,000,000 Rp - 50,000,000 Rp -0%
Mercu Buana University 43,550,000 Rp -46%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 29,722,700 Rp for universities in Indonesia.

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1. Bandung Institute of Technology

Bandung Institute of Technology is an internationally-recognized technological institution that offers innovative and practical teachings when it comes to courses related to science and engineering. The university aims to produce competent human resources to serve and apply their learnings to the community’s best interests. With more than 100 years of experience, the university has already proved its significant role in society by setting up world-class centers for developing technology, research, and arts in Indonesia.

2. 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.

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.

4. Petra Christian University

Petra Christian University is a private Christian university that was named Indonesia’s best private university in the QS World University Rankings from 2018 to 2021. The university prides itself in having long-standing partnerships with leading institutions both in Indonesia and the world that ensure its students and alumni have valuable opportunities in their various fields. With five faculties and 22 programs, Petra Christian University is an innovative and multidisciplinary school with the vision of becoming a leading Christian university globally that impacts society.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. University of Muhammadiyah Malang

The University of Muhammadiyah Malang is a leading private Islamic university that has received various national and international recognitions. It is composed of 10 faculties and 62 departments that offer diverse and flexible programs that allow students to freely explore their interests and pursue their passions. The university also has a vast network of international partners where students can participate in exchange and internship programs.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology

Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology is recognized as one of the top Indonesian universities in science, technology, and engineering. It strives to impart strong fundamental knowledge and advanced skills to future professionals and scientists so they can contribute to the nation’s progress. The university also carries out several activities and programs that aim to help in the improvement of communities and organizations.

14. Airlangga University

Established in 1954, Airlangga University is a leading university in Surabaya and is one of Indonesia’s “Big Five” universities. The faculty of medicine and dentistry is the premier faculty of the university, but the institution has since grown to possess numerous faculties and institutes.

Owing to its unique history with medicine, Airlangga University is one of the best places to study medicine in Indonesia. It has various teaching and research hospitals for its faculties of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine. Most of these hospitals come equipped with biosafety facilities.

In addition, the university is home to many prestigious research institutes and centers like the Institute of Tropical Disease, the Cancer and Blood Malignancy Center, and the Big Data and AI Institute.

15. Mercu Buana University

Mercu Buana University, privately operated by the Menara Bhakti Foundation, has been training students since 1985. From initially only offering engineering, agriculture, and economics, each of its faculty have expanded and developed advanced interdisciplinary programs. The university has also added new departments to offer more academic disciplines.

The university’s blue flame logo, representing education, research, and community, embodies the school’s founding philosophy – to provide only the highest quality of education and the willingness to participate in research studies to serve and contribute to its local community.

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*
Petra Christian University 8,976,000 Rp - 35,200,000 Rp 80%
Islamic University of Indonesia 10,000,000 Rp - 20,000,000 Rp 78%
Telkom University 14,000,000 Rp - 30,000,000 Rp 68%
University of North Sumatra 14,000,000 Rp - 30,000,000 Rp 68%
Gadjah Mada University 16,000,000 Rp - 123,500,000 Rp 64%
State University of Malang 16,000,000 Rp 64%
Airlangga University 20,000,000 Rp - 32,500,000 Rp 55%
University of Muhammadiyah Malang 25,000,000 Rp 43%
University of Jember 25,800,000 Rp - 31,400,000 Rp 41%
Indonesia University of Education 29,688,800 Rp 33%
Yogyakarta State University 32,039,600 Rp 27%
Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology 60,000,000 Rp -37%
Bandung Islamic University 138,000,000 Rp - 37,875,000 Rp -215%
Bina Nusantara University 201,993,600 Rp - 227,242,800 Rp -362%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 43,678,500 Rp for universities in Indonesia.

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1. Petra Christian University

Petra Christian University is a private Christian university that was named Indonesia’s best private university in the QS World University Rankings from 2018 to 2021. The university prides itself in having long-standing partnerships with leading institutions both in Indonesia and the world that ensure its students and alumni have valuable opportunities in their various fields. With five faculties and 22 programs, Petra Christian University is an innovative and multidisciplinary school with the vision of becoming a leading Christian university globally that impacts society.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Petra Christian University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 8,976,000 Rp to 35,200,000 Rp annually for their master's degree.

2. Islamic University of Indonesia

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Islamic University of Indonesia. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Islamic University of Indonesia is 10,000,000 Rp to 20,000,000 Rp.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at Telkom University for incoming international master’s students is 14,000,000 Rp to 30,000,000 Rp. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of North Sumatra

Another affordable university to consider in Indonesia is 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 in University of North Sumatra for master’s program for foreign students starts from 14,000,000 Rp.

5. Gadjah Mada University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Gadjah Mada University 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 16,000,000 Rp yearly.

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.

6. 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.

7. Airlangga University

Established in 1954, Airlangga University is a leading university in Surabaya and is one of Indonesia’s “Big Five” universities. The faculty of medicine and dentistry is the premier faculty of the university, but the institution has since grown to possess numerous faculties and institutes.

Owing to its unique history with medicine, Airlangga University is one of the best places to study medicine in Indonesia. It has various teaching and research hospitals for its faculties of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine. Most of these hospitals come equipped with biosafety facilities.

In addition, the university is home to many prestigious research institutes and centers like the Institute of Tropical Disease, the Cancer and Blood Malignancy Center, and the Big Data and AI Institute.

8. University of Muhammadiyah Malang

The University of Muhammadiyah Malang is a leading private Islamic university that has received various national and international recognitions. It is composed of 10 faculties and 62 departments that offer diverse and flexible programs that allow students to freely explore their interests and pursue their passions. The university also has a vast network of international partners where students can participate in exchange and internship programs.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology

Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology is recognized as one of the top Indonesian universities in science, technology, and engineering. It strives to impart strong fundamental knowledge and advanced skills to future professionals and scientists so they can contribute to the nation’s progress. The university also carries out several activities and programs that aim to help in the improvement of communities and organizations.

13. 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.

14. Bina Nusantara University

Bina Nusantara University, or BINUS University, is a prestigious private university that began as a computer school in 1974. Decades later, the institution has grown into a full-fledged institution with several campuses across Indonesia. It also founded BINUS International in 2001 to address the needs of globalization and is deemed as an alternative to out-of-country education. BINUS International also regularly offers courses in partnership with foreign and local universities. Thus, while BINUS International focuses on internationalized programs, students may pursue Bahasa-taught studies through BINUS regular.

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 Airlangga University, which offers Islamic Economics, Development Economics, and Accounting to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Airlangga University offers Law, Accounting, and Economics.

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!