UGM Freshman Nurma's Journey: From Late-Night Study Sessions to a Full Scholarship
Anisa Nurmalitasari (18), a student from SMAN 1 Jogja, has received a 100 per cent subsidized ‘Education Excellence’ scholarship, resulting in zero tuition fees (UKT), allowing her to study at UGM through the National Selection Based on Merit (SNBP) pathway. To achieve this, she routinely studied at home, at school, and even at the UGM library until late at night. This is her story.
According to the official UGM website on Tuesday (23/6/202 moving towards 2026), the second of two children from Notoyudan, Yogyakarta, was accepted into the Nutrition Study Programme, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) at UGM amidst her family’s economic difficulties.
Nurma admitted that passing the UGM selection via the merit pathway was the result of a long journey. She had targeted this ‘Blue Campus’ since the beginning of high school by consistently maintaining her grades and passion for learning.
“My strategy was to focus on my grades, maintaining and improving them so that I could achieve a high ranking in school,” she said on Tuesday.
Driven to UGM Library by Her Father
Nurma’s study routine began at three in the morning and continued until just before school hours. After school, she continued studying, sometimes until eleven at night, at the university library. This was because the environment around her home made it difficult to focus.
“My father often drove me to the UHG library so I could study until late at night,” she said.
On the day of the announcement, Nurma said she could only rely on prayer. Her parents and sibling accompanied her, and the atmosphere at home broke into tears of joy when she was declared successful.
“I closed my eyes, not daring to look at the laptop. Eventually, my family opened it and started screaming, then I joined in the joy. Alhamdulillah, I am very happy and did not expect it,” she said.
Reasons for Interest in Nutrition
Nurma admitted her interest in Nutrition stemmed from her love for the world of health, which is closely linked to human daily life.
“I reflected on what is needed for humans to live, such as food. I then combined food and health, which led me to Nutrition,” she explained.
Her conviction regarding this major was well-considered by both her family and school. Nurma stated that she only submitted one choice during the SNBP registration. Ultimately, she was one of 76 students from SMAN 1 Yogyakarta to pass the SNBP.
“I was certain about Nutrition; I discussed it with my parents and my guidance counsellor. In the end, I was firm on this major, with no other alternatives,” she explained.
Ahead of her studies, Nurma has been using her time to improve her skills. She has undertaken English language training, taken freelance work to supplement her income, and actively participated in various seminars and workshops.
“I have joined the ‘1001 UGM Activities’ group. I am actively participating in seminars, workshops, and even those that provide certification,” she said.
Not Afraid of Competition
Her father, Agus Nurhadi, expressed immense gratitude for Nurma’s acceptance into UGM with a full scholarship. Previously, he had doubted his ability to cover tuition fees given the family’s economic situation.
“I didn’t expect this because I am an entrepreneur, so income fluctuates. I am truly grateful and overwhelmed. This is truly an appreciation from UGM to provide my child with the opportunity to continue studies at UGM,” he said.
Nurhadi runs a family business producing peanut snacks, which are distributed to various ‘angkringan’ (street stalls) around their home. Every morning and afternoon, he delivers his goods to approximately dozens of stalls.
Meanwhile, her mother, Sri Damaryati, always reassured Nurma that whatever the result, it must be accepted with grace. She praised her daughter’s hard work, often studying past midnight to keep pace with peers attending private tutoring.
“I continued to encourage Nurma to be optimistic and not afraid of competition,” she said.
Support from her family flows heavily through every step of her struggle. Her sibling also provides motivation to pursue higher education and assists when she encounters learning difficulties.
Nurma also advised her peers not to give up easily due to their circumstances.
“Friends, keep your spirits up because there is always a way. If we have the intention and the goal, we must increase our hard work so that our dreams and ambitions can be achieved,” she concluded.