How to Study in Semarang for International Students

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Semarang, 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, Semarang currently has 9 universities, from which 3 universities are a part of the public sector and 6 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 Semarang you should definitely check out are Diponegoro University, State University of Semarang, and Soegijapranata Catholic University.

Being able to study in Semarang 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 Semarang, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Semarang

The cost of your studies in Semarang may vary depending on various factors such as your degree, program, and chosen university. We do not have the tuition fee information in Semarang.

2. Requirements to Study in Semarang for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Semarang, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In Semarang, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Semarang may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Semarang are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Semarang and their required minimum scores for each program level.

Walisongo State Islamic University

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Diponegoro University

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in Semarang

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Semarang have online applications available on their websites, like Diponegoro University and State University of Semarang. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Semarang.

Diponegoro University

State University of Semarang

Soegijapranata Catholic University

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 Semarang 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 Semarang.

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 Semarang

If you’re going to study in Semarang, 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 Semarang, you will need to present the following:

  1. A filled out form
  2. Three photocopies of your passport
  3. Two letters of recommendation; one issued by your university and one from the Embassy/consulate in your country of residence
  4. A copy of your letter of acceptance
  5. Have health insurance
  6. 4 passport-style photographs (4×6 cm)
  7. Proof of Financial means
  8. A copy of all your academic records and transcripts
  9. A Curriculum Vitae
  10. 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:

  1. Submit an application for a Study Permit to the Directorate General of Higher Education in Indonesia.
  2. Submit an application for an entry visa (VITAS) at the Indonesian Embassy/Consulate situated in your country of residence
  3. Convert the VITAS to a KITAS (limited stay permit) at the Immigration Department in Indonesia
  4. 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 Semarang. 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!