IO – On Thursday, October 22, 2026, UPN “Veteran” East Java (UPNVJT) officially welcomed 28 international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, through a welcoming ceremony. This ceremony marks a further step in UPNVJT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its internationalization process. The ceremony was attended by Vice Rector IV, Vice Rector III, Deans, Heads of Study Programs, the Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), and the Head of the International Office.
According to Indrawan Jatmika, Head of the International Office at UPN “Veteran” East Java, this year UPNVJT receives more than 2,500 applications annually from prospective international students around the world. Amid this substantial number of applicants, only 28 students were selected to join its international academic community, reflecting UPNVJT’s commitment to selecting qualified candidates.
The presence of international students also contributes an important role in advancing UPNVJT’s internationalization efforts. Their participation reflects UPNVJT’s growing international engagement and helps create a more diverse academic environment. This progress also supports UPNVJT’s efforts to strengthen its global reputation and advance its study programs toward ‘Unggul’ accreditation, with international student enrollment serving as one indicator of UPNVJT’s commitment to internationalization.
“Having international students in our study programs shows that UPNVJT is making progress in internationalization. Their presence also helps demonstrate that our study programs are becoming more internationally oriented, which supports our efforts to achieve ‘Unggul’ accreditation,” Indrawan explained.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Rossyda Priyadarsini, M.P., Vice Rector IV of UPN “Veteran” East Java, emphasized that UPNVJT’s internationalization strategy focuses not only on increasing the number of international students but also on maintaining their quality. She noted that the current number of international students demonstrates that UPNVJT is progressing in the right direction, step by step, while acknowledging that further development and continuous learning remain essential to achieving its internationalization goals.
Looking ahead, UPNVJT aims to increase the proportion of international students to at least 1% of its total student population, equivalent to approximately 260 students. This target forms part of UPNVJT’s broader efforts to strengthen its position in global university rankings. However, UPNVJT remains committed to prioritizing the quality of its international student community alongside numerical growth, ensuring that its internationalization efforts develop sustainably.
“Our goal is not just to increase the number of international students, but also to ensure their quality. Despite our cultural differences, this diversity can encourage us to learn from one another and continue improving,” Rossyda emphasized in her remarks.
These gradual but consistent efforts have also helped UPNVJT secure a place in the QS World University Rankings for two consecutive years. Looking ahead, UPNVJT aims to maintain this achievement for at least five years as part of its ambition to strengthen its position on the global stage.
Created by Aushaf Salsacita Anwarismail (IO UPNVJT: Communication and Creative Media Division)
Edited by International Office