FIB USU PR- July 30, 2026 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), together with Jinan University (JNU), held a meeting to discuss plans for developing Joint Degree 2+2, credit transfer, and student exchange programs in collaboration with the Chinese Language and Culture program at JNU. The meeting was held online via Zoom on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB).
The meeting brought together JNU representatives and FIB USU leadership and academics, including the Director of Cooperation and Internationalization of USU, the Dean of FIB USU, Vice Deans, the Head and Secretary of the Chinese Language Study Program, and lecturers from the Chinese Language Study Program at FIB USU. JNU was represented by officials from its Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, International Student Management Office, Faculty of Chinese Language and Culture, Department of Chinese Language, and Office of Student Admissions.
During the meeting, JNU presented plans to launch a 2+2 Joint Degree program with the Chinese Language Study Program at FIB USU. The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to pursue their studies at both institutions under an academic cooperation scheme to be further developed by the two universities. JNU also stated that the Joint Degree program would provide tuition fee scholarships, while accommodation, living expenses, meals, and visa costs would be borne by participating students. The proposed intake is approximately 10–25 students.
In addition to the 2+2 Joint Degree program, the two institutions discussed six-month and one-year credit transfer programs, as well as student exchange opportunities. These programs are expected to support the Program Literasi dan Pengembangan Kompetensi (PLPS) at Universitas Sumatera Utara while providing students with opportunities to gain international academic experience.
Under the proposed credit transfer scheme, academic credits completed by students may be recognized for up to 20 credits per semester. JNU also offered a full scholarship scheme for credit transfer programs supporting PLPS activities. Meanwhile, expenses related to accommodation, meals, insurance, and residence permits may be provided or covered by participating students in accordance with the program’s provisions.
Regarding language requirements, prospective students may submit an HSK Level 5 certificate. However, an HSK certificate is not mandatory, as students who do not yet hold one may take the HSK examination at JNU. The new academic year at JNU is scheduled to begin in September.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of careful and measurable preparation before the programs are implemented. To support the implementation of the proposed programs, FIB USU and JNU will need to prepare an updated Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) as the legal and institutional framework for the Joint Degree and credit transfer programs.
The meeting marked an important initial step in strengthening international academic cooperation between FIB USU and JNU, particularly in education and student competency development. Through the Joint Degree, credit transfer, and student exchange programs, the partnership is expected to provide broader access for students in the Chinese Language Study Program at FIB USU to gain academic experience in an international educational environment.
The collaboration is therefore not only focused on strengthening institutional relations but also on expanding educational opportunities and enhancing students’ competitiveness through international academic experiences.
Through the meeting, FIB USU and JNU demonstrated their commitment to developing forms of cooperation that provide direct benefits to students. The planned Joint Degree 2+2, credit transfer, and student exchange programs are expected to contribute to the internationalization of education at FIB USU.
The next stage will focus on technical preparations and the development of an updated MoA as the basis for implementing the programs. With a clear cooperation framework in place, the two institutions can establish academic mechanisms, student eligibility requirements, credit recognition procedures, funding arrangements, and other supporting provisions in a more systematic and measurable manner.
The partnership is expected to serve as a strategic step toward expanding FIB USU’s international academic network while providing more opportunities for students to develop their academic and language competencies, as well as cross-cultural experience, in an international setting.