Indonesian International Students in the US: What Happens After Graduation?

As the world’s fourth most populous country, Indonesia is a growing hub for international students pursuing higher education abroad. The United States, with its world-class universities and diverse academic programs, remains a top destination for Indonesian students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. According to the Open Doors 2024 Report, Indonesia sent 8,348 students to the US in the 2023-2024 academic year, making it the 23rd largest source of international students globally and the second largest in Southeast Asia. But what happens to these students after they graduate? This article explores the post-graduation pathways for Indonesian international students in the US, including work opportunities, visa options, and trends shaping their decisions.

The Rise of Indonesian Students in the US

The number of Indonesian students in the US has seen steady growth, with a 10% increase in graduate program enrollment and a 28.6% surge in short-term exchange programs during the 2023-2024 academic year, largely driven by initiatives like Indonesia’s International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA). Many Indonesian students are drawn to the US for its prestigious institutions, such as Northeastern University, UC San Diego, and Carnegie Mellon University, and its strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. In fact, 56% of international students in the US, including Indonesians, pursue STEM majors, with math, computer science, and engineering being particularly popular.

However, the journey doesn’t end with a diploma. After graduation, Indonesian students face critical decisions about their next steps, balancing career aspirations, visa regulations, and personal goals. Below, we outline the most common pathways they take.

Post-Graduation Pathways for Indonesian Students

1. Optional Practical Training (OPT): Gaining Work Experience in the US

One of the most popular options for Indonesian graduates is Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US for up to 12 months in a field related to their degree. STEM graduates, which include many Indonesian students, can extend OPT for an additional 24 months, totaling three years of work experience. In 2023, OPT participation among international students reached a record high of 242,782, a 22% increase from the previous year, with a significant portion from Asia.

For Indonesian students, OPT offers a chance to gain valuable professional experience in industries like technology, engineering, and business. However, securing a job can be challenging. A 2022 survey by Interstride found that 34% of international students, including Indonesians, felt unprepared to explore US career opportunities due to difficulties securing internships or jobs and navigating visa processes like OPT and work visas. Despite these challenges, OPT remains a critical stepping stone for those hoping to stay in the US.

2. Transitioning to a Work Visa: The H-1B Challenge

After OPT, many Indonesian graduates aim to transition to an H-1B visa, which allows employment in a specialty occupation for up to six years. However, the H-1B process is highly competitive, with a limited annual cap and a lottery system. Employers must sponsor the visa, and many are hesitant to hire international graduates due to the complexity and cost of sponsorship. This is a significant hurdle for Indonesian students, as noted in a 2022 Interstride report, which highlighted employer reluctance to sponsor international students as a top obstacle.

Despite these challenges, success stories exist. Indonesian graduates in high-demand fields like software engineering or data science often have better chances of securing H-1B sponsorship, particularly in tech hubs like California or New York. For those who secure an H-1B, it can serve as a pathway to long-term employment and, potentially, permanent residency.

3. Returning to Indonesia: Leveraging a US Degree

While many Indonesian students aspire to stay in the US, a significant portion return to Indonesia after graduation. According to a 2022 Interstride survey, only 13% of international students planned to return home immediately after graduation, but close family ties and economic opportunities in Indonesia often influence this decision. Indonesia’s growing economy, the 10th largest by purchasing power parity, offers opportunities in sectors like technology, finance, and climate adaptation, where US-educated graduates are highly valued.

A US degree carries significant prestige in Indonesia, opening doors to leadership roles in multinational corporations, startups, or government initiatives. For example, the Indonesian government’s push for climate adaptation experts aligns with the skills of STEM graduates. Additionally, alumni networks from US universities, such as UC Berkeley or Stanford, provide strong professional connections in Indonesia, as highlighted by the US Embassy’s education outreach programs.

4. Pursuing Further Education

Some Indonesian graduates opt to continue their education in the US, pursuing master’s or doctoral programs. The Open Doors 2024 Report noted a 10% increase in Indonesian students enrolling in graduate programs, reflecting a trend toward advanced degrees. This pathway allows students to extend their F-1 visa status and further specialize in fields like artificial intelligence, business management, or engineering. However, the high cost of US tuition (ranging from $10,000 to $55,000 annually) and living expenses ($900–$1,800 monthly) can be a barrier, though scholarships and financial aid from programs like EducationUSA can help.

5. Exploring Opportunities Abroad

While less common, some Indonesian graduates explore opportunities in other countries, such as Australia, Canada, or the UK, which offer more streamlined pathways to permanent residency. For instance, Australia enrolled 19,420 Indonesian students in 2021 and is a popular destination due to its proximity and post-graduation employment visas. However, the US remains a top choice for its academic reputation and OPT opportunities, despite visa challenges.

Challenges and Considerations

Indonesian students face several challenges post-graduation, including:

• Visa Restrictions: The lack of a direct path to permanent residency through student visas (F-1 or M-1) makes long-term stays in the US difficult. The 15.5% increase in employment-based green card denials in 2019 underscores this challenge.

• Financial Pressures: High tuition and living costs can limit post-graduation options, pushing some students to return home to avoid debt.

  
  

Trends Shaping the Future

Recent trends indicate a shift in Indonesian student mobility:

• Increased Graduate and Short-Term Programs: The 28.6% rise in short-term exchanges and 10% growth in graduate programs reflect Indonesia’s focus on skill-building for its young workforce (50% of Indonesians are under 30).

• Economic Contributions: International students, including Indonesians, contributed $43.8 billion to the US economy in 2023-2024, supporting 375,000 jobs and highlighting their value to both the US and Indonesia.

• Policy Concerns: Recent US policy changes, such as visa revocations in early 2025, have raised concerns about the US becoming less welcoming. This could push more Indonesian students toward countries like Canada or Australia, which offer clearer immigration pathways.

Conclusion

Indonesian international students in the US have a range of options after graduation, from gaining work experience through OPT to returning to Indonesia with a prestigious degree or pursuing further studies. While challenges like visa restrictions and cultural adjustments exist, the skills, networks, and global perspectives gained from a US education position these graduates for success in Indonesia’s growing economy or beyond.

Sources: Open Doors 2024 Report, US Embassy in Indonesia, Interstride 2022 Survey, Omotoyosi Oduwaye et al. (2023)