Jakarta, IDM – The Immigration Directorate General announced a new type of education visa aimed at promoting Indonesia as a higher education destination.
The visa was introduced to the public during the 2023 Immigration Festival (IMIFEST) at Gajah Mada University (UGM), Yogyakarta. “We are launching the Education Visa, a special visa issued to foreign citizens who want to study in Indonesia,” said the Immigration Stay Permits director Heru Tjondro, per Kompas, Thursday (12/10).
“Foreign student can be sponsored either by individual Indonesian citizen or their educational institution. This differentiates it from the previous version,” he added.
Heru explained that the latest version makes it easier for foreign citizens who want to study in Indonesia because they no longer need to attach a recommendation from the relevant ministries, but simply proof of student acceptance from an educational institution.
“There are several types, visas for students of bachelor’s degree (S1), master’s degree (S2), and doctoral degree (S3),” said Heru.
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Furthermore, it can also facilitate foreigners who want to become teachers in Indonesia. They can now simply apply online via evisa.imigration.go.id. It is hoped that this convenience will attract more foreign students and teachers.
“Indonesia can be on par with other countries that have an education industry, for example Singapore, Australia, America,” he said.
According to him, the educational visa will generate an economic multiplier effect for lodging, food and tourism sectors. (bp)