Yogyakarta, October 21, 2025—In an effort to support the development of student competency, the Faculty of Social and Political Science of Universitas Gadjah Mada implemented a new policy for every student who will graduate. As of July 2024, every graduate from the faculty is required to have an English Proficiency Test certificate equal to TOEFL ITP/IBT, ACEPT, as well as IELTS with at least a minimum score. For those who do not achieve the minimum score, there are two program schemes that can help graduates achieve the minimum score. This announcement was made in a socialization session by Fisipol’s Academic Innovation Unit on Monday (20/10).
The mandatory certification policy was created so that Fisipol graduates can have a basic skill for starting their career. Ika Wulandari Widyaningrum, M.B.A, as the Coordinator of Academics and Student Affairs, hoped that this specific policy can make it easier for students to achieve employment status or continue their study. On the matters related to the minimum score set by the faculty, it is considered to be the ideal score that proves that graduates are certified with a good competency in English.
Nevertheless, the faculty also realised that there are challenges present in implementing this policy. For those who did not pass the minimum score required, Fisipol offers several program schemes that can support students, such as the Essential Skills program in the FOCUS website that can be accessed and studied independently by students, as well as a Peer Learning program that involves students in many study groups.
On the FOCUS program, students can choose up to three schemes of intensive writing and speaking training according to their needs. The intermediate level is guided by a Fisipol UGM tutor, while the upper intermediate level includes collaboration with the University of Melbourne. There is also the self-learning level, which offers study materials and basic exercise in FOCUS. Meanwhile, the peer-learning program is an English language training program that is open in each semester with a duration of 7 meetings for two to three months. The intensive learning program does not only include materials and exercise, but also many learning schemes through presentation, group assignments, group games, as well as English Day.
In the same session, Fisipol UGM’s Center for Digital Society (CfDS) also mentioned supporting competencies that are important for college students to have, that is basic digital competency. Acniah Damayanti, as UGM’s Head of Career Development Center, as well as Achmed Faiz Yudha Siregar, as Research Coordinator of CfDS UGM discussed about the rapid transformation of our international society which now demands the development of digital competency. According to Faiz, students are faced with the reality that the digital world is rapidly expanding. Because of this, there is an urgency and effort to improve competency so that the students can compete and also contribute to society.
Due to these demands, CfDS UGM has introduced several digital learning programs that can be accessed by students. The two subjects are “Digital Governance” and “Society and Digital Culture”. The two subjects discuss how digital development has massive impacts on humanity, such as governance of economic policies, infrastructure, and even participation. Not only that, this subject also imagines the correlation between digital transformation and societal issues, such as the issue of gender equality, economic inequality, and a digital future that is both just and sustainable.
It is hoped that Fisipol UGM’s effort in improving the competency of students will be able to support graduates in their early career. This can also be one of the many efforts for the faculty to offer education services that are accessible, affordable and also can be learned everywhere and anytime. This program also supports the creation of graduates that can compete and also contribute to society.