An Indonesian university is offering would-be students a novel way to gain admission to the faculty - become a YouTube star first.

Through a special admission scheme, the National Development University Veteran Jakarta (UPNVJ), is offering places to YouTubers who have a channel with at least 10,000 subscribers and have created original content that has been viewed more than 100,000 times.

Those who meet the criteria will have to create a new three- to five-minute video.

The university offering the novel admission package said places were only open for those planning on studying economics, social and political science, law, engineering and computers.

"YouTube is a great media to convey positive messages," rector Erna Hernawati told the Jakarta Post, adding the university wanted students to "influence society."

The country's biggest YouTube stars - Atta Halilintar and Ricis - have more than 15 million subscribers each.

AFP