Higher Education Levels: D3, D4, S1, S2, S3, Professional, and Specialist Programs

Levels and KKNI levels

The Indonesian National Qualifications Framework (KKNI) places graduates at a qualification level. In higher education, generally: D3 (three-year diploma) is at level 5, D4 (applied bachelor's) and S1 (bachelor's) at level 6, professional programs at level 7, master's and specialist programs at level 8, and doctorates at level 9.

Summary of each level

• D3 (Ahli Madya, associate expert): vocational, graduation load typically 108 credits (SKS), normal duration 6 semesters.
• D4 (Sarjana Terapan, applied bachelor's): vocational, typically 144 credits, normal duration 8 semesters.
• S1 (Sarjana, bachelor's): academic, typically 144 credits, normal duration 8 semesters, with a thesis or another form of final project.
• S2 (Magister, master's): typically 36 credits, normal duration 4 semesters, with a thesis.
• S3 (Doktor, doctorate): a dissertation with stages from the qualifying exam to the open defense.
• Professional and specialist programs: advanced programs with practice, with study load following the requirements of the profession or field.

Important note

The figures above are general provisions of the national standard. Institutions may set stricter rules according to the study program, and regulations may change. Always refer to the latest rules and campus policy.

Implications for academic management

• Final project stages differ by level: a final defense at S1, a thesis examination at S2, and from the qualifying exam to the open defense at S3.
• Admission requirements differ: S2 requires a bachelor's graduate, S3 requires a master's.
• Study limits and semester credit loads differ, so early warnings and KRS validation must follow the level.
• Reporting to PDDikti uses different level codes.

Support in Kampusin

Kampusin runs admissions and academic workflows for D3, D4, S1, S2, and S3, and provides default rules for professional and specialist 1 programs. Default provisions can be adjusted per study program.