Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University

In 1957, a new Academy of Religious Sciences was founded in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. It was established by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to train civil servants to work as religious experts in educational institutions across the country. They would then ensure that the new generation had a holistic understanding of religion.

Its name was changed in 1963, in tribute to Syarif Hidayatullah, a 15th-century prince who was one of the nine saints who helped spread Islam in the Indonesian province of West Java. And in 2002, it became a full state university. From then on, its focus became the integration of religious and general sciences. 

Its 12 faculties reflect this focus. They include: the faculty of adab and humanities; the faculty of tarbiyah and teacher training; the faculty of sharia and law; and the faculty of da’wa and communication science, psychology, economics and business and medicine; there are also faculties of ushuluddin and dirasat Islamiyah. 

Studying at Syarif Hidayatullah also includes mandatory participation in a community-service programme. Students work together to apply science, technology and art to areas including healthcare and the environment. 

Optional clubs and societies focus on areas such as theatre, art, music, journalism and technology. Campus sports centres offer gyms, fitness classes, outdoor sports and swimming pools.

All students can apply for a place in one of three dormitories, all of which include common areas, sports facilities and prayer rooms. New campus accommodation opened in 2025.