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Amongst the most vibrant study destinations of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is renowned for its teeming metropolises, enriched culture and affordable cost of living. Moreover, even though the official language of the country is Malay, the majority of the people in Malaysia speak fluent English thus breaking the language barrier that foreign students might find worrisome. Home to over 60 universities, Malaysia is rapidly emerging as a preferred choice amongst those aspiring to study abroad. Through this blog, we aim to elucidate some of the major universities in Malaysia, their offered courses as well as the perks and benefits they offer to international students.
This Blog Includes:
Top 5 Universities in Malaysia For International Students in 2024
Studying in Malaysia can help you avail an exuberant experience that can nurture your skills and abilities and bring you closer to your dream career. There are various academic institutions in the country that offer an array of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. According to QS World University Rankings 2024, 7 universities in Malaysia are ranked in the top 500 which are as follows:
University of Malaya
Founded in the year 1905, the University of Malaya is divided into two national campuses, one situated in Kuala Lumpur and the other is in Singapore. It is one of the oldest and universities in Malaysia and is widely opted by students from across the globe because of its specialised programs and placement opportunities. It was established with the motto of ‘Ilmu Puncha Kemajuan’ which is derived from the Sanskrit, Arabic and Malay language and translates as “knowledge is the source of progress”.
Presently, the university has around 2,900 international students with a total population of around 21,050 Students. Being a growing multidisciplinary institution, the university offers bachelors, masters and PhD level degrees in around 35 subjects including Economics and Administration, Law, Languages and Linguistics, Computer Science and Information Technology, Environment, Education, etc.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Located in Johor Bahru, UTM remains to be the oldest engineering and technology university in Malaysia. The institution has grabbed a position in the world’s top 250 universities by QS ranking. Featuring amongst the leading institutions of our list of universities in Malaysia, UTM offers extensive study programs in several technical fields of study.
The institution has partnered with universities in US, UK and Australia to provide transfer and exchange programs for local and foreign students. Some famous specialisations offered at UTM are Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering. In it’s widely spread campus the University is home to more than 25,000 students.
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
Starting as a non-profit university with 411 students, UTAR was founded in 2002 and is now home to more than 25,000 global and native students. There are two main campuses of UTAR both of which are situated in Kaula Lampur. Bifurcated under 9 faculties, 3 institutes and 4 research centres, it offers over 110 programs divided under bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. It is also one of the major research universities in Malaysia and has over 32 research centres creating its own UTAR global research network.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Globally known as the University of Science Malaysia, USM was established in the year 1969. Being a prestigious public institution, it is the second oldest university in the country. With more than 28,000 students enrolled, USM comprises of 24 academic schools, 14 centres and 7 units and has the student-faculty ratio there is 1:19. The University offers various undergraduate and postgraduate recognized programs in an array of disciplines in Medical and Non-Medical Science. It is amongst the leading science universities in Malaysia and has received its notable mention in the top 50 global institutes for mining engineering courses by the QS world ranking 2019.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Another essential mention in our list of universities in Malaysia, UKM was founded in the year 1971 and has three local campuses situated in Cheras, Bangi and Kaula Lampur. The university cites its vision as “To be a distinguished faculty, which stimulates and generates knowledge for economics, business and professional development aimed at national and universal well-being”. Home to more than 23,000 national and international students, the university has one of the biggest libraries in the country known as Tun Seri Lanang Library.
Other prominent universities in Malaysia are:
- Universiti Teknologi Petronas
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Universiti Utara Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi MARA
- Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia
- Sultan Idris University of Education
- Islamic Science University of Malaysia
- Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Don’t Forget to Check Out: MBBS in Malaysia
Universities in Malaysia: Fees, Requirements, Ranking, Top Courses
Refer to the table below for more detailed information about the top universities in Malaysia, including tuition fees, courses, and rankings.
| Name of the University | Tuition Fees For International Students (Per Annum) | QS World Ranking 2024 | Top Courses | Minimum Requirements |
| University of Malaya | UG: 11,265 MYR to 52,625 MYR per year. PG: 4,080 MYR to 39,100 MYR per year. | 65 | Engineering, Information Science | IELTS Score of 5.5-6.5 Minimum GPA of 3.0 or above. |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | UG: 11,469 MYR to 76,000 MYR per year. PG: 4,000 MYR to 53,000 MYR | 158 | Engineering, Architecture | IELTS score of 7.0 Minimum aggregate score of 60-70%. |
| Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) | UG: 12,350 MYR to 49,750 MYR per year. PG:4,350 MYR to 46,750 MYR per year. | 201-250 | Economics, Finance | IELTS score of 5.5-6.5 or above. Minimum GPA of 2.5 or above. |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | UG: 13,300 MYR to 83,300 MYR per year. PG: 15,000 MYR to 20,000 MYR per year. | 137 | Economics, Maths | IELTS score of 6.0 or above. Minimum GPA of 2.75 or above. |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | UG: 11,265 MYR to 52,625 MYR per year. PG: 4,080 MYR to 39,100 MYR per year. | 188 | Industry Management, Technology | Minimum GPA of 2.5 or above. |
So, that was all about the universities in Malaysia. We hope that this blog about the top Universities in Malaysia has helped you in getting a hold about them.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and University of Malaya are some of the best universities in Malaysia.
The average cost of studying in Malaysia for international students can range from 25,000 MYR to 60,000 MYR per year.
The IELTS requirement for studying in Malaysia is 5.5 to 6.5 or above.
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