Studying in Indonesia requires a few important legal steps before and after you arrive. The UMB Global Engagement (UGE) team handles most of this process on your behalf, so you are never navigating Indonesian immigration alone. Read through this page carefully so you know what to expect at each stage.
Pre-Departure
Step 1 — Apply for a Study Permit (Izin Belajar)
Before you can apply for a student visa, you need a Study Permit issued by Indonesia's Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. This is the official government authorization that allows you to study in Indonesia, and UGE will submit the application for you once you have been accepted.
Processing normally takes 5 to 7 working days. To avoid delays, make sure all your documents reach UGE at least 12 weeks before your planned arrival date.
Documents required for the Study Permit application:
- Letter of Acceptance from UMB
- Passport copy (personal details page, valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized photo: 3.5cm x 4.5cm, white background, formal attire, taken within the last 6 months
- CV or resume
- Academic transcript (scanned copy)
- Graduation certificate, for those applying to a Master's program
- Health certificate from a government hospital in your home country, valid within 8 weeks of submission
- Signed financial support statement
- Signed declaration of non-political and non-working activity during your studies
- Guarantee letter, provided by UMB on your behalf
Once you have gathered everything, send your documents to UGE. The team will handle the rest and keep you updated throughout the process.
Step 2 — Apply for a Student Visa
Once your Study Permit is approved and you have received your Letter of Acceptance, UGE will apply for your student visa through Indonesia's official immigration portal. The visa category depends on your program level.
- E30B for undergraduate programs
- E30C for Master's programs
The current visa fee is approximately USD 350, though this figure is subject to change. UGE will confirm the exact amount and payment instructions when the time comes. Payment is made by bank transfer to the official UGE account.
Visa processing typically takes 7 to 10 working days after payment is confirmed. Two things to keep in mind once your visa is issued: it allows an initial stay of up to 30 days upon entry, and you must use it to enter Indonesia within 60 days of issuance or it will expire.
Post-Arrival
Step 3 — Convert Your Visa to an ITAS (Limited Stay Permit)
An ITAS, or Izin Tinggal Terbatas, is what allows you to legally stay in Indonesia beyond the initial 30-day visa period. You must convert your student visa to an ITAS after you arrive, and UGE will guide you through this.
As of January 2024, the ITAS process begins at your point of entry into Indonesia, typically the airport. At the immigration checkpoint, you will go through a biometric procedure that includes fingerprinting and a photograph. You will receive an arrival sticker in your passport as confirmation.
After that, your ITAS and Re-entry Permit (IMK) will be processed electronically and sent to UGE, who will forward them to you by email. Print both documents and keep them with your passport at all times. The Re-entry Permit allows you to leave and re-enter Indonesia multiple times during your studies without needing a new visa.
ITAS fees are set by the Indonesian government and are subject to change. UGE will provide the current figures at the time of your application.
If your ITAS is approaching its expiration date before you finish your studies, contact UGE at least 6 weeks before it expires to begin the extension process.
Step 4 — Register with Local Authorities (STM and SKTT)
Within 30 days of arrival, you are required to obtain two additional documents from local government offices. UGE will advise you on how to complete both.
STM (Surat Tanda Melapor) is a police registration letter confirming your presence in Indonesia as an international student. You apply at the local police station (Polsek) in your area of residence. Bring a copy of your passport with entry stamp, your ITAS, and a sponsor letter from UMB. The STM is usually issued on the same day if all documents are complete.
SKTT (Surat Keterangan Tempat Tinggal) is a temporary residence card serving as proof of your address in Indonesia. You apply at the local Civil Registry Office (Disdukcapil). Required documents include your ITAS, passport copy, STM, and proof of residence such as a rental agreement or accommodation confirmation from UMB. Processing may take several days, so apply for this as soon as you have your STM.
Keep printed copies of all documents with you whenever you travel within or outside Indonesia.
Questions about the visa process? Contact the UGE team directly and we will walk you through every step.