Studying abroad has become a defining ambition for many Indonesian students. Recent findings from Etio’s International Student Barometer highlight just how positively these students view their global education journeys. With 93% of surveyed Indonesian students expressing satisfaction with their study abroad experience, they rank higher than peers from India and China, the world’s two most populous nations. Yet, while opportunities continue to expand, several challenges remain, ranging from affordability to mental health support.
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High Satisfaction Among Indonesian Students
According to Etio’s survey of more than 1,800 Indonesian students, satisfaction levels reached 93%, surpassing the global average. This places Indonesian students slightly ahead of Indian students (92%) and well above Chinese students (88%). Their positive outlook reflects both the quality of education abroad and the life-changing opportunities it provides.
The overwhelming majority—98%—identified career prospects as the main motivation for studying overseas. Other highly valued factors include qualification reputation, country reputation, institutional prestige, earning potential, and personal safety, all cited by more than 95% of respondents.
As Guy Perring, Etio’s Asia regional director, noted: “Improving career prospects and future earnings are key factors for Indonesian students in choosing an institution.”
Growing Numbers of Outbound Students
UNESCO data shows that over 62,800 Indonesians studied abroad in 2022, representing a nearly 30% rise since 2017. This steady growth positions Indonesia as one of Asia’s fastest-emerging student-sending countries.
Australia continues to dominate as the top destination, hosting over 22,000 Indonesian students due to geographical proximity and strong bilateral ties. However, other countries such as Malaysia, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany also attract significant numbers.
Unlike India and China, where student recruitment channels are well established, Indonesian students remain heavily reliant on education agents, exhibitions, and local fairs to explore study opportunities. This reliance highlights Indonesia’s status as a “sleeping giant” in the international education sector, with untapped potential for global universities.
Scholarships Drive Decisions
One of the biggest differences between Indonesian students and their Asian counterparts is the role of scholarships. As Etio consultant Andrias Soesilo explained, Indonesian students are highly scholarship-driven.
Many students specifically target universities that either offer direct scholarships or are listed under Indonesian government-funded programs. Although the government provides generous full scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate study at leading global universities, demand far outpaces supply. As a result, competition remains fierce, and many students rely on partial funding or seek more affordable destinations in Asia.
Influences and Decision-Making Factors
Family, alumni networks, and education fairs exert a stronger influence on Indonesian students compared to the global average. Around 33% of students said alumni connections influenced their decisions, while 32% pointed to exhibitions—figures far higher than the global averages of 24% and 15%, respectively.
Parents also play a pivotal role. Wealthier families often send their children to top-tier universities in countries such as the US, UK, or Australia, with cost being a minor concern. In contrast, middle-class families often weigh affordability more heavily, opting for destinations like Singapore, China, Hong Kong, or lower-ranked universities abroad. Dual-degree programs and pathway options offered in collaboration with Indonesian institutions are also gaining traction, as they reduce both tuition costs and time abroad.
Social Life and Well-Being Abroad
Indonesian students tend to excel in social integration, scoring above the global average in areas like making valuable contacts (88%) and participating in social activities (91%). These strong connections help them adapt to new cultural environments and build international networks that support future careers.
However, mental health remains a critical gap. Only 64% of Indonesian students reported satisfaction with available mental health support, far below global benchmarks. Experts suggest that cultural factors play a role, as many Indonesians prefer to rely on family and close social circles instead of seeking professional counseling services. Universities in key destinations like the UK and Australia are being urged to strengthen outreach and provide more culturally sensitive support systems.
The Role of Cost in Shaping Choices
The cost of studying abroad remains one of the biggest obstacles for Indonesian families. While students generally report high satisfaction with accommodation quality (82%) and availability (77%), satisfaction with affordability drops to just 56%.
Soesilo explained that Indonesian families are increasingly split into two groups:
- Affluent families who send their children to top-ranked universities regardless of cost.
- Middle-class families who seek more affordable destinations or flexible study pathways, often combining local and international study to reduce expenses.
This divide reflects broader economic dynamics in Indonesia, where international education is both an aspiration and a major financial commitment.
Shifting Priorities: Work and Immigration Opportunities
While education quality remains a cornerstone of decision-making, Indonesian students are increasingly prioritizing post-study work opportunities. The chance to gain professional experience, internships, or even permanent residency has become a decisive factor in selecting study destinations.
Soesilo noted that this marks a shift from past trends when academics were the sole priority. Today, young Indonesians consider work experience abroad as crucial to career advancement, especially given domestic concerns about limited job opportunities and political uncertainties.
