Indonesia Expands Visa Options for Foreign Students and Trainees

Strategic Insights -

Indonesia's immigration authority has recently announced new visa options for foreign nationals wishing to pursue non-formal education, vocational training, or professional courses in the country. The limited stay visa (VITAS) now allows for one-year or two-year stays for foreigners wishing to take language courses, vocational training, or other non-formal educational programs. This new policy aims to support foreigners in advancing their careers and boosting Indonesia's global competitiveness through the education sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • Foreign nationals are now eligible to apply for a limited stay visa (VITAS) to pursue non-formal education in Indonesia.
  • The stay permits under the new visa category (E30) can be granted for one or two years.
  • Foreign nationals must have a guarantor - either an individual or the non-formal education institution they plan to attend - to apply for the visa.
  • Visa requirements are similar to other categories, including a passport valid for at least six months, proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses in Indonesia (minimum US$2,000), and a recent color photograph.
  • The government has set the fees for the E30 visa at Rp6 million for a one-year stay and Rp8.5 million for a two-year stay.
  • Indonesia has 3,115 higher education institutions, including 125 public universities, and several universities are ranked among the world's top 300.
  • Programs in cultural studies and humanities remain particularly popular among foreign learners.

Statistics:

  • The government has set the fees for the E30 visa at Rp6 million for a one-year stay and Rp8.5 million for a two-year stay (US$1 = Rp16,287).
  • The fees for a four-year formal education visa are Rp12 million.
  • Indonesia currently has 3,115 higher education institutions, including 125 public universities.
  • Several Indonesia universities are ranked among the world's top 300.
  • Programs in cultural studies and humanities are popular among foreign learners.

Sources:

  • Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman's statement, Wednesday, July 15.
  • evisa.imigrasi.go.id
  • Antara News, July 16.