The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Biology UGM) has established partnerships with 77 senior high schools (SMA), vocational schools (SMK), and madrasah aliyah (MAN) from 19 provinces across Indonesia in the fields of education, research, and community service. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at the Biology UGM auditorium. Through this collaboration, prospective students will have the opportunity to pursue studies at Biology UGM and build careers in Taiwan.
The seventy-seven schools include MAN Insan Cendekia Aceh Timur, SMA Nurul Fikri Serang, SMA Al Azhar Pondok Labu, SMA IT Al-Kahfi Bogor, SMAK BPK Penabur Bandung, MAN Insan Cendekia Pasuruan, SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Palangkaraya, MAN Insan Cendekia Bangka Tengah, SMAN 2 Dompu, SMA Islam Terpadu Andalan International Boarding School Bone, and SMA Katolik Frater Don Bosco Manado, among others.
Dean of Biology UGM Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono stated that the faculty provides opportunities for prospective students to study at UGM through both achievement-based and written selection pathways, as well as through collaborations under the tri-dharma of the higher education framework.
According to Dean Daryono, the partnership also serves to promote several academic options, including the International Undergraduate Program (IUP), double degree, and fast-track programs, which can be chosen by prospective students.
“Through this collaboration, we need to take concrete actions by organizing joint training and outreach programs,” he said.
The signing of the cooperation agreement was well received by participating school representatives.
Syamsul Ma’arif, Principal of MAN Insan Cendekia Pasuruan, expressed hope that UGM would continue conducting direct outreach activities to students.
“It would be beneficial for this year’s 12th graders as well as 10th and 11th graders who are preparing to join the IUP,” he said.
Lecturer at Biology UGM, Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, invited school principals who have joined the partnership to seek information regarding the various admission routes available at Biology UGM.
“Please feel free to contact us for assistance in preparing your students who plan to continue to higher education,” she conveyed.
Meanwhile, Arif Misbahul, Director of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) Taiwan Center, explained that the institution is collaborating with the Biology UGM to provide opportunities for IUP graduates to work in industries in Taiwan.
The partnership is part of an accelerated double degree program in cooperation with universities in Taiwan.
“The structure includes three years at UGM’s IUP, one year in Taiwan, followed by an internship, and students can earn two degrees within one period. The internship stipend can even cover tuition fees,” he explained.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Jesi