UNS — In order to increase the number of students who pursue further study abroad, the Partnership and International Unit (International Office-IO) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held a sharing session Australia Award Scholarship (AAS). This event was held virtually on Wednesday (7/4/2021) through the Zoom Cloud Meeting.
The Vice-Rector for Planning, Partnership, Business, and Information Affairs, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Sajidan, M.Si., in his opening remark, states that further study is one of the efforts of UNS as a State University with Legal Entity (PTNBH) to enhance the human resource quality in UNS. “We have the target to increase the number of alumni pursuing further study both at Master and Doctoral Degree for 20.29% of the total UNS alumni,” Prof. Sajidan explains.
The Covid-19 pandemic affects international travel, which reduces the interest to continue study abroad. Many lecturers and students are questioning whether they can still pursue further study abroad. Therefore, UNS and Australia Award scholarship held an information-sharing session regarding the opportunity to study in Australia. “Hopefully, this sharing session with the AAS can motivate us to compete and improving human resource quality. Afterward, I hope that there will be many of the UNS students and lecturers who apply for AAS and continue their study in Australia,” Prof. Sajidan added.
With Feri Setyowibowo, S.E., M.M. Ph.D., (the International Office Regional Coordinator for America and Oceanian Countries) as moderator, this sharing session invites three speakers. The speakers are Riyantisa Fikautsara as the Communications and Promotions Coordinator Australia Awards in Indonesia, Dede Indra Kurniawan as Communications and Promotions Manager Australia Awards in Indonesia, and RR. Ratri Werdiningtyas, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., a lecturer from the Faculty of Engineering (FT) UNS.
Starting the discussion, Fika explains the profile of the Australia Award in Indonesia. This program consists of Long Term Award and Short Term Award for Master and Doctoral program. An important aspect of the long-term award is the fact that there is no age restriction to register. Applicants can re-apply if they did not pass the previous selection. In 2021 there are 200 scholarship spots open for the public for graduate study.
“However, we encourage female applicants, people with disability, and applicants from the selected geographic region,” Fika adds. There are three priority areas for this program, namely health, economic recovery, and stability. Participation in this program gives many benefits, including pre-study preparation, during study time, and post-study benefits.
The next speaker, RR. Ratri Werdiningtyas, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., shares her experience as a part of AAS. Ratri reveals that she was inspired by the lecturers studied in Australia, the numerous benefits, and the program’s prestigious label. She also explains the need to choose the top 5 universities in Australia, considering the availability of study facilities and competent supervisors.
Not without any obstacle, Ratri have to pursue her study while taking care of her five months old children. However, all of those difficulties are paid off when she can finish her study on time.
“I encourage you who are currently considering to pursue Master or Doctoral degree abroad. There are many benefits to consider, such as family experience, friendship, and kid education,” Ratri states. Humas UNS
Reporter: Rangga Pangestu Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti