Interest in Indonesia’s state Islamic universities is rising sharply, with nearly 144,000 applicants registering through the national admissions system in 2026, reflecting growing confidence in the sector’s academic quality and global competitiveness.

Data from the PMB-PTKIN show that 143,948 students applied through the academic achievement track (SPAN-PTKIN), representing more than 12,000 schools across the country.

A parallel student survey highlights the trend, with 97.3% of respondents saying Islamic higher education institutions are on par with other universities, while 96.7% believe their graduates are competitive in the job market.

PMB-PTKIN 2026 chair Abd. Aziz said the selection process was conducted transparently and accountably, attributing strong public trust to the combination of religious foundations and affordable tuition.

“Public trust in these institutions remains high due to their strong values base and accessibility,” he said in Surabaya on April 3.

This year’s admissions cycle also introduced a new initiative focusing on mental health mapping for prospective students—an effort officials say reflects a broader commitment beyond academic performance.

“We are not only pursuing academic excellence but also prioritizing the psychological well-being of future leaders,” Aziz added.

Indonesia’s Director General of Islamic Education Suyitno noted a significant shift, with applicants from Islamic schools under the Ministry of Religious Affairs outnumbering those from general schools for the first time.

“This indicates a stronger and more integrated education ecosystem,” he said, adding that graduates are increasingly equipped with internationally recognized qualifications, enabling them to pursue further studies abroad, including in United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Kamaruddin Amin said the growing presence of Islamic universities in global rankings marks a critical turning point.

“Many of our institutions are now gaining recognition globally. This is the momentum to strengthen their international reputation,” he said, encouraging leading universities such as UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta to accelerate institutional transformation.

He also called for broader international promotion, including engagement with foreign embassies, to attract more international students to Indonesia.

Final results from the selection process are currently being verified and are scheduled to be announced on April 7.