EduAsiaNews, Jakarta – Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) has once again marked a historic milestone by graduating its first international student to receive a fully funded scholarship scheme designated for Palestinian citizens. Mahmoud Ghassan Abdallah Alagha, a student in the Master’s Program in Arabic Language Education at the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) UNJ, was officially conferred his degree on Monday, April 13, 2026, during the UNJ Graduation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 Academic Year (Session I) held at the UNJ Sports Hall.
The Palestinian student drew attention due to his unique academic journey, which began with an official recommendation from the Embassy of Palestine in Indonesia and was supported by the university and philanthropic institutions.
Mahmoud, as he is commonly known, arrived in Indonesia in early 2024. His presence was made possible through a recommendation letter from the Palestinian Embassy to enroll in the master’s program at UNJ. This recommendation was subsequently followed up by the Rector of UNJ and the Vice Rector for Cooperation and Business, who granted approval along with special provisions.
Through this arrangement, Mahmoud became the first international student at UNJ to receive a scholarship scheme covering full tuition fee exemption as well as free accommodation throughout his period of study. The scholarship encompassed all educational expenses from enrollment to graduation.
In addition to the scholarship from UNJ, Mahmoud also received a living allowance facilitated through a partnership between UNJ and Rumah Amal Salman. This philanthropic organization, which focuses on education, provided monthly financial support to meet his daily needs during his studies in Jakarta.
“The scholarship support provided by UNJ means a great deal to me. It has given me new hope for a better life for myself and my family amid the ongoing war in my country. My parents were once entrepreneurs, but the war took my family away and brought me here to UNJ. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Universitas Negeri Jakarta, the Rector Prof. Komarudin, the Vice Rector for Cooperation and Business, and Mr. Andy Hadyanto for opening their hearts to Palestinian students and for giving me a new family and friends in Indonesia. I now have renewed spirit and hope for life,” Mahmoud said after the graduation ceremony.
Mahmoud’s journey at UNJ was not undertaken alone. Since his arrival, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni, the International Office (KUI) of UNJ, the Admissions Office, and the Master’s Program in Arabic Language Education have actively supported him. They assisted with academic matters such as curriculum adjustment and thesis supervision, as well as non-academic aspects including housing administration and cultural adaptation.
The Head of the Master’s Program in Arabic Language Education at FBS UNJ stated in his remarks, “Mahmoud is a resilient student. Despite coming from a conflict zone, his enthusiasm for learning has been extraordinary. We are proud that he was able to complete his studies on time.”
The graduation ceremony was an emotional moment for Mahmoud. Wearing his academic gown alongside fellow graduates, he was accompanied by supporters, lecturers, and close friends who expressed their appreciation.
In his closing remarks, Mahmoud conveyed deep gratitude: “I will never forget the kindness of UNJ, Rumah Amal, and all the people of Indonesia. This degree does not belong to me alone, but also to my family in Palestine and to Indonesia, which has become my second home.”
With Mahmoud Alagha’s graduation, UNJ demonstrates its commitment to supporting international education and expanding access for students from partner countries, particularly Palestine, amid the challenges and limitations they face due to ongoing conflict. Mahmoud completed his master’s degree in Arabic Language Education in approximately two years, and his achievement stands as evidence that collaboration between universities, philanthropic institutions, and diplomatic support can produce high-quality graduates across nations.
