In strengthening its commitment to becoming a world-class university and a pioneer of excellence in conservation-based education, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) continues to enhance its global quality and competitiveness. On Tuesday (September 3, 2024), UNNES officially welcomed new international students for the 2024/2025 academic year through various admission pathways, including scholarship schemes and independent selection.
The welcoming ceremony, held at the Rectorate Senate Hall, Building H, was attended by Vice Rector IV for Cooperation, Business, and International Relations Prof. Dr. Nur Qudus, M.T., IPM, along with deans and vice deans from various faculties. In his opening remarks, Prof. Nur Qudus encouraged the international students to focus on their studies with full dedication and discipline.
“I hope all students remain disciplined and complete their studies on time with excellent results. When you graduate, you will make your country proud with the knowledge you gain,” he said.
Growing Interest from Low Income Middle Country
This year, UNNES received 562 applications for the international admission pathway. Of these, 308 applicants advanced to the interview stage, and only a select few were admitted after a rigorous selection process. A total of 18 students received UNNES Scholarships (IUP and Nextship), 5 students were awarded the Developing Countries Partnership (KNB) Scholarship, 5 students joined under the Darmasiswa Scholarship, and 4 students chose to pursue their studies independently.
The newly admitted students come from low income middle country Pakistan, Timor Leste, Ghana, Nigeria, Vietnam, Mozambik, Mesir, Kyrgiztan, India, Sudan Selatan, Myanmar, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Papua Nugini, dan Turkmenistan, representing a diverse blend of cultures, perspectives, and experiences. They are enrolled in various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across UNNES faculties.
UNNES also launched the International RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) Program (3+1) in collaboration with Yuan Li Education, China, allowing five Chinese students to study for one year at UNNES in Management, Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD), and Information Technology Education (PTIK).
Comprehensive Scholarship Support for Global Learners
UNNES offers multiple international scholarship schemes to ensure equitable access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds:
- Developing Countries Partnership (KNB) Scholarship: Covers tuition fees, Indonesian Language and Culture Preparatory Class (BIPA), living allowance, research and publication grants, arrival assistance, and insurance.
- Darmasiswa Scholarship: Provides a living allowance, BIPA and Cross-Cultural Courses, book allowance, and arrival support for students learning Indonesian language and culture.
- IUP and Nextship Scholarships: Include registration fees, tuition (UKT), dormitory costs, living allowances (for undergraduate and postgraduate programs), first-year visa fees, and domestic arrival ticket assistance.
Through these programmes, UNNES promotes academic inclusion, cross-cultural exchange, and human resource development, particularly among students from developing countries.
Commitment to Academic and Cultural Excellence
The presence of international students at UNNES enriches the academic environment, fostering global understanding and collaboration. With comprehensive scholarships and support systems, the university ensures that every student can focus on learning, research, and community engagement without financial barriers.
UNNES’s scholarship initiatives align with its identity as a Conservation University, emphasizing sustainability, equity, and global partnership. These programmes also contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 – Quality Education) and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, by creating inclusive educational opportunities for international learners.
Building a Global Learning Community
With diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences, UNNES’s international students are expected to adapt quickly, embrace discipline, and excel academically during their time in Indonesia. The university provides continuous mentoring, academic guidance, and intercultural activities to help them thrive in a multicultural academic community. Through its growing network of scholarship schemes, international collaborations, and mobility programmes, UNNES continues to open doors for global talent while strengthening Indonesia’s reputation in international higher education. With the KNB, Darmasiswa, and IUP–Nextship Scholarships, alongside the International RPL Program, UNNES ensures that students from around the world can study comfortably, grow confidently, and graduate successfully—embodying the vision of a globally competitive and sustainable university.
