From Africa to Southeast Asia UMPO is a meeting point for 11 new international students

UMPO.AC.ID - Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo (UMPO) has once again strengthened its commitment as an open, inclusive, and global-minded campus by accepting 11 international students from a total of 15 applicants who participated in the selection process. The students come from Sudan, Yemen, and Timor Leste, with diverse religious backgrounds. Three students from Timor Leste are Catholic and one student from Sudan is Christian, reflecting the campus environment that upholds the values of tolerance and diversity.

The accepted international students will study in various study programs, namely Government Science, English Education, Law, Communication Science, Accounting, Informatics Engineering, Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Nursing, and Master of Management.

The selection process is carried out in two stages, namely psychological tests and interviews. The psychological test was conducted online the day before the main selection. Interviews and academic briefings were held on May 28, 2025 online through Zoom, and led directly by Vice Rector I, Dr. Dian Suluh Kusuma Dewi, M.A.P. In her briefing, she conveyed information related to academic and non-academic regulations, scholarship schemes, and the mechanism for determining majors for international students.

The selection team consisted of Zulkarnain Ashyahifa, M.Hum, Head of the New Student Admission Agency, Dr. Wawan Kusnawan, M.Pd.I. Head of the Cooperation and International Affairs Agency, and Dr. Dwi Estiningsih, M.Psi., Psychologist Head of International Affairs. The selection process was conducted in three languages: Indonesian, English, and Arabic.

The eleven international students will begin their studies on July 1, 2025. Prior to that, they will take part in a three-month Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) program as part of academic orientation.

The acceptance of students from various cultural and religious backgrounds shows that UMPO not only focuses on the quality of education, but also on strengthening human values and global diversity.

Kontributor: Dr. Dwi Estiningsuih, M.Psi/BKUI UMPO

Editor: Ajeng Laksmita/Humas UMPO