Purpose, Requirements, and Procedure for Foreign Degree Equivalency

For Indonesians studying abroad, it’s essential to apply for foreign degree equivalency (penyetaraan ijazah luar negeri) if they wish to continue their education in Indonesia. This equivalency process can actually be done online and is free of charge.

The foreign degree equivalency process is a way to determine the academic degree obtained abroad and match it with the corresponding education level recognized in Indonesia. This allows the authorities to officially acknowledge the qualifications earned overseas.

Purpose of Foreign Degree Equivalency

The goal of degree equivalency is to align the degree earned from an overseas institution with the corresponding level of education in Indonesia. This is necessary because every country has its own educational system and requirements.

The process of applying for foreign degree equivalency can be done through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemdikbudristek) or the Ministry of Religious Affairs, depending on the type of foreign institution attended. However, the steps for both ministries are generally similar.

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Requirements for Foreign Degree Equivalency

Applicants must prepare several documents before applying for foreign degree equivalency. Below are the key requirements:

• Scanned original and colored academic transcripts
• Scanned original and colored diploma
• Scanned full passport pages, including blank pages used during study period, compiled in a single file. For research-based or sandwich programs, a visitor visa can be used in place of a student visa
• Information about the program taken, such as curriculum and syllabus
• Scanned diploma from the previous education level or a certificate of equivalency for the previous level
• If the diploma and transcript are not in English, a sworn translator must provide official translations in both Bahasa Indonesia and English

Special Requirements

• Dissertation for doctoral graduates, thesis for master’s graduates, and final project for bachelor’s graduates
• Proof of government recognition for institutions or programs without accreditation
• Taiwanese graduates must submit a thesis verification signed by the supervisor and examiners
• Graduates from China (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate) must include documents from the China Academic Degree & Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC), with sworn translations
• Diploma graduates from China must submit documents from the China Higher Education Academic Credential Verification (CHSI), with sworn translations
• Malaysian graduates only need to submit a student visa
• Doctoral program applicants must attach a published international journal article; research-based master’s students must submit at least a conference proceeding
• Progress report signed by the academic supervisor showing education progress abroad
• Non-Indonesian citizens must provide mandatory documents such as a sponsor letter from Indonesia, plus legalized diploma and transcripts
• Study assignment letter for civil servants (ASN)
• Residence permit or stay permit for the applicant
• Double degree holders must include both diplomas and transcripts from the local institution related to the program intended in Indonesia
• A detailed learning chronology from the overseas institution and a full-time student certificate

Also read: Thinking About Studying in the UK? Heres What You Need to Know About Their Education System

Steps to Apply for Foreign Degree Equivalency

The foreign degree equivalency process at the Ministry of Education consists of five main stages. To begin, applicants must first create an account on the Kemdikbudristek’s PILN platform.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for applying for foreign degree equivalency through the relevant institution:

1. Create a Foreign Degree Account

Start by creating an account on Kemdikbudristek’s online degree equivalency platform. Without this account, you won’t be able to proceed with the equivalency process.

2. Fill Out Personal Data

Next, fill in your personal information accurately, including your biodata, subjects studied, and your education history abroad. Ensure everything is correct and complete to make the process easier.

3. Upload Required Documents

Once the personal data is complete, applicants must upload all required documents. Be sure to review everything to ensure it meets the stated requirements for the foreign degree equivalency process.

4. Data Verification

Your documents will then be reviewed by a verification team. This process can take around 10 working days. Applicants must wait for updates or notifications from the Ministry.

5. Collect the Equivalency Certificate (SK)

Applicants can collect the final certificate (SK) from the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education office. Someone else can pick it up on your behalf if they bring a signed power of attorney with a legal stamp.

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