The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Biology UGM) has taken another step toward expanding its global partnerships by exploring student mobility and double degree opportunities with Jeonbuk National University (JBNU), South Korea.
The delegates discussed the collaboration during an official visit by the Biology UGM delegation to JBNU from July 13 to 15, 2026. The meeting marked the beginning of a partnership aimed at strengthening academic cooperation, enhancing the quality of higher education, and broadening international learning opportunities for students and faculty members at both institutions.
“The visit was intended to explore and strengthen academic collaboration between the UGM Faculty of Biology and Jeonbuk National University, particularly in the areas of student mobility, graduate education, and academic collaboration,” said Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean of Biology UGM, in a statement released on Tuesday (July 21).
The UGM delegation, led by Professor Budi and Professor Bambang Retnoaji, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, was welcomed by Cho Hwarim, Vice President for International Affairs, and Lee Sehoon, Team Manager for Global Recruitment and Engagement at JBNU’s Office of International Affairs. During the meeting, representatives from both universities discussed several initiatives for future collaboration.
One of the key outcomes was JBNU’s commitment to providing places for up to 100 UGM students each year to participate in a one-semester student exchange program.
“Of these, 20 places will be specifically allocated to students from Biology UGM, providing greater opportunities for them to gain academic experience in an international environment,” Professor Budi said.
The two universities also began discussions on establishing a double degree program between Biology UGM and JBNU’s Department of Life Sciences and Molecular Biology for master’s and doctoral students.
“The program is expected to strengthen collaboration in education and research while producing graduates with global competencies who can contribute to the advancement of life sciences at the international level,” he said.
Professor Budi noted that the initiative reflects Biology UGM’s ongoing commitment to the internationalization of higher education by expanding students’ access to global learning opportunities and strengthening research collaboration with internationally recognized universities.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Faculty of Biology Documentation