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North Sumatra University

Medan, 🇮🇩 Indonesia Public
#15 National #1001 QS World #1491 THE
North Sumatra University campus
42,996 students Multiple Campuses $1.5k - $3.5k/yr

About North Sumatra University

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is a prominent public university located in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Established in 1952, it holds the distinction of being the seventh state university in Indonesia and is recognized as one of the leading universities in Southeast Asia. USU is committed to providing quality education and fostering research, aiming to produce globally competitive graduates and contribute to national development.

Academics


USU offers a comprehensive range of over one hundred study programs across 15 faculties and one graduate school, including 47 undergraduate, 64 postgraduate, 28 specialist, and 15 vocational programs. The university emphasizes a collaborative learning environment, encouraging interdisciplinary studies and providing extensive research opportunities for students. Notable programs include Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, which are particularly popular among international students.

International Students


USU provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students, with support services designed to help them adjust academically and socially. The International Affairs Office (IAO) offers guidance and counseling, support with immigration documents like study permits and student visas, and facilitates cultural integration. While the primary language of instruction is Indonesian, some programs, such as the Master's Program in English Language, are taught in English.

Campus & Location


The main USU campus spans 120 hectares in the Padang Bulan subdistrict of Medan, close to the city center, with a new 300-hectare campus under construction in Kwala Bekala. Medan, as a multicultural city, offers a vibrant urban experience with diverse ethnic groups and a rich culinary scene. The campus itself features solid infrastructure, including a highly-rated library, over 200 laboratories, student housing, sports facilities, and a university hospital.

Career Outcomes


USU is dedicated to preparing graduates for the workforce by continuously updating its curriculum to meet evolving job market demands. The university fosters strong industry connections and offers career services, including internship programs with partner companies. USU also actively promotes an entrepreneurial spirit through its Business Incubation and Development Program, aiming to cultivate new student entrepreneurs based on science and technology.

Highlights

  • Seventh state university in Indonesia
  • Leading university in Southeast Asia
  • Comprehensive academic programs
  • Welcoming international student environment
  • Vibrant campus in Medan
  • Strong career preparation

Subject Areas

MedicineEngineeringAgricultureLawEconomics

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Sports Facilities Scholarships Available

Photos

North Sumatra University photo 1North Sumatra University photo 2North Sumatra University photo 3North Sumatra University photo 4North Sumatra University photo 5North Sumatra University photo 6North Sumatra University photo 7North Sumatra University photo 8North Sumatra University photo 9

Programs Offered at North Sumatra University (29)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Engineering Law Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (12)

Bachelor of Animal Science

STEM

Animal Science

Animal Science
animal science bachelorbachelor in animal scienceanimal science program in medananimal science at north sumatra universitybachelor in animal science in indonesia
48 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Architecture

STEM

Architecture

Architecture
bachelor in architecturestudy architecturestudy architecture in indonesiabachelor in architecture in indonesiaarchitecture program in medan
60 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Communication Science

Communication

Communication
babachelorbsccommunicationindonesia
48 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
babachelorbengbsbsc
48 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Dentistry

STEM

Dentistry

Dentistry
bachelordentistryindonesianorthsumatra
60 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Economics

Economics

Economics
bachelor in economicsstudy economics in indonesiaeconomics bscnorth sumatra university economicseconomics degree in indonesia
48 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Civil Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
study engineering in indonesiaenglish-taught bachelor engineeringbachelor engineering in medanengineering careerbachelor in engineering
48 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Law

Law

Law
bachelorconstitutionalcontractsindonesiajurisprudence
48 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Mathematics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
bachelor in mathematicsbachelor of mathematicsbsc mathematicsundergraduate mathematicsstudy mathematics in indonesia
48 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Medicine

STEM

Medicine

Medicine
bachelorclinicalhealthcareindonesiamedicine
72 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Pharmacy

STEM

Pharmacy

Pharmacy
undergraduate pharmacybachelor of pharmacy programpharmacy program indonesian instructionundergraduate pharmacy programbachelor of pharmacy
48 months Indonesian Full-time

Bachelor of Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
bachelor's psychologystudy psychology in medanbachelor in psychologybachelor of psychologyundergraduate psychology degree
48 months Indonesian Full-time

Master Programs (10)

Master of Accounting

Accounting

Accounting
accounting masteraccounting program in medanindonesian-taught master accountingmaster in accountingmaster in accounting in indonesia
24 months Indonesian Full-time

Master of Management

Business and Management

Business and Management
North Sumatra University business and managementMBA career prospectsmaster of managementmaster program in Indonesiastudy in Medan business and management
24 months Indonesian Full-time

Master of Chemical Engineering

STEM

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering
master's degree of Chemical Engineeringmasters in Chemical Engineeringmaster of Chemical Engineeringmaster Chemical Engineering Indonesiachemical engineer degree
24 months Indonesian Full-time

Master of Dentistry

STEM

Dentistry

Dentistry
indonesian-taught master dentistrymaster dentistry in indonesiamasters dentistry in indonesiamaster in dentistryindonesian-taught master dentistry in indonesia
36 months Indonesian Full-time

Master of Electrical Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
study engineering in indonesiaengineeringengineering degreeengineering master indonesiamaster of engineering
24 months Indonesian Full-time

Master of Law

Law

Law
international law programlaw programs in indonesiastudy law in indonesiaabroad law degreebest law programs
24 months Indonesian Full-time

Master of Linguistics

Linguistics

Linguistics & Literature
degreegraduateindonesialinguisticsma
24 months Indonesian Full-time

Master of Pharmacy

STEM

Pharmacy

Pharmacy
master pharmacy in indonesia indonesianmaster in pharmacymaster pharmacypharmacist careerstudy pharmacy master
24 months Indonesian Full-time

Master of Public Health

STEM

Public Health

Public Health
healthindonesiamastermscpublic
24 months Indonesian Full-time

Master of Urban and Regional Planning

STEM

Urban and Regional Planning

Urban and Regional Planning
urbanregionalplanningmasterindonesia
24 months Indonesian Full-time

PhD Programs (7)

PhD in Agricultural Sciences

STEM

Agriculture

Agriculture
phd in agriculturephd agriculturedoctorate in agriculturedoctorate agriculturestudy agriculture in indonesia
48 months Indonesian Full-time

PhD in Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
phd in chemistrydoctorate in chemistrystudy chemistry in indonesiachemistry phd in medanchemistry program in indonesian
48 months Indonesian Full-time

PhD in Economics

Economics

Economics
doctorate in economicsphd in economicsdoctorate economicsstudy economics in medaninternational economics degree
48 months Indonesian Full-time

PhD in Electrical Engineering

STEM

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering
electrical engineering PhD Medanelectrical engineering programinternational electrical engineering programstudy electrical engineering in Indonesiaelectrical engineering program in Medan
48 months Indonesian Full-time

PhD in Law

Law

Law
Law Indonesian-taughtLaw PhDLaw PhD programLaw at North Sumatra UniversityLaw doctoral program
48 months Indonesian Full-time

PhD in Linguistics

Linguistics

Linguistics
language studiesLinguistics in Medanstudy Linguistics in MedanNorth Sumatra Universitydoctorate in Linguistics
48 months Indonesian Full-time

PhD in Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
phd in physicsphd physicsstudy physics in indonesiaphd physics in indonesiaphysics program in medan
48 months Indonesian Full-time

North Sumatra University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

5.5+ IELTS
61+ TOEFL
Acceptance Rate Very Selective (<20%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline July 11, 2025
Tuition (per year) $1.5k - $3.5k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$200000
Teaching Language Indonesian, English
Student : Faculty 1:21
Accreditation
National Accreditation Agency for Higher Education (BAN-PT)

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Frequently Asked Questions About North Sumatra University

Common questions from international students considering North Sumatra University.

What is the acceptance rate at North Sumatra University?

North Sumatra University is classified as "Very Selective (<20%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does North Sumatra University cost for international students?

Tuition at North Sumatra University ranges from $1.5k - $3.5k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $200000/month), books, and living expenses.

What is North Sumatra University ranked globally?

North Sumatra University holds the following rankings: QS World #1001, Times Higher Education #1491, #15 in Indonesia. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does North Sumatra University have?

North Sumatra University typically requires IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 61+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at North Sumatra University?

Yes, North Sumatra University offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does North Sumatra University start its semesters?

North Sumatra University has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

What programs does North Sumatra University offer?

North Sumatra University offers 29+ academic programs across multiple disciplines including Arts & Design, Business & Management, Computer Science, Engineering. Programs are available at Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral levels.

Where is North Sumatra University located?

North Sumatra University is located in Medan, Indonesia 🇮🇩. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for North Sumatra University?

For specific details about North Sumatra University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

How does North Sumatra University compare to other universities?

North Sumatra University is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #1001). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.

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