FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(FAQs)

The International Doctorate in Business (IDB) at Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada is designed for senior professionals seeking to deepen their expertise through applied research and leadership-driven inquiry. This FAQ section provides essential information for prospective candidates, covering the program’s structure, admission requirements, academic expectations, and more. If your question is not listed here, feel free to reach out to our team via idb.feb@ugm.ac.id.

1. Is the IDB FEB UGM a new study program?

No, the IDB FEB UGM is not a new study program. It is an international class within the Doctoral Program in Management Science at FEB UGM.

2. What distinguishes the IDB program from a regular doctoral program?

There are five key differences:

AspectInternational Doctorate in BusinessRegular Doctorate Program
Target FocusPractical application and business problem-solvingTheoretical research and new knowledge contribution
Target ParticipantsResearch ApproachFresh graduate/young academics
Reseach ApproachFresh graduates/young academicsBasic research, in-depth academic methodology
Program Duration3-4 years4-5 years
Career ObjectivesC-level executives, senior consultants, practitioner-academicsProfessors, researchers, academics

3. Who is the target participant of IDB FEB UGM?

Senior professionals in various business fields with a minimum of 7 years of experience and a strong commitment to solving real-world business challenges through research-based solutions. A proven leadership track record is a plus.

4. What is the graduate profile of IDB FEB UGM?

A senior professional at the executive level who can integrate state-of-the-art research with sustainability-oriented business practices.

5. What are the admission requirements?

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from reputable universities
• Minimum TPA score of 550 and TOEFL score of 550
• At least 7 years of professional experience
• Strong leadership potential and track record

6. When can I apply?

The admission period opens in August 2025 in accordance with UGM’s schedule. Visit https://um.ugm.ac.id and https://feb.ugm.ac.id/en/idb.
You may also express interest now at https://ugm.id/RegisterIDBFEBUGM or email: idb.feb@ugm.ac.id

7. When does the program start?

Classes begin in the Spring Semester 2025/2026 (early February 2026), preceded by a 1–2 week pre-doctoral program in January 2026.

8. How to apply?

Prospective students may express interest via email (idb.feb@ugm.ac.id) and will be directed to the UGM admissions portal once the application period opens.

9. What is the selection process?

Applicants will be assessed based on submitted documents. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to interviews with the IDB Academic Committee.

10. Do I need to have a research topic when applying?

Yes. You must submit a proposed research theme, which will be discussed during the interview.

11. Where will the classes be held?

At UGM Yogyakarta Campus and UGM Jakarta Campus (for mentoring and industry engagement).

12. Are the classes held offline?

The program uses a hybrid format: 25% offline and 75% online.

13. What are the class schedules?

Each 3-credit course consists of 12 class sessions and 2 mentoring sessions (each 120 minutes).
Semester begins with a block week in Yogyakarta (Monday–Thursday), followed by online sessions on Friday evening, Saturday morning, and evening. Mentoring sessions are also held in Jakarta during those online times.

14. What is the tuition fee?

The tuition fee (UKT) is currently under review but is estimated to be IDR 50 million per semester.

15. How long is the program?

The IDB is a 3-year program (6 semesters): 1 year coursework + 2 years research.

16. How many credits (SKS) are required?

A total of 60 credits (SKS):
• 24 SKS coursework
• 6 SKS international conference
• 3 SKS international microcredential
• 9 SKS research proposal
• 18 SKS doctorate essay.

17. Is there coursework?

Yes. The first year includes coursework:
4 courses per semester, 3 SKS each = 12 SKS/semester or 24 SKS total.

18. Are all lecturers from FEB UGM?

Courses are taught by internationally qualified lecturers from FEB UGM, partner universities, and senior industry practitioners.

19. Are there international faculty involved?

Yes. The program partners with international professors, such as:
• Prof. Renato Pereira (ISCTE Business School, Portugal)
• Prof. Stein Oluf Kristiansen (University of Agder, Norway)
• Prof. Kai-Michael Griese (Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, Germany)
• Prof. Kantha Dayaram (Curtin University, Australia)

20. Do students need to present at international conferences?

Yes. Students are required to present parts of their final project at a reputable international conference.

21. Does the IDB have international university partners?

Yes. As part of FEB UGM, it leverages its network of 70+ global partners. Specific partnerships for IDB include Osnabrück University and others.

22. What are the semester 1 courses?

• Philosophy of Science
• Seminar in Organization Theory
• Research Methodology I
• Systematic Literature Review

23. What are the semester 2 courses?

• Research Methodology II
• Academic Writing
• Topical Seminars in Organization Theories and Practices
• Topical Seminars in Organization Research

24. Are classes delivered in English?

Yes. All classes are conducted in English to prepare students for international collaboration and conferences.

25. Is a final project required?

Yes. Students must write a Doctorate Essay — a codification of their long-term, successful professional experience.

26. Is international journal publication mandatory?

No, but students are expected to produce publishable-quality work. Publishing in reputable journals or business case outlets is highly encouraged.
Students are assessed on progress and quality before being allowed to defend their Doctorate Essay, even without formal journal acceptance.

27. What are the graduation requirements?

To graduate, students must:
a. Pass all courses and exams with a GPA ≥ 3.25
b. Present at least one paper at an international conference
c. Write and successfully defend a Doctorate Essay

28. Where and when can I take the academic potential test?

Accepted tests for IDB:

Test TypeMinimum ScoreNotes
PAPs UGM550Test Schedule
TPDA PLTI550Test Schedule
TPA BAPPENAS550Test Schedule

29. Where and when can I take an English test?

Accepted English tests for IDB:

Test TypeNotes
AcEPT UGMTest Schedule
TOEP PLTITest Schedule
IELTS (IDP, BC, IALF)IDP, British Council, IALF
TOEFL iBTTest Schedule
TOEFL ITPTest Schedule

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