The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR), reaffirmed its commitment to preparing globally competitive graduates by organizing an online Alumni Sharing session titled “Strategies to Secure Scholarships and Study Abroad” on 28 February 2026 via Zoom Meeting. The event featured two distinguished alumni: Merdeka Agus Saputra, S.Pi., M.Sc., Ph.D., a master’s graduate of Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands, and doctoral graduate of the University of Oldenburg, Germany, as well as Muhammad Ar Rozzaaq Nugraha, S.Pi., M.Sc., an alumnus and current doctoral candidate at National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan. The session provided an interactive platform for FPK UNAIR students aspiring to pursue international education and competitive scholarship opportunities.
As part of Universitas Airlangga’s broader internationalization agenda, FPK UNAIR continuously encourages students to expand their academic horizons beyond national borders. In her opening remarks, the Dean of FPK UNAIR emphasized that this initiative serves as a strategic learning forum, enabling students to understand both the processes and challenges involved in obtaining overseas scholarships. She highlighted that academic excellence alone is not sufficient; thorough preparation, mental resilience, clear career planning, and strong motivation are equally essential. The session was attended by dozens of students from various study programs within FPK UNAIR, reflecting high enthusiasm for global academic engagement. The program agenda included an official opening, a welcoming speech by the Dean, comprehensive presentations by both alumni speakers, interactive discussions, and an in-depth question-and-answer session. The dynamic and communicative atmosphere demonstrated students’ eagerness to gain first-hand insights into international study pathways.
During his presentation, Merdeka Agus Saputra shared his academic journey marked by persistence and continuous self-improvement. He completed his master’s degree at Wageningen University & Research and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Oldenburg, funded by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) scholarship. He candidly discussed the rigorous selection process, including language proficiency examinations, research proposal preparation, and university admission requirements. He also reflected on setbacks he experienced, such as failing language tests and facing initial rejection from prospective universities. Rather than discouraging him, these challenges became catalysts for refining his strategy and strengthening his academic profile. He emphasized the importance of aligning research interests with global scientific trends in fisheries and marine sciences, as well as building strong academic networks with potential supervisors.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Ar Rozzaaq Nugraha highlighted strategic decision-making in selecting universities that align with long-term research plans. As a graduate and doctoral candidate at National Taiwan Ocean University, he underscored the importance of thoroughly understanding academic and administrative requirements, preparing competitive research proposals, and establishing early communication with prospective supervisors. He also emphasized essential skills such as foreign language proficiency, time management, academic consistency, and adaptability to new cultural environments. According to him, studying abroad requires not only intellectual readiness but also strong personal discipline and intercultural competence. Both speakers encouraged students to actively seek international conferences, collaborative research opportunities, and academic publications to strengthen their scholarship applications and global competitiveness.
This Alumni Sharing initiative delivered significant strategic benefits for students, including increased motivation, broader global perspectives, and concrete guidance on scholarship application processes. By providing direct insights from alumni who have successfully navigated international academic pathways, the program supports students in building stronger academic portfolios and long-term career strategies. The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), by expanding access to high-quality international higher education opportunities. It also supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening global academic networks through internationally engaged alumni. In the context of fisheries and marine sciences, enhancing human resource capacity contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water), as advanced education and research expertise form the foundation for sustainable marine resource management. Through this activity, FPK UNAIR reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing internationally competitive graduates who are adaptive to global challenges and prepared to become transformative leaders in fisheries and marine sciences.
Writer : FBM
