Perseverance Leads UNU Jogja SII Alumnus to Earn a Scholarship to Study in Türkiye

Türkiye – Perseverance in learning, dedication to memorizing the Holy Qur'an, and readiness to embrace global challenges have led Firdaus Luhur Prakoso, an alumnus of the 2021 Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies (SII) Study Program at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), to receive a full scholarship to continue his studies in Türkiye through the Sulaimaniyah Tahfidz Foundation.

Firdaus was awarded a full scholarship to pursue his education at Vefa Süleymaniye in Türkiye. Established in 1991, the institution serves as a center for student development and education, providing not only an academic learning environment but also comprehensive training in religious knowledge, character building, leadership, and personal development to prepare students to contribute to society. Throughout his studies, Firdaus receives full financial support as well as a monthly living allowance through the scholarship program.

"Alhamdulillah, I received a full scholarship from the foundation, along with a monthly allowance. At the moment, I am focusing entirely on my studies so that I can complete my education successfully," Firdaus said on Monday, July 20.

In addition to supporting students throughout their studies, the program is designed to prepare participants for professional careers based on their individual competencies. According to Firdaus, participants who excel in Qur'an memorization and Islamic teaching are prepared to become educators at Sulaimaniyah Islamic boarding schools located in various countries. Meanwhile, those with expertise in areas such as information technology, livestock management, public speaking, or interpersonal communication have opportunities to work for partner organizations, including Hisar Global.

"After graduation, we have the opportunity to work at Hisar Global, either in Indonesia or Saudi Arabia, provided that we meet the qualifications required by the company," he explained.

Firdaus believes that his ability to adapt to the academic environment in Türkiye was greatly supported by the education he received in the SII Study Program at UNU Jogja. He said that the curriculum he studied during his undergraduate years closely aligns with what he is currently learning.

"Alhamdulillah, the SII curriculum has been extremely helpful. Almost every course I studied at the university is covered here again in much greater depth," he said.

Supporting Firdaus' testimony, his undergraduate thesis supervisor, Hujaj Nur Rohim, described the achievement as the result of consistent preparation throughout his years at university.

"Firdaus was one of the students who had a clear direction as early as his sixth semester. He proposed his thesis topic earlier than most of his classmates, completed an internship related to his research on Hajj and Umrah management at Hisar Global, and graduated ahead of many of his peers. Even during his undergraduate studies, he had a strong desire to learn the Turkish language," Hujaj saidon Monday, July 20.

According to Hujaj, Firdaus' achievement also reflects the commitment of the SII Study Program at UNU Jogja to preparing graduates who are capable of competing on the international stage.

"The SII Study Program equips students with Arabic language proficiency, Qur'an memorization, and a strong foundation in Islamic studies as preparation for engaging in the global arena. Firdaus' opportunity to continue his studies in Türkiye demonstrates how these competencies can open international opportunities," he explained.

Beyond academic excellence, Hujaj emphasized that character development is another defining strength of SII graduates.

"Students are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the values of Ahlussunnah wal Jama'ah (Aswaja), enabling them to interact respectfully with others, engage harmoniously in society, and appreciate diverse perspectives. These values become essential assets when studying or working in international environments," he added.

Firdaus' journey illustrates that opportunities to succeed internationally are shaped not only by academic achievement but also by perseverance, a commitment to lifelong learning, and strong personal character. Through a curriculum that integrates Islamic scholarship, Arabic language proficiency, Qur'an memorization, and the values of Ahlussunnah wal Jama'ah (Aswaja), UNU Jogja, a university in Yogyakarta, continues its commitment to preparing graduates who are ready to pursue further education and build successful careers on the global stage. [Latifah]