Higher Education System in Indonesia

College or Academy: It is a higher education institution providing academic and professional education of one branch of learning, in the field science and technology or specific arts.

Polytechnic: A polytechnic is a higher education institution providing professional education in several branches of specific applied technologies.

Institute: An institute is a higher education institution composed of several faculties that provide academic and/or professional education of a kind of branch of learning. An institute consists of more than three faculties that run the sarjana (bachelor) and/or diploma programs, and each faculty runs more than one study program. Any institute that has fulfilled certain requirements may offer postgraduate degree and specialist programs.

University: A university is a higher education institution running degree programs in academic and professional education of many branches of learning in science and technology, social science and arts. It also offers degree programs.

Professional Education Program

Professional education aims at preparing the students to master certain skills or expertise. Professional education consists of diploma education, consisting of four levels: one-year (D1), two-year (D2), three year (D3), and four-year (D4).
The D4 program is regarded as equal to a bachelor’s.
The D1 program is worth 40-50 credit points, and lasts for two semesters.
The D2 program is worth 80-90 credit points and lasts for four semesters.
The D3 program is worth 110-120 credit points and lasts for six semesters.

Academic Education Program

Academic education direct students to master their selected branch of learning. Academic activities are composed of lecturing program, seminar, practicum, field works, dissertation or thesis.
The sarjana program (equal to bachelor) is an academic education program worth 144-160 credit points and lasts for 8 semesters.
Magister program (equal to masters degree) is an academic education level having credits semester between 36 and 50 for 4 semester curriculum.

Credit System

The credit system makes it possible for students to finish their studies according to their rates of learning. So if they learn fast, they can finish earlier. If they are slow, they may take longer time.

Program Study Selection and Entry Requirements

General information on best higher education institutions (universities, institutes and colleges) that have been accredited can be obtained through websites, whereas further and detailed information directly from the registrar office of the intended university.

Pre-Departure Preparation

Issues on pre-departure preparation are language, entry permits, financial support, accomodation, clothing, insurance, security documents and budget preparation.