871,496 Applicants, Only 29% Accepted: How University Life Differs Between Korea and Indonesia

The Race to Enter University

In May 2026, Indonesia announced the results of its national test-based university admissions process, known as SNBT.

Of the 871,496 applicants, only 256,369 were accepted, representing an acceptance rate of 29.42%.

These students competed for places at participating public universities, religious higher education institutions, and state polytechnics. The figure does not represent the acceptance rate for all Indonesian universities, as other admission routes and private institutions operate separately. ANTARA News Bangka Belitung

South Korea also has a highly competitive university admissions culture, with the College Scholastic Ability Test, commonly called Suneung, playing a prominent role alongside school records and other admission criteria.

However, the broader higher education landscape is strikingly different.

According to the OECD’s Education at a Glance 2025, 71% of South Koreans aged 25–34 had completed tertiary education, the highest proportion among OECD countries.

In Indonesia, the national tertiary gross enrollment ratio reached 32.89% in 2025, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS).

These figures measure different things: Korea’s statistic reflects completed qualifications among young adults, while Indonesia’s measures current enrollment relative to the population aged 19–23. They should not be interpreted as a direct comparison of university graduation rates.

Nevertheless, they highlight how differently higher education participation has developed in the two countries. OECD

1. Tuition Fees: How Much Does University Cost?

University education represents a substantial financial commitment in both countries, but their tuition systems operate differently.

In South Korea, the average annual tuition fee at four-year universities reached approximately KRW 7.27 million in 2026.

The difference between public and private institutions was considerable.

South Korea — 2026	Average annual tuition
Public universities	KRW 4.25 million
Private universities	KRW 8.23 million
All four-year universities	KRW 7.27 million

These figures come from the Ministry of Education’s 2026 university disclosure analysis. 연합뉴스

Indonesia’s public universities commonly use a tuition system called Uang Kuliah Tunggal (UKT), under which fees vary according to the institution, program, and assessed financial circumstances.

For example, the University of Indonesia’s Political Science undergraduate program listed seven UKT levels for the 2025/2026 academic year, ranging from IDR 500,000 to IDR 7.5 million per semester for students admitted through national selection routes.

This is an individual program’s published fee schedule, not Indonesia’s national average. 정치학부

For students in both countries, tuition is only part of the equation. Housing, transportation, meals, textbooks, and daily expenses can significantly influence where they choose to study.

2. Campus Culture: Student Clubs, Festivals, and Community Life

University life extends far beyond lectures and examinations.

In South Korea, student clubs, department gatherings, campus festivals, and group activities are familiar features of university culture.

These experiences can help students establish friendships and professional networks, although the atmosphere varies considerably between institutions and departments.

Indonesia also has an active student organization culture.

At the University of Indonesia, students can participate in Unit Kegiatan Mahasiswa (UKM), or student activity units, covering sports, arts, social activities, and other interests.

Its official student organization directory includes basketball, badminton, esports, martial arts, and the student executive body known as BEM. KemaHimpunan UI

One particularly distinctive feature of Indonesian university education is Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN), a community service and experiential learning program offered at many institutions.

At Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), KKN is a graduation requirement for undergraduate students.

In June 2026, UGM deployed 8,178 students across 32 Indonesian provinces for approximately 50 days of community-based activities.

Students worked with communities on issues such as local economic development, education, and environmental sustainability.

It is a striking example of how university education can connect directly with local communities outside the classroom. SCS-CEL

3. Choosing a Major and Preparing for Work

Students in both countries face an important question: Will their degree lead to a good career?

In South Korea, university reputation, academic performance, internships, language qualifications, and recruitment preparation can all influence students’ career decisions.

Many students also pursue additional certifications or practical experience before graduation.

Indonesian students face similar pressures, but the opportunities and challenges vary across regions, industries, and institutions.

For some, studying in Jakarta may provide greater proximity to major corporations and professional networks.

For others, cities such as Yogyakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya offer established universities and different living environments.

The growing importance of digital skills, communication, and international business also creates opportunities beyond traditional career paths.

For employers, this means that academic qualifications alone may not reveal a candidate’s full potential.

Internships, student organizations, community projects, and practical experience can provide valuable evidence of leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

4. What Can the Two Countries Learn From Each Other?

South Korea’s high level of tertiary educational attainment demonstrates the country’s extensive investment in higher education.

However, a large population of degree holders also makes career differentiation an important concern for students.

Indonesia, meanwhile, is working to expand access to higher education while addressing differences in educational opportunities between regions.

The country’s community-based university programs offer an interesting model for connecting academic knowledge with practical social needs.

Neither university experience can be reduced to entrance examinations or rankings alone.

For students, the most valuable education combines academic knowledge, personal development, professional preparation, and meaningful experiences outside the classroom.

For businesses operating between Korea and Indonesia, understanding these differences is also important.

Recruitment, internships, training programs, and university partnerships can become more effective when they reflect how students actually learn and prepare for their careers.

A university degree may open the door. What students experience along the way often determines what happens next.