The Architecture Study Program of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), has officially been awarded international accreditation by the Korean Architectural Accreditation Board (KAAB), a South Korean accreditation agency. The accreditation is valid from 31 July 2026 to 30 July 2029. This achievement marks a significant milestone in meeting international educational standards while expanding the program's global collaboration network.

KAAB was specifically selected because architecture is a discipline with unique characteristics that distinguish it from other engineering programs. While four other engineering programs—Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering—are accredited through the Indonesian Accreditation Board for Engineering Education (IABE), the Architecture Study Program, together with the Urban and Regional Planning Program, follows international architecture-specific accreditation standards such as KAAB.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Renita Manurung, M.T., explained that architecture possesses distinct characteristics compared to other engineering disciplines. According to her, architectural education places equal emphasis on technical competence and creativity by integrating engineering principles with the arts.

"Architecture is quite unique because its engineering component is not as dominant as in other engineering disciplines. It includes a significant artistic component, which, if I remember correctly, accounts for about 50 percent of the curriculum," said Prof. Renita.

The accreditation process focused on the implementation of an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum to ensure that every graduate achieves all intended learning outcomes. Earning international accreditation from KAAB serves as recognition that the Architecture Study Program at the USU Faculty of Engineering meets internationally recognized standards of architectural education. The achievement also reinforces the faculty's commitment to producing graduates who are competent, professional, and globally competitive.

The Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Ir. Rosdanelli Hasibuan, M.T., emphasized that this international accreditation will serve as a foundation for the faculty to continuously improve educational quality, strengthen the learning process, and ensure that the international standards achieved are consistently maintained.

"Moving forward, our focus is on safeguarding the quality of education, strengthening research, community engagement, and especially collaboration," he stated.

Ir. Muhammad Agung Putra Handana, S.T., M.T., Vice Dean for Administration, Finance, Human Resources, and Academic Infrastructure, noted that the international accreditation evaluation highlighted the importance of implementing Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards in laboratories and design studios. OHS was identified not merely as an assessment criterion but as a mandatory requirement that must become an integral part of the campus culture.

Research also played an important role in securing the international accreditation. Ongoing research activities are expected to meet established quality standards while fostering international collaboration and joint scientific publications with overseas partners.