UNAIR NEWS – Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) has held a special information session about Glasgow University. It was held on Tuesday, October 23 and the speaker was Mr. Alfin Fahdi Firdaus as International Officer (Indonesia) and International Recruitment & Partnership Relations.
Alfin opened the session with the question, “Does anyone know anything about Glasgow University?” The reason for the question was actually quite simple. He noticed that many of his previous audiences answered that it is in the United Kingdom when in fact, the university is the second oldest university and is included in the 7 ancient universities located in City of Glasgow, Scotland.
“It is 567 years old this year, our university is older than the first discovery of Borobudur Temple. And when Indonesia was still thinking about a power war in 1451, Scotland had made a university,” Alfin said.
Among the graduates of Glasgow University were Adam Smith, Father of the World Economy, James Watt, inventor of the steam engine, until Josef Foster whose invention was applied as a dental cleaning product.
Alfian then proceeded with the requirements and opportunities to enter Glasgow University. The first requirement is IELTS score 6.5. That is a minimum value. Considering the students’ GPA, most of them are already above 3.0, so it is not a matter.
“So, for the academic performance, students are mostly eligible, but the problem is in the IELTS test. Focus on it, even though there is optional TOEFL iBT, the policies often change,” explained Alfin.
When he was asked about Motivation Letter / Personal Statement, Alfin replied it was seen from non-academic aspect, regarding the reason for taking the department, what impact for the country of origin after graduation, and leadership issues.
“Actually there aren’t many who fail because of the Personal Statement,” he said.
Looking at the cost of living, in contrast to London which requires between 1200-1600 pounds. Di Glasgow, 900 pounds per month is enough. If it is calculated for the master’s degree period taken, one year, the total cost is around 600 million rupiah.
No need to worry about money. There are also full scholarships from Chevening and Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). There is also some from the university, but only partial.
“The competition for Chevening is of international level, while LPDP is domestic and yourselves on when to apply,” Alfin said.
Getting ready now will be best. Opportunities without preparation is a disappointment. So, are you ready to enter Glasgow University? (*)
Author: Hilmi Putra Pradana
Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i
