IPB University Hosts Timor-Leste Minister to Discuss Academic Collaboration and Scholarships

Bogor, March 6, 2025 – The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste paid a courtesy visit to IPB University. Led by Minister Jose Honorio da Costa Pereira Jeronimo, the delegation was warmly welcomed by IPB University’s Rector, Prof. Arif Satria.

This visit marked a significant step in strengthening cooperation between IPB University and Timor-Leste. Discussions centered on potential collaborations in education and human resource development. The meeting was attended by IPB University’s Vice Rectors and all Deans, while the Timor-Leste delegation included 13 officials, among them ministry representatives, members of the Human Development Capital Fund (FDCH), and the attaché from the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Indonesia.

Julio Aparicio, Executive Director of FDCH, reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to providing scholarships for its students, particularly in the fields of agriculture, engineering, technology, animal husbandry, and veterinary medicine. He emphasized the country’s urgent need for veterinarians due to the limited number of professionals in this sector. To address this challenge, the Timor-Leste government seeks to establish educational pathways for undergraduate and postgraduate students at IPB University.

In response, Prof. Arif Satria highlighted IPB University’s leading faculties and vocational education programs, including a veterinary paramedic program that could support Timor-Leste’s needs. IPB has offered 10 undergraduate scholarships for Timor-Leste students under a waived tuition scheme, while living expenses and other costs could be covered through scholarships from the Timor-Leste government. If feasible, the student quota may be expanded through collaboration with the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LDKPI). The selection process for prospective students could also be conducted directly in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Education will sponsor two prospective students to pursue a full-degree program at IPB under the Timor-Leste scholarship.

Following the discussion, the Timor-Leste delegation visited IPB’s Museum and Agrotechno Park to explore the university’s innovations in education, research, and agricultural technology.

IPB University Rector (right) and the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (left) visiting the Digital Farming Center, Agro Techno Park IPB, March 6, 2025.

This visit is expected to pave the way for further academic and research collaborations between IPB University and Timor-Leste. With strong commitments from both sides, opportunities for students and researchers will continue to expand.