Building Collaboration in Islamic Higher Education: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

For centuries, Islamic higher education has played an important role in nurturing individuals by constructing a deep knowledge and understanding of the Islamic faith, its principles and its application in society. This research aims to investigate the issues and the challenges of the international collaboration in Islamic higher education in the effort to build global competitiveness of State Islamic Religious Higher Education (Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam Negeri – PTKIN). The approach used in this study is qualitative descriptive based on theoretical and literature reviews. This research covers concepts, thoughts, and principles related to the issues and the challenges faced by Islamic higher education in the context of international collaboration. Based on the theoretical reviews, it was revealed that there were four important aspects in international collaboration of the universities: student exchanges; scientific collaboration in the form of research and publications; curriculum development; and jointtraining of lecturers and educational staff. This literature research is expected to provide new insights about how international collaboration of the Islamic higher education could deliver effective, productive and competitive Islamic education.