Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bintan?
1. Bintan is a 50-minute ferry ride from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. As part of the Riau islands in Indonesia, it is one of three locations identified within the 'Golden Triangle'. Bintan is a resort island with tropical weather all year round.
Who founded and owns IAB?
1. IAB was founded by a group of established international executives with many years of professional experience ranging from hospitality and tourism to banking and education. The school is managed and run by IAB Holdings Private Limited, a Singapore registered company.
What courses are offered at IAB?
1. The courses offered by IAB are:
  
  English as a Second Language (ESL)
What are the course fees for the programs?
1. The course fees of these programs can be found under Fee Structure
Are the certificates issued by IAB recognized internationally?
1. Our programs are designed by industry professionals and practitioners according to international standards. These programs are endorsed by major international hotel and resort chains who provide consultancy and guidance as to the direction of the curriculum.
As a foreign student, can I work in Bintan or Indonesia?
1. Foreign students under a student pass are not allowed under Indonesian laws to work in Bintan or Indonesia. However they are allowed to gain hands-on experience under IAB's Industrial Attachment arranged with our corporate partners.
Is a visa required to study in IAB?
1. Yes, all foreign students are required to obtain a valid student visa. IAB and its participating agents will assist applicants in the required documentation and registration process. This will take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.
How many intakes are there in each academic year?
1. There are 4 intakes per academic year; January, April, July and October. Classes will commence on the first Monday of each intake month unless otherwise announced by IAB.
How many term-breaks are there in a year?
1. There is a short term break of 2 weeks between intakes unless otherwise announced by IAB.
Can foreign students leave campus during term breaks?
1. Yes. All students are allowed to travel during the term breaks.
Can foreign students stay in off-campus accommodations?
1. Yes. Students may choose to reside in on-campus or off-campus accommodations. Off campus accommodations costs may be higher and subjected to prevailing taxes as well as terms and conditions different from IAB's on-campus accommodations.
What are the criterias for enrolling into IAB courses?
1. Please read Enrolment Criteria for more information.
How do I enrol into IAB courses?
1. Please refer to Enrolment Procedures to find out more.
How do I pay for my fees?
1. For payment matters, please refer to Fee Payment to find out more.
What is IAB's refund policy?
1. For refunds, please refer to Refund Policy for more information.
What are the documents required for enrolment?
1. The enrolment documents required for application are as follows:
  
  Photocopy of passport
Can students submit applications online?
1. Yes. Applicants can submit their application online by completing this form and then emailing their documents to
Who issues the student VISA?
1. The Student Visa is issued by the Indonesian Immigration. IAB will process the student visa only upon receiving full documents and full registration fees from applicants.
How long is the student visa application process?
1. Visa application takes about 4 to 6 weeks to approve. The Indonesian Immigration will issue an In-Principle-Approval of the student visa following which IAB will email a copy of the approval for applicants to make their full tuition fee payment.
How is the student visa collected?
1. Applicants would need to collect their student visa personally from the Indonesia Embassy in Singapore. IAB will arrange for the collection in Singapore while on transit to IAB.
2. If visas have not been applied, students will be required to travel to Singapore for visa collection.
3. Should the student not be allowed to enter Singapore for visa collection, he/she will make arrangements to collect the visa at one of the Indonesian embassies in the ASEAN countries.
4. All costs associated with visa collection will be borne by the student.
How to apply for travel visa to Singapore to collect student visa?
1. As Bintan does not have an international airport yet, applicants are required to travel to IAB via Singapore. They would need a valid travel visa to Singapore. (For those countries requiring travel visa for entry into Singapore).
How to collect student visas from Indonesian Embassy (Singapore)?
1. Upon getting the Singapore travel visa, applicants are required to book their own air ticket to Singapore and inform IAB of the flight booking details at least 5 working days before their scheduled flight. IAB has the right to ask the applicants to change their flight schedule if this condition is not met. The travel to Singapore will be at applicants’ own expense.
What other fees does a student need to pay?
1. Applicants are required to pay for the airport reception, their student visa fee and miscellaneous fees while waiting for the Student Visa, land transportation and ferry ticket to Bintan. Costs breakdown is as follows:
Should students apply for single or multiple entry visas?
1. Students are advised to apply for a multiple entry visa to Singapore at their home country and to pay for a multiple entry student visa to Indonesia at the Indonesia Embassy in Singapore for ease of travel between Bintan and Singapore during term breaks and weekends.
Is the Industrial Attachment optional or compulsory?
1. Students are required to attend a mandatory Industrial Attachment in one of the resorts in Bintan during their Certification and Advanced Certification programs; requiring them to put into practice the knowledge they have learnt in classroom into a real work environment. IAB reserves the right to make changes to all programs, fee structure and Industrial Attachment procedures at its own discretion.
What are the terms and conditions of the Industrial Attachment?
1. The Industrial Attachment Program is dependent on industry requirements. Students will be assigned to respective resorts by IAB based on training requirements of individual resorts, prior learning and working experience of individual students and interview outcomes between the resorts and students.
Can students work in Bintan while studying in IAB?
1. No. In accordance with Indonesian labour laws and regulations, students are not permitted to work in Bintan or in Singapore while studying in IAB. Students caught working will be deported back to their home country and student visas terminated with immediate effect.
What kind of assistance will IAB provide to graduates?
1. IAB will assist in both sourcing of job opportunities in Bintan as well as in preparing for job interviews.
Are meals provided to students?
1. IAB provides for 3 basic meals to students during academic terms only. Student will need to pay for their own meals during academic breaks. IAB reserves the right to withdraw this facility and make changes at its own discretion this without prior notice.
What are the types of cuisine available around the IAB campus?
1. Western, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian cuisines are available at food centres and restaurants.