The joint commitment was stipulated in a memorandum of understanding that USK Rector Prof. Marwan, Head of the IDI-Aceh Chapter Safrizal Rahman, and Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair S. M. Al Shun had inked recently.
"As a university that highly upholds ethical, educational, and human values and owing to Palestine's current situation, we want to give support by providing scholarships for Palestinian students," Marwan stated.
The scholarships could help them pursue degrees at a reputable university and develop their self-potency for building a better future, he noted in a press statement made available to ANTARA here, Thursday.
Meanwhile, Head of the IDI-Aceh Chapter Safrizal Rahman, who is concurrently vice dean of USK's Medical Faculty, said the scholarship scheme would cover tuition fees, living costs, student dormitory, student visa, and health insurance.
The recipients undertaking undergraduate degrees would receive scholarship benefits for four years while those taking up postgraduate degrees would get the scholarship benefits for two years, he explained.
Rahman further elaborated that the learning process for Palestinian students would commence in April 2024. Thus, the list of scholarship recipients should have been available at the end of February 2024.
USK would also send them to an Indonesian language class prior to the commencement of their academic life in order to enable them to adapt to the social environment during their study in Indonesia, he stated.
The Palestinian students, who receive the scholarships, will pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in medical sciences, dentistry, nursing, public health, natural sciences, mathematics, and marine studies.
Ambassador Al Shun was quoted as thanking USK, IDI, and the Indonesian people for the scholarships offered to the Palestinian students.
The scholarship scheme is a meaningful support for Palestinians who pursue university education, so that they will be able to develop their self-potency and achieve their ambitions, he remarked.
As revealed on its official website, the USK is recorded as the oldest public university in Aceh Province. It was founded on September 2, 1961, while its foundation was supported by Indonesian Presidential Decree No. 161 of 1962, dated April 24, 1962.
Syiah Kuala University, which currently manages 12 faculties and has more than 30 thousand students, was among the top three universities in Indonesia after the University of Indonesia (UI) and Gadjah Mada University (UGM), according to Scimago Institutions Rankings (2023).
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Translator: Sean M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
