UGM is committed to assisting students from the lowest income brackets through various scholarships and initiatives. This approach aligns with the United Nations Target 1.3, which focuses on establishing social protection systems for vulnerable populations by 2030. UGM’s efforts are aimed at ensuring equitable access to education, enabling all students to fulfil their academic goals, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
At the graduation ceremony on August 22, 2023, UGM awarded degrees to 1,541 graduates, with 466 benefiting from Bidik Misi and Kartu Indonesia Pintar-Kuliah (KIP-K) scholarships (UGM Graduation August 2023). This reflects UGM’s dedication to educational inclusivity. Among the graduates, 95 hailed from 3T areas (underdeveloped, remote, and border regions), underlining the university’s role in empowering students facing socioeconomic challenges and helping to bridge gaps in access to higher education.
One notable success story is Apia Dewi Agustin, who comes from a farming background in Magetan. Despite significant hardships, including her father’s death during her studies, Apia graduated with honours in accounting, aided by Bidik Misi and KAFEGAMA scholarships. Her journey illustrates the impact financial support can have on low-income students, showcasing both her resilience and the vital assistance provided by UGM.
Apia, a farmer’s child from the slopes of Mount Lawu, earned a prestigious scholarship to pursue undergraduate to doctoral studies at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Despite economic challenges, her determination and academic excellence paved the way for her inspiring achievement.
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/kisah-apia-anak-petani-gunung-lawu-peroleh-beasiswa-s1-s3-di-ugm/
Apia is currently enrolled in an accelerated master’s-to-doctorate program at UGM through the PMDSU (Pendidikan Magister menuju Doktor untuk Sarjana Unggul) scholarship, a competitive initiative aimed at fostering quality doctoral graduates. This program allows exceptional graduates to earn both degrees in four years. Apia aspires to become a researcher and educator in financial and accounting information systems. This emphasises the contributions that students from low-income backgrounds can make to their communities and fields.
The trends in UGM’s graduation statistics reveal a growing number of graduates from low-income families. In 2022, 19% of graduates came from these backgrounds, increasing to 36% in later ceremonies. This upward trend indicates that UGM is successfully attracting and supporting students who might otherwise encounter obstacles in completing their education.
The university’s focus on social equity aligns with broader goals of poverty reduction and sustainable development. By providing scholarships and cultivating supportive learning environments, UGM is creating a more inclusive society where everyone has a chance to succeed. These initiatives empower underprivileged students and foster a culture of resilience, hard work, and ambition essential for national progress.
UGM’s commitment to facilitating students from the lowest income quintile shows its dedication to educational equity. Through specific scholarships and programs, UGM is paving the way for future leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will contribute to the advancement of Indonesia and the rest of the world.
Reference:
https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/23489-wisuda-program-sarjana-dan-diploma-periode-ii-diikuti-1-591-wisudawan/
https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/kisah-apia-anak-petani-gunung-lawu-peroleh-beasiswa-s1-s3-di-ugm/