Sebelas Maret University (UNS) consistently demonstrates a real commitment to poverty alleviation, not merely as charity, but as a fundamental act of social justice. Through the UNS Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ), the university regularly distributes Single Tuition Fee (UKT) subsidized scholarships to underprivileged students who have gone through a rigorous selection process. This program aims to ensure open and equitable access to higher education for all, especially those from families with limited economic conditions. By easing the burden of tuition fees, UNS helps open opportunities for students to develop their potential and capacity, thereby breaking out of the cycle of poverty.

          Furthermore, UNS runs the “Sharing Happiness” program, which collects zakat, infaq, and alms from the academic community and the wider community and distributes them to various beneficiaries in humanitarian, health, economic, educational, and da’wah (Islamic outreach) sectors. This program provides concrete assistance such as additional scholarships, support for orphans and the underprivileged, the provision of free ambulances, and the implementation of ongoing da’wah programs. This aid distribution not only provides temporary relief but also encourages community empowerment to become more independent and productive.

        UNS also plays an active role in cross-sector collaborations, including with the Ministry of Social Affairs and other government agencies, to support the national program to eradicate extreme poverty. This demonstrates that UNS is not solely focused on formal education but also acts as an agent of social change, contributing directly to the development of a just and sustainable society. UNS’s commitment to empowering communities is also reflected in various research studies conducted by faculty and students on local economic development and community empowerment, the results of which can be applied to address poverty systematically.

     Through these initiatives, UNS embodies the vision that poverty eradication is the key to unlocking human potential and enabling them to live productive and prosperous lives. By providing access to education, social support, and actively participating in poverty alleviation programs, UNS strengthens its role as an institution that not only produces quality graduates but also agents of social justice who strive for the sustainable welfare of the wider community.