Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry and the University of Canberra, Australia, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the implementation of a doctoral program.

"The University of Canberra will receive a masters degree student from Indonesia who is keen to earn a doctorate degree. The university will assist and train the doctoral candidates," Director General for the Islamic Education Ministry of Religious Affairs Kamaruddin Amin stated on the sidelines of the signing of the MoU here on Monday.

Amin explained that according to one of the points of agreement, the university will bear the living costs of the doctoral candidates who cleared the selection.

In addition, the university will offer English language training to the students, who received a minimum score of six in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Amin stated that the signing was part of the realization of the 5000 Doctoral program launched in 2014.

Australia has allocated five scholarship slots in each semester for Indonesian doctoral candidates.

Every year, the ministry sends 250 doctoral candidates to various universities abroad, including to Australia, while 750 scholarships are granted to candidates in the country.

Amin stated that a variety of courses were offered in fields, such as architecture, medicine, and information technology, through the 5000 Doctoral program.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Research at the University of Canberra Professor Frances Shannon hoped that the agreement will accelerate the implementation of the doctoral program.

Doctoral candidates, who have a score of six and have passed the selection process, are required to undergo language training.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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