Overview
Universitas Terbuka (UT) is Indonesia's open university, built around distance learning rather than face-to-face classes. Instead of lectures, students learn from print modules and non-print materials — audio, video, internet-based content, and radio or television broadcasts — with tutors providing guidance and support rather than delivering the course as classroom teaching.
Who can take it
UT is open to new and continuing students across Indonesia, and to Indonesians living abroad, who register each semester for either a new programme or continuing coursework. Overseas students register through UT's Center for Foreign Student Management, with specific arrangements for students in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei.
Structure or exam pattern
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Credit system | Semester Credit System (SKS); one semester runs 16 weeks |
| Credit weighting | Each course is worth 1–6 credits |
| Study material | 1 credit equals roughly three print modules of 40–50 pages each |
| Study time | About 32 hours per semester per credit — roughly two hours a week |
| Assessment | Course assignments (Tugas Mata Kuliah), online exams, and take-home exams |
What it covers
Materials combine print modules with non-print formats (audio/video, internet, radio and television), designed for guided independent study — students set their own pace within the semester structure, with tutor support through learning-assistance services, online sessions, and direct messaging.
How to register
Registration happens every semester in two stages: a one-time new-student registration (personal data plus first-semester course choices), followed each subsequent semester by course registration. Students choose between SIPAS, a bundled course package that includes learning materials, or Non-SIPAS, where courses are selected individually and materials are bought separately through UT's Online Bookstore. Registration can be done at a regional UT office, online through UT's Academic Information System, or at designated mobile registration points.
Dates and fees
Registration and course enrolment follow the academic calendar UT publishes each year on its website and at its regional offices; students pay course fees through a Payment Information Sheet (LIP-R) issued by their regional office.
Preparation tips
Since UT relies on self-paced study with printed and online modules rather than classroom teaching, planning a fixed weekly study schedule per credit (around two hours per credit per week) is central to keeping up with the semester timeline.
Does Universitas Terbuka hold face-to-face classes?
No. It is a distance-learning university; study materials are print modules and non-print media (audio/video, internet, radio, television), with tutors providing guidance rather than classroom lectures.
What is the difference between SIPAS and Non-SIPAS registration?
SIPAS is a bundled course package that includes learning materials. Non-SIPAS lets a student select courses individually and buy materials separately through the Online Bookstore.
Can students outside Indonesia enrol?
Yes, through UT's Center for Foreign Student Management, with specific arrangements for students in Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei.
How is a UT course assessed?
Through a mix of course assignments (Tugas Mata Kuliah), online exams, and take-home exams.