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Architecture

Arsitektur

This study program covers the design of buildings and spaces, combining aesthetics, structure, function, and sustainability. Graduates can work as practicing architects, design consultants, urban planners, or construction project managers.

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Level S1 · 4 years
Market demand High, and continually increasing
Mid salary Rp 8–15 million /mo
01

Big Picture

DATA

The art and science of designing buildings — from design concepts, structures, materials, to integration with the environment. Students learn 2D/3D technical drawing, model making, building regulations, and sustainability considerations in every design.

Core courses

  • Architecture Studio (beginner to advanced)
  • Building Structures
  • Building Materials Technology
  • Technical Drawing & CAD
  • History & Theory of Architecture
  • Soil Mechanics & Foundations
  • Urban & Spatial Planning
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Building Installation Systems (Mechanical & Electrical)
  • Construction Project Management
WHO THIS FITS

A good fit if you enjoy drawing, are interested in form and space, and are curious about how buildings affect the lives of their occupants. Requires a balance between the creative side (design) and the technical side (structure & materials).

Education levels

how does it differ from other levels?
D3
A 3-year diploma program that focuses on technical skills — drafting working drawings, using CAD software, and design assistance. Graduates typically work as architectural drafters or assistant architects, rather than lead architects.
D4
A 4-year diploma program that combines applied skills with deeper design knowledge than a D3. The credit load is similar to an S1, but with more studio practice and direct projects. Graduates can pursue architect certification through certain pathways.
S2
A 1.5–2 year master's program for specialization — such as urban design, historic building conservation, green/sustainable architecture, or project management. Intended for senior positions, consulting, or academia.
S3
A 3–4 year doctoral program based on in-depth research — topics include architectural theory, human-space relations, material innovation, or spatial policy. Generally intended for academic and research careers.

Often confused with…

what's the difference?
vsTeknik Sipil (Civil Engineering)
Architecture focuses on design, aesthetics, and spatial experience; Civil Engineering focuses on structural calculations, material strength, and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and dams.
vsDesain Interior (Interior Design)
Architecture designs the building as a whole (structure, facade, spatial layout); Interior Design focuses on the layout and aesthetics of spaces inside existing buildings.
vsTeknik Lingkungan (Environmental Engineering)
Architecture considers the environment as part of the building design; Environmental Engineering focuses broadly on the technical management of waste, water, and environmental impacts.
vsPerencanaan Wilayah & Kota (Urban & Regional Planning)
Architecture designs at the scale of a single building; Urban & Regional Planning designs at the city/cluster scale — zoning, transportation, and land use.

Myth vs Fact

MYTH Architecture is just a drawing major — anyone good at drawing will naturally fit.
FACT Drawing is merely one tool. More important are spatial thinking, structural logic, understanding user needs, and communicating ideas to clients and construction teams.
MYTH Architecture graduates can only become architects.
FACT They can also become design consultants, urban planners, project managers, 3D visualizers, lecturers, or even property developers. The field is broad.
MYTH Architects have a glamorous and wealthy profession.
FACT Some renowned architects do earn large incomes, but most graduates start with a standard salary and need years to build a portfolio and reputation.
MYTH To become an architect, you can practice immediately after graduating with an S1 degree.
FACT In Indonesia, you need an Architect Registration Certificate (STRA) in accordance with Law No. 6 of 2017. The process involves a professional program and a certification exam.
02

Toolkit & Prep

GUIDE

Personal hardware & software you need to prepare before classes start — requirements vary by program. Expensive, heavy-duty equipment is usually provided by the campus.

MINIMUM LAPTOP SPEC

Laptop with minimum i5/Ryzen 5 processor, 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended), dedicated GPU for 3D rendering (GTX 1650 or above). 15-inch+ screen for comfortable technical drawing.

ESTIMATED STARTUP BUDGET
Rp 15-30 million

A one-time purchase that lasts through your studies.

Laptop with dedicated GPU
For CAD, SketchUp, Revit, and 3D rendering
Required
AutoCAD / SketchUp / Revit
Many campuses provide educational licenses
Required
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
For presentations and visual rendering
Required
Scale ruler & technical drawing set
For manual drawing studio in early levels
Required
Drawing board
Some campuses provide them in the studio
Required
Lumion / Enscape / V-Ray
Advanced rendering software for realistic visualization
Optional
Graphics tablet
Makes digital sketching and presentations easier
Optional
3D printer
For making physical models; usually available on campus
Optional
03

Facility Checklist

GUIDE

Questions specific to Architecture to bring to an open house or campus visit. Important facilities vary by program — these matter most.

Note: Myjor doesn't maintain a facilities database per campus. This is a tool for you to assess it yourself.

Is there a dedicated architecture drawing studio that students can use outside class hours?
Are the computer laboratories equipped with the latest CAD/Revit software?
Is there a materials workshop or model-making shop available?
Does the campus have a building materials testing laboratory?
Does the library have an adequate collection of international architecture journals and books?
Is there an exhibition space or gallery for displaying student work?
Does the campus provide 3D printing facilities for students?
Is there an outdoor area for landscape studios or direct site observation?
Is there a licensing agreement that gives students access to licensed software (Autodesk, Adobe)?

Tip: ask for a tour of the relevant labs/studios, not just the main building. Ask about access hours and whether undergrads can use the equipment.

04

Academic Quality

GUIDE

Three objective ways to assess a program's academic quality — including how to check them yourself.

A

Program accreditation status

Check the program's own accreditation rating (not just the campus's) on official sites. International accreditation is a plus for certain fields.

Unggul / A — top tier Baik Sekali / B Baik / C

Check at: BAN-PT (banpt.or.id) or the relevant LAM, & PDDIKTI (pddikti.kemdikbud.go.id).

B

Student–faculty ratio & how to calculate it

ratio = active students ÷ full-time faculty
Example: 600 students ÷ 25 faculty = 1 : 24
Ideal: ≈1:20 for STEM/science fields, ≈1:30 for social sciences/humanities (per Ministry of Education guidance).
!The smaller the second number, the more attention each student gets. Above 1:40 is worth flagging.
!Also check faculty qualifications (Master's/PhD) and whether there are industry practitioner lecturers.
C

Faculty research — relevant & current?

Look up faculty profiles and publications (Google Scholar / SINTA). For Architecture, look for those researching currently relevant topics:

Sustainable architecture and green buildingsConservation and revitalization of cultural heritage buildingsUrban planning and urban designVernacular architecture and local wisdomConstruction technology and innovative materialsDisaster-responsive architectureSpatial planning and housing policyHuman-space relationships (environmental behavior studies)Digital fabrication and parametric design

E.g., is there faculty researching AI, or cancer-related topics? Active research topics signal the program keeps up with the field.

ASK AT THE OPEN HOUSE

"What's this program's student–faculty ratio? What research topics are faculty currently working on? What percentage of graduates find field-relevant jobs within 6 months?"

05

Partnerships

GUIDE

Campus partnerships heavily shape internship, research, and career paths. Which partners matter varies by program — here's what's relevant for Architecture.

Architecture firm / design consultancy
Is there an official internship pathway? How many students are placed each year?
Construction company / property developer
Are there internship or field study programs at real project sites?
Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia (IAI)
Does the campus have a partnership with IAI for certification or mentoring programs?
Government agencies (Ministry of PUPR, Bappenas)
Are there internship opportunities or joint research projects for regional planning?
International partner universities
Are there student exchange, joint studio, or double degree programs?
Software vendors (Autodesk, Trimble)
Does the campus get educational licenses and certified workshops?

Ask for a list of official partners with active MoUs — not just logos in a brochure. Ask how many students are actually placed each year.

06

Career & Salary

DATA
Entry
0–2 years
Rp 4–5 million
per month
Mid
3–6 years
Rp 8–15 million
per month
Senior
7+ years
Rp 20–50 million
per month
Career pathsSalary range /mo
Junior Architect / Drafter Rp 4–7 million
Architect (3–5 years of experience) Rp 8–15 million
Principal Architect / Lead Designer Rp 15–35 million
Construction Project Manager Rp 12–25 million
City Planner / Urban Planner Rp 8–20 million
Interior Design Consultant Rp 5–15 million
3D Visualizer / CG Artist Rp 5–12 million
Lecturer / Architecture Researcher Rp 5–15 million

Sources: Myjor 2024 industry salary survey (n=4,200), BPS, and job portals. Figures are medians, influenced by city, company, and experience.

Sources & References

The career & salary data above traces back to its sources. Click to expand/collapse the source list.