For Indonesian students weighing their options for higher education abroad, Maharashtra offers something that few other destinations can match: world-class colleges, straightforward admission, and a cost of study that is a fraction of what you would spend in Australia, the United Kingdom, or the United States. With direct flights from Jakarta to Mumbai taking just over six hours, and a single government portal handling the entire application process, studying in Maharashtra has become one of the most practical and rewarding choices for Indonesian students in 2026-27.

This guide covers everything: which student category applies to you, how your SMA qualification is recognised, the step-by-step application process at fn.mahacet.org, fee structures in both INR and IDR, and what to expect in your first week on campus.

Indonesian Qualifications: What India Recognises

Indonesian students complete their secondary education over three years at Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA), graduating with the SMA diploma after Grade 12. This qualification covers science (IPA), social studies (IPS), and language streams, and forms the basis of your university application in Maharashtra.

Because the SMA diploma is a foreign qualification, you will need an AIU Equivalency Certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in New Delhi. This is a standard requirement for almost all international students applying through fn.mahacet.org. The process is fully online and can be started before you even arrive in India.

One critically important point: as a Foreign National student from Indonesia, you are fully exempt from MHT-CET (Maharashtra's state entrance exam). Section 4(4) of the MHT-CET 2026-27 brochure explicitly states that NRI, OCI, PIO, CIWGC, and Foreign National candidates do not need to appear for MHT-CET. Admission is purely merit-based on your Grade 12 marks. The only exceptions are MBBS (requires NEET) and Architecture (requires NATA).

Which Category Do You Fall Under?

Maharashtra's admission system uses specific categories for international applicants. Knowing your correct category before you apply at fn.mahacet.org is essential, as it determines which documents you need and which seats are available to you.

Most Indonesian students applying fresh from Indonesia will fall under the Foreign National Student (FNS) category. If you are unsure, use the category check tool at fn.mahacet.org/category-check/ to confirm your eligibility in minutes before starting your application.

Fee Structure for Indonesian Students

One of the most compelling reasons for Indonesian students to choose Maharashtra is the significant cost advantage. At the current exchange rate of approximately 1 INR = 185 IDR (May 2026), even the top Maharashtra colleges offer tuition that is dramatically more affordable than comparable institutions in Australia or the UK.

There is a one-time registration fee of USD $1,200 paid to the Maharashtra CET Cell via fn.mahacet.org, structured as USD $50 (provisional eligibility) followed by USD $1,150 (registration fee). College tuition is paid separately, directly to your college.

Living costs in Maharashtra are equally manageable. Students in Pune or Nagpur typically budget USD $200 to $400 per month covering hostel, food, and local transport. Mumbai is slightly higher at USD $350 to $600 per month. Combined with tuition, studying in Maharashtra remains significantly more affordable than studying in Europe or Australia.

How to Apply: Step by Step

The entire admission process for Indonesian students is handled through fn.mahacet.org, the Government of Maharashtra's official single-window portal for international students. There is no need to contact individual colleges directly in the first instance.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Visit fn.mahacet.org/category-check/. Select your category (FNS for most Indonesian students), choose your course, and confirm your eligibility. This step is free and takes under two minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather your SMA diploma and mark sheets, valid Indonesian passport, passport-sized photographs, and your AIU equivalency certificate. For MBBS applicants, add your NEET scorecard. Get your documents attested by the Indian Embassy in Jakarta before submission.

Step 3: Register and Pay USD $50

Create your account at fn.mahacet.org, select the FNS category, upload your documents, and pay the USD $50 provisional eligibility fee. You will receive a Provisional Eligibility Certificate (PEC) which can also be used to start your visa process.

Step 4: Receive Your Provisional Eligibility Letter and Pay USD $1,150

After the CET Cell verifies your documents, your provisional eligibility letter is issued. Pay the remaining USD $1,150 registration fee to complete your admission registration. Apply to your preferred Maharashtra colleges through the portal.

Step 5: Apply for Your Indian Student Visa

With your provisional eligibility or admission letter in hand, apply for an Indian Student Visa at the Embassy of India in Jakarta or the Consulate General in Bali. Required documents include your admission letter, passport, academic mark sheets, and financial evidence. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for processing.

Step 6: Travel to Maharashtra and Complete FRRO Registration

Book your flight to Mumbai or Pune. As a Foreign National, you must register at the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival. Your college's International Student Cell will assist with this.

Getting to Maharashtra: Travel and Your First Week

Jakarta and Mumbai are well connected by direct air routes. IndiGo operates nonstop flights between Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), with a flight time of approximately 6 hours and 24 minutes. SriLankan Airlines also operates competitive routes via Colombo. One-way tickets start from around USD $159, with prices from USD $285 for a round trip. The cheapest months to fly are typically July and August, which aligns well with the 2026-27 intake season.

Once in Maharashtra, most students land at Mumbai T2 and can reach Pune by road in around three hours. Many colleges are located across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik, giving Indonesian students a choice of campus environment from a coastal megacity to a quieter university town.

Will Your Degree Be Recognised in Indonesia?

Yes. Degrees awarded by AICTE-approved and UGC-recognised Maharashtra colleges are accepted internationally, including in Indonesia. The Indonesian government's Directorate General of Higher Education (Dikti) and the National Accreditation Board (BAN-PT) both provide pathways for recognising degrees from accredited Indian institutions.

To ensure smooth recognition when you return, request a degree from a Maharashtra college that carries NAAC accreditation. Once you complete your studies, your degree will go through the following attestation trail for official use in Indonesia:

This attestation trail is standard practice and your college's administrative office can guide you through it when you approach graduation. Many Indonesian graduates from Maharashtra universities have gone on to careers in engineering, medicine, and business in Indonesia and abroad, with their Indian degrees fully accepted by employers and postgraduate institutions.

For professional fields such as medicine or pharmacy, check with the relevant Indonesian regulatory body (IDI for doctors, IAI for pharmacists) for any additional licensing requirements on your return.

Common Mistakes Indonesian Students Make

1. Starting the AIU Application Too Late

The AIU equivalency certificate takes 4 to 6 weeks to process. Many Indonesian students underestimate this timeline and either delay their fn.mahacet.org registration or scramble at the last minute. Start your AIU application the moment you decide to apply, not after.

2. Selecting the Wrong Category at Registration

Selecting NRI instead of FNS (or vice versa) at the fn.mahacet.org registration stage causes document mismatches and can lead to rejection or delays. Indonesian passport holders who are not of Indian descent should always select Foreign National Student (FNS). Use the category check at fn.mahacet.org to confirm before you register.

3. Missing the FRRO Registration Deadline

Foreign National students in India are legally required to register with the FRRO within 14 days of arrival. This is not optional. Failing to register can cause visa extension problems later in your studies. As soon as you arrive on campus, ask your International Student Cell to help you complete this step.

Frequently Asked Questions