UPH Bottom Financial Quintile Student Support
Educational assistance is provided to students from the bottom financial quintile, particularly at the Faculty of Education and Faculty of Nursing, covering not only tuition fees but also their educational development fees throughout their whole study period at Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH). These assistance costs include re-registration fees, final project defence fees, dormitory accommodation, student uniforms, meals, internet access, library services, and transportation from their hometowns when they first arrive at UPH.
At these faculties, particularly the International Teachers College (ITC) and Faculty of Nursing International Track, diversity is an integral part of the learning community. In the academic year 2024/2025, students came from different countries and socioeconomic backgrounds across Asia and Africa, including Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Myanmar, Kenya, India, China, and Cambodia. A wide range of students arrive from modest-income families, including families that work as farmers, small business owners, labourers, civil servants, missionaries, and communities in rural and/or underserved areas. A significant proportion of the students are also first-generation university students, making access to higher education an important milestone for their families.
Through full and partial scholarships, UPH enables students with limited financial resources to pursue higher education and professional teacher training. These scholarships provide students with opportunities to develop academically and professionally while preparing them to contribute to the education sector upon graduation. Some even return to their hometowns to commit as educators there.
These assistances are also available for several students in other study programmes as well. In 2024, 49 students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Economics and Business, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, and the Faculty of Design were given these full covered scholarships and accommodation.
Furthermore, the university provides additional assistance after graduation through the University-to-Work Program, supported by the Yayasan Pendidikan Pelita Harapan. Upon completion of their studies, participating students are provided with guaranteed work placements within affiliated schools and institutions, enabling them to transition directly into professional employment and apply their training in educational settings across Indonesia.
In addition to non-merit scholarships, the University also provides merit-based scholarships that provide partial coverage of tuition and other academic fees. Through these complementary scholarships and financial aid tracks, UPH continues to reduce economic barriers to higher education and expand work and education opportunities for students from low-income and undeserved backgrounds.
Aside from regular scholarship opportunities, starting in 2024/2025, a new scholarship programme was established by UPH through the Holistic Academic Readiness Preparation Program (HARPP), in collaboration with the Central Papua Provincial Department of Education through a formal Memorandum of Understanding signed on 11 September 2024. The 10-month preparatory programme to equip 53 Central Papuan students with the academic and personal competencies needed to transition to higher education. The students receive intensive subject preparations in maths, sciences, Bahasa Indonesia, English and digital literacy, as well as being given structured mentoring and residential support focused on discipline, healthy lifestyle, adaptability, time management, character, and personal growth. By addressing educational gaps and providing comprehensive preparations for study, HARPP demonstrates UPH’s commitment to reduce the barriers of poverty to higher education.