FIA UB Expands "Double Degree" Programme Partnerships
Malang — The Faculty of Administrative Sciences (FIA) at Universitas Brawijaya (UB) is expanding international cooperation in its double degree programme by partnering with several foreign universities.
The double degree programme at FIA UB began in 2007. During the period from 2007 to 2022, FIA established partnerships with six universities in Japan, including Tohoku University, according to Dean of FIA UB Prof Dr Hamidah Nayati Utami in Malang, East Java.
Beyond Japan, FIA UB also expanded academic cooperation with universities in Thailand. This collaboration took place during the 2010–2015 period with two partner campuses: Burapha University and Prince of Songkla University.
The double degree programme also involves several universities in Japan. For the 2024–2026 period, the programme partners with the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Japan.
In 2026, the faculty will add Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia, as a new partner. The faculty also plans to establish cooperation with universities in New Zealand, having signed a memorandum of understanding with Massey University.
The double degree programme for the Master of Public Administration (MAP) study programme at FIA UB has a legal basis through Rector’s Decree Number 263 of 2026 from Universitas Brawijaya. The programme also serves as one pathway for students to meet diploma equivalency requirements.
The programme authorisation covers three partner universities: the Master of International Community Development at Victoria University Australia, the Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) Japan, and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) in Tokyo.
“This is our effort to prepare graduates to contribute to policy formulation, both in the fields of public administration and business administration,” the Dean stated.
The FIA UB double degree programme is supported by scholarship funding from the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas). This support has been in place since the programme launched in 2007 and continues to the present.
The Master’s double degree programme typically takes two years to complete. Students undertake one year of study in the Master of Public Administration programme at FIA UB and the following year at a partner university abroad.
This year, seven Master of Public Administration students are participating in the double degree programme and are scheduled to depart for Japan in September 2026.
“In the previous year, six students participated in a similar programme, with some undertaking studies at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia,” said Dr Fadillah Amin, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs at FIA UB.
The double degree programme provides added value for graduates entering the workforce. Beyond increasing graduate competitiveness, the programme trains students in time management and adaptation to new environments and cultures.
“Students must complete one year of studies abroad and one year here at UB. From this, they learn to manage their time and adapt to different cultures,” said Prof Andriani Kusumawati, Chair of the Master of Business Administration Study Programme at FIA UB.