Universitas Indonesia (UI) recently welcomed a delegation from the University of Ulsan to discuss the enhancement of their ongoing student exchange partnership. The meeting focused on creating a more balanced reciprocal mobility flow, expanding degree and short-term program opportunities, and maximizing UI student participation in the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program.
The delegation from the University of Ulsan included:
The Universitas Indonesia delegation was represented by:
During the dialogue, both institutions reviewed their active student exchange collaboration, which has been in place since 2020–2022. Recognizing that the current implementation is predominantly outbound (with more UI students traveling to Ulsan), the University of Ulsan expressed its strong readiness to welcome more UI students through exchange programs, full degree pathways, and the GKS initiative. Ulsan highlighted its robust academic offerings, available in both English and Korean particularly noting its flagship strengths in engineering and medicine, which are bolstered by strategic industry connections with global conglomerates such as Hyundai, SK, and Samsung.
To support incoming international students, the University of Ulsan offers comprehensive facilities, including free Korean language classes, a buddy program, industrial and research visits, and dedicated career support. Furthermore, Ulsan guarantees dormitory placement for international students upon adherence to payment terms, with an estimated cost of USD 667 per semester (approximately 4 months). The delegation also introduced an attractive 15-day short-term/summer program that features various scholarship and fee-reduction options.
A major highlight of the discussion was the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program, which provides fully-funded opportunities covering tuition, Korean language training, living allowances, airfare, and accommodation. The University of Ulsan can recommend a maximum of six candidates per country through the university track; notably, in the most recent intake, Ulsan recommended six out of twelve Indonesian applicants.
Addressing administrative processes, both parties discussed language proficiency requirements. UI outlined its standard requirement of a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or IELTS of 6.0 for exchange programs. In response, Ulsan noted that tests like Duolingo and CEFR standards (B1/B2) are commonly accepted in their international admissions. To streamline mobility, both institutions explored the possibility of implementing more flexible language requirements, potentially incorporating interviews or recommendation letters as supporting evidence.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to significantly boost the promotion of these mobility programs to achieve a more balanced exchange. As an immediate next step, Ulsan will share comprehensive brochures detailing their short-term programs, degree pathways, GKS information, and links for upcoming online information sessions. In turn, UI will actively distribute these resources to its students and staff, while both parties conduct internal reviews regarding the flexibility of language certificate acceptance.
Photo Credit: Directorate for Internationalization of Education
