2024 witnessed a 29.7% decrease in the number of students in UKT Levels 1 and 2, in other words, a decrease in the number of students who received 100% tuition subsidy. Students in this group are considered the most in need of student support. The decline in the number of students in these UKT Levels occurred inadvertently and could not be anticipated through UGM’s admission mechanisms. However, efforts to provide comprehensive student support are likely to be more effective when the number of recipients is smaller. UGM aims to maintain the overall number of student support beneficiaries each year, while diversifying the forms of support provided such as health services including free medical check-ups, psychological counseling, disability support, legal aid, laptop loan programs, housing assistance, and transportation services.
Health Services
Source: Posbindu at the Faculty of Agriculture
Low income students often face lack of clear information and challenges in accessing quality healthcare. Our university ensures that this is never the case at UGM. UGM became a Health Promoting University (HPU) in 2019, which is an initiative initiated by the ASEAN University Network Health Promotion Division (AUN-HPN). There are seven main activities under HPU: health literacy, physical activity, healthy diet, mental health, zero tolerance for drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, zero tolerance for violence, bullying, and harassment, as well as the creation of a healthy, safe, and disability-friendly environment. UGM’s faculties have since organized health education and healthcare services under HPU. Students from low-income households can receive free medical check-ups from faculty posbindu (integrated health service posts) for early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
At UGM, all students are able to access all services at the Gadjah Mada Medical Center (GMC) for free. GMC operates from Monday to Saturday, between 7.30 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. The clinic provides a wide range of facilities and services, including General Practice, Dental Clinic, Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning (MCH–FP) Clinic, Ultrasound services for pregnant women, Eye Health and Refraction Clinic, Mental Health Services (Psychology Clinic), Nutrition Counseling, International Vaccination Services, Fitness Center, Wellness Activities such as Aerobics and Yoga, as well as Laboratory, Pharmacy, and comprehensive Medical Check-Up services.
Source: Inauguration of UGM ULKM (Mental Health Service Unit)
Free psychological counseling for low-income students is also provided for free by the newly established Mental Health Services Unit (Unit Layanan Kesehatan Mental or ULKM). The unit implements early detection programs to identify potential mental health risks among the academic community; providing assessment and crisis intervention services for mental health issues; and coordinating mental health services across various units—such as faculties/schools, GMC, and the UGM Academic Hospital (RSA). Students are able to receive referrals to professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or external institutions when necessary. The ULKM also manages a mental health crisis hotline.
Source: UGM Rector Inaugurates Disability Service Unit
For students with disabilities, our university operates the Disability Services Unit (Unit Layanan Disabilitas) which provides academic and non-academic support for students, staff, and faculty at UGM with disabilities, including assistance during admission tests, learning accommodations, and advocating accessibility. ULD’s mission is to promote inclusive education and awareness across campus.
Legal Aid
The Legal Consultation and Assistance Center (PKBH) is a dedicated unit within the Faculty of Law that provides legal consultation, legal assistance, and community service activities. Its services include free legal consultation and representation for low-income students at UGM as well as for the entire campus community and members of the general public.
PKBH operates through three main divisions. The Legal Consultation and Assistance Division focuses on receiving and handling legal cases, offering consultation, and providing pro bono legal support. The Special Education Program for the Advocate Profession (PKPA) Division is committed to developing competent, skilled, and ethical future advocates through comprehensive and high-quality training led by experienced instructors from both academic and professional backgrounds. Meanwhile, the Legal Education and Outreach Division promotes legal awareness and education among the public through community outreach programs.
Laptop Loans
Source: student laptop loan service
In today’s rapidly advancing digital era, university coursework is increasingly conducted through online platforms. Given the dynamic nature of academic schedules, students are often required to study and complete assignments in various locations, making having access to laptops as essential for academic success. Students from low income families are able to register for the student laptop loan service provided by UGM’s Directorate of Student Affairs (Ditmawa UGM). Eligible students should complete the request form available on Ditmawa social media.
Source: donated laptops to support FEB UGM students
The Alumni Association of the Faculty of Economics and Business (KAFEGAMA) Class of 2004, has also donated laptops to support FEB UGM students in their academic activities. These laptops are provided to undergraduate students, particularly those from low-income households or those who do not yet own a laptop, through FEB UGM’s laptop loan service. This contribution is expected to support students throughout their studies until graduation.
Transportation
Source: Campus Bicycle service
UGM offers a Campus Bicycle service designed as a free and eco-friendly mobility solution. This initiative provides free access to bicycles to help students move efficiently between campus facilities such as classrooms, libraries, and laboratories. Low-income students without personal means of transportation can use this service for their daily campus activities. Additional information on bicycle station locations and registration can be found on campus social media media and webpages.
The Trans Gadjah Mada Electric Bus Service is another sustainable transportation option designed to create an environmentally friendly and accessible campus. The electric bus operates within the university area, providing free and convenient transportation for all students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who may not have personal vehicles. The service aims to improve student mobility across UGM’s large campus while ensuring carbon emission reduction. Additional information on bus routes and timetables are available on campus social media and webpages.
Housing
Source: UGM Student Dormitory
The standard boarding cost for students around UGM’s campus and in Yogyakarta ranges from IDR 500,000 to 1,000,000 per month. UGM itself provides various types of on-campus housing, as shown in this brochure, at more affordable prices as part of its student support initiatives. The room rates at UGM’s seven student dormitories range from IDR 350,000 to 1,400,000 per month, making them considerably cheaper compared to most off-campus housing options.
In addition, students can register for housing scholarships such as the Scholarship Boarding Program for Universitas Gadjah Mada Students. The program is initiated by Rumah ZIS UGM and the UGM student dormitory to provide housing for students with financial struggles. The Scholarship Boarding Program was initiated by one of the donors and later integrated with community service activities organized by RUMAH ZIS UGM. Students will stay at one of UGM’s on-campus dormitories throughout the duration of their studies.
References:
- HPU holds posbindu (integrated health service posts)
- Gadjah Mada Medical Center (GMC)
- Mental Health Services Unit
- Disability Services Unit
- The Legal Consultation and Assistance Center
- Ditmawa student laptop loan service
- KAFEGAMA donated laptops to support FEB UGM students
- Campus Bicycle service
- Trans Gadjah Mada Electric Bus Service
- The standard boarding cost for students in Yogyakarta
- On-campus housing brochure
- UGM’s seven student dormitories
- Scholarship Boarding Program