461 Applicants Admitted to Syiah Kuala University Through Talent Pathway
The results of the Talent-Based Prestigious University Entrance selection for the 2026/2027 Academic Year were announced on Tuesday (2/6). Following rigorous screening, 461 participants passed the selection. The 461 successful candidates were from a total of 1,206 applicants to Syiah Kuala University (USK). They underwent a special selection process for the Talent pathway.
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at USK, Professor Heru Fahlevi, told Media Indonesia on Wednesday (3/6) that the Talent pathway represents the oldest state university in Aceh’s commitment to providing opportunities for prospective students with extraordinary achievements in various fields, ranging from academics, religion, arts, and sports to community service.
Prof Heru stated that the high number of applicants through the talent pathway indicates a growing number of young people with exceptional achievements. Because the available quota is limited, the selection process had to be conducted very strictly to ensure that admitted participants genuinely have a superior, verified track record of achievement.
“Out of 1,206 applicants who took part in the selection, only 461 participants were declared successful. This shows that the selection process was highly competitive. The selection team conducted a very meticulous assessment of various aspects of achievement, including the accomplishments of each participant,” said Prof Heru.
He noted that successful participants come not only from schools in Banda Aceh but also represent various regions throughout Aceh Province. This demonstrates that many outstanding talents are spread across various districts and cities.
“Syiah Kuala University wants to ensure equal access for all the best sons and daughters of Aceh. This year’s selection results show that admitted participants come from diverse regions, both from the Banda Aceh area and beyond. This illustrates that achievement and superior potential can emerge from anywhere,” Heru said.
According to the selection result data, several schools dominate the number of successful participants through this year’s Talent pathway. The ten SMA/MA with the highest number of successful participants are SMAN Unggul Subulussalam; SMA Negeri 7 Banda Aceh; SMA Laboratorium USK; MAS Ruhul Islam; MAS Al-Manar; MAN Model, Banda Aceh; SMA Darul Hijrah; SMAN 10 Fajar Harapan Banda Aceh; SMAN 2 Modal Bangsa; and MA Ruhul Qurani.
Prof Heru hopes all admitted participants will make the best use of this opportunity and continue developing their potential, especially throughout their studies at USK. “The achievements already attained serve as a very good initial foundation. However, what is more important is how these achievements continue to be developed through the learning process, research, innovation, and community service while being a USK student,” Heru added.
Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Entrepreneurship at USK, Dr Rina Suryani Oktari, said that Talent pathway prospective students are individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, capacity, and dedication since secondary school. Therefore, the university, known as the ‘heart of the Acehnese people’, is committed to supporting their continuous development, preparing them to become future leaders with integrity, innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to make a tangible impact on society.
Suryani Oktari stated that development will be carried out through various student development programmes, ranging from competitions, student organisations, and innovation to character strengthening. “We want these outstanding talents not only to excel academically but also to grow into a generation that is resilient, caring, and ready to contribute to the development of Aceh, Indonesia, and even the world,” said the young mother of seven children.