Education in Yogyakarta

Yogya is famous for being a centre for Indonesian higher education and the seat of Gadjah Mada University, one of the three most prestigious universities in Indonesia.

The Gadjah Mada University is the largest university in Indonesia in terms of student population. It has 18 faculties, 73 undergraduate study programs, 28 diploma study programs, and a graduate program of 62 study programs ranging from Social Sciences to Engineering. Expansions have occurred and now the school offers business and media courses.

Yogya is home to 18 other universities. Some of which are Institut Sains dan Teknologi AKPRIND - Yogyakarta, Indonesian Institute of the Arts - Yogyakarta, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta and Universitas Islam Indonesia.

Despite being an educational centre, many facilities are built around campus to cater to students' needs. A number of vibrant dining and entertainment enclaves are situated close to the major campuses to cater to students.

In the north, one can find distros - student-run independent fashion boutiques selling clothes and accessories produced by young designers. One can also find several indie clothing boutiques along the main road as well as along the small streets running off it.

Further south, are more busy eateries and an abundance of cheap perfume stalls. While cheap eateries may all appear the same on the surface, some in Yogya are better than others when it comes to being campus trendy. Some of the most popular Yogya student eateries have now morphed into large franchises.

The advantages of dining at these student warungs is not only the cheap prices. Many of the students are studying English and will take the opportunity to practice. This is a great opportunity to socialize with the locals and learn about Javanese and Yogyakarta youth culture, as well as occasionally help students with their class assignments.

No beer is sold anywhere near campuses. Most students in Yogyakarta are Muslim, so only a small group drink alcohol.

Yogya hosts a strong live music scene and many groups play at cafes and food courts rather than bars. Pool halls, video karaoke chains, ten pin bowling, futsal and going to the cinema are just some of the other ways students while away the time after class. UGM's lush green campus is the most impressive and on Sunday mornings the main boulevard is open to the public for exercising.