Faculty of Psychology UNY Strengthens International Outreach to Attract Prospective Students from Around the World

The Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) continues to strengthen its internationalisation efforts through the Faculty of Psychology Socialisation and Promotion Programme for International Student Recruitment, held on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, at the Dean’s Meeting Room, third floor of the Faculty of Psychology Building, UNY. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB), the activity provided prospective international students with an opportunity to learn more about studying Psychology at UNY directly from representatives of the Faculty.

The programme was attended by prospective students from diverse geographical regions, including Pakistan, Thailand, East Asia, and Africa. Their participation reflects the growing international interest in Psychology education at UNY and represents an important opportunity for the Faculty to introduce its academic programmes and learning environment to prospective students from different parts of the world. During the programme, the Faculty of Psychology UNY presented information about its Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Psychology programmes. The presentation introduced the academic characteristics of each programme, the learning opportunities available to students, and the broader academic environment offered by the Faculty. Through this session, prospective students were able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the pathways available for pursuing Psychology education at UNY at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The presentation on the Bachelor of Psychology programme provided an overview of undergraduate Psychology education at UNY, including opportunities for students to develop foundational knowledge and competencies in Psychology. Meanwhile, the Master of Psychology programme was introduced as an opportunity for students to pursue more advanced academic and professional development in the field of Psychology at the postgraduate level. One of the highlights of the programme was a testimony session featuring international students currently studying Psychology at UNY. Through this session, prospective students had the opportunity to hear directly from students who have experienced studying and living in Indonesia. Their experiences provided a more personal perspective on academic life at UNY, interactions within the university environment, and the process of adapting to a new academic and cultural setting.

The involvement of international students in the testimony session also demonstrated the openness of the Faculty of Psychology UNY to students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The presence of students from different countries creates opportunities for intercultural interaction and learning, enabling both international and Indonesian students to broaden their perspectives, strengthen cross-cultural communication skills, and gain a deeper appreciation of diversity within the field of Psychology. The Faculty also introduced its commitment to academic quality and international recognition, including its international accreditation by ACQUIN (Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute). The accreditation represents an important aspect of the Faculty’s international profile and provides prospective international students with information regarding its commitment to maintaining and continuously improving the quality of Psychology education.

For prospective students considering higher education abroad, academic quality and international recognition are important factors when selecting a study destination. Therefore, introducing the Faculty’s international accreditation through ACQUIN was an integral part of the promotional programme, allowing prospective students to gain a clearer understanding of the Faculty’s academic standards and commitment to quality assurance. The programme also served as a platform to introduce the Faculty of Psychology UNY as an academic environment that promotes international exposure and intercultural engagement. The presence of international students enriches the learning environment not only through classroom activities but also through opportunities to exchange perspectives, experiences, and cultural knowledge among students from different backgrounds.

The initiative is part of UNY’s broader commitment to strengthening the internationalisation of higher education. Internationalisation is not limited to increasing the number of international students; it also involves creating an academic environment that is open, inclusive, and capable of facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences across national and cultural boundaries. From the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the programme contributes particularly to SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting access to quality higher education and expanding opportunities for international students to pursue academic studies in a globally oriented environment. Providing prospective students with comprehensive information about academic programmes, quality assurance, and student experiences supports the development of a more accessible and internationally connected higher education ecosystem.

The programme also aligns with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by opening opportunities for prospective students from diverse countries and backgrounds to access higher education. A multicultural academic environment can serve as a space for fostering mutual understanding, inclusivity, and respect for diversity among members of the academic community. Furthermore, the international engagement promoted through the programme supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Interaction with prospective students from different regions creates opportunities to expand international academic networks, which may develop further into future collaborations in education, student mobility, research, and other forms of academic partnership.

Through this socialisation and promotion programme, the Faculty of Psychology UNY continues to strengthen its position as an increasingly global, inclusive, and quality-oriented academic environment. The participation of prospective students from Pakistan, Thailand, East Asia, and Africa represents an important part of the Faculty’s ongoing efforts to expand its international reach and engagement. Supported by its academic programmes, international student experiences, and international accreditation through ACQUIN, the Faculty of Psychology UNY continues to welcome prospective students from around the world to become part of the UNY academic community. Through a diverse and globally oriented learning environment, the Faculty remains committed to preparing graduates with strong academic competencies, intercultural awareness, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society at both national and global levels.