Frequently Asked Questions
What degree will I earn upon graduating from this program?
Students who graduate from this program will receive an MBA degree from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. Students can earn a double degree from Universitas Gadjah Mada (MBA) and the University of Agder (MSc) by spending six weeks in Norway during the final semester. This double degree means students can learn from the best of both universities, including travel to and a stay in Norway for six weeks in the third semester of the program.
I’m completing my postgraduate studies in business administration. How different will it be if I study in this program?
The ASEAN Master in Sustainability Management program combines the competencies from business school disciplines with knowledge and experience from environmental sciences. A key difference is in the interdisciplinary focus on sustainability, which will be given in the second semester.
How much is the tuition fee for the program?
The ASEAN Master in Sustainability Management is a full-scholarship program for 20 of the best applicants from ASEAN countries. This means that your acceptance into the program also includes the full scholarship. Applicants from Norway, however, will be subjected to tuition fees by the University of Agder.
Am I eligible for the full scholarship?
This program’s primary targets are fresh graduates and early-career candidates with a maximum age of 30 by the time of application. Only candidates from ASEAN countries are eligible for the full scholarship. Priority is given to candidates from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
Do I need to prepare for living costs if I am a scholarship awardee?
No. The scholarships shall cover the full costs of tuition, travel, and living expenses for the entire 18-month study period.
Is the program only permitted for students with a bachelor’s degree in business?
This program is open to students from any major. Suitable academic backgrounds may be from economics, management, agricultural or forestry sciences, engineering, political science, geography, or law. But anyone who knows and cares about business sustainability is eligible to apply for this program.
What are the submission requirements to apply for the program?
To apply for the program, you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in ASEAN countries. The applicants also need to submit the following documents:
Color photo with formal attire. (.jpg/.jpeg/.png)
Curriculum vitae or resume. (.pdf)
Motivation letter. (.pdf)
Scan of a valid passport. Page 1: ID page; page 2: info page (if any); page 3: front and back covers. (.pdf)
Two recommendation letters from the applicant’s school/institution. (.pdf)
English version of the legalized undergraduate certificate and transcript. (.pdf)
Academic Potential Test (or Tes Potensi Akademik, only for Indonesian citizens). PAPs UGM, TPDA PLTI, or TPA Bappenas, minimum score: 500. (.pdf)
English Proficiency Test. Minimum TOEFL ITP/PBT: 550, or IBT: 80, or IELTS: 6.0, or an English proficiency guarantee letter from selected ASEAN Universities. (.pdf)
Can I apply to another university or program in addition to this program?
There are no rules against applying to more than one university. It is your choice to do so.
When should I apply?
The application period for the next intake of the program ends on 31 March 2026. However, do not wait until the last moment to apply—you may need more time than you think to sort out your documentation.
I am currently working at a company/governmental institution. Do you accept a recommendation letter from my manager or supervisor? Do I still need to prepare a recommendation letter from my home university?
Yes, a recommendation letter from your institution is accepted. However, at least one letter should be issued by the university where you took your bachelor’s degree.
I am interested in applying, but I am concerned about obtaining a visa to enter Indonesia. How should I prepare?
No need to worry about the visa permit. Our Office of International Affairs will guide you through each step of the visa application.
How many steps and how long will the selection process take?
The selection process will take two stages: the documentation phase and the interview phase. These will take place in April 2026.
Who are the lecturers of this program?
The courses are taught jointly by professors from UGM and UiA, and practitioners from private businesses and public offices are invited as guest lecturers in most courses. Faculty members from partner universities in ASEAN will also be invited as guest lecturers, based on their scientific qualifications and regional competencies.
Is there any platform/source where I can find more information about this program and the participating universities in general?
The primary platform for information about the program will be this website, which will be updated regularly. Nevertheless, you are welcome to observe the university’s study environment where this program will be carried out via the official social media accounts of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Gadjah Mada University, and the School of Business and Law, University of Agder.