Gadjah Mada University
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), established on December 19, 1949, holds the distinction of being Indonesia's oldest and largest state university. Located in Yogyakarta, the cultural heartland of Java, UGM was founded shortly after Indonesian independence and named after the legendary 14th-century Prime Minister Gajah Mada of the Majapahit Empire, who unified much of the Indonesian archipelago. The university embodies a commitment to nation-building through education, research, and community service. UGM consistently ranks among Indonesia's top universities and has earned international recognition in global university rankings. The institution holds "A" accreditation from Indonesia's National Accreditation Board and has achieved various international accreditations for specific programs. With over 55,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, UGM represents one of Southeast Asia's largest comprehensive universities, attracting talent from every Indonesian province and numerous countries worldwide. The university's mission emphasizes the development of leaders who are academically excellent, morally grounded, and committed to serving society. UGM's three pillars—education, research, and community service—guide institutional activities, with particular emphasis on addressing Indonesia's development challenges. The university has pioneered community engagement through its Student Community Service program, which has become a model for Indonesian higher education.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
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- Avg GPA
- 3.25
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Student Life & Environment
Student life at UGM reflects both Indonesian culture and the unique character of Yogyakarta. The campus spreads across a massive area in Sleman Regency, north of the city center, creating a self-contained university town with dormitories, sports facilities, mosques, and countless food stalls. Students get around by motorbike, a necessity given campus distances, and the sound of engines provides constant background noise. Organizations and activities abound. Student groups cover everything from academic societies to performing arts to religious activities. The university's strong emphasis on community service means many students participate in programs that take them into villages and underserved communities. These experiences often prove transformative, connecting classroom theory to real Indonesian challenges. Housing options range from university dormitories to the many boarding houses, called kos, that surround campus. Most students live in these private rooms, which offer more independence than dormitory life. Food is inexpensive and delicious, with Javanese cuisine widely available from campus canteens and nearby warungs. Social life revolves around study groups, organizational activities, and the cafes and hangout spots that dot the area around campus. Yogyakarta's famous arts scene provides endless cultural entertainment for students interested in traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Location & Surroundings
Yogyakarta, affectionately called Jogja, offers a setting unlike any other Indonesian university city. This special region maintains its own sultan and preserves Javanese culture more self-consciously than anywhere else in Indonesia. The result is a city where ancient traditions coexist with student energy, where royal processions might block traffic, and where traditional arts remain living practices rather than museum pieces. The UGM campus sits about 10 kilometers north of the city center, in an area that has developed specifically to serve the university community. The nearby Prambanan and Borobudur temples, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, provide weekend destinations that remind students of Java's deep history. Mount Merapi, an active volcano just north of campus, occasionally sends ash clouds over the area, a reminder of living on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Yogyakarta's climate is tropical, hot and humid year-round with monsoon rains from November through March. Students adapt by scheduling activities for cooler morning and evening hours. The cost of living ranks among the lowest of any major Indonesian city, making student life more affordable than in Jakarta or Surabaya. Traditional batik workshops, silver crafting in Kotagede, and the vibrant Malioboro Street market offer cultural experiences unique to this region.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at UGM operates on a tiered system based on family income, keeping costs accessible for Indonesian students from various economic backgrounds. Fees range from approximately 500,000 to 12 million rupiah per semester depending on program and income bracket. International students pay higher rates, though still modest by global standards. Living expenses in Yogyakarta remain remarkably low, with students able to manage on budgets of 1 to 2 million rupiah monthly for room and basic expenses. Scholarships from the government, private foundations, and UGM itself support many students, and working while studying is increasingly common. The low cost of education relative to career outcomes makes UGM an exceptional value. Career prospects for UGM graduates rank among the best in Indonesia. The university's network reaches throughout government, business, and academia. Major Indonesian corporations actively recruit on campus, and the UGM name carries weight in applications across the country. Many graduates pursue careers in Jakarta, though others return to their home regions to contribute to local development. Alumni maintain strong connections, with formal associations in most major Indonesian cities. Graduate studies at UGM or abroad represent common paths for top students, and the university has produced many of Indonesia's leading academics and researchers. Entrepreneurship has grown as a career path, with the university supporting student startups.
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