Mataram, University of Mataram – The Academic Support Unit for Counseling and Career Development (UPA BKPK) at the University of Mataram (Unram) is once again presented an inspiring international program through an Info Session on Study in the UK at the University of Nottingham & Chevening Scholarship. The event, which took place at the Unram Dome Building on September 27, 2025, provided students, alumni, and lecturers with an important opportunity to explore in-depth information about study opportunities in the UK and the chance to win the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.

This event featured two main speakers, Ms. Adlin Iskandar, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia at the University of Nottingham, and Ms. Vonny Lisayani, Chevening Scholarship and Alumni Coordinator at the British Embassy. In addition, the session was enlivened by the presence of Chevening alumni from NTB who shared their real experiences while studying in the UK.

University of Nottingham: World-Class Campus

In her presentation, Ms. Adlin Iskandar introduced the University of Nottingham as one of the world’s top universities, ranked in the Top 20 QS World Ranking. With more than 36,000 students from 195 countries and more than 300 study programs in various disciplines, Nottingham is a leading academic destination that offers world-class education.

In addition, this university is also known for its achievements in research, including the invention of the Nobel Prize-winning MRI machine. Nottingham has consistently won the Green Flag Award every year since 2013 for its management of green open spaces on campus.

“Studying in the UK, including at Nottingham, is very open to students who want to explore new fields. So it doesn’t have to align with your undergraduate major. What’s most important is the passion for learning and the contributions you aim to make afterward,” said Adlin.

He also emphasized that Nottingham is a safe city, friendly to international students, and it is quite easy to find halal food. It is no surprise that this city ranks 8th as the Best City for Students in the UK.

Chevening Scholarship: A Future Leaders Investment

Meanwhile, Ms. Vonny Lisayani provided a comprehensive overview of the Chevening Scholarship, a full scholarship from the British government intended for future leaders. This scholarship covers all tuition fees for one year of master’s degree study, including living expenses, travel, and non-academic activities. Vonny explained that Chevening is not just a scholarship, but also a holistic experience that encourages students to expand their global networks and improve their leadership skills.

“Chevening is open to all majors at various universities in the UK. The most decisive factor is the quality of the essay that describes leadership, networks, reasons for selecting the study program, and plans for contributing upon returning to Indonesia,” she explained.

She added that to date, there are three Chevening alumni from NTB: Junaidi (Nottingham College), Rista (an alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine at Unram who pursued studies in Digital Health at University College London), and Tantri. Their presence serves as tangible proof that students from regional areas can compete on the global stage.

Promoting a Global Perspective for Unram Students

This activity received positive responses from enthusiastic participants who asked various questions about study preparation, the scholarship selection process, and strategies for building international networks. The Head of UPA BKPK Unram, apt. Yoga Dwi Saputra, S.Farm., M.Pharm.Sci., emphasized that this activity is part of the campus’ commitment to broaden global access for students and alumni.

“We want Unram students and alumni to have a global perspective, so that they not only contribute at the local level, but are also able to compete and make an impact at the international level,” he said.

Through this activity, UPA BKPK Unram hopes that more students and alumni will dare to dream big and take advantage of international education opportunities to develop themselves and build the nation.