Unair admits 2,771 new students through SNBT 2026 selection process

Surabaya - Universitas Airlangga (Unair) has admitted 2,771 new students through the 2026 National Test-Based Selection (SNBT) process, with increased interest in vocational education programmes geared towards workforce readiness. “Our vocational education is designed to focus on vocational aspects so graduates can be absorbed more quickly into the workforce,” said Unair Rector Prof Muhammad Madyan in Surabaya on Monday. According to Madyan, the high interest in vocational programmes was evident in SNBT applicants’ preferences this year, with over 50% of successful candidates listing vocational programmes as their third choice during registration. He explained that several Diploma 3 (D3) programmes at Unair have been upgraded to Diploma 4 (D4) to align with student and industry needs. “The D3 programmes with quick job orientation have been upgraded to D4 to accommodate students seeking longer study periods with applied bachelor’s competencies,” he said. Unair will also involve more practitioners in curriculum development to strengthen the link between education and industry needs through link and match programmes. Additionally, Unair has reinforced its commitment to eliminating fraud in the independent selection (Mandiri) process with layered security measures, including physical checks using metal detectors and direct document and facial verification at examination rooms. “We have anticipated all potential fraud for the upcoming Mandiri selection. Security measures range from physical checks using metal detectors to direct document and facial verification in examination rooms,” he said. Regarding new student quotas, Unair has set an average Mandiri quota of 48%, in line with the government’s maximum 50% regulation, though highly competitive programmes offer only 20-30% quotas. “Medicine remains the most competitive programme,” he stated. Madyan confirmed no tuition fee increases this year, including for the Faculty of Medicine, despite Unair implementing a single tariff system for Institutional Development Contribution (IPI) payments. “This policy was adopted to ensure more transparent, fair payment systems and certainty for students’ parents,” he said. Meanwhile, the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) scheme will retain the same two categories as last year. Unair also warned the public against trusting individuals or agents promising Mandiri selection success outside official university procedures.