Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 12 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshippossible
Overview
- Country
- Indonesia
- Visa name
- Student KITAS
- Local name
- Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas (Pelajar)
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Max duration
- 60 months
- Renewable
- Yes
The Student KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas / Limited Stay Permit Card) is the residence permit for international students studying at accredited Indonesian educational institutions. The process involves obtaining a VITAS (Limited Stay Visa) from an Indonesian embassy abroad, then converting it to an ITAS (Limited Stay Permit) and physical KITAS card upon arrival in Indonesia. Requires a sponsor (educational institution).
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $500 – $6,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $1,500/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Public universities (UI, ITB, UGM): IDR 5,000,000–30,000,000/yr ($300–$1,900) for most programmes. Private universities: IDR 15,000,000–80,000,000/yr ($950–$5,000). International programmes: IDR 30,000,000–100,000,000/yr ($1,900–$6,300). Indonesia is one of the most affordable study destinations in Southeast Asia. KNB (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang) scholarship covers full tuition for developing country students.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- No
- Permission
- Not allowed
Student KITAS holders are NOT allowed to engage in paid work. No part-time employment permitted. Volunteering and academic activities subject to local regulations. To work, must obtain a separate KITAS for employment (with work permit/IMTA).
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment KITAS (IMTA) | Work permit | 12 mo–24 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT / IELTS | Admission | English | — | Required for English-taught programmes. Many Indonesian universities offer English-medium programmes for international students. TOEFL 61+ or IELTS 5.5+ is typical. Bahasa Indonesia proficiency required for Indonesian-taught programmes. |
| UKBI (Uji Kemahiran Berbahasa Indonesia) | Admission | Indonesian | — | Required for Indonesian-taught programmes. Darmasiswa scholarship recipients typically take Indonesian language courses as part of their programme. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| VITAS Application Fee | Application | $125 | One time |
| ITAS/KITAS Issuance | Issuance | $95 | Per year |
| MERP (Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit) | Travel | $110 | Per year |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and minor children on dependent KITAS.
- Spouse work
- Not allowed
- Conditions
- Dependent KITAS holders cannot work. Must obtain separate employment KITAS.
Long-term pathway
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- Possible
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Via
- Educational institution (as sponsor) initiates TELEX/VITAS application through Directorate General of Immigration. Student applies for visa stamp at Indonesian embassy.
- Processing
- 14-60 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.imigrasi.go.id
- Health insurance
- Not required
Notes and caveats
Process is complex: TELEX approval → VITAS at embassy → enter Indonesia → convert to ITAS → receive KITAS card (10 working days). Total process 4–8 weeks. MERP (Multiple Exit Re-entry Permit) costs ~IDR 1,750,000/yr for unlimited re-entry. Must report to immigration for annual renewal. Darmasiswa scholarship provides 1-year study grants for arts, culture, and Indonesian language. Indonesia recently increased application fees for most permit types.
Also in Indonesia
Last verified Mar 21, 2026 Source