Founded in 1961, Universitas Syiah Kuala (Syiah Kuala University) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Banda Aceh (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Aceh. This institution also has a branch campus in Gayo Lues. Officially recognized by the Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset, dan Teknologi, Republik Indonesia (Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology, Republic of Indonesia), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) is a large coeducational Indonesian higher education institution. Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 60 years old Indonesian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. The admission rate range is 30-40% making this Indonesian higher education organization a very selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. USK also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.