Alsya Firdausi Nuzula, a student from Madura, is enrolled in the fast track program for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemistry at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya. The fast track program is designed by universities to allow students to complete their undergraduate and graduate studies quickly at an institution with collaborative programs. Through this program, students can finish both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just 5 years, whereas typically, completing these degrees would take around 6 to 7 years.

To qualify for the fast track program, students must complete a minimum of 105 Semester Credit Units (SKS) and maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (IPK) above 3.5, as well as achieve a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL / ELPT) score of at least 475, which is the standard at Universitas Airlangga. Apart from meeting these requirements, students need to make thorough preparations starting from the 6th semester, deciding whether to continue academically, pursue a career, internship, or scholarships both domestically and internationally.

According to Alsya, the fast track program offers many benefits for the future, such as obtaining two degrees in a relatively short period. This aspect is crucial for consideration during job recruitment, as it enhances knowledge and experience. While the bachelor’s degree focuses on learning how to conduct research, the master’s degree emphasizes determining the thesis research.