Northern Sumatra University (USU) has welcomed 2,614 new students from a total of 33,096 applicants from across Indonesia, through the National Selection Based on Performance (SNBP) system for the 2026/2027 academic year. The selection results were announced last Tuesday, indicating a significant increase in the number of applicants compared to last year.
Professor Buppy Anggelisa Zinton Hasibuan, the university's vice president, reported that this year's number of applicants has seen a remarkable rise, with last year's applicants totaling 31,900. Among these applicants, 22,571 chose Northern Sumatra University as their first choice, while 16,543 selected the university as their second choice.
Details of the Event
The most popular study programs among applicants include the Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Management, and Bachelor of Pharmacy. Additionally, the Mining Engineering program ranked among the top ten in competition across Indonesia.
Students who have been accepted through the SNBP system are not required to take the Computer-Based Written Tests (UTBK-SNBT) or through independent pathways. Therefore, accepted students must verify their academic data and register from April 1 to April 7, 2026.
Background & Context
Northern Sumatra University was established in 1952 and is one of the oldest universities in Indonesia. The university offers a wide range of academic programs that cater to students' needs in various fields. With the increase in the number of applicants, these results reflect a growing trend towards higher education in Indonesia, as students seek outstanding educational opportunities.
The SNBP is one of the most important university admission methods in Indonesia, allowing students to apply based on their academic performance. This method enhances the opportunities for outstanding students and helps distribute students to universities based on their capabilities.
Impact & Consequences
The increase in applicants to Northern Sumatra University indicates a growing interest in higher education in Indonesia, which may lead to improved education quality and increased competitiveness among universities. This trend may also encourage the government to invest more in higher education and develop academic programs.
These results also present an opportunity for students who were not accepted, as they can still apply through other means such as UTBK-SNBT or independent pathways. This ensures that educational opportunities are available to as many students as possible.
Regional Significance
Although this event pertains to Indonesia, it has implications for the Arab region by emphasizing the importance of higher education. This experience can serve as a model for Arab countries seeking to improve their educational systems and increase university enrollment rates.
Furthermore, the increase in the number of students accepted into universities may enhance academic cooperation between Indonesia and Arab countries, opening new avenues for cultural and scientific exchange.