KUPANG – Nusa Cendana University (Undana) continues to expand its international network to provide greater opportunities for its academic community to access global education. Through its International Relations Office (IRO), Undana organized an information session in collaboration with one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions, the University of Leeds, at the Undana Rectorate Hall on Tuesday (May 19, 2026).
The event aimed to provide comprehensive guidance for alumni, lecturers, and final-year students regarding opportunities to pursue Master’s (M.A./M.Sc.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees within one of the world’s most prestigious higher education systems.
Leeds as a Leading Destination for International Study
In his opening remarks, the Head of Undana’s International Relations Office, Santri E. P. Djahimo, S.Pd., M.App.Ling, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of planning for postgraduate studies at an early stage. Drawing on his official visit to Leeds in 2023, he recommended the University of Leeds as a primary destination for Undana graduates due to its wide range of academic programs and outstanding educational quality.
Kepala IRO Undana, Santri E. P Djahimo, S.Pd., M. App.Ling., Ph.D.,
“This is a great decision for all of you to be here today. The University of Leeds offers a wide range of academic programs and a supportive environment for students seeking to continue their studies after completing their undergraduate degrees,” said Santri.
Echoing this message, the University of Leeds’ Regional Manager for Southeast Asia, Eileen Wong, encouraged participants to be courageous in exploring opportunities beyond their home country. She highlighted Leeds as the third-largest city in the United Kingdom, known for its affordable cost of living and recognized by The Times in 2024 as the best place to live in Northern England.
Currently, the University of Leeds is home to more than 170 active students from Indonesia, contributing to its vibrant and diverse international community of over 40,000 students from around the world.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements and Scholarship Opportunities
Manajer Regional Asia Tenggara University of Leeds, Eileen Wong
To support excellence in research and learning, the University of Leeds provides world-class facilities, ranging from state-of-the-art laboratories to comprehensive language support centers. For Indonesian applicants, admission requirements for Master’s degree programs include a recognized Bachelor’s degree (S1/D4) from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA ranging from 2.76 to 3.00, as well as an IELTS score of at least 6.5. Meanwhile, applicants for Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs are required to submit a research proposal as part of their application.
The University also offers the International Excellence Scholarships, providing financial support ranging from £3,000 to £16,000. Prospective applicants were reminded that the application deadline for Master’s programs for the current intake is scheduled to close on 29 May 2026.
Career Support and Delegation Assistance
Beyond academic excellence, the University of Leeds is committed to ensuring the career readiness of its graduates through initiatives such as the Global Industry Programme (GIP) and professional interview preparation workshops. According to data from the International Student Barometer, 88% of students expressed satisfaction with the support provided by the University’s Careers Centre in helping graduates secure employment opportunities after completing their studies.
Direktur University of Leeds untuk Asia Tenggara, Premila Kanapathy
Through this information session, the University of Leeds’ Director for Southeast Asia, Premila Kanapathy, expressed her hope that delegates from Nusa Cendana University (Undana) would soon pursue their studies in the United Kingdom and, upon graduation, contribute to positive change and sustainable development in East Nusa Tenggara.
“We look forward to welcoming more students and scholars from Undana to the University of Leeds. We believe that the knowledge, skills, and international experience they gain will enable them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the development of East Nusa Tenggara,” she stated.
