INDONESIA · YOGYAKARTA (SLEMAN)
Gadjah Mada University
public · Founded 1949 · Languages: Indonesian, English
In short
Gadjah Mada University is Indonesia's top-ranked public research university, offering over 280 programs across 18 faculties. It provides a high-quality, affordable education in the culturally rich city of Yogyakarta.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1949
- Students
- 55,000
- International students
- 2,500
- Acceptance rate
- 12%
- Tuition (intl)
- €1–4k/yr
- Languages
- INDONESIAN, ENGLISH
- Location
- Yogyakarta (Sleman), Indonesia
Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is Indonesia's flagship public research university, founded in 1949 in Yogyakarta and consistently ranked #1 in Indonesia. Its 18 faculties and graduate school offer more than 280 programmes spanning medicine, engineering, law, agriculture, economics, and the arts. With around 55,000 students and a QS World Ranking of #224 (2024), UGM combines rigorous academics with a strong tradition of community engagement and national development.
Why study here
- Ranked #1 in Indonesia and #224 globally (QS 2024) — the country's most prestigious university
- 18 faculties spanning virtually every academic discipline, with strong international double-degree partnerships
- DCSE Global Talent Scholarship offers full tuition waiver for outstanding international master's and PhD students
- Yogyakarta's low cost of living makes quality education highly affordable for international students
- Vibrant campus life with hundreds of student organisations, cultural events, and a rich Javanese heritage surrounding campus
Student life
UGM's 360-hectare campus in Sleman is a self-contained academic community with libraries, sports facilities, student health centres, dormitories, and a lively network of over 300 student organisations. Yogyakarta — Indonesia's cultural capital — offers affordable accommodation, outstanding cuisine, accessible temples and heritage sites, and a warm, welcoming student community. The campus hosts regular cultural festivals, international student gatherings, and research symposia throughout the year.
Fees
InternationalInternational undergraduate: IDR 23,000,000–IDR 78,000,000 per semester (~€1,200–€4,000). International master's: from IDR 11,000,000 per semester (~€600). Fees are denominated in IDR.
HomeIndonesian students pay a subsidised tuition based on a Uang Kuliah Tunggal (UKT) income-bracket system; range from IDR 500,000 to IDR 20,000,000 per semester.
LivingEstimated €150–€300 per month in Yogyakarta for accommodation, food, and daily expenses — one of Indonesia's most affordable student cities.
No admission fees for DCSE Global Talent Scholarship applicants. Students must arrange their own health insurance, visa fees, and round-trip air travel.
Admissions
UndergraduateIndonesian national exam (SNBT/UTBK) for domestic students; international students should consult the International Office for country-specific pathways
Master'sRecognised bachelor's degree in relevant field; minimum GPA 3.25/4.00; research proposal for research-track programmes
DoctoralMaster's degree in relevant field; minimum GPA 3.50/4.00; detailed research proposal; supervisor agreement
TOEFL PBT550
TOEFL iBT70
IELTS6.0
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024224
QS Asia University Rankings 202447
THE World University Rankings 2024601–800
National ranking (Indonesia)1
University scholarships
DCSE Global Talent Scholarship (Type A)Full tuition + IDR 2,500,000/month living allowance + research funds
DCSE Global Talent Scholarship (Type B)Full tuition waiver + research support funds
Beasiswa Unggulan (Indonesian government)Full scholarship for outstanding Indonesian and international students
Accreditation
Accredited 'Unggul' (Excellent) by Indonesia's BAN-PT (National Accreditation Board for Higher Education) — the highest national accreditation level. Multiple faculties hold international programme accreditations (AACSB, ASIIN).
Programs
a selectionGadjah Mada University · Indonesia
Community Service Program (KKN)
The Community Service Program, known as KKN (Kuliah Kerja Nyata), is a mandatory intracurricular activity for all Diploma 4, Bachelor, and Profession students at Gadjah Mada University. This program involves students working in assigned areas within Indonesia for a minimum of two months, equivalent to 288 working hours. It is designed as an interdisciplinary group project that integrates education with community service, carrying a weight of 8 credits towards your graduation. Managed by UGM’s Directorate of Community Service (DPKM UGM), the KKN program offers students a practical, hands-on experience in contributing to community development. Students will receive a score upon completion, which contributes to their final Bachelor's degree credits. The program is scheduled across four periods throughout the year, aligning with the university's academic semesters.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
2 mo
Duration
Gadjah Mada University · Indonesia
Master in Transport System and Engineering
The Master in Transport System and Engineering (MSTT) program at Gadjah Mada University was established in January 1996 to address the growing need for qualified human resources in transportation planning and development in Indonesia. The program aims to produce graduates who are skilled in creating comprehensive, pragmatic, and sustainable transport systems. It focuses on both the planning aspects, anticipating future demands and developing strategies, policies, and regulations for efficient infrastructure provision, as well as the engineering aspects of implementing these plans through cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions. The vision of the MSTT program is to become an internationally recognized leader in transportation studies, known for excellence, innovation, responsiveness, and cultural understanding. The mission involves delivering high-quality education that is competitive globally, fostering research and community service to solve transportation challenges, and collaborating with national and international institutions to advance the field. The program seeks to equip graduates with superior academic competence and innovative research skills to contribute to national development and societal welfare.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Gadjah Mada University · Indonesia
Master of Science in Communication
The Master of Science in Communication program at Gadjah Mada University offers advanced studies in the field of communication science. This program is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of communication theories, research methods, and their applications in various contexts. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in academia, research, and professional fields requiring sophisticated communication expertise.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Indonesia
full fundingGovernment of Indonesia (Indonesian AID, Ministry of Finance)
Indonesian AID Scholarship
Open to citizens of designated priority countries listed in the Foreign Affairs Ministerial Decree No. 15/2020, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, Vietnam and others. Diploma and Bachelor's applicants must be no older than 25, candidates preferably have 2+ years of government or public-service experience, and must meet English requirements of TOEFL ITP 477 or IELTS 5.5. Medical and character clearance, a government recommendation letter, and a passport valid for at least 18 months are required; active military personnel are not eligible.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
May 23, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS)
International Priority Scholarship (IPS)
Open to Muslim youths from Muslim developing countries who have graduated or are currently studying. Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least 18 months and meet the admission requirements for the chosen undergraduate, master's, or doctoral programme at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta.
full
Funding
€2k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingYouth Break the Boundaries (YBB)
Young Leaders Camp (Youth Break the Boundaries)
Open to applicants of any nationality aged roughly 15 to 40 (the organiser cites 16 to 40 at the time of application) from any educational background, with a good command of English and no record of criminal activity, who can attend the short programme in Jakarta, Indonesia.
full
Funding
—
Max
Apr 10, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY)
Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) Scholarship
Open to international students of all nationalities applying for Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD programmes at UMY. The level of support depends on GPA: undergraduate applicants need a GPA of 3.00 or higher for full tuition-plus-living support (partial tuition discounts apply between 2.75 and 3.00), while Master's and Doctoral applicants need a GPA of 3.50 or higher for full support, with tiered discounts between 3.00 and 3.50. Applicants must apply online within the deadline and submit the required academic documents.
full
Funding
—
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the tuition fee for international students at Gadjah Mada University?
+
International undergraduate students can expect fees ranging from IDR 23,000,000 to IDR 78,000,000 per semester. For master's programs, fees start from IDR 11,000,000 per semester. All fees are in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
What are the estimated living costs for students in Yogyakarta?
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Living costs in Yogyakarta are estimated to be around €150–€300 per month, covering accommodation, food, and daily expenses. This makes it one of Indonesia's most affordable student cities.
Does Gadjah Mada University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, Gadjah Mada University offers scholarships such as the DCSE Global Talent Scholarship, which can cover full tuition and provide a living allowance. The Indonesian government also offers the Beasiswa Unggulan scholarship for outstanding students.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
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International applicants typically need a TOEFL PBT score of 550, TOEFL iBT of 70, or an IELTS score of 6.0 to demonstrate English proficiency.
What is the global ranking of Gadjah Mada University?
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Gadjah Mada University is ranked #224 in the QS World University Rankings for 2024 and is consistently ranked #1 in Indonesia.
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