Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) held its First Graduation Ceremony of 2026 over three days, from June 23–25, at the Selecta Convention Hall on Jalan Listrik No. 2, Medan. A total of 2,440 graduates were awarded their degrees during the commencement ceremonies.
The opening day was attended by Dr. H. Agus Taufiqurrohman, Sp.S., M.Kes., Chairman of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah (PP Muhammadiyah); Prof. Saiful Anwar Matondang, M.A., Ph.D., Head of the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI) Region I; Prof. Dr. Hasyimsyah Nasution, M.A., Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of North Sumatra; and Dr. Nur Rahmah Amini, M.Ag., Chairwoman of the North Sumatra Regional Board of Aisyiyah.
Also in attendance were Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.AP., Chairman of the UMSU Board of Trustees (BPH); Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, M.Hum., Vice Rector I; Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., Vice Rector III; the Director of the Graduate School, faculty deans, heads of study programs, graduates’ families, and invited guests.
The first day of the graduation ceremony celebrated 787 graduates from the Graduate School, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK), and the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP). Among the graduates was Kreyya Dani from Cambodia, who completed her studies at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education.
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd. revealed that the university is currently home to 71 international students from countries including Cambodia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Looking ahead to the 2026 academic year, he noted that more than 1,200 prospective students from 51 countries had applied for admission to UMSU.
“I sincerely appreciate the dedication of our entire academic community for achieving this remarkable milestone. However, due to capacity considerations, UMSU is currently able to admit a maximum of 50 international students each year,” he said.
The Rector also highlighted UMSU’s growing international reputation through recognition from leading global ranking and accreditation organizations, including QS Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, World University Rankings, and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). In addition, two study programs in the Faculty of Economics and Business and two programs in the Faculty of Islamic Studies have earned FIBAA international accreditation.
During his address, Prof. Akrim also presented the outstanding achievements of UMSU lecturers and students at both the national and international levels.
Congratulating the graduates, he expressed confidence that they would continue to excel in their careers, contribute to Indonesia’s development, and make their families proud.
The Rector also reminded graduates that they would face increasingly complex challenges in today’s world. He identified two major issues shaping the future: rapid global digital transformation and society’s growing dependence on digital technologies.
UMSU, he emphasized, continues to strengthen its commitment to implementing the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma) along with the university’s Fourth Dharma, while maintaining the public’s trust.
“UMSU remains committed to becoming an excellent university that contributes meaningfully to the development of Indonesia’s human resources,” he said.
Muhammadiyah Praises UMSU’s International Achievements
Chairman of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah (PP Muhammadiyah), Dr. H. Agus Taufiqurrohman, Sp.S., M.Kes., expressed his appreciation and pride for UMSU’s remarkable achievements on the international stage.
“UMSU is one of Muhammadiyah’s flagship universities, recognized for its outstanding achievements and continuous progress,” he said.
He also praised UMSU as a university whose accomplishments have created meaningful impact both nationally and globally.
“Graduation is not the finish line; it is the beginning of applying your knowledge to build a better life,” he remarked.
He encouraged graduates to uphold integrity and maintain strong moral, spiritual, and intellectual values throughout their professional lives, emphasizing that higher education should produce graduates who make tangible contributions to society.
“The products of higher education must create real impact. That is why we need scholars who possess a genuine spirit of scientific inquiry,” he said.
During the ceremony, Dr. Agus also announced that the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) UMSU plans to open two new medical specialist programs and develop a premium teaching hospital, further strengthening the university’s contribution to healthcare education.
Earlier, Prof. Saiful Anwar Matondang, Head of LLDIKTI Region I, commended UMSU’s rapid development, particularly in medical and health sciences education.
He noted that, beyond its growing international reputation, UMSU has successfully established several medical specialist programs and encouraged the university to continue expanding them in response to public needs.
“UMSU has successfully introduced several specialist medical programs. We hope to see even more specialist programs in the future because they are greatly needed by society,” he said.
He also encouraged UMSU to accelerate the promotion of more academics to the rank of Professor.
“We strongly support and encourage the appointment of more professors at UMSU,” he emphasized.
Cambodian Graduate Shares Her UMSU Journey
One of the ceremony’s most touching moments came when Kreyya Dani, a graduate from Cambodia, shared her inspiring journey of studying at UMSU.
Coming from a farming family, she admitted that adapting to life in Medan was initially challenging.
“When I first arrived in Medan, I didn’t understand the language or even the local currency,” she recalled.
Despite those difficulties, the warmth and kindness of the local community helped her adapt quickly.
“Everyone treated me with kindness,” she said.
Kreyya expressed her deep appreciation for the university that had become her second home.
“I am proud to be part of UMSU. UMSU is my second home,” she said.
As part of the first graduation ceremony of 2026, Rector Prof. Akrim awarded postgraduate scholarships to an outstanding graduate from Cambodia and to a graduate from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK). The university also provided educational scholarships to the two younger siblings of Nobri Ardani, a student from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education who passed away shortly after completing his undergraduate thesis defense, as a gesture of compassion and continued support for his family.
