TEP ITS Develops Digital Scholarship Application Forms in South Manokwari

Ransiki (ANTARA) - The Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) is developing digital registration forms for the Affirmative Higher Education (ADiK) scholarship to assist students in the South Manokwari Regency, West Papua, in pursuing higher education.

Speaking in Ransiki on Tuesday, the Chairman of TEP ITS, Yogantara Setylar Dharmawan, stated that the digital forms were designed based on field findings showing high student interest in higher education, which is currently hindered by costs, lack of information, and limited access to services.

“From the survey results, there is significant interest among students to pursue higher education, but various factors act as obstacles that need to be addressed through a service-oriented approach,” said Yogantara.

He explained that 168 out of 200 surveyed students, or 84 per cent, expressed interest in continuing to university. Furthermore, 122 students, or 61 per cent, identified tuition fees as the primary obstacle.

The survey also found that 70 students, or 35 per cent, were concerned about living costs during their studies. Regarding awareness, approximately 36.5 per cent of students were unaware of the ADiK scholarship, 24 per cent were aware, and 36.5 per cent had heard of it.

He explained that these findings were obtained through surveys and focus group discussions conducted by TEP ITS alongside local schools and the South Manokwari Education and Culture Office on 18-19 August 2024.

The survey aimed to identify student needs while providing information regarding higher education opportunities through the ADiK scholarship, which subsequently served as the basis for formulating a digital-based initial registration mechanism.

“The initial registration mechanism will be conducted through schools, so students do not have to visit the government office in person. Teachers will be directed to act as mentors during the data entry process,” he said.

He noted that the forms, which previously used a manual system, have been developed into online forms so that applicant data can be collected in a structured manner, facilitating easier recapitulation and monitoring.