UMS Explores International Collaboration with New Zealand's University of Waikato

Surakarta - Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) conducted an academic visit to the University of Waikato on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. The visit is a strategic step to expand international collaboration networks in education, academic exchanges, and human resource development.

The UMS delegation was received by Vice Chancellor Neil Quigley, along with Sharon Calvert, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Engagement and Partnership, Margaret Anderson from the International Office, Dr Susan Olivia from the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics, and Dr Steven Lillis, Advisor for Medical Education.

UMS Deputy Rector II Muhammad Da’i stated that both universities discussed various opportunities for international collaboration. The University of Waikato, located in Hamilton and established in 1964, expressed interest in forming partnerships.

“The University of Waikato is interested in collaborating on academic staff exchanges, student exchanges, and human resource development for doctoral studies through various scholarship sources,” he said on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

The University of Waikato also introduced its new medical faculty, the third medical school in New Zealand.

University of Waikato’s Medical Education Advisor, Dr Steven Lillis, enthusiastically welcomed the collaboration opportunities with UMS, particularly in academic areas. Proposed collaborations include joint lectures and academic staff exchanges.