12 Thursina Alumni Pursue Further Education Abroad Following Graduation
A total of 12 graduates from Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) have been successfully admitted to various overseas universities. This remarkable achievement presents a significant opportunity for these alumni to begin their studies at prestigious institutions in countries such as the Netherlands, the UK, Italy, Australia, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. These graduates received their high school diplomas at the 2022/2023 Thursina IIBS Graduation Ceremony, held at the Graha Cakrawala hall of the State University of Malang (UM), alongside 326 other graduates.
The selection and admission process to universities abroad had been highly competitive, with thousands of applicants from around the world vying for limited spots. As a world-class Islamic boarding school, Thursina IIBS continuously prepares its students and alumni to pursue higher education at international institutions. Notably, over the past three years, 20% of Thursina IIBS graduates have chosen to continue their education abroad. This year, 12 graduates will follow in their footsteps, having secured admission to their respective universities.
These students have undergone a comprehensive education that combines a robust academic curriculum with strong religious education. "They have demonstrated extraordinary academic and non-academic merit to be able to pass the selection process and are prepared to continue their studies in their destination countries," explained Ustadz A. Ali Syihabuddin, S.Sc., M.Pd., the Principal of Thursina IIBS High School.
Among the twelve is Fadhlurrahman Naufal, who received acceptance from three prestigious institutions: the University of British Columbia for Management, Applied Science at the University of British Columbia, and Electrical Engineering at the University of Western Australia. Another notable graduate, Raden Galen Bratasena Wijaya, secured scholarships from the Russian Government and the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. Additionally, Muhammad Mauriel Samudra Kusuma has been admitted to Tokyo International University to studyInternational Relations, while Habibah Nureniati will be majoring in Foundation (Health Science) at Management & Science University in Malaysia.
Next is Aqila Faiza Putri Fiskiawan, who received five admission letters to study Psychology at Monash University Australia, Psychological and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Western Australia, Psychology Sciences at Macquarie University Australia, Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo Canada, and Social Sciences at McMaster University Canada. Following her is Alfarah Fathimah Galika, who similarly also received five admission letters to study International Relations at Monash University Australia, Political Science and International Relations at the University of Western Australia, Social Science at the University of Toronto Canada, International Relations and Development at the University of Sussex United Kingdom, and International Relations at the University of Leeds United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Alpha Queena Lu'luah Buhairoh received two admission letters for the Science (Animal Behavior) major at the University of Adelaide Australia and Zoology at the University of Western Australia.
Additionally, Syifa Rahma Tsabita has been admitted to three universities, including the Foundation (Business and Economics) major at the University of Amsterdam, Asia Pacific University (APU) Malaysia as well as Computing and Data Science major at the University Western Australia. Next is Deevanya Azalea Aprillia Putri, who has been accepted to major in Italian Medieval and Renaissance Studies at the University of Padova Italy. Kasyful Wafi Islam Rifai has also secured admission to three universities, studying International Relations at Essex University United Kingdom, Business Administration at Strathclyde University, and International Relations at the University of Leeds United Kingdom. Additionally, Muhammad Zaky Salman was accepted into the Finance and Investment major at Strathclyde University, while Trigo Mahesa Prawira received offers from three universities to study Commerce (Accounting)at the University of Toronto Canada, the University of British Columbia Canada, the University of Western Australia, and Monash University Australia.
According to Ustadz Syihab, Thursina IIBS has implemented several strategies to prepare students for further education abroad. First, the school integrates three distinct curricula—Cambridge, Al-Azhar, and the national curriculum—to enhance learning activities at Thursina IIBS. Second, it offers foreign language training and certification opportunities to support students in their study abroad preparations. Third, the school has established a strong network with Indonesian embassies and universities overseas. These initiatives are managed through the Thursina International Office (TIO).
“Students’ motivation is a key factor. We have started to promote this program by inviting alumni who studied abroad and helping students map their study plans starting from the 10th grade. Additionally, academic and non-academic portfolios are crucial for supporting their applications,” he added.
Looking ahead, Ustadz Syihab hopes that the remarkable achievements of the graduating class will inspire students of the next class in pursuing further education abroad. “We hope this will sustain the efforts of Thursina alumni to build their careers in the international world and bring about positive change for the country,” he concluded.