Satya Wacana Christian University first opened as the Indonesian Christian Teaching Educational Tertiary Institution in 1956. It began with five departments: education, English, history, economics and law.
In 1959, it officially became the Satya Wacana Christian University which accompanied the opening of several new departments. Translated, Satya Wacana means "faith in God’s decrees".
The Christian higher education institution now offers 39 undergraduate courses, 10 masters programmes, four associate degree programmes, as well as three doctorate courses. Faculties include: agriculture and business; biology; economics and business; electronic and computer engineering; information technology; interdisciplinary studies; language; law; medical and health science; psychology; science and mathematics; social sciences and communications; teacher training and education, and theology.
Study abroad, volunteer and exchange programmes are also available to students who wish to take part in any of these programmes.
Students have access to extracurricular activities and resources during their studies such as drama, vocal groups, sporting teams and leadership training. There are a range of facilities on campus for students to use during their time at the university: sports facilities, an auditorium, a health clinic, post offices, banks and shops.
Satya Wacana Christian University has a diverse student community, enrolling students from all over the world.
The university has partnerships with several domestic and international corporations, universities and governing bodies, including: Bank of Indonesia Semarang, University of Western Sydney, the National Education Department, and Bethesda Hospital Yogyakarta among others.
The university is located in the city of Salatiga, in the Central Java province, and it lies between two mountains, Mount Merbabu and Mount Telomoyo. Nearby attractions include the Hok Tek Bio Buddhist Temple, and Lake Rawa Pening.