Top 5 High-Paying College Majors in Indonesia with Low Student Interest in 2025

JatimVoice.com – Several college majors in Indonesia offer lucrative career prospects but attract minimal interest due to various reasons, according to sources including CNN Indonesia, detikEdu archives, university websites (UI, UGM, ITB, UB), and Jobstreet. Here’s a rundown of five such programs based on the 2025 National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP):

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1. Fine Arts and Design

   The Faculty of Fine Arts and Design (FSRD) at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) was the least popular major in the 2025 SNBP, attracting only 52 applicants. Similarly, at Brawijaya University (UB), Pure Fine Arts had just 40 applicants. This field covers pure arts like painting, sculpture, and ceramics, as well as design disciplines such as visual communication, product design, interior design, and crafts. Students develop creative skills, analytical abilities, and expertise in various media and techniques. Programs are also offered at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Indonesian Institute of Arts and Culture (ISBI) Bandung, and other art institutes. Graduates can pursue careers as graphic designers, illustrators, or art directors, with starting salaries ranging from Rp 5 million to Rp 11 million per month.

2. Agricultural Microbiology

   At Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Agricultural Microbiology is among the least sought-after programs, with a 1:10 applicant-to-seat ratio in 2024 and only 35 available seats (11 for SNBP, 11 for SNBT, and 13 for independent selection). This major focuses on microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, exploring their roles in health, food production, and environmental sustainability. Graduates can work in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental health, or life sciences research, earning average salaries of Rp 5 million to Rp 6.7 million per month, according to Jobstreet data as of July 1, 2025.

3. Bioenergy and Chemical Engineering

   Exclusive to ITB, this unique major focuses on renewable energy derived from organic materials, such as agricultural waste and plants, to produce biofuels and eco-friendly chemical products. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in renewable energy, biofuel production, and green technology industries. Jobstreet classifies bioenergy roles under environmental engineering, with salaries ranging from Rp 11 million to Rp 14 million per month.

4. Bioprocess Technology

   Offered only at Universitas Indonesia (UI) and Brawijaya University (UB), Bioprocess Technology had low interest in the 2025 SNBP, with 133 applicants at UI and 114 at UB. This field applies biotechnology, biology, and process engineering to produce food, pharmaceuticals, energy products, chemicals, and waste decomposition processes. It involves designing bioreactors, studying fermentation, and ensuring product safety. Graduates can work in food production, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or chemical research, with starting salaries of Rp 4 million to Rp 10 million per month.

5. Geophysics

   At UI, Geophysics was among the least popular majors in the 2025 SNBP, with only 124 applicants. This geoscience discipline studies physical processes in the Earth, from its core to its interactions with celestial bodies. The program is also available at the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics College (STMKG) under BMKG. Geophysicists earn an average of Rp 8.5 million to Rp 11.5 million per month, according to Jobstreet.

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