Access to higher education for Indonesians living abroad remains an important issue, particularly for those who have already entered the workforce. Through its open and distance learning system, Universitas Terbuka (UT) provides cross-border education services that allow Indonesian citizens to continue their studies without leaving their jobs or host countries. As of February 2026, a total of 8,391 UT students are studying from 56 countries, demonstrating the growing use of distance learning among Indonesians worldwide.
UT Rector Ali Muktiyanto stated that this achievement reflects the increasingly inclusive nature of higher education. He emphasized that access to quality education is no longer limited by geography or employment status. UT’s role as a pioneer of distance education continues to support national and global educational needs.
This commitment to internationalization was reaffirmed during the Education and Cultural Attachés (Atdikbud) coordination meeting organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education together with the Indonesian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO in Jakarta on 9–13 February 2026. In a session on the internationalization of UT’s distance learning system, Ali highlighted UT’s government mandate to expand educational access for Indonesians everywhere, including migrant workers.
Positive responses came from Indonesian education attachés in several countries. The attaché in Tokyo noted interest from the Japan–Indonesia business community, while the attaché in Australia reported growing enthusiasm among Working Holiday Visa holders who see UT as a way to strengthen their career prospects. In Saudi Arabia, high interest among Indonesian residents even prompted a proposal to hold a UT graduation ceremony in Riyadh.
As of 13 February 2026, UT serves 747,533 students in total, including the 8,391 studying abroad. This scale contributes to Indonesia’s higher education participation rate and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Beyond the numbers, UT’s global student community reflects thousands of personal stories—migrant workers studying after long shifts, homemakers attending classes from overseas apartments, and young professionals preparing their futures while working abroad. Through distance learning, UT continues to bridge Indonesia and the world by expanding access to education without borders.
