Who the Student KITAS is for
The Student KITAS is required for any non-Indonesian national who intends to study at an Indonesian educational institution for more than a short, tourist-length visit. This includes undergraduate and postgraduate students at Indonesian universities, students at international schools registered as such with the Ministry of Education, intensive Bahasa Indonesia language students, and participants in formal exchange programmes with Indonesian institutions.
It is not available for informal or unaccredited courses, short workshops, or self-directed study. If your programme is not run by an institution registered with the Ministry of Education and Culture, you need a different visa category.
University sponsorship: the critical requirement
The single most important prerequisite for a Student KITAS is a valid acceptance letter from an Indonesian educational institution registered with the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud). The institution acts as your sponsor throughout the visa process. Before immigration can approve the visa, the institution must also submit a formal recommendation to the Ministry, which in turn issues a recommendation letter to the Directorate General of Immigration.
In practice, this means the university or school handles a large share of the administrative work on the Indonesian side. Kitas VIP coordinates with the international student office of your chosen institution to make sure their documents and timelines line up with immigration requirements.
Student KITAS requirements
- Official letter of acceptance from the Indonesian educational institution, specifying the programme, start date and duration.
- Institution sponsorship and a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education and Culture.
- Passport valid for at least 18 months from the intended entry date, with two or more blank pages.
- Proof of funds showing you can cover your time in Indonesia. A typical benchmark is USD 1,500 to 2,000 per month of study, although institutions may set different thresholds.
- Health insurance covering the full duration of stay.
- Proof of accommodation (dormitory allocation, rental agreement, or host family letter).
- Recent passport photographs meeting Indonesian requirements (Kitas VIP produces these automatically from a phone selfie).
- Academic transcripts from previous education, translated to English or Bahasa Indonesia where required by the institution.
How the Student KITAS process works
- Apply to and receive acceptance from an Indonesian educational institution registered with the Ministry of Education and Culture.
- Work with the institution's international student office to obtain the Ministry recommendation letter.
- Start the Kitas VIP application. We confirm eligibility and prepare the full VITAS submission within one business day.
- We lodge the VITAS application through the official eVisa portal. Student cases are typically processed in 5 to 10 working days once the Ministry letter is in hand.
- You travel to Indonesia with the approved eVisa attached to your passport.
- Within 30 days of arrival, Kitas VIP accompanies you to the local immigration office for biometrics and KITAS card collection.
- The KITAS is valid for 1 year (sometimes 2 years) and is extended for the duration of your programme, up to the maximum allowed for your course.
Duration, extensions and finishing your studies
A Student KITAS is typically issued for 1 year at a time and is extended yearly for the duration of your academic programme, up to the maximum period allowed. Some longer degree programmes can receive initial 2 year KITAS approvals. Extensions are straightforward as long as you remain enrolled and in good academic standing at the sponsoring institution.
When your programme ends, the Student KITAS must be cancelled. Students who want to stay in Indonesia after graduation typically pivot to another KITAS category (often Working KITAS through an Indonesian employer, or Investor KITAS if they start their own business). Kitas VIP handles both the final cancellation and the transition into the new category.
Studying in Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta and beyond
The most popular cities for international students in Indonesia are Jakarta (home to major universities and international schools), Yogyakarta (Indonesia's traditional university city), Bandung (strong in engineering and arts) and Bali (popular for language study, creative arts and international schools). Private housing is widely available near campuses, and expat student communities make settling in straightforward.
Student KITAS FAQ
Can I do an internship on a Student KITAS?
Unpaid academic internships arranged through your institution are generally acceptable as part of the study programme. Paid internships or employment outside the institution are not permitted on a Student KITAS and require a separate work permit.
What if I change programmes or institutions?
Your Student KITAS is tied to the specific sponsoring institution. If you change institutions, the current KITAS must be cancelled and a new one obtained under the new sponsor. Kitas VIP handles the switch as a single file.
Can I travel during my studies?
Yes. Student KITAS holders receive a MERP multiple exit re-entry permit that allows unlimited travel in and out of Indonesia during the validity of the KITAS. Many students return home during term breaks without any visa issues.