RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A new collaboration between Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana) in Kupang, Indonesia, and Universidade Católica Timorense (UCT) São João Paulo II in Timor Leste is set to strengthen health education and human resource development across the island of Timor.

Undana’s Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Annytha I.R. Detha, said on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, that the partnership focuses on enabling UCT students to pursue professional medical training at Undana, while also supporting the establishment of a veterinary medicine program at UCT.

“This cooperation is not merely academic; it is part of a shared effort to improve health quality across Timor,” she noted, as quoted by Antara.

UCT students will undergo medical training at Undana’s partner hospitals and community health centers in Kupang. Annytha emphasized that the initiative reflects both Undana’s internationalization agenda and the spirit of regional solidarity between Indonesia and Timor Leste in advancing healthcare services.

To ensure accessibility, Undana has introduced an affirmative tuition policy for Timor Leste students by waiving institutional development fees. Dean of Undana’s Faculty of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Christina Olly Lada, explained that tuition has been set at Rp15 million per semester, below the national regulatory ceiling.

“This measure ensures that medical education remains within reach for UCT students,” she said, adding that the collaboration marks the beginning of producing medical graduates through joint efforts.

Beyond medical training, Undana will assist UCT in launching its veterinary medicine program, targeted for June 2026. The support includes preparing academic documents, conducting feasibility studies, and providing faculty resources to meet Timor Leste’s ministry requirements.

UCT Rector Joel Casimiro Pinto welcomed the cooperation, highlighting its importance in strengthening health education in Timor Leste amid limited facilities and financial constraints. He stressed that technical guidance from Undana’s faculty is vital for the successful establishment of the new program.

The partnership is seen as a milestone in educational diplomacy between Indonesia and Timor Leste, contributing to improved healthcare services and human resource development in Southeast Asia. ***