Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), which is located in Medan, was officially established in 1957. However, the Faculty of Medicine started its operation in 1952. Currently there are 11 faculties in this university offering more than 100 programmes at various levels. USU's degrees in medicine and dentistry are recognised by relevant authorities in Malaysia. The Faculty of Medicine in USU is considered as one of the well equipped medical faculty in Indonesia with more than 30 departments.

USU as it is known widely is situated on a 120Ha land about 6 km from the centre of Medan. The university offers various programmes at diploma, degree, masters and doctorate levels. Currently there are more than 32,000 students pursuing various courses at different levels in this university.