Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has opened registration for the Outstanding Student Talent Scouting (PBUB) and Underprivileged Outstanding Student Scouting (PBUTM) pathways for prospective undergraduate and applied undergraduate students from April 14 to April 29, 2026.
These pathways are designed for prospective UGM students who have demonstrated academic achievements during high school. The PBUB pathway is divided into two categories of achievement, namely Arts and Sports, and Science and Technology. Applicants with achievements in either of these fields are eligible to apply through the PBUB pathway. Meanwhile, the PBUTM pathway is intended for high-achieving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Secretary of UGM’s Directorate of Student Affairs, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, explained that certificates submitted by PBUB applicants in the arts and sports fields must be at least at the provincial level. At this level, applicants must have placed first or second.
“For the national level, achievements range from first to third place, while for the international level, certificates from first to fifth place are accepted,” Hempri said on Thursday (Apr. 9).
Certificates in the sports category may be awarded for competitions such as regional or national sports weeks, the National Student Sports Olympiad, the SEA Games, the Olympics, or other championships. Meanwhile, the PBUB pathway in the arts is intended for applicants who have achieved recognition in artistic competitions, such as photography, theater, Quran recitation (MTQ), choir, traditional music (karawitan), and others. In addition to certificates, applicants must submit a portfolio as part of the selection process. Hempri added that these certificates must also be supported by report card grades above the minimum standard.
“They must be accompanied by academic scores in the report card that meet or exceed the minimum competency criteria,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the PBUB pathway in Science and Technology is intended for applicants who rank within the top 25% of their class based on report card grades. The Secretary of UGM’s Directorate of Education and Teaching, Dr. Sigit Priyanta, explained that in addition to strong academic performance, PBUB applicants in this category must also demonstrate achievements in science and technology, with at least first place at the provincial level.
“So the requirement is excellence in academics as reflected in report card achievements,” he said.
Furthermore, Dr. Priyanta explained that the PBUTM pathway is designed to provide the widest possible access for applicants facing economic constraints. Requirements for this pathway include possession of a Smart Indonesia Card (KIP), Smart Indonesia Card for College (KIP-K), or an official certificate issued through the national integrated socioeconomic data system. Another requirement is that the gross income of parents or guardians must not exceed IDR 4 million.
In addition, the educational background of the applicant’s parents must not exceed a bachelor’s degree. Similar to other PBU pathways, applicants must be in the top 25% of their class and have at least one provincial-level achievement, specifically first place.
“So it is not sufficient to only have good report card grades; applicants must also have competition achievements, at least first place at the provincial level,” he emphasized.
For your information, applicants who pass the administrative stage for the PBUB pathway in sports and arts are required to proceed to the next selection stage, which includes a skills test in their respective fields.
“Applicants will be invited to UGM to assess their skills, whether in sports or the arts,” he concluded.
For more detailed information regarding the registration process and requirements, prospective students can visit https://admissions.ugm.ac.id/.
Author: Fatihah Salwa Rasyid
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: UGM Public Relations and Faculty of Forestry Documentation