The Graduate School (SPs) of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) held a coordination meeting with the University of Toyama, Japan, to discuss the development of a Dual Degree Programme and broader academic collaboration on Wednesday, July 7, 2026, at the Executive Meeting Room on the second floor of the Imam Bernadib Building. The meeting marked an important step toward exploring the implementation of a dual degree programme while expanding various forms of international academic cooperation between the two institutions.

The meeting was attended by the Director of the Graduate School, Prof. Dr. Siswantoyo, M.Kes., AIFO., accompanied by the Deputy Director for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Research, and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Dyah Kumalasari, M.Pd.; the Coordinator of the International Affairs and Partnership Unit (UUIK) and its team; the Coordinators of the Master's Programmes in Educational Research and Evaluation (PEP) and Technology and Vocational Education (PTK); representatives from the Cooperation and Information Systems Advisory Team (KSSI), the Academic Advisory Team, and the UNY International Office. Representing the University of Toyama was Prof. Dr. Ishwar Singh Parhar, Distinguished Research Professor and Chief Director of CITIR, who presented a range of academic collaboration opportunities that could be developed jointly with the Graduate School.

During the discussion, Prof. Ishwar highlighted the strong potential for establishing a dual degree programme, particularly at the master's and doctoral levels. He explained that postgraduate students are generally better prepared academically and encounter fewer language barriers, making the implementation of dual degree programmes more feasible than at other levels of education.

Beyond the opportunity to earn two academic degrees, the proposed programme is expected to provide students with valuable international learning experiences, strengthen academic networks, and create opportunities for collaborative scientific publications. Participants also discussed the importance of aligning curricula and academic structures as essential steps toward the successful implementation of the programme.

Prof. Ishwar also introduced several other international initiatives that could further strengthen collaboration between the two institutions. Among them was a short course scheduled for September 2026, which will offer seven scholarship opportunities for UNY students. The programme is expected to serve as an entry point for students seeking international academic exposure before participating in broader collaborative programmes.

The discussion also addressed the development of student mobility initiatives, which have been promoted by Prof. Ishwar over the past two years. This year, the University of Toyama is expected to host approximately 70 international students through its academic mobility programme. The university's experience in managing international mobility was considered a valuable reference for developing a more structured student exchange programme with the Graduate School.

In addition to student-focused initiatives, participants explored opportunities for collaboration involving faculty members and researchers. Potential programmes discussed included research internships, collaborative research projects, and sabbatical opportunities for early-career academics to strengthen international research networks and enhance scientific publication productivity.

Prof. Ishwar further introduced an international seminar entitled The University Future, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur in December. The seminar is expected to provide students with opportunities to broaden their global perspectives, establish international academic networks, and present their research findings to an international audience.

The discussion also explored the possibility of developing academic pathways integrated with professional experience. Prof. Ishwar explained that students could participate in programmes that combine study, research, and international work experience before returning to contribute to Indonesia's development. Such a model was viewed as highly relevant to preparing globally competent graduates while supporting national human resource development.

The meeting was conducted in a warm, constructive, and collaborative atmosphere, with participants exchanging ideas that laid the foundation for a more comprehensive partnership between the Graduate School of UNY and the University of Toyama. Through this initiative, the Graduate School reaffirmed its commitment to expanding international partnerships through the development of dual degree programmes, academic mobility, collaborative research, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education, research, and graduate competitiveness on the global stage.