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).
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.
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).
| Program | Type | Duration | Min Degree | Work | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment KITAS (IMTA) | Work permit | 12mo-24mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
| 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. |
| 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 |
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.
- B211A Business Visit Visa (digital nomad visa)
- Indonesia Second Home Visa (golden visa)
- Indonesia Retirement KITAS (retirement)
- Indonesia Golden Visa (golden visa)
Last verified: Mar 21, 2026. Source