Depok – The Faculty of Islamic Studies of Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) marked a special academic milestone during this year’s judicium, celebrating the graduation of 57 students across its master’s and doctoral programs. The moment was particularly significant as it included the faculty’s first cohort of PhD graduates, a development described as once only a dream but now a reality.

Prof. Yanwar Pribadi, the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, highlighted the achievement as an important step for the faculty, noting that 47 master’s students and 10 PhD students completed their studies this year. The graduation of doctoral students from FSI, he said, represents a new chapter in the faculty’s academic journey.

“This year is special because, for the first time, PhD students have graduated from FSI,” Prof. Yanwar said. “It was once only a dream, but finally we have reached this point.”

The Rector of UIII, Prof. Jamhari, also delivered an emotional reflection on the university’s growth. He recalled that in 2016, UIII was still only a proposal, and now he can see this university grow as an institution that has developed into a campus that now produces MA and PhD graduates.

“For me, this is emotional,” Prof. Jamhari said. “Back in 2016, this campus was just a proposal. Now it has become a great campus with wonderful PhD and MA graduates.”

He thanked the graduates for believing in UIII during its early years, describing the university as a “baby university” that has grown with the trust and dedication of its students. He also praised the quality of their thesis and dissertations.

Prof. Jamhari emphasized that graduates remain part of the UIII family wherever they go. “When I go to Africa, Asia, or Europe, I hope I can call you to meet me there,” he said. “This is your home and family. When you come back, this will always be your home.”

He closed his remarks by encouraging graduates to give back to the university in the future, including through donations and scholarships when they are able. His message underlined the lasting bond between UIII and its alumni, as well as the shared responsibility to support the university’s continued growth.

Aligned with the Rector, Prof. Yanwar also encouraged them to maintain strong ties with the faculty after graduation. He especially urged master’s graduates to consider continuing to doctoral studies at leading universities worldwide, while inviting PhD graduates to remain connected through future academic collaboration and fellowship opportunities.

“Please keep up your network with us,” he said. “For master’s students, some of you need to continue to PhD studies around the world. For PhD graduates, please stay connected with us, and you can also pursue fellowship opportunities with us.”

This year, there were no dual-degree graduates; the faculty is preparing for a more international academic pathway in the coming year. Prof. Yanwar shared that 23 dual-degree students have already been accepted to continue their studies with partner institutions, including SOAS University of London and the University of Edinburgh.

The faculty is also expanding its academic offerings. The takhasus program will be integrated into the MA in Turath Islam program for next year, strengthening FSI’s focus on Islamic intellectual heritage and advanced scholarship.

The graduating students included 23 from the regular MA in Islamic Studies, 24 from the Turath program, and 10 from the PhD program.

As FSI celebrates this historic judicium, the faculty’s first PhD graduates stand as a sign of academic progress and institutional maturity. With new international pathways, stronger graduate programs, and a growing alumni network, the faculty looks ahead to an increasingly global future.