How to Study in Medan for International Students
Medan, one of the beautiful cities in Indonesia, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Medan currently has 6 universities, from which 3 universities are a part of the public sector and 3 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Medan you should definitely check out are University of North Sumatra, Medan State University, and State Islamic University of North Sumatra.
Being able to study in Medan as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Medan, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Medan
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Medan, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 8,000,000 Rp to 37,500,000 Rp, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 6,500,000 Rp and 9,000,000 Rp.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Medan
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Medan, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Sumatra | 8,000,000 Rp - 37,500,000 Rp | 6,500,000 Rp - 9,000,000 Rp |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Medan
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Medan, check out the Cheap Universities in Medan!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Medan for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Medan might require you to complete an online application and submit your academic records, such as a transcript or diploma from your previous school.
On top of the general paperwork you need to complete, specific program levels might require you to prepare additional documents. For example, some master’s programs require applicants to submit the following:
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Letters of recommendation
Other specialized programs, such as medicine and the MBA, might require you to pass an admission test before you can apply.
Finally, you’ll need to get your travel documents ready, like your passport and visa, in order to travel to Medan.
Application Procedure to Study in Medan
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Medan have online applications available on their websites, like University of North Sumatra and Medan State University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Medan.
University of North Sumatra
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
Medan State University
State Islamic University of North Sumatra
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Medan differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Medan.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Medan
If you’re going to study in Medan, you will need to apply for a student visa in Indonesia
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Indonesia. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Student Visa.
To start your student visa application in Medan, you will need to present the following:
- A filled out form
- Three photocopies of your passport
- Two letters of recommendation; one issued by your university and one from the Embassy/consulate in your country of residence
- A copy of your letter of acceptance
- Have health insurance
- 4 passport-style photographs (4×6 cm)
- Proof of Financial means
- A copy of all your academic records and transcripts
- A Curriculum Vitae
- A copy of the study permit issued by the Indonesian Directorate General of Higher Education
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Indonesia is IDR 1,378,890.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Submit an application for a Study Permit to the Directorate General of Higher Education in Indonesia.
- Submit an application for an entry visa (VITAS) at the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate situated in your country of residence
- Convert the VITAS to a KITAS (limited stay permit) at the Immigration Department in Indonesia
- Obtain a Certificate of Police Registration Card
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Medan. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!