The University Strategic Plan outlines the goal of admitting students from the lowest 20% of household income levels, as indicated on page 36 of the Universitas Gadjah Mada Strategic Plan 2022-2027 and page 46 of the Performance Report regarding the Affirmation and Bidikmisi Program Students. In 2023, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed 14.209 students through this initiative, highlighting its dedication to inclusivity, which aims to implement social protection systems to significantly cover the poor and vulnerable by 2030.
Performance indicators in UGM’s strategic plan target 20% of students receiving Afirmasi and Bidik Misi programs
To broaden access to higher education, UGM has introduced several admission pathways specifically designed for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. One notable pathway is the Penelusuran Bibit Unggul (PBU) program, which features the PBUTM (Penelusuran Bibit Unggul Tidak Mampu), aimed at assisting low-income students. Open for applications from March 28 to April 12, 2023, the PBU program includes various categories, such as PBUTM and PBU 3T, which target students from underdeveloped regions. These pathways are crucial for recognising diverse talents beyond traditional academic performance, thus fostering an inclusive educational atmosphere.
The PBUTM initiative is particularly focused on aiding academically talented students facing financial difficulties. By ensuring that economic barriers do not hinder educational opportunities, UGM enables deserving candidates to follow their academic dreams. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including maintaining academic excellence and adhering to family income limits, along with presenting a valid Kartu Indonesia Pintar-Kuliah (KIP-Kuliah) and relevant documentation to confirm financial need.
UGM’s dedication to inclusivity is further demonstrated through the PBU 3T pathway, which aims to support students from regions facing socio-economic hardships. This initiative not only promotes educational accessibility but also aligns with national development objectives by nurturing young talents from remote areas. The PBU 3T program places a strong emphasis on leadership skills and academic potential, requiring candidates to meet high school accreditation standards and obtain nominations from their principals. Through partnerships with local governments and organisations, UGM seeks to identify and assist potential students from these communities.
To give a chance for students from the 3T regions to register at UGM, UGM held their UM UGM Computer Based Test in 7 cities throughout Indonesia. The cities (Jakarta, Medan, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Kupang, Yogyakarta, and Makassar) are located in Sumatera, Jawa, and Sulawesi islands, and were selected to approach students who wish to study at UGM without needing to travel to Yogyakarta.
Additionally, UGM’s alumni association, KAGAMA, plays a pivotal role in collaborating with local authorities to ensure that capable students from 3T regions are acknowledged and supported. This cooperative effort underscores the significance of regional partnerships in advancing equitable education access. UGM’s strategies to admit students from the lowest financial quintile reflect a strong commitment to social responsibility and educational equity. By implementing programs such as PBUTM and PBU 3T, the university is making substantial progress in ensuring that all deserving students, regardless of their financial backgrounds, can achieve their academic aspirations and positively impact society.
This success can be seen in the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing UGM (FKKMK) which experienced an increase of 8% in students from the affirmative programs this year, making 37% of the total student body at FKKMK UGM (FKKMK UGM students from 3T has increased). This number exceeds the minimum percentage of the required 20% from low-income and 3T regions as stated in Ministry of Education, Research, and Technology Regulation Number 48/2022 verse 19.
References:
- UGM Strategic Plan 2022-2027
- UGM New Student Admissions for Achievement Pathway Open Until April 12
- UGM 2023 Entrance Selection: PBU for Frontline, Outermost, and Underdeveloped (3T) Students and Specifically for Vocational School Students
- UGM Opens Student Tracing Program in Frontier, Outermost, and Underdeveloped Regions (3T): Check the Requirements!
- Search for Outstanding Underprivileged Students: PBUTM 2023
- UGM 2023 PBU Pathway Opens: Check Requirements and How to Register Here
- UGM Opens Registration for High-Achieving Students from PBU, Underprivileged, Affirmative, and Frontier, Outermost, and Underdeveloped Regions (3T)
- UGM Launches Independent Pathway Entrance Examination: A Quest for Exceptional Underprivileged Talent (PBUTM) 2023.