Universitas Gadjah Mada has reopened opportunities for international students to pursue their studies at UGM through the regular admission pathway and the second intake of the International Undergraduate Program (IUP).
UGM welcomes prospective students from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Yogyakarta. This initiative is part of UGM’s efforts to strengthen global networks while expanding access to quality higher education for students from the Pacific region.
Professor Gandes Retno Rahayu, Director of Education and Teaching at UGM, stated that there are two pathways for international students to join UGM: the regular pathway and the International Undergraduate Program (IUP), each with different requirements and quotas.
“We open two pathways for international applicants with various study program options and opportunities,” she said on Monday (Apr. 13).
She emphasized that the diversity of these pathways is designed to accommodate applicants’ academic backgrounds, language readiness, and study objectives.
Professor Rahayu explained that the two pathways differ significantly in terms of requirements, from the documents needed to the learning system students will experience. In the regular pathway, international students are required to undertake several months of Indonesian language training, as Indonesian is the language of instruction used in lectures.
“In this scheme, international students will study alongside Indonesian students across various study programs, most of which are open through the regular pathway,” she said.
However, for applicants who do not yet have proficiency in Indonesian, UGM offers an Indonesian language learning program as preparation for entering academic studies. This program is designed to be intensive and practical, covering daily communication skills as well as the academic language needed in class.
“We want to ensure that international students can adapt optimally, both academically and socially, in Yogyakarta,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the IUP pathway is offered to applicants who wish to study in English without the initial requirement to learn Indonesian. This program is available across various faculties, including the Faculty of Economics and Business, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, and the Faculty of Psychology, as well as the science, technology, and agriculture clusters.
Through this pathway, students also have the opportunity to gain international exposure through double-degree programs, student exchanges, and academic opportunities with UGM’s partner universities worldwide. This experience not only enhances academic competence but also broadens global perspectives and prepares students for the international workforce.
To apply through the IUP pathway, prospective students must meet English proficiency requirements, take the Gadjah Mada Scholastic Test, and undergo an interview to assess academic readiness and motivation to study. In some study programs, the selection process may also include essay writing to evaluate critical thinking and argumentation skills. The first intake for this program has closed, while the second intake is open from April 1 to April 28.
“We recommend applicants join the second intake, as the third intake has a relatively shorter timeframe,” Professor Rahayu explained.
At the postgraduate level, UGM also offers various programs within similar academic clusters, with more specific and in-depth variations. For example, the Faculty of Law (FH UGM) not only offers programs in Yogyakarta but also has a campus in Jakarta, providing flexibility in study location. Application requirements include a TOEFL certificate, academic recommendation letters, and other supporting documents.
Specifically for master’s and doctoral programs, applicants are required to prepare a research proposal as part of the selection process, reflecting their readiness to conduct research. Several programs are available in both Indonesian and English, providing broader options for international students.
The postgraduate registration period consists of two intakes: the first runs from January 23 to March 31, and the second from April 1 to May 25. The entire selection process will culminate in new student admissions scheduled for August, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.
Professor Puji Astuti, Director of Partnerships and Global Relations at UGM, added that Yogyakarta is one of the main attractions for international students. The city is known as one of Indonesia’s best student cities, with a friendly environment, relatively affordable living costs, and a supportive academic ecosystem. In addition, its rich culture and inclusive atmosphere are important factors in creating a comprehensive learning experience for students from various countries.
UGM also continues to expand its international reach. In the previous year, UGM recorded international students from 44 countries, demonstrating increasing global trust in the quality of education at UGM. Various facilities, scholarship opportunities, and international student communities are provided to support adaptation and the learning experience in Yogyakarta. This support includes academic services, student assistance, and community activities that strengthen networks among students from different countries.
“We want to ensure that international students not only receive quality education but also gain a meaningful global experience during their studies at UGM,” Professor Astuti concluded.
Writer: Zabrina Kumara
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photo: UGM Public Relations