The Directorate of Partnership and Global Relations Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) recently organized a workshop titled International Workshop on Navigating Globalization: Innovating Program and Seizing the Opportunity in Diversity on September 22-26, 2025.

Held in hybrid format, this workshop served as a platform of shared learning for both Indonesian and international universities. Alongside UGM, participants include international office staff from various Indonesian universities, such as Universitas Ahmad Dahlan Yogyakarta, Poltekkes Kemenkes Yogyakarta, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya, Universitas Ciputra Surabaya, Universitas Tidar Magelang, Universitas Mercu Buana Jakarta, dan Universitas Widyatama Bandung.

During the opening session, Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt. as the Director of Partnerships and Global Relations UGM emphasized the role of international offices in the internationalization process. “International offices are essential in increasing the university’s visibility in the global setting,” Prof. Puji noted. “This workshop is an opportunity to learn and grow together, creating the best internationalization strategy and strengthening the partnership between institutions.”

Over the course of the week, the participants gained insights into successful strategies for advancing internationalization in higher education, covering key topics such as immigration matters, legal frameworks, and international collaboration practices. The lectures were delivered by experts and practitioners from UGM and several international partner universities, namely The University of Osaka, University of Melbourne, NTU, and University of Glasgow.

The program was supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC), and the British Council (BC). Mrs. Muji Rahayu, Deputy Director of DAAD Indonesia; Mr. Kevin Evans, Director of AIC Indonesia; and Mr. Muhaimin Syamsudin, Head of Education at the British Council Indonesia, delivered a presentation titled “Unlocking Global Resources: Navigating Funding Opportunities through International Collaboration“. This session aimed to familiarize participants with key programs, and to provide guidance on application processes, eligibility requirements, and partnership-building with German, Australian, and UK institutions.

The participants were also engaged in group discussions, in which they learned to analyze challenges related to internationalization and address the strategic solutions to those challenges. This session helped the participants to adapt the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop into practical applications.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to collaboration and innovation in higher education. By sharing best practices and building stronger networks, participants left with a deeper understanding of how universities can navigate globalization more effectively. UGM reaffirmed its role as a hub for international cooperation, strengthening a culture of inclusivity, knowledge exchange, and global partnership for the future.

The PIONEER 2025 program finally concluded on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with Dunung Srawung: Connecting, Understanding, and Sharing with the Local Community located in Omah Lamiri, Dusun Salakan, Sleman.

After being introduced to the campus and immersed in local culture on the first and second day, this third and final day of PIONEER offered UGM international students an opportunity to engage themselves in traditional Javanese village life, while also building a meaningful interaction with the Yogyakarta local community.

The day began with a fun paper boat race, which also served as an ice-breaking moment for all the participants. Afterwards, the students joined an integrated farming session guided by the Kelompok Wanita Tani (Women Farmers Group) Barokah Makmur Salakan. In the community garden managed by the group, the students learned about sustainable farming practices and harvested fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, and eggs.

Following the farming session, the participants continued the day to a cooking activity, also guided by the Women Farmers Group and some of the local community members. Using the ingredients they had gathered, the participants prepared a variety of traditional Indonesian dishes and drinks such as lemper, oseng kates, lotis, sayur lembayung, tumis kangkung, and es teh krampul. 

Not only learning about farm-to-table practices from the integrated farming and cooking session, but both the students and local community members also had the opportunity to learn more about the local economic development from Mr. Raeef Al-Tamimi, UGM international lecturer from Yemen who is currently teaching in the Department of Economics and Business, Vocational College.

In his sharing session, Mr. Raeef highlighted the importance of community engagement in developing the local economy. “Aside from saving your income, you can consider investing some of it into something that will benefit the whole community, like opening a shop, for example. That way, everyone will contribute together to the local economy development,” he explained.

Some of the students expressed their impression regarding the event. “The community people here are so welcoming, so nice,” said Barau Shedrach Gimba, UGM international student from Nigeria who will be studying in Graduate School UGM under Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) scholarship. “The food is also wonderful. I had a very great lunch and a great time here.”

Similar to Shedrach, Stella Apostolou from Greece also expressed similar sentiment. “I feel very included here. Today has enriched me culturally, to understand Indonesian and Javanese culture better. The ibu-ibu here are so sweet,” she said. 

Stella, who is currently studying as an exchange student in the Faculty of Psychology UGM, added: “My favorite part is when we have to pick the fruits, vegetables, and eggs in the garden!”

This closing event encapsulated PIONEER’s mission to create meaningful cross-cultural engagement. Hopefully, this event will leave the students with lasting memories and new friendships that extend beyond the campus.

Faculty of Engineering UGM in collaboration with Vocational College UGM proudly present International Conference on Sustainable Energy (ICoSE 2025): Toward Energy Transition and Net-Zero Emission.

This event also involves international partners, namely the University of Chile (Chile) and UiTM Sarawak Branch (Malaysia), and is supported by CAS-ANSO (Chinese Academy of Sciences-Alliance of International Science Organizations).

The conference is driven by the urgent global need to accelerate the transition to clean energy and achieve the target of net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with global commitments such as the Paris Agreement. Indonesia, as a developing country with abundant natural resources, has a strategic role in this effort. Therefore, this conference serves as an important platform for academics, policymakers, industry players, and civil society to discuss innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

Through this conference, it is expected to achieve cross-sectoral synergy in supporting sustainable development, promoting green investment, and strengthening Indonesia’s role in the global discourse on energy and the environment.

Find out more about this event below.

Date and Venue

Date: November 6-7, 2025
Venue: (updated location) TILC Sekolah Vokasi (SV) UGM, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Important Dates

• Submission Deadline: 8 September 2025 extended to 30 September 2025
• Notification: 22 Sept 2025 extended to 5 October 2025
• Registration: 23 September – 28 October 2025

Topic Clusters

• Fair Energy Transition through Upstream & Downstream Innovation
• Just Energy Transition & Regional Development
• Biodiversity & Net-Zero Emission Agenda
• Technology Mastery for Renewable Energy Transition

Fee

• Presenter: IDR 3.500.000 / USD 215
• Workshop and Participants: IDR 1.500.000 / USD 100

Benefits

• Accepted papers will be published by Springer Nature, indexed in Web of Science (WoS).
• Awards for Best Paper & Best Presenter!

Information and Contact

For more information about this event, please contact:

• Submission Link: ugm.id/icosespringer
• Info: ft.ugm.ac.id/icose
• Email: icose@ugm.ac.id
• WhatsApp: ‪+62816657133‬ (Public Relation @sv_ugm)

Asia Pacific Association of International Education (APAIE) in collaboration with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) proudly present APAIE Workshop 2025, Reshaping Education through International Collaborations: Transnational Education, Digital Transformation, and Local Relevance.

Open for leaders, directors, managers, and staff of the office of international affairs, as well as those involved in internationalization in higher education, this event is a capacity building program aiming to shape the future of international education through collaboration and innovation.

Find out more about the event below.

Venue & Date

• Royal Ambarukmo Hotel, Yogyakarta
• 28-29 October 2025

Benefits for Participants

• E-Badge Credential
• On-the-bus Campus Tour (UGM & UII)
• Cultural Experiences
• Networking Opportunities
• Gala Dinners

Registration and More Information

• Early Bird: until 30 Sept 2025 (limited seats!)
• Register: ugm.id/APAIECB25

For more information, please visit this link: bit.ly/APAIE25.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with global education leaders, exchange ideas, and strengthen international partnerships.

We look forward to welcoming you in Yogyakarta!

The PIONEER 2025 program continued to its second event on Saturday, August 30, 2025, with a day of Cultural Excursion and Immersion at the Taman Tunas Wiguna Babarsari Camping Ground. 

Following the opening ceremony held on August 15, this event served as a warm welcome for international students not only from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), but also from other universities across Yogyakarta.

The activity aimed to introduce international students to the richness of Indonesian and Yogyakarta culture, while also fostering friendship among students and the local community. The event was opened by Gusti Kanjeng Ratu (GKR) Mangkubumi as the Head of Yogyakarta Regional Scout Council (Kwarda DIY), welcoming all the international students to Yogyakarta.

Divided into two sessions, the international students firstly experienced Indonesian culture firsthand through a variety of activities, including playing the traditional gamelan, learning how to make hand-drawn batik, practicing jemparingan (traditional Javanese archery), and trying traditional Indonesian children’s games. These activities gave students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions beyond the classroom.

“I particularly enjoyed the traditional archery,” said Ella Erdahl, UGM international student from the USA who is currently studying in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. “I found it very meditative as a practice. Batik was also fun, but it was a lot harder than I was expecting! I had a great time and it was really exciting to connect with other international students,” she concluded.

The second session featured a dinner and formal welcoming ceremony attended by representatives from the Keraton Yogyakarta and the Yogyakarta Regional Government (Pemda DIY). During this session, a symbolic gesture took place as universities “handed over” the international students to the Keraton and Pemda, symbolizing the acceptance of international students as new members of the Yogyakarta community.

With the success of this cultural immersion, PIONEER 2025 will continue with its third event, Learning Language with Local Community, scheduled for September 20, 2025. The series of activities highlights UGM’s and Yogyakarta’s commitment to providing international students with not only academic excellence, but also a deeper cultural understanding and a sense of belonging.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) recently welcomed a new batch of international students who will be pursuing their studies at UGM through the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship. 

This year, UGM received 15 awardees from 10 countries, namely Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Timor Leste. The awardees consist of 3 doctoral students and 12 master’s students, who will be enrolled in 12 faculties and 15 study programs across UGM.

The awardees first joined the welcoming ceremony and inauguration event hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education in Jakarta on August 24-26 before arriving in Yogyakarta. The event served as a symbolic welcome to Indonesia, where students participated in orientation activities and met fellow awardees from across the globe.

“I felt so welcomed here, and you could feel the warmth and friendliness of every Indonesian that you made contact with,” said Edwin Kimathi Kaaria, one of KNB awardees from Kenya who will be taking his Master’s degree in Geomatics Engineering UGM. “I chose UGM because it’s a world-class university, and therefore I know all my expectations about studying there will be met. Also, the facilities here are well-equipped to ensure that I have the necessary skills once I’m done with my studies. I’m really excited to begin my academic journey at UGM,” he concluded.

Before starting their academic journey, all KNB awardees are required to undergo the Indonesian language program or BIPA (Bahasa Indonesia bagi Penutur Asing) in their first year. In UGM, the BIPA program will be held under INCULS (Indonesian Culture and Language Services) in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. This intensive program helps students to prepare themselves before they officially begin their studies in their respective fields.

The KNB Scholarship is a scholarship offered by the Indonesian Government to international students from developing countries to pursue higher education in Indonesia. In 2025, there are a total of 250 KNB awardees from 46 countries placed across various Indonesian universities.

Through this program, UGM continues to contribute to international academic collaboration while also promoting Indonesia’s rich culture and academic excellence to the global community. 

Greetings from Malaysia!

Founded in the early 1980s, Reliance College is a pioneer in the field of Tourism and Hospitality Education, producing professionals who are respected worldwide. Over the years, it has recognised that it is a dynamic and fast-growing industry that requires leaders who are confident, knowledgeable, and as passionate as they are.  That’s why at Reliance College, students will get an education that combines expert practical training with vital management skills, preparing for a career in the global hospitality industry.

We are pleased to inform you that the application for 12-Month International Hospitality Internship Program in Malaysia is now open for Universitas Gadjah Mada students.

Fact Sheet 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

• This international mobility/On-the-job training programme offers global students a unique opportunity to gain real-world
  experience in Malaysia’s vibrant hospitality industry. The blend of classroom learning and professional internship equips
  participants with essential knowledge, operational skills, and international exposure for a successful global hospitality
  career.

PROGRAM HIGLIGHTS

• 1 month classroom training (college-based) + 11 months paid internship at leading hotels in Malaysia
• Meals & accommodation provided by hotel partners throughout the internship
• Students earn a Hospitality Certificate and a Hotel Training Certification
• Affordable all-inclusive fee
• Enhances employability with international exposure, hands-on training, and industry-recognized credentials

ELIGIBILITY

• Students or recent graduates in hospitality, tourism, culinary, and hotel management

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Apply directly to Reliance College. Kindly refer to the website
2. The FINAL decision is from Relliance College.

CONSULTATION INFO

If you have any questions regarding this program, you can contact us in OIA’s office hour:

• WhatsApp: +62 812-1888-7818 (WA)
• Email: scholarship@ugm.ac.id

Virtual consultation: https://ugm.id/AppointmentOIAUGM  

In the Odd Semester of the Academic Year 2025/2026, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed new international students through PIONEER (Program for International Orientation and New-student Empowerment to Enhance Readiness), which took place on Friday, August 15, 2025, on the first floor of the Grha Sabha Pramana (GSP) Building.

This event, organized by the Office of International Affairs (OIA) UGM, is part of a welcoming event for international students aimed to introduce international students to the UGM and Yogyakarta environments and help them adapt smoothly during their studies. Additionally, it also served as a platform for international students to interact and get to know each other.

In the August 2025 intake, UGM accepted 376 international students, consisting of 103 degree program students, 216 exchange program students, and 57 students in language and other non-degree programs.

Following the opening performance by UKM Swagayugama, Prof. Wening Udasmoro, Vice Rector for Education and Learning in UGM, delivered her welcome address. She explained that internationalization is one of UGM’s biggest strengths.

“Student mobility is the heart of internationalization in UGM. Many who come here for a short program often return for their master’s or doctoral degree,” said Prof. Wening. “While studying here, don’t forget to keep learning, exploring, and connecting with others.”

The event continued with several overviews of UGM and its facilities, along with essential information about living in Yogyakarta. Presented by various speakers across UGM, the sessions introduced the wide range of resources available on campus, from academic support and research facilities to health services and student activity centers. They also offered practical guidance on everyday life in Jogja, including navigating transportation, understanding local customs, and exploring the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. These sessions were designed to ensure that international students feel well-prepared both inside and outside the classroom.

This explanation about life in Yogyakarta was further enriched by a sharing session from Roxanne Marie Flores, an international student from the Philippines who’s currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Linguistics at UGM with the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) scholarship.

Known as Mbak Roxanne, she shared her various experiences while studying in Indonesia, and gave useful tips about Indonesian food. “When ordering food in Indonesia, please be considerate of the level of spiciness. Indonesians love spicy food, so if you can’t handle it, let them know that you’re ordering non-spicy food,” said Mbak Roxanne.

After the opening event, PIONEER 2025 will continue its agenda with other supporting activities, such as Cultural Immersion and Excursion on August 30, and Learning Indonesian with the Local Community on September 20. See you on the next agenda!

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to strengthen its international presence through student participation in global academic and leadership programs. This year, Aqila Keisyarani from Faculty of Psychology 2023 was selected as the representative of UGM and one of only seven students from Indonesia to join the Temasek Foundation–National University of Singapore Leadership Enrichment and Regional Networking (TF-NUS LEaRN) Programme 2025.

The TF-NUS LEaRN Programme 2025 gathered participants from across ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei Darussalam, and Vietnam. From Indonesia, only seven students were selected, representing leading universities such as UGM, UI, ITB, UNAIR, IPB, and ITS.

Organized annually by NUS with support from Temasek Foundation, the TF-NUS LEaRN Programme is a prestigious initiative designed to nurture young leaders in Southeast Asia by strengthening leadership capacity, deepening cross-cultural understanding, and expanding regional networks. The 2025 program places particular emphasis on sustainability, community engagement, and futures thinking, equipping participants with the skills to address complex challenges in the region.

“What sets this program apart from many other leadership initiatives is the opportunity to engage directly with local communities in Singapore,” said Aqila. “We did not only learn in theory, but also experienced firsthand how community development initiatives are implemented and create real impact. This experience is truly valuable for me, as it broadened my understanding of leadership that is rooted in empathy and cross-sector collaboration.”

In addition, participants dedicated a full week of the program to intensive study with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Executive Education. This segment introduced them to futures thinking methodologies such as the Three Horizons Model, Horizon Scanning, and scenario communication. Through lectures, discussions, and team projects, participants explored how these tools can be applied to anticipate regional challenges and design innovative strategies for the future of community development in Southeast Asia.

By taking part in TF-NUS LEaRN 2025, UGM students continue to gain global exposure and strengthen their role as future leaders of the region, while fostering collaboration and solidarity across ASEAN.

A number of international students in Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) had the opportunity to engage with local communities and immerse themselves in Indonesian culture through a recent summer camp organized by private boarding high school SMA Pradita Dirgantara in Boyolali, Central Java, held from August 10-15, 2025.

Bringing the theme “Symphony of Summer: Endless Journey, Rising Together”, this annual summer camp was designed as a cross-cultural event for the students of SMA Pradita Dirgantara. To bring this theme to life, the school invited nine international students from UGM to join the summer camp, where they shared insights about their respective countries and culture through class sessions with the high school students.

The international students not only had the chance to teach and share their own cultures, but also to immerse themselves in Indonesian culture. They participated in a variety of activities, including playing traditional games, learning to play Indonesian musical instruments, making batik, and performing traditional dances. Additionally, they joined local students in group activities such as a fashion show featuring traditional attire and navigating outdoor obstacle courses.

Hikari Kato, UGM international student from Japan who is currently studying in the Faculty of Economics and Business, shared her experiences during the summer camp. “During the Symphony of Summer performance, I danced to AKB48’s Heavy Rotation with members of my group,” she said. “I’m not used to dancing, so I made a lot of mistakes on the stage. But it was fun!”

Crystal Wiyono, another UGM international student from the USA, also expressed her experiences in the program. “The students and faculty members are so kind to us throughout the program, and I am practically blinded by how bright their futures are,” she said. “I hope we all cross paths again someday in the future.”

The summer camp concluded on August 15th with several artistic performances and awarding ceremonies to celebrate participants’ achievements throughout the program, such as Best Chemistry Group, Most Energetic Group, and many more.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Ari Tarigan, the Managing Director of SMA Pradita Dirgantara, expressed his gratitude for the international students’ participation in the summer camp. “Thank you for traveling here, opening your hearts and minds and embracing this program with such enthusiasm,” said Mr. Tarigan. “Your presence here has given real-life opportunities for our students to connect with the world through human connection. From now on, you’re all part of SMA Pradita Dirgantara family,” he concluded.