North Sumatra University
Medan, 🇮🇩 Indonesia Public
#15 National #1001 QS World
#15 National #1001 QS World #1491 THE
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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








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)
Ready to apply to North Sumatra University?
Abroadly helps you manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched to programs.
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.
More Universities in Medan
View all →Need help applying?
AI-powered tools to manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched.