Malang, en.SERU.co.id – The Faculty of Administrative Sciences (FIA) at Universitas Brawijaya (UB) is once again opening its Joint Degree/Double Degree program by partnering with three universities in Japan, Australia, and Tokyo. This initiative supports UB’s goal of achieving World Class University status at the international level.
Dean of FIA UB, Prof. Hamidah Nayati Utami, explained that the double degree program offers students the opportunity to study in an international academic environment while preparing graduates to contribute at both national and global levels.
“The hope is that our graduates can work professionally on a global scale, particularly in formulating policies in public administration and business administration according to their competencies,” Prof. Hamidah told SERU.co.id.
As per Rector’s Decree No. 263 of 2026, the double degree program can be used by students as one of the requirements for diploma equivalence. In 2026, the program’s implementation permit covers three partner universities:
- Master of International Community Development at Victoria University, Australia
- Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), Japan
- National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Tokyo, Japan
FIA UB offers Master’s programs in Public Administration (MAP) and Business Administration (MAB). The double degree scheme involves one year of study in the MAB program at UB, followed by one year at the partner institution. Students are free to choose from UB’s partner universities and receive full scholarships, Prof. Hamidah clarified.
In alignment, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at FIA, Dr. Fadillah Amin MAP PhD, stated that the MAB Joint Degree/Double Degree has been actively running since 2006 with partner institutions in Japan.
“This year, seven MAB students are participating in the Double Degree program and are scheduled to depart for studies in Japan in September 2026. Last year, six MAB students went, with some heading to Victoria University in Melbourne,” Dr. Fadillah said.
He noted that FIA UB began double degree and international class collaborations from 2007 to 2022 with six Japanese universities, including Tohoku University, Keio University, Takushoku University, GRIPS, Ritsumeikan, and APU. From 2010 to 2015, partnerships expanded to two universities in Thailand: Burapha University and Prince of Songkla University. In 2024–2026, collaborations continue with GRIPS and APU.
Dr. Fadillah added that most participants in this program are scholarship recipients from the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS), in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Australian Awards.
Meanwhile, Head of the International Dual Degree Education Cooperation Center at UB’s Global Partnership and Reputation Unit, Dadang Meru Utomo PhD, explained that the Double/Joint Degree program is directly managed by UB’s central office. It is hoped to be implemented across 11 FIA study programs: 6 undergraduate, 3 master’s, and 2 doctoral programs.
“This program offers opportunities for all UB students at undergraduate (S1), master’s (S2), and doctoral (S3) levels to complete their studies with international partners. For S1, it will start being offered in the 2026/2027 academic year, with the scholarship system still under review,” he said.
Benefits include earning two degrees in a timeframe equivalent to studying in Indonesia, plus cross-country academic experience at FIA UB and designated foreign universities.
“Not only for students, but lecturers and the university also gain added global value, enabling contributions in public and business administration at national and international levels,” he concluded. (rhd)
