MEDAN, USU PUBLIC RELATIONS – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) initiated a collaboration on the 3+1+1 Accelerated Master’s Scholarship Program with the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) on Wednesday (October 21, 2026). Held in the Senate Room of the USU Rector’s Office, the meeting discussed opportunities to accelerate students’ studies through undergraduate education in Indonesia, academic experience at partner universities abroad, and subsequent master’s education supported by LPDP scholarships.

In her remarks, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni of USU, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt., said that the program provides an opportunity to expand students’ access to international-standard education. She also emphasized that overseas learning experiences are expected to strengthen students’ competencies and encourage them to contribute to society.

“This meeting is a valuable opportunity to build a shared vision for improving the quality of higher education in Indonesia while expanding opportunities for students to gain international academic experience,” she said.

(Foto: Amri Affandi Simatupang)

In his presentation, Head of the LPDP Cooperation and Scholarship Development Division, Dr. Agam Bayu Suryanto, S.E., MBA., QRMP., explained that the 3+1+1 scheme allows students to complete three years of undergraduate study at USU, spend their fourth and final undergraduate year at a partner university abroad, and then continue with one year of master’s study. The requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.25, an English proficiency certificate such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, completion of at least 1.5 years of study, ranking among the top 10 students in their cohort, and a recommendation from the dean.

“This is an accelerated master’s scholarship program, 3 plus 1 plus 1: three years at USU, followed by one year of the undergraduate program at a partner university abroad. Plus one year to pursue a master’s degree,” he explained.

(Foto: Amri Affandi Simatupang)

In an interview, Dr. Agam Bayu Suryanto explained that students must apply to USU to obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for an international undergraduate program while simultaneously applying for an LPDP scholarship. The LPDP selection process consists of two stages: administrative screening and an interview. He also added that USU needs to promptly establish communication with partner universities, including Goldsmiths, University of London, and prepare the necessary cooperation documents so that the program can be implemented soon.

“So, students apply to USU to obtain a Letter of Acceptance. In parallel, they apply to LPDP for the scholarship. At LPDP, they will go through two stages of selection. The first is administrative screening, and the second is the interview,” he said.

He also encouraged USU to accelerate the preparation of cooperation documents with partner universities. The program is targeted for launch in December 2026 or January 2027, allowing socialization and student preparation to begin promptly.

“So, prepare the MoU and submit it to LPDP, and it’s done. LPDP only needs the MoU from you. We will certainly support it,” he emphasized.

Through this collaboration initiative, USU is expected to expand opportunities for students to gain international educational experience and pursue master’s degrees with LPDP support. Academic preparation, communication with partner universities, and the preparation of cooperation documents are important steps in supporting the implementation of the 3+1+1 Accelerated Master’s Scholarship Program.