According to UNESCO Statistics, there are 59,224 Indonesians currently studying abroad. This growing number is not without reason, because studying overseas offers numerous advantages, such as cross-cultural experience, global career opportunities, personal growth, and international networking. So, which countries are the best choices for studying abroad?

1. Australia

Australia is the most popular study destination for Indonesian students, with 11,683 students currently enrolled and a strong global reputation for education.

• Education System: Implements the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) model, providing pathways to both professional and academic careers in various fields such as information technology, business, and manufacturing.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 158,786,297 – 349,274,640 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 37,190,300 – 41,322,600 per month
• Career Prospects: Students may work up to 48 hours every two weeks during semesters and full-time during holidays.

2. Malaysia

With around 9,862 Indonesian students, Malaysia ranks as the second most popular destination after Australia.

• Education System: Emphasizes holistic development and quality education, ensuring international students gain valuable and memorable learning experiences.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 57,590,535 – 153,574,760 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 5,450,000 – 10,300,000 per month
• Career Prospects: Offers opportunities for part-time work during studies and post-graduation employment within relevant industries.

3. United States

The United States is a top destination with 7,445 Indonesian students currently enrolled.

• Education System: Known for flexibility, allowing students to design their own schedules and choose courses across multiple disciplines.
• Tuition Fees: Around IDR 293,518,620 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 407,664,750 – 733,796,550 per year
• Career Prospects: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks; post-graduation work opportunities are available with a valid work visa.

4. Japan

Japan attracts 5,095 Indonesian students with its strong academic standards and discipline-oriented education system.

• Education System: Focuses on discipline and skill development to prepare students for competitive professional environments.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 68,103,000 – 136,206,000 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 145,200,000 – 316,800,000 per year
• Career Prospects: Students with a valid study visa can work up to 28 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during holidays. Job prospects post-graduation are strong, especially in manufacturing, hospitality, and technology.

5. United Kingdom

The UK hosts 3,124 Indonesian students across world-renowned universities.

• Education System: Focuses on developing critical and analytical thinking by encouraging creativity and exploration of ideas in every subject.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 251,723,970 – 839,079,900 per year
• Living Costs: Around IDR 335,631,960 per year (London area)
• Career Prospects: Students can work up to 20 hours per week with a campus-issued work permit, in roles such as tutors, lab assistants, researchers, or freelancers.

6. Germany

Germany has 2,886 Indonesian students and is known for its high-quality and structured education system.

• Education System: Offers structured learning based on interest and talent, emphasizing practical experience to prepare students for the job market.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 51,000,000 – 85,000,000 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 16,099,323 per month
• Career Prospects: Students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during holidays.

7. Turkey

Turkey is home to 2,252 Indonesian students, offering a multicultural and flexible education system.

• Education System: Provides a flexible curriculum where students can take interdisciplinary courses aligned with their interests.
• Tuition Fees: Around IDR 21,168,660 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 7,427,600 – 12,069,850 per month
• Career Prospects: Students can work up to 24 hours per week during semesters and 40 hours per week during breaks, in line with visa and residence permits.

8. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia attracts 2,001 Indonesian students, particularly for its academic programs rooted in critical thinking and philosophy.

• Education System: Emphasizes philosophical and logical reasoning, helping students develop critical thinking skills for problem-solving.
• Tuition Fees: Around IDR 49,980,086 per year
• Living Costs: Around IDR 13,094,782 per month
• Career Prospects: Students are not allowed to work while studying, but there are strong employment opportunities post-graduation in relevant fields.

9. Canada

Canada, with 1,437 Indonesian students, is recognized for its inclusive and innovative approach to education.

• Education System: Promotes holistic, inclusive, and innovative learning to develop creativity, critical thinking, and social competence.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 300,000,000 – 600,000,000 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 14,000,000 – 27,500,000 per month
• Career Prospects: Students may work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and apply for a post-graduation work permit upon completion.

10. South Korea

South Korea has 1,185 Indonesian students, known for its modern, industry-focused education system.

• Education System: Focuses on practical and technical skills aligned with global industry standards.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 90,000,000 – 130,000,000 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 16,731,700 per month
• Career Prospects: Students can work up to 20 hours per week in part-time jobs such as convenience stores, restaurants, or service-related positions.

11. France

France attracts 812 Indonesian students with its balance of creativity and academic rigor.

• Education System: Focuses on imagination and creative development through a structured and rigorous curriculum.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 3,156,730 – 11,512,780 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 14,855,200 – 33,424,200 per month
• Career Prospects: Students may work up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week).

12. Hong Kong

Hong Kong (China) is home to 679 Indonesian students, offering globally competitive programs.

• Education System: Emphasizes practical skills, interpersonal communication, and real-world application of academic knowledge.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 360,000,000 – 385,000,000 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 41,700,000 – 42,900,000 per month
• Career Prospects: Students are not allowed to work while studying, but excellent career opportunities are available after graduation.

13. Thailand

Thailand welcomes 587 Indonesian students, providing accessible and high-quality education.

• Education System: Focuses on developing academic ability, character, and ethics through quality learning.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 31,103,075 – 33,145,665 per semester
• Living Costs: IDR 6,499,150 – 12,998,300 per month
• Career Prospects: Students can work part-time and access career opportunities aligned with their major.

14. New Zealand

New Zealand has 581 Indonesian students, offering modern education and global exposure.

• Education System: Combines technology and creativity to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Tuition Fees: IDR 219,000,000 – 318,000,000 per year
• Living Costs: IDR 13,000,000 – 15,000,000 per month
• Career Prospects: Students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week and pursue relevant careers post-graduation.

15. Jordan

Jordan hosts 445 Indonesian students, offering affordable education and vocational excellence.

• Education System: Offers vocational programs that prepare students to become skilled professionals in international markets.
• Tuition Fees: Around IDR 6,000,000 per semester
• Living Costs: IDR 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 per month
• Career Prospects: Students may work while studying, depending on their visa conditions.

Achieve Study-Abroad Success with Sampoerna Academy

The best countries for studying abroad include Australia, Malaysia, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Canada, South Korea, France, Hong Kong, Thailand, New Zealand, and Jordan.

Tuition fees vary by major and degree level, while living costs depend on location and lifestyle. If studying abroad seems costly, consider applying for scholarships available in most countries. However, securing admission and scholarships requires early and thorough preparation.

That’s why it’s highly recommended to prepare your child early through Sampoerna Academy, which provides world-class international education from kindergarten to high school. With its global curriculum and 21st-century learning approach, Sampoerna Academy helps students develop 5C competencies—Critical thinking, Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Character—equipping them to compete on a global scale.

So, there’s no need to worry about your child being rejected by their dream university abroad due to lack of preparation. Take the first step today—fill out the registration form below and enroll your child at the nearest Sampoerna Academy!