Applying for a student visa in Indonesia
Before students can apply for a visa to study in Indonesia, they need to ensure that first and foremost all necessary fees have been paid in advance and also hold a letter of registration from the relevant educational institute in Indonesia.
Obtaining a student visa is a three-stage process of which the first step involves acquiring a social/cultural visit visa. The student visa can only be issued once the foreign student is physically in Indonesia.
The social/cultural visit visa is a single-entry visa and is only valid for a maximum of 60 days. Once in Indonesia, the student must apply to the Immigration Head Office to convert their social visit visa into a student visa.
Tourist visas are not convertible and therefore not valid.
Students will also need a stay permit, more commonly known as a temporary or limited stay permit. Typically, the Student Administration Office at the respective university or college will be able to assist with this.
If all steps are taken and verified, a Regional Immigration Office will issue the student visa and the temporary stay permit. Both are valid for 12 months and up to only four 12-month extensions can be granted.
