7,500 New USK Students Undergo English Competency Mapping
A total of 7,500 new students at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) for the 2026/2027 academic year are taking part in an e-learning based English competency mapping exercise. The activity is intended for undergraduate (S1), applied bachelor (D4), and diploma (D3) students to determine their initial English proficiency before beginning their studies on campus.
The mapping is being conducted over five days, namely 22, 23, 29, and 30 August as well as 5 September 2026, at the USK Computer Laboratory.
The activity is coordinated by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs through the Directorate of Education and Academic Administration (DPAA), involving the Language Technical Implementation Unit (UPT), the Data and Information Technology UPT, and the Library and E-Learning UPT.
Kismullah, Head of the USK Language Centre UPT and Chair of the organising committee, said the English competency mapping is a routine annual agenda to assess the basic abilities of new students.
“We want to obtain a picture of students’ initial abilities so that future learning can be designed more precisely according to their needs,” Kismullah said on Saturday (22/8).
The material tested is an English proficiency test resembling TOEFL, covering listening, grammar, and reading skills.
According to Kismullah, the mapping results will serve as one of the foundations for USK in improving students’ English proficiency. The university is targeting new students to achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 477 within two years.
“The aim is for USK to target these new students to successfully achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 477 within two years,” he said.
This year, USK has also changed the implementation system for the mapping. Previously, students completed the test via Google Form, but now the mapping is conducted using an e-learning system.
Kismullah said the adoption of this system is expected to make the mapping process more structured while also facilitating the management of test results.
“With the e-learning system, the process becomes more structured, students become more accustomed to digital learning, and we also find it easier to manage and monitor the mapping results,” he said.
USK Rector Mirza Tabrani said the English competency mapping is not only aimed at measuring students’ abilities but is also an initial step to identify their learning needs.
“This mapping is not merely a test. It is a starting point to identify students’ English language abilities from the outset,” Mirza said after monitoring the activity.
According to him, the mapping results can be used by the university to determine appropriate learning support throughout students’ studies. English proficiency is considered important so that USK graduates can compete at both national and international levels.
“For that reason, USK is equipping students with good English language skills as early as possible. English is an important competency for competing in the current era of globalisation,” he said.
Mirza added that the implementation of e-learning is part of USK’s efforts to adapt to technological developments in higher education delivery.
“We must become accustomed to the use of e-learning. This digital system is not only used for learning activities but also supports various academic processes that require efficiency and data accuracy,” he said.