Undip targets five international students per study programme to boost world ranking

Diponegoro University (Undip) in Semarang is targeting at least five international students for each of its study programmes to cement its status as a world-class university. Rector Prof Suharnomo stated that the presence of international students is a significant factor in improving a university’s global ranking. “We hope that next year the quota for international students can double. This is part of our internationalisation efforts,” he said during a workshop on accelerating Undip’s path to a top 500 world ranking. The university currently has around 200 enrolled international students, with approximately 80 actively studying on campus. These students are funded through various schemes, including institutional and government scholarships. Undip also plans to create a dedicated international undergraduate programme at its Faculty of Medicine, noting that prospective students from Malaysia and China have already expressed interest. Prof Suharnomo, a professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business, said the university aims to break into the top 500 globally. Meanwhile, Prof Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Chairman of the Malaysia Qualification Agency and Pro Chancellor of Management and Science University, advised that building a robust academic culture should be the priority over merely chasing ranking numbers.