Excitement filled the corridors of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), on Wednesday (29 July 2026) as a group of outstanding students from SMA Negeri 1 Kota Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, arrived at the university. The educational visit provided students with valuable insights into higher education while inspiring them to pursue their future academic goals. It also served as a bridge connecting students' aspirations with the realities of studying at a world-class university.
The delegation traveled across several islands, transiting through Lombok and Surabaya before arriving in Yogyakarta. Despite the long journey, the enthusiasm of the 18 high-achieving students enrolled in the school's Semester Credit System (SKS) program remained undiminished.
Principal Dedy Rosadi, M.Pd., M.Sc., explained that the visit forms part of the school's vision of fostering Global Diversity. Most participating students have a strong interest in pursuing careers in medicine or engineering.
"The students joining this visit have demonstrated exceptional talent, motivation, and ambition to continue their studies in medicine and engineering. We want to introduce them early to the academic environment of a world-class university like UGM," Dedy Rosadi said. ujar Dedi Rosadi.
During the presentation, drg. Heriati Sitosari, MDSc., Ph.D., warmly welcomed the visitors and introduced Universitas Gadjah Mada's academic landscape. Covering approximately 300 hectares, UGM offers 293 academic programs organized into four major clusters: Social Sciences and Humanities, Agro, Science, and Health and Engineering.
In addition to being ranked 224th globally in 2026, UGM provides modern facilities, including the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK), GMC Health Services, the free Tayoga Campus Bus, and a wide range of scholarship opportunities.
Dr. Heriati also clarified information regarding tuition fees. For students admitted through the Independent Admission (UM) pathway, the Institutional Development Contribution (IPI) is charged proportionally only to students in the highest tuition category (UKT Unggul), while students receiving subsidized tuition are exempt from the fee.
The interactive session was marked by enthusiastic discussions. One student, Andar Muammar Rahman, asked about the relationship between dental education and systemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Heriati explained that: "FKG UGM equips students with a holistic understanding through interdisciplinary teaching involving experts from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, although dental interventions remain focused on oral health."
Another student, Hilman, who is interested in engineering, asked about the International Undergraduate Program (IUP). Dr. Heriati explained that the IUP admission process is highly competitive and takes place over two to three days, including the Gadjah Mada Scholastic Test (GMST), Academic English Test (AcEPT), MMPI psychological assessment, and interviews. The program also offers international opportunities such as joint degree and overseas internships with partner universities.
Head of the Education and Teaching Unit at FKG UGM, Wisnu Budi Ardianto, S.E., highlighted the importance of affirmative admission pathways. He reaffirmed the faculty's commitment to supporting a more equitable distribution of healthcare professionals across Indonesia.
"We strongly welcome opportunities for regional collaboration through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Cooperation Agreements. These partnerships provide a balanced solution, enabling students from various regions who study at UGM to return home and contribute to strengthening healthcare services in their communities," he explained.
The visit concluded with a group photo session and words of encouragement for the students of SMA Negeri 1 Kota Bima. It is hoped that their firsthand experience exploring the campus and engaging with UGM academics will inspire them as they prepare for future university admissions.
Reporter & Photo: Andri Wicaksono, Nanda