YOGYAKARTA — Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta has successfully concluded the pivotal online interview stage for the 2026 Sunan Kalijaga Global Scholarship (SGS). Held across a two day window on June 22–23, 2026, the interviews mark the final evaluative phase in the university’s rigorous selection process for its incoming cohort of international students.

Following an application registration spanning May 1–30, 2026, interest in the SGS program reached an unprecedented milestone, drawing a competitive global pool of 578 applicants from 35 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The applicant pool spanned all academic tiers, comprising 462 undergraduate (S1), 103 master’s (S2), and 13 doctoral (S3) candidates. Top sending nations included Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Thailand. Following an exhaustive administrative screening, 227 candidates successfully advanced to the high-stakes interview rounds.

A standout trend in this year's selection data is the overwhelming demand for STEM disciplines. Out of the 227 shortlisted candidates, a resounding majority of 129 applicants chose programs within the Faculty of Science and Technology, establishing it as the most highly sought-after faculty in the 2026 SGS cohort. The extensive interview process was seamlessly managed by the Center for Developing Cooperation and International Affairs (CDCIA) the university's International Office in close coordination with faculty representatives. To accommodate the high volume of qualified candidates, the evaluation was executed via a parallel virtual matrix spanning 11 dedicated Zoom breakout rooms on the first day and 12 specialized rooms on the second day.

Each candidate underwent a structured, private 7-to-10-minute session meticulously designed to assess their academic pedigree, core motivations, and communication skills. Beyond intellectual merit, panels evaluated the candidates' financial readiness regarding self-funded immigration logistics, such as Student Visas and KITAS permits, while verifying their comprehension of the SGS benefits, which include full tuition waivers, a monthly stipend of USD 122, and a single-semester language immersion course.

The Head of the International Office, Dr Witrianiemphasized that this rigorous screening is vital to identifying resilient, cross-culturally adept individuals capable of evolving into "Kalijaga Muda" (Young Kalijaga).

“The caliber and intellectual enthusiasm demonstrated by the 227 shortlisted candidates this year are profoundly impressive," shenoted. "We anticipate that these international scholars will infuse our campus with fresh perspectives and a collaborative spirit, thereby fortifying UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s position as a highly inclusive, dynamic, and globally outward-looking Islamic institution.”

According to official administrative guidelines, the final roster of scholarship awardees will be formally announced on July 3, 2026, accessible via the official International Office portal (io.uin-suka.ac.id) and direct electronic notifications. Successful awardees will then coordinate closely with the CDCIA for pre-departure immigration protocols, with a mandatory arrival in Indonesia slated for two weeks prior to the official commencement of the academic term.