Language Tests for Indonesia University Admissions
A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in Indonesia.
Universities in Indonesia that teach in English ask for an English test score. Programmes taught in Indonesian ask for Indonesian. Here are the minimum scores for 2026-27 at UI and for the KNB (the Indonesian government scholarship for students from developing countries) scholarship.
- Students applying to English-taught programmes.
- KNB scholarship applicants.
- Students applying to Indonesian-taught programmes need proof of Indonesian.
- Bachelor's applicants at Universitas Indonesia (UI) whose school taught mainly in English can send a letter from the school instead of a test.
- KNB: applicants whose university programme was taught in English can send official proof instead.
Important Considerations
UI accepts TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge scores only if taken from March 2024 onward.
Each UI faculty (a part of the university, such as Medicine) can ask for a higher score than the minimum.
Universities in Indonesia accept TOEFL iBT (taken online) and TOEFL ITP (paper-based).
Score Requirements for Indonesia Universities
| University Tier | Undergraduate | Graduate | Ph.D. Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universitas Indonesia (UI) | iBT 61 or ITP 500 | iBT 61 or ITP 500 | iBT 61 or ITP 500 |
| NEW UI GREAT scholarship | - | iBT 80 or ITP (paper-based) 550 | - |
| KNB Scholarship | iBT 53 or ITP 477 | iBT 61 or ITP 500 (ITB) | iBT 71 or ITP 530 (ITB) |
These are general ranges. Always check the specific requirements of each institution and program.
Official Website & Registration
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is accepted by UI, the KNB scholarship and NEW UI GREAT.
Typical Minimum Requirements
e.g., Universitas Indonesia (UI)
e.g., Universitas Indonesia (UI)
e.g., All KNB universities
e.g., Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)
Special Considerations
- • Graduate programs may require higher scores
- • Some schools require minimum scores in each section
- • English-focused majors often have higher requirements
Official Website & Registration
The KNB Scholarship accepts Duolingo and similar tests that check writing, listening and speaking.
Score Requirements by Tier
Official Website & Registration
Minimum scores for 2026-27. Each UI faculty can set higher scores.
| University Category | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|
UI: all levels e.g., Universitas Indonesia (UI) | iBT 61 | 5.5 | - |
KNB Scholarship: bachelor's e.g., All KNB universities | iBT 53 | 5.5 | Accepted |
NEW UI GREAT: English-taught master's e.g., Universitas Indonesia (UI) | iBT 80 | 6 | - |
Score Requirements Variations
Beyond university tiers, specific academic programs often have their own requirements. Here's how they typically vary:
Programmes taught in Indonesian
NEW UI GREAT applicants to Indonesian-taught master's at UI need level 3 of BIPA (Indonesian for foreign speakers) or level 4 of TIBA, both from LBI UI.
Some students can send a letter instead of a test score.
Common Exemption Categories
School taught in English (UI bachelor's)
Send a letter from your school saying English was the main teaching language.
University programme in English (KNB)
Send official proof from your home university.
Important Notes on Exemptions
- Rules differ by university. Ask before you skip the test.
If your programme is taught in Indonesian, you can study the language first.
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