Keystone logo
Indonesia

Study Law in Indonesia 2024/2025

Study in Indonesia

What Is a Law Degree in Indonesia?

The Indonesian law degree comes in three tiers. The first, which is equivalent to a Bachelor of Law, is called the "Sarjana Hukum/S.H." This can be attained directly out of high school. The second tier involves the specialties the legal professional will study. This is called "Magister Hukum/M.H.", or Master in Law. Sometimes it is called the "Megister Kenotariatan/M.Kn.", or Master in Notary. Finally, the third tier is the Doctor in Law. The first tier is required for any legal profession

Law Higher Education in Indonesia

The basic first tier law degree requires four to seven years of study in Indonesia. The amount of time the second and third tiers take depends largely on the course of study and the amount of courses per semester that he student is able to take. In order to become an Advocate or lawyer in Indonesia, students must attend a one to two month Advocate Special Course and pass the Bar exam.

The academic year in Indonesia does not follow any set schedule, but some schools follow an odd and even semester program. Odd semesters run from September through January. Even semesters run from February to June. These dates correlate with the religious holidays of some of the major religious groups in the country.

Legal studies in Indonesia happen at the country's major universities or law schools, which are found on the larger islands and main urban districts of the country. While each school has its own rules and regulations, the study is rigorous, and testing throughout the program to show that the student is able to complete the course of study is common.

The cost for a law degree in Indonesia will vary depending on the length of the program and the university chosen. State universities have fees that are very low, but private universities have higher fees. The typical student will spend around US $4,500 for a semester of coursework in Indonesia.

Studying law in Indonesia opens the door to a lifetime of service in a growing country with a huge population. An Indonesian law degree may also open the door for legal work in other smaller countries throughout Oceania and Asia. Students who choose to study law in Indonesia will get an introduction to the rich culture of the islands and gain a deeper understanding of the culture of its various people groups.

Change currency

Basic monthly living cost

  • Rent in a shared flat

    229
  • Share of utilities

    20
  • Internet subscription

    26
  • Local transportation

    9

Sample lifestyle cost

  • Fast food combo

    3
  • Cinema ticket

    3
  • Pint of local beer

    2

About Indonesia

Introduction to Indonesia

The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago of over 13,400 islands in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Over 238 million people live in Indonesia, making it the world's fourth most populous country. For centuries, Indonesia has been an important trade route, and the rich natural resources of the region have continued to draw trade throughout modern history.

Indonesia is known for its distinctively diverse culture, with hundreds of languages and ethnic groups throughout the islands. It also has the world's second highest level of biodiversity and plenty of wilderness and jungle areas that make it a beautiful place to visit.

What Is the Law System in Indonesia?

Indonesia's legal system follows the civil law system primarily. The diversity of the country brings customary law to many aspects of the system, and some Roman Dutch Law is also mixed into the system. The country's civil code largely follows Dutch colonial traditions, and its first law school was started by the Dutch.

Visa Requirements

  1. Social Visit Visa - best for exchange students, single-entry.
  2. Limited Stay Visa - for long-term studies only.

What type of Visa do you need?

Visa name

Student Visa (Social Visit Visa; Limited Stay Visa)

Price and currency

USD 45

The cost of the student visa is around 45USD, but it may change and is depending on the country you are applying from.

Who can apply for the visa?

All foreign students accepted to study in an Indonesian university need to get a student visa.

Citizens of certain countries may stay in Indonesia for a total of 30 days without a visa. However, the visa-free stay applies only to leisure activities, and does not grant the right to study or work, for example.

At some Indonesian embassies (e.g. Finland, Austria) it has been possible to apply for the Visa Type 211 (Tourist Visa). This visa can be converted into a sponsored Social Visit Visa upon arriving in Indonesia. Inquire at your local Indonesian embassy for the possibility of applying for this visa.

Where can you make the application?

Indonesian embassy or consulate

It is best to apply for a visa at the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your home country. The Indonesian Immigration department now also allows for an online visa application through their website.

Website:

How to make the application?

Required documents for a student visa to Indonesia include:

  • A valid passport with at least one empty page for the visa (the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after leaving Indonesia)
  • A copy of the identification page of your passport
  • A filled out the application form
  • Two passport photos in color, 4 x 6 cm
  • A copy of your airline ticket or an electronic ticket
  • The official acceptance letter from the host university
  • A receipt or a copy of the receipt for the paid visa fee
  • Embassy Letter. Embassy Letters, prepared by the host university, confirm that a certain student is in need of a Social Visit visa. An Embassy Letter is always addressed to the Indonesian embassy or consulate of a certain country: by default, this will be the student’s home country.

Upon arrival, the visa holder must report their entrance to the nearest Immigration office within 7 days.

When should you apply?

It is recommended to apply for a student visa at least 14 days before leaving for Indonesia. It is best to apply for a visa immediately after receiving the official acceptance letter.

You must arrive in Indonesia within 90 days from the day the visa was issued on.

The maximum length of a stay in Indonesia with a Social Visit visa is 60 days and the visa must be extended at the destination in accordance with the instructions given by the host university. The visa can be extended for one month at a time and the cost is around 50 USD.

The Limited stay visa is valid for 5 years and needs a renewal every 1 year.

Processing time

14 Days

Work opportunities

International students are normally not allowed to work during their studies in Indonesia.

Hours per week

0

Why do you need this type of visa?

Your visa application may be rejected if you are not able to show proof of the required funds, or if you provide incorrect or incomplete documents.