The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), continues to reaffirm its commitment to providing high-quality and inclusive higher education. This aligns with UGM’s policy of expanding educational access for all Indonesians. One initiative is the implementation of the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) system, based on the principle of equity.
The UKT system at UGM is designed to promote fairness through a cross-subsidy mechanism that takes into account students’ families’ economic capacity. Tuition assistance and fee reductions are granted selectively to students who meet specific criteria based on their family’s financial circumstances. Throughout their studies, students also have access to various financial support opportunities from the government, universities, faculty, alumni, companies, and external partners.
These educational assistance programs have helped many students gain access to and complete higher education. In addition to scholarships, FEB UGM students also have opportunities to gain valuable experience while receiving financial support through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and part-time employment programs that balance academic responsibilities. Participation in these activities not only helps students financially but also equips them with essential skills for entering the workforce.
One student who has benefited from these opportunities is Love’s Nurani Hasan, a 2024 Accounting student at FEB UGM. Originally from Kanigaran, Probolinggo City, East Java, she was admitted to FEB UGM through the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP) pathway.
When she was first accepted to UGM, Love was concerned about the cost of pursuing higher education due to her family’s modest financial circumstances. However, through a 100 percent tuition fee waiver and support from the Indonesian Smart College Card Scholarship (KIP-K), she has been able to continue her studies without worrying about tuition expenses until graduation.
“Initially, I was worried that I would not be able to attend university because of my family’s financial condition. However, after receiving the scholarship, I felt much more at ease and could focus on my studies,” she said.
In addition to her academic activities, Love actively participates in various self-development programs on campus. She is involved in student organizations and works part-time at FEB UGM’s Admissions, Partnership, and Alumni Unit.
“I have been working as a part-time assistant at FEB UGM for almost two years now, and it is one of the things I am most grateful for. Through this experience, I have become more financially independent,” she explained.
Working within the campus environment has also opened numerous opportunities for her. Besides earning additional income, Love’s has received offers to serve as a Master of Ceremonies (MC), a talent, and an event committee member in various university activities.
Furthermore, she shared that working part-time at FEB UGM has provided invaluable practical insights into the professional world, including developing professional communication skills, managing responsibilities, and adapting to various situations—experiences that can only be gained through direct involvement.
“I have also had the opportunity to meet and learn from many inspiring people. What stands out most is that FEB provides a warm, supportive work environment. As a student living away from home, that means a lot to me because it makes me feel accepted, supported, and given room to grow,” she added.
A similar experience was shared by Azahra Ahda Sabila, a 2023 Management student at FEB UGM who received a scholarship from the Class of 1996 Alumni Association of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Kafegama). She has been receiving the scholarship since the beginning of the first semester of the 2025/2026 academic year.
Azahra explained that the scholarship has had a significant impact on the continuity of her studies. According to her, the financial support not only helps cover her daily living expenses during university but also eases the burden on her family.
“This scholarship has been extremely meaningful in supporting my daily living expenses while studying. The financial assistance significantly reduces the burden on my mother, who is now retired and recently underwent surgery after an accident,” she said.
She added that the scholarship has also supported her mobility and academic activities during the semester. Before this, Azahra had completed a four-month internship at HK Realtindo in Jakarta as part of the Leadership X course conversion program.
Azahra expressed her deep appreciation to Kafegama for the support she has received throughout her studies at FEB UGM. She is committed to completing her education with outstanding achievements and hopes to follow in the footsteps of the alumni by contributing to future generations of students in need.
Bayu Sutikno, S.E., M.S.M., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FEB UGM, stated that as part of UGM, FEB UGM continuously strives to ensure that students facing economic challenges have equal opportunities to pursue higher education. Supporting students in need remains an essential aspect of UGM’s mission to provide inclusive and equitable education for all Indonesians.
As part of its commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable education, FEB UGM also continuously provides various educational assistance programs to students, including scholarship initiatives carried out in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Kafegama).
Reporter: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
