• The UK offers globally recognized degrees, with many institutions ranking among the best in the world. Indonesian students can benefit from world-class education and prestigious qualifications that are valued internationally, enhancing their career prospects both locally and globally.


• Universities in the UK provide access to cutting-edge research opportunities in diverse fields, allowing Indonesian students to contribute to global advancements in science, technology, and the arts.


• Known for its diverse and inclusive culture, studying in the UK allows Indonesian students to engage in cultural exchange and develop a global perspective through interaction with peers from around the world.


• The UK’s strong academic reputation in fields such as business, engineering, and medicine makes it an attractive destination for Indonesian students seeking specialized programs with industry-leading expertise.


• With a rich history of academic excellence, the UK offers a learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and independent study, helping Indonesian students develop essential life and career skills.


• International students in the UK can work part-time (20 hours per week during term time) and full-time (during holidays), offering Indonesian students a chance to gain valuable work experience and supplement their income.


• The UK is home to numerous scholarships and financial support opportunities for international students, including those from Indonesia, making it a more accessible destination for higher education.


• The UK’s robust student support systems provide Indonesian students with guidance on visa matters, accommodation, career services, and mental health, ensuring they feel safe and supported throughout their studies.


• Studying in the UK allows Indonesian students to build a global professional network, as many universities collaborate with leading global companies, creating valuable career opportunities.


• The UK’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities offer Indonesian students a unique opportunity to explore history, art, and entertainment, making their academic experience more enriching beyond the classroom.

Student Visa & Health Insurance

After getting the Full Acceptance Letter from the institution, students can apply for student visas which can only be administered by a particular agent education course, where SUN Education Group is one of them. SUN Education Group, one of Indonesia's largest study abroad consultancies with 26 offices across major Indonesian cities, provides comprehensive support from consultation through visa processing, accommodation arrangement, and document translation. After completing the required visa documents, visa applicants are required to be fingerprinted and photographed directly at the British embassy representative offices (VFS).

Once students get visas to come to the UK for more than six (6) months, they will receive an entry clearance in the form of vignette / sticker in their passport that is valid for 30 days from the date of departure. Upon arrival in the UK, students will receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) on arrival in the UK, which must be collected within 10 days of entry. However, it is important to note that as of 2024-2026, the UK government is gradually transitioning from physical BRPs to digital immigration status documents. BRP indicates that a student has the right to live, work, or study in the UK.

In addition to the application for Student Visa, students must undergo a TB Screening medical test to detect tuberculosis by taking chest X-Ray. And also there is Credibility Check Interview at the time of applying for the visa. UK also requires health insurance through the Immigration Health Surcharge (NHS equivalent), which now costs £776 per year for international students as of 2026.

This fee provides access to free NHS hospital treatment and is mandatory for all students applying for visas longer than six months. Students must pay this surcharge as part of their visa application and cannot be waived, even if they choose to take out private medical insurance. Upon arrival, students should register with a local General Practitioner (GP) to access full NHS services including consultations and prescriptions.

Accommodation

There are many good choice of accommodation for international students in the UK which can be arranged after you are accepted in schools or universities in the UK. Costs vary significantly depending on location and type, ranging from £400-£900 per month for on-campus accommodation to £600-£1,500 per month for off-campus rentals.

Accommodation School or University (University Residence)

Usually schools and universities provide accommodation for their students. Facilities include a bed, a storage closet for clothes, a desk and study lamp, chairs, heaters, and bookshelves. Some are also equipped with a bathroom in the room and 24-hour internet access. In 2026, university halls in London average £920 per month (£212 weekly), while halls outside London cost approximately £720 per month (£166 weekly), making them among the most affordable options for students.

Rent Apartment or House

A popular choice for more than two (2) students who want to share the cost of accommodation is renting an apartment (flat) or a home with a minimum contract for one (1) year. Private studios in London typically cost £1,130 per month (£259 weekly), while the same accommodation outside London averages £680 per month (£155 weekly).

Shared accommodation and homestays offer more budget-friendly alternatives, ranging from £400-£900 per month depending on location and amenities. Indonesian students should budget an additional £1,136-£1,483 per month for other living expenses including food, transport, and utilities, depending on whether they study in London or elsewhere in the UK.

Part Time Work

Students who study more than six (6) months in the UK will be granted permission to seek part-time job for maximum of 20 hours per week during the school term and full time during holiday periods for the Bachelor or Master program. However, it is critical to understand that the 20-hour limit applies strictly to each individual week during term time and is not calculated as a monthly or semester average.

Term time includes not only regular classes but also preparation weeks, reading weeks, study periods, and examination periods. Full-time work is only permitted during officially designated university holiday periods as published in the institution's academic calendar. Students exceeding the 20-hour weekly limit during term time risk visa curtailment and potential removal from the UK, regardless of circumstances.

Additionally, students pursuing courses below degree level are restricted to a maximum of 10 hours per week during term time. For courses shorter than six months or those below degree level, different working hour restrictions may apply, and students should verify their specific visa conditions with their university's international student office.</p

Education in the UK is regulated and supervised by the Department for Education and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Local authority is responsible for implementing policies for education and public schools at the area level. In the UK there are more than 3,000 schools / educational institutions that accept international students at various levels with thousands of choices field of study. There is a variety of access to education and training in the UK, which combines a wide range of fields of study selection according to the needs, interests and abilities.

The UK has recently reinforced its commitment to international education with the launch of its International Education Strategy 2026 in January 2026. This strategy prioritizes sustainable and responsible recruitment of high-quality international students from diverse countries, with a specific focus on growth in education exports to £40 billion per year by 2030. Indonesian students have increasingly become part of this international landscape, with a remarkable 35% increase in enrollment over the past decade and 24.1% growth from 2016-17 to 2021-22 alone. As of 2023/24, approximately 730,000 international students were studying in UK higher education institutions, representing 25% of the total student population. Recent data from 2024-25 shows a 6% decline in overall international student numbers, largely due to policy changes and economic factors, though this reflects broader market adjustments rather than weakened UK education quality.

The education system in the UK is divided into four (4) main parts, namely primary education, secondary education, further education, and higher education. Students in the UK are required to attend primary and secondary education which begins at the age of five (5) years up to the age of 16 years.

The compulsory education period extends from age 5 through age 16, encompassing primary education (ages 5-11) and secondary education (ages 11-16). For international students, particularly those from Indonesia, the education pathway typically begins after secondary schooling is completed. Unlike domestic UK students who attend state-funded schools, international students enter the system through private institutions or pathway programmes, as state schools are reserved for UK citizens.

Indonesian students seeking to study in UK higher education often require preparatory qualifications due to differences between the Indonesian and British education systems. Foundation programmes, typically lasting 9-12 months, serve as the primary entry route for Indonesian students who have completed their SMA (secondary school) certificates but do not hold A-Levels or International Baccalaureate (IB) qualifications. These programmes require IELTS English proficiency at a minimum level of 5.5 and provide intensive academic preparation across business, engineering, sciences, and humanities, with guaranteed pathways to partner universities upon completion. Alternatively, students may pursue standard A-Level programmes (2-year duration with IELTS 5.5 minimum) or International Year One/Higher Education Diploma pathways (2-term programmes designed specifically for non-UK secondary graduates).

Further Education (FE) colleges also provide accessible entry points for international students, offering Level 3 qualifications and above leading to Level 6 and higher awards, with progression routes directly into university Bachelor's degree programmes. These FE institutions welcome international students from around the world and provide vocational and academic alternatives to traditional university entry routes.

Upon successful progression to higher education, international students find diverse opportunities across Russell Group and other leading institutions. University College London remains the top destination for international students, enrolling approximately 15,000 new international students in 2023/24 (61% of its intake). International students now constitute 51% of UK postgraduate students and 14% of undergraduate students, with postgraduate programmes experiencing increased demand historically, though 2024-25 saw a 10% decline in taught postgraduate entrants due to policy and economic uncertainties.

For Indonesian students planning post-study work in the UK, the Graduate Visa remains available but with recent modifications. The programme has been shortened from 2 years to 18 months, effective January 1, 2027, allowing graduates to work in the UK after completing their degrees. During studies, international students on programmes exceeding 6 months are permitted to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic term time and full-time during official university holiday periods.