UPI Develops Doctoral Dual Degree Programme with Indiana University
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) is developing a doctoral dual degree programme with Indiana University in the United States. The programme is one of the follow-ups to strengthening UPI’s international cooperation with a number of universities and institutions in the United States.
The dual degree programme is led by UPI’s Guidance and Counselling Study Programme. Under the initial scheme, students will study for one year at UPI before continuing their education at Indiana University. Two UPI students are planned to join the programme in the first phase.
UPI Rector Didi Sukyadi said strengthening international cooperation cannot stop at exploration or the signing of agreements. According to him, the various opportunities that have been opened must be realised into academic programmes that can be implemented.
“Do not let this cooperation exploration be in vain. The door has been opened. Policy-wise it is open, negotiations have taken place, and now it is just a matter of implementation,” said Didi.
He said the dual degree programme is not only intended for Guidance and Counselling students, but also has the potential to be developed for other education study programmes within UPI.
In addition to the dual degree, cooperation with Indiana University includes joint research, sabbatical leave, and visiting professors. The collaboration is expected to expand opportunities for students while increasing the capacity of lecturers and research activities.
Networking is also being strengthened with the University of Florida. Cooperation that previously developed through research activities between UPI academics and the University of Florida is being directed to cover other academic fields.
“Academic cooperation opportunities were also discussed with the University of Florida. The collaboration that had previously been built through research activities between UPI academics and the University of Florida is being directed to develop into other academic fields, including exploring a doctoral programme in architecture and other relevant fields,” said Didi.
According to him, UPI and the University of Florida are also exploring visiting professor programmes, student mobility, cooperation in tourism, and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). The COIL programme allows students and academics from different universities to take part in cross-border learning online.
UPI is also expanding its network through the Indonesian Muslim Association in America (IMAAM) Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. The cooperation is directed towards international community service programmes and internships.
In addition to education and research, UPI is promoting the internationalisation of the Indonesian language through cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Washington. Cooperation on the development of Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding on 31 July 2026.
Under the programme, UPI will assign four Indonesian-English language instructors to provide online learning to participants in the United States. The BIPA programme does not only focus on language skills, but also introduces Indonesian culture, values, and identity.
UPI Vice Rector for Education and Quality Assurance Vanessa Gaffar said the opening of international cooperation provides wider opportunities for the academic community to gain global experience.
“More opportunities are open for the UPI academic community to take advantage of these various opportunities to gain international experience. In essence, the door is open, and it is just a matter of how to make use of these doors,” she said.
Vanessa stressed that the use of international networks must have an impact on the institution, not just the individual interests of lecturers or students. The cooperation is expected to strengthen UPI’s position in developing education, research, community service, and the internationalisation of the Indonesian language.
A UPI delegation previously visited the United States from 26 July to 9 August 2026. The visit was part of efforts to follow up on various cooperation opportunities that had been built with partners in the country.
Going forward, UPI will prioritise the implementation of various programmes, from dual degrees, joint research, visiting professors, student mobility, COIL, internships, international community service, to BIPA development. The move is aimed at ensuring international cooperation produces concrete programmes and benefits for the academic community.