Unram’s Outstanding Underprivileged Track Brings Hope: Dreams and Determination of Prospective Students from Remote NTB

Mataram, University of Mataram — A strong desire to pursue higher education radiated from participants of the University of Mataram’s Outstanding Underprivileged Admission Track. Despite economic limitations, these prospective students demonstrated remarkable perseverance and achievements in pursuit of their dreams. The program has received widespread appreciation as an inclusive initiative that broadens access to higher education for high-achieving students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Yeni Merisna, a graduate of SMA Negeri 1 Pujut, Central Lombok, shared her motivation for choosing the Communication Science Study Program at the University of Mataram. She had been active in student organizations throughout high school and discovered a strong interest in public speaking.
“Through my organizational experience, I realized that my potential lies in the field of communication,” she said.
She also praised the University of Mataram for its strong reputation, particularly highlighting the internship opportunities offered to final-year Communication Science students.
Yeni had been preparing for the UTBK since Grade 11 using books, YouTube tutorials, and online tryouts.
“Alhamdulillah, a lot of the questions felt familiar during the test,” she added.
From MAN 1 East Lombok, Indra Syahriyana Juniarti also shared her story. She selected Medicine and Indonesian Language Education as her target study programs.
“I want to become a doctor, but I also love language. So I chose two programs that reflect my interests,” she said.
She views the Outstanding Underprivileged Admission Track as a breakthrough worth appreciating.
“Not every university offers an Independent Admission pathway that also comes with a scholarship. This is an extraordinary move by Unram,” she stated.
Similarly, Aulia Shakira, an alumna of SMAN 1 Madapangga, Bima Regency, also felt greatly supported by the program. She chose Aquaculture as her major, following her parents’ advice. Although she initially had doubts, Shakira immediately applied after learning about the admission pathway.
“As soon as I found out, I gathered the required documents right away. This pathway is really helpful,” she said.
Meanwhile, Indah from Kembangsari Village, East Lombok, also demonstrated strong determination. She selected Medicine and Indonesian Language and Literature Education as her two program choices.
“I’m a science major and want to become a doctor. But I’m also active in language-related activities, so I chose both,” she shared.
She expressed that her family fully supports her decision to pursue higher education at the University of Mataram. In her view, Unram is not only strong academically but also actively supports student career development and entrepreneurship.
With the presence of the Outstanding Underprivileged Admission Track, Unram is not only expanding access to higher education, but also offering new hope for young people from various regions across West Nusa Tenggara to pursue a brighter future. This pathway stands as concrete proof of Unram’s commitment to providing inclusive and equitable education.
May all participants achieve the best results and become part of the Unram family.
