24 July 2026: For almost a decade, the University of Canberra and Universitas Indonesia (UI) have built a partnership that extends beyond student exchange, creating opportunities for academic collaboration, research and international learning.
A flagship feature of the partnership is the Bachelor of Laws articulation pathway, which enables students to study across Australia and Indonesia, experiencing two distinct legal traditions and academic environments.
Associate Dean of Partnerships and International at the Faculty of Business, Government and Law, Professor Riyana Miranti, said the partnership is one of the University's most significant international collaborations.
"The UC–UI partnership is distinguished by its longevity, depth and strategic focus.
"Over nearly a decade, the two universities have built a comprehensive collaboration that spans academic exchange, joint research, student mobility and a flagship articulation pathway for the Bachelor of Laws: International Program," Professor Miranti said.
"The consistent renewal of both the Memorandum of Understanding and articulation agreement reflects a strong mutual commitment, making this partnership one of the more enduring and multifaceted Australia–Indonesia university collaborations."
Through the articulation pathway, students gain firsthand experience studying in both Jakarta and Canberra, immersing them in different academic environments and cultures while building an international outlook. They also develop an understanding of both Indonesia's civil law and Australia's common law systems, an experience few undergraduate law programs can offer
For Arthur Farellio Her Pratama, that opportunity was one of the main reasons he chose the program.
"It is fascinating to see how differing systems of law operate," Mr Pratama said.
"This program allows me to gain perspective on how Indonesia's statute-based legal system and Australia's judicial precedent and case law approaches produce different legal reasoning and resolve complex issues differently, albeit with the goal of achieving the same ultimate outcome – producing justice."
Head of the Canberra Law School, Professor Maree Sainsbury, said exposure to both legal systems equips graduates to tackle increasingly complex legal challenges.
"Studying across both Indonesian and Australian legal systems offers students a rare comparative perspective, equipping them to navigate the increasingly complex legal problems that cross national borders – from trade and investment disputes to migration, environmental regulation and technology governance," Professor Sainsbury said.
"Graduates gain the practical advantage of the potential to seek admission to practice in two jurisdictions, significantly enhancing their employability with law firms, corporations, government agencies and international organisations operating across the Indo-Pacific."
Students said learning extended well beyond the classroom.
Bianca Riga described visiting Australian courts and learning through case law as highlights of her studies, while Teresa Trinity Lesmana said experiencing two universities and two legal systems challenged her thinking and broadened her perspective.
Many of the Indonesian students also praised the University's supportive learning environment. Mr Pratama said approachable teaching staff were always willing to explain complex concepts and provide guidance beyond coursework, while Hieronimus Farell Winarta said the support available to international students helped him settle into life at UC and connect with classmates, lecturers and the wider university community.
There was a common theme throughout the student experiences: studying across two countries strengthened their confidence, adaptability and career aspirations. Students highlighted improvements in legal research, communication, teamwork and critical thinking, while gaining the multicultural experience increasingly valued by employers.
Reflecting on his experience, Mr Winarta said studying at the University had given him much more than an international education.
"UC gave me confidence, direction and a global perspective."
