141st Graduation Briefing: UIN Jakarta Urges Graduates to Pursue Higher Education
Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN News Online - UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta encouraged prospective graduates at the 141st Graduation Ceremony to prepare their next steps following graduation, whether entering the workforce or pursuing further education at the master's and doctoral levels. This encouragement was conveyed during the Orientation for the 141st Graduation Candidates through a socialization session on master's and doctoral scholarship programs and a presentation on the National Zakat Board (BAZNAS RI) scholarship program at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, Thursday (3/9/2026).
The orientation featured Senior Professor as well as Special Staff to the Rector for Postgraduate Development, Prof. M. Zuhdi, M.Ed., Ph.D.; Deputy Director of the Graduate School, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Rahman, M.A.; and Member of BAZNAS RI for Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah Collection and Mobilization as well as Secretary General of IKALUIN Jakarta, Dr. H. Rizaludin Kurniawan, S.Ag., M.Si., CFRM. Also present were Acting Head of the AAKK Bureau, Rahmawati, S.Psi., M.M.; Head of the Center for Information and Public Relations (PIH), Zaenal Muttaqin, S.Th.I., M.Ag.; Head of the Admissions Center, Rachmat Baihaqi, M.A., Ph.D.; as well as prospective graduates from various faculties.
During the session, Rahmawati emphasized that graduating with a bachelor's degree should not mark the end of one's academic journey. Advanced study can serve as an integral part of competency development to meet the increasingly demanding qualifications of the job market.
“If we stop at a bachelor's degree, it hardly feels sufficient to answer the demands of a professional world that requires high-level competencies,” Rahmawati stated.
Therefore, prospective graduates were encouraged to actively seek information regarding postgraduate study programs, admission criteria, registration schedules, and funding sources. Several accessible schemes include the Beasiswa Indonesia Bangkit (BIB) by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, LPDP, and BAZNAS Scholarships.
Prof. M. Zuhdi's academic journey further demonstrated that opportunities to pursue further education can be attained with clear goals and consistent effort. The alumnus of Islamic Education at UIN Jakarta completed his master's degree at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, and subsequently earned his doctorate from McGill University, Canada.
“If our resolve is firm and our efforts are maximized, the universe and Allah will support and pave the way from unexpected directions,” he expressed.
Access to advanced studies is further strengthened through UIN Jakarta's partnership with BAZNAS. Zaenal Muttaqin noted that UIN Jakarta is among the top three State Islamic Higher Education Institutions (PTKIN) receiving the largest allocation of master's and doctoral scholarships from BAZNAS. In 2025, approximately 70 master's students and 20 doctoral students at UIN Jakarta received funding from the institution.
“In 2025, BAZNAS funded around 70 master's students and 20 doctoral students at UIN Jakarta. The university always finds ways to guide its graduates toward higher education,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Rizaludin Kurniawan outlined several BAZNAS educational programs that provide not only financial support, but also mentorship for beneficiaries. One such program is the BAZNAS Scholar Award (Beasiswa Cendekia BAZNAS / BCB), aimed at supporting education while developing students' competence, character, leadership, and independence.
The BCB program offers various domestic and international educational tracks. For the 2026 BCB cohort, program requirements include being fifth-semester undergraduate (S-1/D-4) students, Indonesian citizens, and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.00. Selection stages encompass registration, administrative screening, interviews, followed by verification and recipient determination.
Through this orientation, prospective graduates were introduced to various avenues for expanding their capacity upon completing their studies. Advanced study represents a strategic step toward strengthening competencies and broadening professional opportunities. Various scholarship programs, including support through UIN Jakarta's partnership with BAZNAS, open pathways for alumni to pursue education up to the master's and doctoral levels. This preparation is expected to serve as a stepping stone for prospective graduates to define their personal development path in a more planned manner following graduation.