Towards a World-Class University: ULM’s Faculty of Teacher Training and Education Achieves ACQUIN International Accreditation

Banjarmasin — The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) of Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) underwent an International Accreditation Assessment Visit on February 12–13, 2026, as part of its efforts to improve the quality of education to international standards. The visit was conducted in a hybrid format, involving three assessors present in person on campus and nine international assessors participating online from various European countries and other regions.

The Dean of FKIP ULM, Dr. Sunarno Basuki, Drs., M.Kes. AIFO, explained that this assessment was a field verification stage for the accreditation documents that had been in preparation for nearly two years.

“In addition to reviewing the documents we submitted, the assessors also directly observed our facilities, human resource development, and academic services. Everything written on the forms was factually verified,” he said.

The visitation process included a review of learning facilities and infrastructure, student services, including those for students with disabilities, the quality assurance system, and interviews with university leaders, faculty and study program leaders, lecturers, students, alumni, educational staff, and graduate users. This stage aimed to ensure the competencies of ULM’s FKIP graduates aligned with the needs of the workforce and global educational standards.

The Head of the ULM Quality Assurance and Learning Development Institute, Prof. Agung Nugroho, S.T.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasized that international accreditation assistance is part of the institution’s strategy to increase global competitiveness.

“This process has been underway for about two years, from document preparation and review to field assessment. The accreditation agency we use is recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology,” he explained.

He added that the aspects assessed included the admissions system, academic services, Outcome-Based Education (OBE)-based curriculum, faculty development, continuous quality assurance, facilities and infrastructure, occupational safety and health, and an inclusive campus environment that upholds gender equality.

The nine study programs assessed were from the education and social humanities clusters: History Education, Economics Education, Sociology Education, Pancasila and Civics Education, Social Studies Education, Performing Arts Education, Geography Education, Indonesian Language and Literature Education, and English Education. This effort represents a strategic step by the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) of ULM to expand international recognition for the quality of its education and graduates.

Acting Rector of ULM, Yusuf Azis, stated that ULM currently has six internationally accredited study programs, and the ULM Integrated Laboratory has been ISO certified.

“Going forward, we are targeting 15 internationally accredited study programs as part of our policy towards becoming a World-Class University,” he said.

Regarding the assessment results, Prof. Agung stated that the issuance of an international accreditation certificate takes approximately three months after the approval meeting, provided all requirements are met.

“If there are no findings and all standards are consistently met, the opportunity to obtain an international accreditation certificate is very open,” he concluded.

Through this international accreditation process, ULM affirms its commitment to providing global-quality education, a curriculum based on learning outcomes, and inclusive and sustainable academic services, in order to produce competent graduates ready to compete internationally.