On Thursday (26/09), the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI) held a meeting with a delegation from Monash University, Australia. The meeting aimed to evaluate the ongoing collaboration programs and explore new cooperation opportunities, such as the 3+2 program, where students would study for three years at FTUI and two years at Monash to earn a bachelor’s degree from UI and a master’s degree from Monash.
Opening the meeting, Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures, and General Administration, stated, “The collaboration between FTUI and Monash University has provided many opportunities for our students to gain international experience. We hope that the new programs being explored can broaden academic opportunities and foster deeper joint research development in the future.”
“The collaboration between FTUI and Monash University through the 2+2 articulation agreement has been long-standing, with FTUI currently sending 26 students to the Double Degree (DD) program at Monash. This number is the highest compared to other partner universities,” explained Fadhilah Muslim S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC, Head of FTUI International Office.
During the discussion, Monash University proposed expanding the DD program to include new study programs, such as Bioprocess Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Computer Engineering. Additionally, Monash University offered scholarship programs for 2025, providing 3 to 4 merit-based scholarships based on GPA and student performance during their first semester at Monash.
Monash University also introduced the Ambassador Program, where students involved will help promote and provide information about student life at Monash, including pre-departure preparation and study tips. Students selected as Monash ambassadors will receive incentives. Furthermore, Monash University proposed a Short Camp Program aimed at students interested in pursuing or continuing the DD program at Monash.
The discussion continued on the fast-track 3+2 scheme, allowing students to complete three years at FTUI and two years at Monash. This program enables students to earn a bachelor’s degree from FTUI and a master’s degree from Monash, specifically a Master in Advanced Engineering (M.AE). Students participating in this program will engage in joint supervision for their undergraduate final project and capstone design project, which can be completed at either FTUI or Monash.
“Monash University will implement changes to its internationalization strategy by limiting the number of international students. However, we aim to offer deeper collaboration through joint research, joint publication, and joint supervision involving lecturers and students from both universities. This is expected to further strengthen the relationship between Monash and FTUI,” said Prof. Aijun Huang, Associate Dean, International, Monash University.
On a separate occasion, the Dean of FTUI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, stated, “New opportunities like the 3+2 scheme will provide broader opportunities for students to gain academic experience on a global scale. We also welcome other new initiatives such as the Merit Scholarship, Ambassador Program, and research collaborations, which are strategic steps to improve the quality of education and research at both universities.”
At the meeting, Prof. Aijun Huang was accompanied by Prof. Sankar Bhattacharya, Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at Monash University. Several heads of departments and study programs at FTUI were also present, including Dr. Eng. Arief Udhiarto, S.T., M.T., Dr. Deni Ferdian, S.T., M.Sc., Dr. Tania Surya Utami, S.T., M.T, and Dr. Ir. Muhammad Salman, S.T., M.I.T. Through this meeting, it is expected that the collaboration between FTUI and Monash University will further develop, not only in the double degree program but also in joint research and publications.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
