Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) officially welcomed 123 international students who will be continuing their studies at the university. The welcoming ceremony took place on Thursday, December 15, in the Main Meeting Room of the Rectorate.
According to Prof. Mohammad Bruri Triyono, Head of UNY’s International Office, this event aimed to deepen international students' understanding of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, as well as Indonesian society and culture, while ensuring that the program continues to foster a strong synergy between UNY and its international students. “Receiving international students is not just about providing them with learning opportunities,” he noted, “but also about enriching the academic experience for the entire campus community and preparing students to be part of an increasingly connected global society.”
The new international students hail from 16 countries, including Bulgaria, Poland, Burundi, France, Cambodia, Tanzania, Timor Leste, and Sudan, each with one student. Japan and India are represented by three students each, Kazakhstan and Egypt by four each, the United States by six, Thailand by nine, Pakistan by 15, and China with the largest group of 71 students. These students entered UNY through various programs, including 68 under the FBSB Credit Transfer Program, 31 through UNYDISS, 8 through the Darmasiswa Scholarship, 7 through the Developing Country Partnership, 6 from the Princeton Credit Transfer Program, and 3 independent students.
The ceremony was opened by Prof. Siswantoyo, UNY's Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, who highlighted the benefits of hosting international students. Their presence fosters cultural diversity, global perspectives, and academic exchange, enhances UNY’s international reputation, and builds networks and collaborations. It also contributes economically to the local community and prepares students for a globalized job market.
UNY views this international intake as an opportunity to cultivate a culturally diverse learning environment. The presence of international students brings rich global perspectives, experiences, and ideas that enrich the learning experience and promote a deeper understanding of cultural diversity on a global scale. It also serves as a platform to encourage the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences between students from diverse backgrounds, broadening the academic horizons of local students.
Welcoming high-quality international students strengthens UNY’s reputation as an open, inclusive, and high-caliber educational institution on the global stage, facilitating worldwide academic and research collaborations. The local community benefits economically as international students spend on living expenses, accommodation, and daily necessities, providing a meaningful boost to the local economy.
This intake also prepares UNY’s local students for careers in a globally connected world. Interacting with peers from various countries helps students develop cross-cultural cooperation, communication skills, and a global outlook—all essential for careers in today’s interconnected world.
