Universitas Gadjah Mada continues to expand its international programs through the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) across various faculties.
This program is designed to provide academic experiences at global standards, including English-language instruction, student exchange opportunities, and international research collaboration.
Seven IUPs in the science cluster are managed by three faculties: the Faculty of Biology, the Faculty of Geography, and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
These seven programs are IUP in Biology, IUP in Environmental Geography, IUP in Statistics, IUP in Electronics and Instrumentation, IUP in Computer Science, IUP in Chemistry, and IUP in Mathematics.
The IUP in Environmental Geography program is a relatively new study program established in 2022.
Its difference from the regular class lies in its internationally standardized curriculum and the use of English as the medium of instruction.
Additionally, IUP students have the opportunity to learn from foreign guest lecturers.
“Last semester, we accepted 10 international students. So, students enrolled in this program have international networking opportunities built from the moment they enter the university,” said Dr. Andung Bayu Sekaranom, a representative of the IUP at the Faculty of Geography, on Tuesday (Feb. 18).
According to Dr. Sekaranom, one of the main advantages of IUP is the mandatory one-semester student exchange program, through which students receive credit transfers from partner universities.
Additionally, the faculty is initiating a double degree program at the postgraduate level.
“In the fast track program, it takes 5 years, and students will receive a master’s degree, which will be a double degree,” he explained.
The selection process involves two stages, namely an academic test consisting of AcEPT with a minimum score of 268 (equivalent to TOEFL 500) and the Gadjah Mada Scholastic Test (GMST), followed by an interview phase regarding the candidate’s motivation and interest.
Next, the IUP in Biology, which has been running since 2019, offers various opportunities for students to gain international experiences.
One of the major benefits offered is the opportunity to obtain a double degree with partner universities.
IUP in Biology students also gain global exposure through various programs, such as joint research at Yamagata University, student exchanges in Malaysia, and a one-semester student exchange program in Brisbane, Australia.
“The curriculum is entirely in English and is designed to allow students to graduate in 3.5 years,” said Tyas Ikhsan, a representative from IUP in Biology.
The selection process is similar to that for other IUP programs. A minimum AcEPT score of 210 and GMST above 450 are required.
The faculty has not yet provided internal scholarships, but students who independently pursue a double degree program may receive semester fee discounts.
“We facilitate exposure to international networks through seminars, summer courses, student exchanges, and more,” Ikhsan explained.
IUP is also available in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA UGM), which was established in 2011.
This program includes Statistics, Computer Science, Electronics and Instrumentation, Mathematics, and Chemistry.
One of the IUP coordinators at FMIPA UGM, Professor Indriana Kartini, stated that IUP in Computer Science collaborates most with foreign universities for double degree programs and international exposure.
FMIPA UGM sets a fairly high standard for the selection process, requiring TOEFL 500 and GMST 600.
Meanwhile, although no specific scholarships are available from the faculty, students can seek external funding opportunities.
As is known, international programs at UGM offer various benefits for students seeking to gain academic experiences at international standards.
In addition to English-language classes and student exchange opportunities, students also gain exposure to research and a broad global network.
Author: Rahma Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya