UMS and SIT New Zealand Explore Strategic Cooperation, Prepare Pilot Project

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) received a reciprocal visit from Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) New Zealand. UMS itself had previously visited SIT in May.

The visit took place in a warm and open atmosphere on Wednesday (22/7/2026) at the Siti Walidah Main Building. Both parties held discussions and opened up opportunities for cooperation that could be launched and followed up with the signing of an MoU at a later date.

UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum. expressed strong interest in the cooperation opportunities offered by SIT to make UMS a testing center for the NZCEL (New Zealand Certificate in English Language) English proficiency exam.

"We would like to thank you for the visit, and we would be very pleased to hold further discussions and formalize this under an MoU," Harun said.

NZCEL is an English language proficiency certificate issued by New Zealand. According to a statement from SIT's International Manager, Riza Ambadar, the certificate is equivalent to other language certificates such as IELTS and TOEFL.

Before the Rector; the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Reputation, Impact, Partnerships, and International Affairs; the directors of DRPPS, DRKUI, the Vocational School, the Head of the Sustainable Engineering Doctoral Program, and heads of other research fields, Riza said SIT is opening broad opportunities for cooperation with UMS. He also introduced a dual degree program that would allow students to continue their studies in Indonesia while earning qualifications from SIT.

According to Riza, all education programs in New Zealand are strictly supervised by the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority), which guarantees that the quality of education in New Zealand is uniformly maintained.

In addition, Riza raised the possibility of joint research, visiting lecturer programs, and other initiatives. However, he said he would first coordinate with the relevant faculties or units so that feasible forms of cooperation could be realized promptly.

"Hopefully, there are a few things we can turn into a pilot project soon, so that there is a concrete form to it. That way, our MoU will not just be a piece of paper we sign, but will have a clearer action plan," Riza explained.

Following this meeting, both parties will continue communications to follow up on cooperation opportunities that could be finalized.

Writer: Maysali Sudarwati

Editor: Fika Annisa Sholihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid