Three international students from the Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM) graduated during the Postgraduate Commencement Ceremony held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Grha Sabha Pramana. The three graduates consisted of two doctoral recipients from Vietnam, Nguyen Hoang Qui and Nguyen Thi Anh Thu, and one master’s graduate from Tanzania, Mathew Mgogo.
The two doctoral graduates from Vietnam pursued their studies at the Animal Science UGM through the Faculty of Animal Science International Fellowship Program 2023. Both successfully completed their studies in approximately 3 years, achieving a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.00 and graduating with honors.
Nguyen Hoang Qui’s dissertation examined the competitiveness of small-scale pig farmers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, while Nguyen Thi Anh Thu studied the impact of biosecurity management on the economic sustainability of smallholder pig farming in the same region.
Nguyen Hoang Qui stated that his academic journey at the Animal Science UGM was marked by various challenges, both in the classroom, the field, and the laboratory. However, perseverance and strong determination were key to his success.
“It was not easy to complete the studies. However, through perseverance and strong determination, we were finally able to complete our journey,” he said on Monday (May 4).
Meanwhile, Mathew Mgogo completed his master’s program in 1.5 years with a GPA of 3.97. His research focused on the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of seven dairy goat breeds in the Yogyakarta and Central Java regions. Through his studies in Indonesia, he gained valuable experiences across academic, social, and cultural dimensions, enriching his perspective as a researcher.
“Living within Indonesia’s diverse society has broadened my perspective in interacting and working within a multicultural environment,” he said.
Furthermore, Mathew plans to return to Tanzania to continue his service at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, particularly in research, training, and extension. The knowledge he acquired in genetics and animal breeding will be utilized to enhance livestock productivity and support evidence-based policymaking in his country.
He also noted that academic support at the Animal Science UGM has been excellent, complemented by a conducive learning environment and facilities such as laboratories and teaching farms that optimally support research activities.
“Academic support at the Faculty of Animal Science UGM has been excellent, with professional and supportive lecturers, responsive education staff, and a friendly environment that greatly helped me adapt,” he added.
Dean of the Animal Science UGM, Professor Budi Guntoro, stated that the presence of international students reflects the faculty’s growing global reputation in animal science education and research.
“I hope that cross-country collaboration through this educational process can make a tangible contribution to the development of the livestock sector in various parts of the world,” he said.
Reported by: Satria / Faculty of Animal Science Public Relations
Author: Jesi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Faculty of Animal Science Public Relations Documentation