Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) is one of the top ranked and oldest universities in Surabaya, Indonesia. According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, UNAIR currently holds #4 in Indonesia, #67 in Asia, and #308 globally. Going back to its origin, the university was established on November 10, 1954, under Government Regulation Number 57 of 1954 and officially inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia on the same day. UNAIR provides educational programs for students including diploma programs (D3 and D4), undergraduate programs (S1), post-graduate programs (S2 and S3), professional and specialist programs, as well as international programs.
When it comes to standing out, UNAIR is renowned for its values, philosophy, motto, and commitment to excellence with morality. This guiding principle is operationalized through four key concepts encapsulated in the acronym B.E.S.T.: Based on Morality, Excellence in Academics, Research, Community Services, and University Holdings, Strong Academic Culture, and Target-Oriented. Walking towards its vision, UNAIR aspires to become an independent, innovative, and leading institution at both national and international levels, a pioneer in the development of science, technology, humanities and arts based on religious morals.
Multiple Campuses, One Mission
UNAIR operates across 12 campuses situated in Surabaya, Gresik, Lamongan, Banyuwangi, Pasuruan, and West Jakarta. The main hub of academic activities resides in three primary campuses in Surabaya, equipped with comprehensive facilities for learning, research, student services, dormitories, and administrative centers. Teaching also occurs at campuses in Gresik, Lamongan, and three sites in Banyuwangi, while others serve as teaching farms and experimental gardens.
Moreover, UNAIR boasts several supporting facilities, including the Airlangga Sharia & Entrepreneurship Education Center (ASEEC) Tower, the NANI Building, and the NANO Building, all versatile structures housing meeting rooms, lecture halls, sports facilities, dining options, and commercial services like banks and stores. Outdoor spaces are meticulously designed to promote a green campus environment and pedestrian-friendly pathways. In addition, UNAIR features Teaching Hospitals such as the UNAIR General Hospital (RSUA), Dental and Oral Hospital, and UNAIR Veterinary Hospital.
A Special ‘Learning with the Community’ Program
UNAIR has an award-winning flagship program called “Learning with the Community,” which carries a weight of 20 credits focused on nationality and character education. This program reflects the university’s continuous adaptation to evolving regulations from the Ministry of Research, Education, and Culture. One such significant adaptation is the integration of “Learning Together with the Community” into the Emancipated Learning program. The primary objective is to enhance students’ interest in Emancipated Learning, thereby equipping them with the essential soft and hard skills required in business and industry. This integrated program includes mandatory subjects such as Internships or Work Practices, Student Exchange, Field Study and Community Service or village development, Independent Study or Projects, Humanity Projects, Teaching Assistantships, Research, Entrepreneurial Activities, and National Defense.
In addition to these programs, UNAIR has a sustainable initiative that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #1: No Poverty. This initiative has been recognized by the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking 2024, where UNAIR ranked first globally.
Maintaining and Enhancing Academic and Administrative Standards
UNAIR has established the Quality Assurance Agency, an integral organ responsible for conducting internal quality audits at both the faculty and work unit levels. This agency oversees a range of quality assurance activities, including AIMS Internal Audit, AIMS External Audit, National Accreditation, International Accreditation, International Certification, and Risk Management. A dedicated Quality Assurance Unit (SPM) has also been formed at the faculty level. Similarly, at the study program level, a Quality Assurance Group (GPM) has been established. Both units operate under the integrated supervision of the Quality Assurance Agency, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive approach to maintaining and enhancing academic and administrative standards across the university.
Promoting Research Culture with Societal Impact
UNAIR is bolstered by an extensive network of Research Centers (RC) and Research Groups (RG) that span a diverse range of scientific disciplines, including Life Sciences and Medicine, Natural Science, Engineering and Technology, and Social Sciences and Humanities. These research centers include the Institute of Tropical Disease, the Institute of Life Science and Engineering, RC-GERID (Global Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease), RC-Stem Cell, RC-BIOME (Bio-molecule Engineering), and RC-PSQ (Patient Safety and Quality). Over the past five years, 66.9% of its publications have been in these areas, highlighting the university’s significant contributions to these disciplines.
Students and faculty staff actively engage in research projects within these centers and groups, benefiting from state-of-the-art facilities that support their academic and research endeavors. These facilities are not only available to UNAIR students but are also accessible to students from other institutions, provided they adhere to the applicable rules and regulations. This inclusive approach underscores UNAIR’s commitment to fostering research-based knowledge and its application in the community. The collaboration between students, faculty, and these research entities exemplifies UNAIR’s dedication to academic excellence and its role in advancing research that addresses critical societal needs.
A notable example of UNAIR’s impact in the field of Health is its participation in the development of the Covid-19 vaccine named INAVAC. This vaccine was created by UNAIR researchers in collaboration with PT. Biotis Pharmaceuticals Indonesia. INAVAC received approval from BPOM to be distributed as a booster vaccine in 2022, demonstrating UNAIR’s commitment to contributing to the nation through research with practical applications for the community. While UNAIR’s primary strengths lie in Life Science and Medicine, it is also supported by research projects across various other fields, ensuring a comprehensive approach to academic excellence and societal impact.
Fostering a Global Perspective
At present, UNAIR is home to 314 active international students from diverse countries, including Malaysia, Pakistan, Yemen, Timor Leste, and Egypt, among others. These students bring a wealth of cultural perspectives to UNAIR’s vibrant campus, enriching the academic and social environment. Besides, UNAIR’s commitment to supporting its international students and fostering a global perspective is evident through the various initiatives and programs orchestrated by Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), the university’s dedicated international office. One of the standout programs offered by AGE is the Airlangga Cultural Immersion, which organizes cultural activities designed to introduce international students to Indonesian culture, society, and traditions. To further support the international student community, AGE has established the International Students Association. This association serves as a platform for international students at UNAIR to engage with global issues and connect with peers from other universities. AGE also collaborates with external stakeholders to create volunteering opportunities for international students.
In addition to supporting degree-seeking students, UNAIR offers several programs that attract international students for short-term academic exchanges. The AMERTA program, for instance, allows international students to study at UNAIR for one semester. Another remarkable program is AIRVENTURE, which engages international students in marine habitat preservation activities. AGE also collaborates with overseas universities to design tailor-made programs that meet their specific needs. Furthermore, the INTEGRATION program offers a platform for UNAIR’s local students to organize short-term programs for international students in Indonesia. So far, these comprehensive initiatives have attracted a total of 890 international students to UNAIR, significantly enhancing its global engagement and promoting a diverse academic environment.
Creating a Vibrant Campus Life
UNAIR fosters a vibrant campus life and dynamic student engagement through an extensive array of student organizations, clubs, and cultural activities. These initiatives are meticulously designed to support the holistic development of students, enriching their academic experiences and cultivating a strong sense of community and belonging. In terms of Student Organizations and Clubs, at the heart of student life is the Student Executive Board (BEM) which organizes a myriad of student activities, advocates for student rights, and represents the student body in university decisions. Complementing BEM are the Student Councils (DPM), which operate within each faculty, focusing on faculty-specific issues and activities to ensure the diverse interests of students across disciplines are addressed.
Apart from these, UNAIR boasts a wide variety of special interest clubs that cater to different student passions. The Airlangga University Choir (PSUA), renowned for its performances in national and international competitions, offers a platform for musically inclined students. Sports enthusiasts at UNAIR are well-catered for by clubs such as the Airlangga Sports Club (UKM Olahraga), which offers a variety of sports including basketball, soccer, badminton, and martial arts. With respect to cultural activities, UNAIR’s commitment to promoting cultural diversity is evident in its numerous international cultural events, which showcase the rich cultural tapestry of its student body. Events like cultural nights, food festivals, and international student fairs allow students to share and celebrate their diverse backgrounds. UNAIR also hosts significant festivals and celebrations. The Pekan Ilmiah Mahasiswa Nasional (PIMNAS), a national student scientific week, provides a platform for students to present their research and innovations. The Airlangga Education Expo is an annual event featuring educational exhibitions, workshops, and seminars.
Additionally, UNAIR actively promotes traditional Indonesian culture through activities such as traditional dance performances, batik workshops, and gamelan (traditional Javanese music) classes. The university regularly hosts innovation competitions, such as business plan contests, hackathons, and innovation challenges. These competitions encourage students to develop entrepreneurial skills and innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Building a Smart Sustainable Campus
UNAIR is dedicated to embedding sustainability principles into its institutional practices, emphasizing the integration of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across its core activities of education, research, and community service. Between 2019 and 2023, UNAIR successfully published 6,157 articles related to these themes, demonstrating a significant contribution to global sustainability discourse.
In the realm of education, UNAIR actively encourages its students to pursue scholarships from various sources, promoting equal opportunities for academic advancement. In 2024, 24% of UNAIR students received scholarships, reflecting the institution’s efforts to support its student body financially. To further enhance its social impact, UNAIR has established the Social Fund Management Center (PUSPAS) which is responsible for the collection, management, and distribution of social funds, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to support students and community initiatives.
Likewise, UNAIR’s commitment to sustainability extends to its infrastructure development, guided by the principles of a green and smart campus. A notable example of this commitment is the expansion of pedestrian-friendly green open spaces at the campus center, creating an environment that promotes well-being and reduces carbon footprints. Since 2022, UNAIR has undertaken significant efforts to optimize its parking policies. The shift from horizontal to vertical parking expansions has led to the construction of several parking centers, replacing previous student parking areas. Not to mention, the newly constructed buildings at UNAIR are equipped with advanced building automation systems, enhancing both security and operational efficiency. These systems contribute to the university’s goals of sustainability by optimizing energy use and reducing waste.
Nurturing International Partnerships & Collaborations
UNAIR maintains a vast network of partnerships at both national and international levels, including global consortia. Internationally, UNAIR boasts over 200 active partnerships worldwide. As the international office, Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE UNAIR) collaborates closely with internal stakeholders to foster these international partnerships and collaborations. This effort is guided by the SMART strategy, which focuses on Sustainable Education for All, Meaningful Research and Community Services, Advancing Innovation, Enterprises and Industry Linkages, Responsive and Lean Management, and Topping Up Resources Utilisation.
In promoting Sustainable Education for All, UNAIR established the Airlangga Development Scholarship, providing partial scholarships for international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at UNAIR. Additionally, the AMERTA programme offers a semester exchange with a tuition fee waiver for participants. This programme facilitates UNAIR academics in collaborating with partners on lectures, joint research, joint publications, and securing research grants through AGE UNAIR’s International Grants Division. UNAIR has also actively expanded its international research network, with AGE bridging UNAIR research centres with those of other top universities globally. In 2018, UNAIR established the World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) to initiate and sustain partnerships that support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through community services and development.
In terms of Advancing Innovation, Enterprises and Industry Linkages, UNAIR launched the Sustainable University-Industry Collaboration (SUIC) initiative. This initiative encourages faculty collaboration with industry partners to conduct seminars, workshops, sponsored events, and develop career-oriented curricula. To support Responsive and Lean Management, UNAIR recently developed the Airlangga Global Engagement Dashboard which provides extensive storage, cohesive management, and data analysis of internationalisation activities, including signed agreements, inbound and outbound staff and student data, and academic peer lists.
Enhancing Infrastructure & Facilities
Between 2023 and 2024, UNAIR undertook significant construction projects aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and facilities. These include the construction of the Pringgodigdo Building for the Faculty of Law, the Soetandyo Building for the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, and the Airlangga Plaza for commercializing UNAIR’s innovative products. The development of a Postgraduate Building and the revitalization of green open spaces for pedestrian use within UNAIR have also been completed.
Furthermore, UNAIR has focused on revitalizing its main meeting building, the Airlangga Convention Center (ACC), and upgrading the main mosque at Campus B. These efforts are part of UNAIR’s commitment to creating sustainable, pedestrian-friendly green campuses. In collaboration with local governments, UNAIR has expanded its infrastructure footprint. For example, cooperation with local authorities has enabled UNAIR to increase the number of lecture sites at its Banyuwangi campus from two to three, thereby improving educational facilities and opportunities for stakeholders.
Notable National & International Rankings
In the latest QS World University Rankings (QS WUR) 2025, released in June 2024, UNAIR achieved a notable global ranking, securing the 308th position among the world’s best universities. Additionally, in the International Research Network (IRN) indicator, UNAIR holds the top position in Indonesia and ranks #701+ globally. In the academic reputation indicator, UNAIR is positioned #232 globally and #4 in Indonesia, reflecting a 22-point increase. Moreover, in the Faculty Student Ratio (FSR) indicator, UNAIR is ranked #259 globally and #3 in Indonesia, with a notable 42-point increase.
In the QS WUR by Subject 2024, UNAIR’s scientific fields have also achieved commendable rankings. Five fields are positioned within the top 300 to 200 globally, and these fields are ranked number one nationally. In broad subject categories, UNAIR occupies the #401-450 position globally and second place nationally in Life Sciences and Medicine. Finally, Engineering and Technology is positioned #501-550 globally, equivalent to fifth place nationally. These achievements signify UNAIR’s commitment to excellence in various academic and research domains, reinforcing its reputation as a rapidly developing university on both national and international stages.
New and Exciting Projects Ahead
One of the upcoming initiatives that UNAIR is particularly excited about involves enhancing its human resources through a comprehensive talent development program. This program includes advanced training, leadership development, and international collaborations aimed at elevating teaching standards and fostering a globally competitive academic environment. Concurrently, UNAIR is implementing strategies to recruit and retain top-tier faculty by offering competitive salaries, internal research grants, and digital competency training for all staff.
Similarly, UNAIR is undertaking initiatives to ensure long-term financial stability. This includes launching an endowment campaign and major fundraising efforts aimed at supporting scholarships, innovative research projects, and facility development. Public-private partnerships are also being pursued to create collaborative opportunities and practical experiences for students and faculty. Efficient financial management systems are in place to optimize resource allocation and maximize the impact of investments in educational and research initiatives.
Internationally, UNAIR is intensifying efforts to enhance global visibility and engagement. This involves leveraging international grant opportunities to facilitate mobility and research partnerships with institutions such as ERASMUS (EU), Turing (UK), New Colombo Plan (Australia), and others. Special emphasis is placed on life sciences and multidisciplinary research, encouraging faculty to pursue grants from overseas institutions. These efforts aim to establish UNAIR as a global hub for cutting-edge research and innovation, particularly in alignment with new capital city developments. These integrated initiatives highlight UNAIR’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and global collaboration in higher education and research, positioning the university as a leader in addressing global challenges and driving societal impact.
Vision for the Future
UNAIR’s Strategic Plan for 2021-2026 is centered around the theme “Optimizing Added Value and Contributing Significantly Locally, Nationally, and Globally.” This plan lays the groundwork for UNAIR’s ambition to transform into a World-Class Entrepreneurial University. UNAIR aims to achieve this goal through interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary collaboration across various fields, including health, life and natural sciences, social-humanities, and engineering sciences. Such collaboration enables the university to address and accommodate external issues that influence societal changes, encapsulated in the Global Megatrend 2045.
In the upcoming years, UNAIR is strategically advancing on multiple fronts to strengthen its leadership in education, research, and community development. In education, UNAIR is enhancing academic excellence through updated curricula and innovative learning environments. This includes integrating digital technologies to improve teaching methods and student engagement, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for evolving global challenges. In the same way, UNAIR’s commitment to research is robust, aiming to expand interdisciplinary collaborations and secure increased funding for cutting-edge projects.
In addition, UNAIR has embraced “Meaningful Research and Community Services” as its guiding theme, focusing its research mission on supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university aims to develop research that addresses community issues, particularly those related to the SDGs, serving as practical solutions. Community service and development are integral to UNAIR’s mission, with initiatives designed to leverage its research findings for practical solutions. Collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and industry partners, UNAIR strives to implement sustainable development programs that positively impact society. Through these integrated efforts in education, research, and community service, UNAIR is poised to not only meet future challenges but also remain at the forefront of higher education, driving meaningful impact locally and globally.
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