What is Double Degree? Overview and Benefits

Many prospective students in Indonesia dream of studying abroad. For them, studying overseas offers numerous advantages, from building global connections and experiencing diverse learning environments, to immersing themselves in different cultures. 

There are various ways to achieve this dream, and one of the most prestigious is through a double degree program. Let’s take a closer look at this exciting opportunity.

A double degree is an academic program that allows a student to earn two degrees from two different universities at the same time. Typically, students receive two degrees in the same field of study, with one degree from a domestic university and the other from an international partner. However, it is also possible to pursue a double degree in different fields of study within the same university or at different institutions.

One of the universities offering a double degree program is Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS). UMS double degree program allows students to study the same major at a partner university abroad. As one of Indonesia's top private universities, according to the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, UMS has offered this program since 2007, and has been sending students abroad since 2009.

Read more: UMS Tops the 2025 List of Best Private Universities in Indonesia

Wijianto, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., Head of the International Class Development Division at the UMS Office of Collaboration and International Affairs, explained that there are five majors at UMS offering a double degree program. These include Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Informatics Engineering, Communication Sciences, and Management.

UMS collaborates with several universities across different continents to send students for the double degree program. These include Dong-A University, Dong Eui University, Tongmyong University, and Youngsan University in South Korea; National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan; the University of Hull in the UK; and Queensland University of Technology in Australia.

Wijianto explained that there are two pathways available for students in UMS double degree program: the Korean Track and the English Track. The Korean Track requires students to study the Korean language to achieve TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level 3, a requirement for continuing studies in South Korea, as the courses in the program are conducted in Korean.

“Students need to attain TOPIK 3, which can be completed within one to two semesters in Korea, to be on par and able to follow the studies there,” explained Wiji, Friday (11/10/2024).

Meanwhile, the English track requires students to achieve a specific IELTS or TOEFL score to participate in English-taught courses at partner universities.

He further mentioned that there are two study schemes depending on the partner university. The first is the 3+1 scheme, where students study for three years at UMS and one year at the partner university. This scheme is available to UMS students following the English Track, with universities like National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan offering a 3+1 program.

The second is the 2+2 scheme, where students spend two years at UMS and two years at the partner university. This scheme is mostly chosen by students on the Korean Track. Bca s 

However, Wijianto noted that not all South Korean universities use Korean as the primary language for instruction. “There are indeed English track options in Korea, but so far, no students have pursued this route,” he added.

What are the benefits of a double degree? Fairuz Ashma Nabila, an alumna of UMS International Class in Management, shared her invaluable experiences from completing her double degree program in Taiwan.

Fairuz, who studied Management Science and Finance at National Dong Hwa University, Taiwan, mentioned that her confidence significantly improved after participating in the double degree program. The curriculum in Taiwan emphasized public speaking and group discussions, which helped her grow both academically and personally.

Additionally, the double degree opportunity allowed her to learn directly from professors who were experts in their fields. She also participated in international classes with students from countries such as the United States, Thailand, Vietnam, Eswatini, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Fairuz's final project even involved conducting cross-country research, an enriching experience she gained through the double degree program.

Read more: Salsabila Azzahra: Studying in South Korea Expands New Perspectives

Writer: Gede Arga Adrian

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid