Depok, 4 June 2026 — Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) and the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) convened an evaluation meeting to review the implementation of the LPDP Double Degree Scholarship Program and explore opportunities to strengthen future collaboration.
Held at the Ciremai Meeting Room on the fifth floor of the Joko Widodo Rectorate Building, the meeting brought together 13 representatives from UIII and LPDP. It was led by UIII’s Acting Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim, M.A.
During the opening session, UIII expressed its appreciation for LPDP’s continued support, particularly through the doctoral scholarship program for international students. With the current memorandum of understanding expected to expire in the following year, UIII proposed renewing its partnership with LPDP to ensure the continuity and further development of scholarship programs.
Expanding Access to the Affirmation Pathway
A central topic of the discussion was the LPDP Double Degree Program at UIII, which in 2026 was offered exclusively through the affirmation pathway. The participants noted that this arrangement had resulted in a relatively limited number of applicants.
LPDP explained that the affirmation pathway is intended for communities with limited access to higher education, including applicants from designated affirmation regions, persons with disabilities, and recipients of social assistance. To increase participation, LPDP encouraged UIII to expand its outreach through collaboration with universities in affirmation regions and to explore cooperation with Indonesia’s National Commission on Disabilities.
The meeting also emphasized that LPDP Double Degree programs operate under the supervision of Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. The program is designed to support the quality, reputation, and international competitiveness of Indonesian higher education institutions.
Reviewing Program Implementation
UIII and LPDP reviewed several aspects of the Double Degree Program, including partner-university standards, student selection, funding mechanisms, academic supervision, research outputs, and student progress reporting.
The partner institutions selected for the program are expected to demonstrate strong academic quality and international reputations. The meeting noted that one LPDP Double Degree awardee studied at SOAS University of London in 2025, while another was admitted to the University of Dundee in 2026.
Participants also clarified that an offer of admission from UIII does not automatically guarantee admission to an overseas partner university. Students must continue to meet the partner institution’s academic and English-language requirements. When the requirements of a partner university cannot be fulfilled, the student may continue through the regular study pathway at UIII.
Under the program, students receive academic supervision according to the regulations of both institutions and may conduct research during their periods of study at UIII and the partner university. Partner universities are also expected to provide periodic academic progress reports to UIII.
Addressing Academic and Administrative Challenges
The evaluation identified several challenges that require continued coordination. Differences between the academic systems of UIII and its partner universities—including grading conversion, course requirements, and procedures for repeating failed courses—may affect students’ academic progress.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of involving UIII more closely in the selection process to ensure that scholarship recipients are academically suited to the university’s programs and requirements.
Despite these challenges, the Double Degree Program was recognized as making a positive contribution to UIII’s international reputation. It supports greater global recognition and may contribute to international assessment and ranking indicators, including QS Stars.
Regarding intellectual property, LPDP explained that research produced by its awardees generally belongs to the students. More specific arrangements concerning intellectual-property rights and potential patents will need to follow the regulations of each participating institution.
Exploring New Scholarship Models
The meeting concluded with a discussion of potential scholarship developments. LPDP is considering expanding study destinations to countries such as Russia, Spain, and Germany, which may offer more cost-efficient international education opportunities.
LPDP is also developing a proposed 3+1+1 scheme, consisting of three years of undergraduate study in Indonesia, one year of international academic experience at the undergraduate level, and one year of master’s study overseas. Under the proposed arrangement, LPDP funding would support the international academic year and the overseas master’s year.
UIII and LPDP closed the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to developing scholarship opportunities and expanding public outreach for the affirmation pathway. This collaboration is expected to broaden access to high-quality international education while strengthening UIII’s role in global academic partnerships.