As parents, understanding the costs associated with an international education in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a crucial necessity when planning your child's future.

Schools offering international curricula typically have a different price tag compared to national schools, so it's important to understand the investment required for your child's education. Indeed, international schools usually come with higher costs than national schools.

However, they offer numerous benefits, including globally recognized curricula, access to world-class facilities, and opportunities for studying and working abroad. When deciding on your child's education, it's essential to weigh the costs against the potential benefits of an international school education.

Before exploring the different types of schools, it's important to note that choosing the right school for your child requires careful consideration. While thousands of national schools are available, there are also international schools. However, it's worth noting that not all schools labeled as "international" are created equal.

Historically, there have been two types of international schools:

1 Internationally-backed schools that teach a foreign curriculum, such as the British, Australian, German, Japanese, or French curricula, Cambridge Assessment, or IB. These schools, which used to mainly cater to embassy staff and expatriate families, are now well-regarded by many affluent Indonesian families. While still regulated by Indonesian authorities, they follow different educational guidelines independent of Indonesian education regulations. Examples include the British School Jakarta (BSJ), the German School Jakarta (DSJ), the Jakarta Japanese School, and the French School Jakarta.

2 'National plus schools', a term that was never officially recognized, were established by local institutions partnering with foreign institutions or curriculum providers to offer an international education primarily to Indonesian parents. Some well-known examples include Mentari Intercultural School, Binus, and Sampoerna Academy.

In 2014, Indonesian authorities implemented new regulations that brought all schools, including international ones, under the umbrella of SPK (Satuan Pendidikan Kerjasama), ending their independence. Schools are no longer permitted to identify as "international schools." Therefore, parents should conduct thorough research and choose a school that best fits their child's needs, interests, and of course their financial possibilities. Making a well-informed decision can help ensure their child receives the best education possible.

What You’ll Pay for an 'International School'

If you are curious about the costs of obtaining an international education in Jakarta, let's break down the fee structures of some of the most reputable SPK schools, both foreign and locally backed. It's essential to remember that each school has its unique fee structure, including registration or enrollment fees, tuition fees, and potential discounts. Some schools may even charge an application fee, though acceptance is not guaranteed.

Please note that the prices below are for the academic year 2023/24 and are subject to change. Therefore, they should be considered a rough guideline. Like national schools, SPK schools provide education at three levels: preschool, primary, and secondary. Each level has specific school fees.

Preschool

Most SPK schools provide education starting from the preschool level, generally through kindergarten or playgroup. The price range for this level of education starts at around IDR 41 million and goes as high as IDR 185 million per year.

Primary School

Like national schools, SPK schools offer primary education for six years. The price range for this level starts at around IDR 55 million and goes as high as IDR 408 million annually.

Secondary School/High School

SPK schools provide two levels of secondary education: Level 1 Secondary School (equivalent to junior high school) and Level 2 Secondary School (equivalent to high school). The price range starts at around IDR 76 million and goes as high as IDR 477 million annually.

Why are ‘international’ school tuition fees so expensive?

The relatively high costs associated with attending an SPK school have various reasons. Let's explore some of the factors that contribute to this:

1. Profit Orientation

Many SPK schools are privately owned or operated by local groups and run as businesses. While quality education and state-of-the-art facilities are part of the business model, financial gain is the primary goal. These schools cannot survive without making a profit, so the focus is on generating revenue.

However, not all international schools are profit-oriented. Non-profit schools such as the German School Jakarta (an Indonesian Yayasan) are not allowed to generate profit. Instead, they prioritize their students, as every penny of the school fees is used directly for their education. Despite providing excellent education through highly professional staff and outstanding infrastructure, the German School Jakarta keeps its fees much lower than similar schools.

This is due to financial assistance and contributions from the German Government, including highly qualified teachers sent from Germany and school development and quality control frameworks. As a result, the German School Jakarta is one of the most affordable, internationally recognized schools.

2. Curriculum License Fees

SPK schools use international curricula, mostly Cambridge Assessment or International Baccalaureate (IB), which require costly license fees that school fees must cover.

In contrast, some schools, such as the German School Jakarta, which uses the "Deutsches Internationales Abitur" (or DIA) curriculum, do not have to pay license fees, resulting in significantly lower school fees.

The DIA curriculum is considered one of the best education systems worldwide. It aims to educate students to become capable of studying in any discipline and developing into confident and independent individuals. The DIA curriculum is regarded as more comprehensive than other curricula, such as IB or Cambridge, as it does not require early specialization, which can be a disadvantage from an educational perspective. It allows German School Jakarta students to develop their talents in all areas up to grade 12.

3. Quality Education Comes at a Cost

In the 21st century, modern education requires a globally recognized curriculum, highly educated teachers, and excellent school facilities. These are all essential components of quality education and come with a higher price tag.

While international school education may be more expensive than national education, the benefits are undeniable. Students receive a world-class education that enables them to optimize their full potential while developing cultural readiness to thrive in future global communities.

Investing in your child's education is an investment in their future. By providing a quality education, you equip them with the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally. The higher cost of SPK schools is worth the investment because of the opportunities and advantages it offers students. Children develop critical thinking skills, hone their creativity, and learn to work collaboratively. These assets benefit students as they pursue higher education and their dream careers.

4. The Importance of Highly Qualified Teachers

SPK schools prioritize quality education, and one of the key factors is the teachers. These teachers have obtained the highest qualifications through education and training, making them highly skilled and knowledgeable in their respective fields.

The German School Jakarta is an example of an SPK school that emphasizes the quality of its teachers, setting a very high benchmark: German teachers are among the best-educated professionals globally, as they are required to meet rigorous academic standards. In Germany, becoming a teacher necessitates passing the 'Erstes Staatsexamen' (First State Examination), a demanding assessment that ensures a deep mastery of subject matter and pedagogy, leaving them exceptionally well-prepared to deliver quality education.

 
At the primary level, teachers focus on teaching core competencies such as reading, writing, and mathematics while laying the groundwork for success in all other fields and fostering independence and motivation for lifelong learning.

Similarly, secondary-level teachers aim to build a strong knowledge foundation across various subjects and develop basic methodological skills to prepare students for higher education and any career path they choose.


Overall, the emphasis on quality and educated teachers in 'international' schools is essential for students to receive a world-class education and develop the necessary skills for success in the future.

5. State-of-the-Art Facilities

Top-notch facilities are essential to an international education, providing students with opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings. International schools invest heavily in creating a comfortable and ideal learning environment, including spacious and well-maintained facilities, state-of-the-art science labs, music and art studios, and libraries.

The German School Jakarta, for example, boasts a 42,000m2 campus park complete with large trees, wide grass sports fields, a modern sports hall, and multiple playgrounds. This campus provides ample academic and personal growth space and emphasizes student's peace-of-mind and safety through meticulous maintenance and strong security measures.

Recognizing the importance of physical activity for students' health and well-being, the German School Jakarta prioritizes physical education from early childhood education through graduation. The school provides abundant athletic opportunities, including sports like football, swimming, tennis, basketball, handball, and gymnastics, as well as popular recreational activities like slack-lining. With top-of-the-line equipment that is the envy of every sports teacher and athlete, the school offers world-class facilities that enable students to thrive academically and physically.

6. Opening Doors to Leading Universities Worldwide

International schools equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in higher education. Graduating from these schools generally opens doors to studying at universities across the globe, including at top-tier institutions.

The German School Jakarta (DSJ) offers specific advantages for students planning to pursue higher education in Germany. Germany is home to over 400 universities, many of which rank among the world’s best. With more than 20,000 study programs available, ranging from traditional fields like economics and medicine to emerging disciplines like blockchain and bio-fabrication, German universities provide students with an expansive array of academic options.

Additionally, DSJ graduates are considered domestic students in Germany and are exempt from the otherwise mandatory one-year Studienkolleg, which prepares foreign students for university studies in Germany.

Furthermore, both domestic and international undergraduate students at public universities in Germany pay NO tuition fees, making it a far more affordable option compared to other leading universities worldwide.

Rest assured, graduates of the German School Jakarta can choose to study at any university worldwide, including institutions in the UK, US, Singapore, Spain, and France. The school’s holistic education, intercultural focus, and multilingual approach prepare students to succeed in any country or culture they choose for their higher education.

Conclusion