University in Malaysia

Studying in Malaysia: What You Need to Know

Malaysia is one of the most peaceful, safe, and multicultural countries, and studying in Malaysia is affordable and rewarding for all local and international students. Malaysia's government has implemented initiatives to attract more international students, such as offering scholarships and work opportunities after graduation.

International and Malaysian students can receive foreign degree certificates from universities in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and other countries via twinning and 3+0 degrees, as well as from foreign university campuses that have already been built in Malaysia.

Malaysian degrees offer inter-campus transfer or exchange options, allowing students to save on course fees and living expenses while exploring another country. Most Malaysian programs are offered by international universities, with some obtaining accelerated standing.

Universities in Malaysia

If you choose to study in Malaysia, you will have the opportunity to experience a diverse culture and cuisine, as well as explore beautiful natural landscapes such as tropical rainforests and pristine beaches. Additionally, Malaysia is known for its affordable cost of living, making it an attractive option for international students on a budget.

The country also boasts a high standard of education with many universities offering internationally recognized programs and degrees. Studying in Malaysia can provide a unique and enriching experience that combines academic excellence with cultural immersion.

Malaysia is a destination of choice for more and more foreign students. Malaysia University's rankings improved in 2024 compared to Malaysia University's Ranking in 2023.

Best University in Malaysia

Malaysia's higher education sector has seen significant growth and development over the years, with several public and private universities gaining recognition for their academic excellence, research expertise, and vibrant campus life. among the Malaysian university list, we’ll discuss the top five public universities, shedding light on their unique features, academic programs, and contributions to the nation's educational landscape.

The list below is classified into two main categories, sequentially ordered by their locations according to states:

University Malaya (UM)

According to the 2024 QS World University Rankings, the University of Malaya (UM) has been the best university in Malaysia for the past six years. With an outstanding five-place increase in this 20th edition of the rankings, UM now ranks 65th internationally.

The University of Malaya (UM) is Malaysia's top higher educational institution in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the country's dynamic metropolis. UM was founded in 1949 as a blend of numerous Singaporean educational entities, and it has since become synonymous with educational quality in Malaysia.

Today, it proudly serves around 14,580 undergraduate and more than 13,700 postgraduate students in a wide range of disciplines. The University of Malaya's extensive course offerings continue to draw a large number of students expecting a quality education in Malaysia.

University Science Malaysia (USM)

Established in 1969, University Science Malaysia (USM) is widely regarded as one of Malaysia's leading educational institutions. USM provides a diverse range of studies in the natural and applied sciences, medicine and health, pharmacology, construction technology, social sciences, humanities, and education.

Approximately 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students use these at the university's 17 academic schools on the Penang main campus. They comprise six schools at the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal (about 50 kilometers from the main campus) and three schools at the Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan (about 300 kilometers away).

University Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Located in Serdang, just to the south of Kuala Lumpur, the University Putra Malaysia is a public research institution. QS has UPM ranked as the 27th-best institution in Asia and the 158th-best university in the world. The University Putra Malaysia began as an agricultural college and maintains a strong emphasis on agricultural and forestry research and education.

UPM's campus is also known for its beautiful green spaces and botanical gardens, providing a serene environment for students and researchers alike. The university offers a wide range of programs in various fields, attracting students from all over the world to study at this prestigious institution.

University Kebangsan Malaysia (UKM)

The National University of Malaysia (UKM) is the nation's fourth-best university. The publicly funded University of Malaya (UKM) undertakes research, as do many of Malaysia's leading institutions. UKM is renowned for its strong research programs and commitment to academic excellence. Its diverse student body and innovative teaching methods contribute to its reputation as a top-tier institution in Malaysia.

UKM has a large undergraduate and graduate student population. The institution's main campus is in Bangi, a small town in Selangor to the south of Kuala Lumpur.

University Technology Malaysia (UTM)

University Technology Malaysia, is a public institution of higher education specializing in engineering and technology, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields such as civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and biotechnology.

The university is known for its strong research focus and collaborations with industry partners to provide students with practical experience and opportunities for innovation. Its campuses are in both Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.

The largest concentration is in engineering and technology, but it also includes schools of science, biosciences, and medical engineering. QS University Rankings currently place Universiti Teknologi Malaysia at 188 globally and 39 in Asia.

International Universities in Malaysia

Foreign universities offer a diverse range of programs taught in English, attracting students from all over the world. The universities also provide opportunities for students to gain international exposure and experience through exchange programs and partnerships with universities abroad.

Malaysia has branch campuses for Monash University (Australia), the University of Nottingham (UK), Anglia Ruskin, Teesside University, and the Hotel and Tourism Management Institute in Switzerland, in partnership with Malaysia First City University College.

Malaysia, a politically stable country, is second only to Singapore in regional economic influence but offers a more organic lifestyle. Peninsular Malaysia, located on the southern peninsula below Thailand, houses the highest-ranked universities and diverse urban areas.

The other half, Malaysian Borneo, shares an island with Indonesia and offers solitude, authenticity, and jungle life. Both halves offer unique experiences and experiences. These traits make Malaysia a haven for tertiary education, especially for international students.

Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne University of Technology's Sarawak Campus is a foreign campus, located in Melbourne, Australia. In 2000, the Sarawak campus was constructed in Kuching, Malaysia's Sarawak state capital.

Swinburne Australia and the Sarawak government collaborated to build the campus. The campus is part of Swinburne Australia's long-term goal to develop worldwide and provide its students with opportunities for living, working, and learning overseas. Swinburne Australia was founded in 1908.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Heriot-Watt University is a Malaysian international university known for its excellence in research, teaching, and student collaboration. They are still doing this at our Malaysia location, providing students with an excellent on-campus education and experience.

In an unparalleled environment, you can choose from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in essential subjects with excellent job prospects, such as engineering, actuarial science, construction, accounting, psychology, and business management.

Curtin University, Sarawak

Curtin University, a top-1% institution, has campuses in Perth, Dubai, Singapore, Mauritius, and Sarawak, Malaysia. It offers globally recognized courses with business input, preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed in the ever-evolving global marketplace, making it a significant global player.

The campus in Miri, Sarawak, offers a unique learning environment and serves as a gateway to East Malaysia's adventures. Located on Borneo's mythical island, it is close to the 187,000-hectare Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Gunung Mulu National Park.

Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia

Modern Newcastle University has a strong tradition of academic distinction. It has a lengthy history of service and a sizable alumni base. It also has a well-deserved reputation for offering outstanding opportunities for student research, teaching, and learning.

NUMed Malaysia was founded in 2009. Newcastle University, on the other hand, was founded only in 1834. At the time, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne had a School of Medicine and Surgery.

Monash Malaysia International University

One of Malaysia’s leading universities, Monash, is a model for international education. All of its employees and students are members of a worldwide academy with a reputation for excellence because it is a campus of Monash University. In under 50 years, Monash has established an outstanding reputation for research and teaching excellence and is ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world.

Monash University Malaysia offers a vibrant, global experience for students and employees, with comprehensive infrastructure and a community of scholars who have significantly impacted the world due to their global focus and deep investment in Malaysia and the region.

University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

The University of Nottingham Malaysia, established 22 years ago, has consistently provided a comprehensive educational experience, renowned for its top-tier instruction by top scholars and a welcoming campus environment.

Over 600 support staff ensure smooth and efficient university operations, even during the pandemic, supporting over 5000 students from 75 different nations and their student communities.

University of Southampton Malaysia Campus

One of the top UK universities in Malaysia is the University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM). It is presently on its new full-service campus in Eco Botanic, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, and its ranking is 77th in the world by QS.

By the end of 2022, they will begin offering taught postgraduate programs as well as more undergraduate business programs, even though their primary focus is on research. Academics with advanced degrees who are at the vanguard of their field teach their students.

Xiamen University Malaysia Campus

Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) is the first Chinese university branch campus beyond China in Malaysia. The region is located near Bandar Kota Warisan in Sepang, Selangor, and is around a 15-minute drive or 45 kilometers southwest of Kuala Lumpur, the country's capital.

It has a proposed total floor space of 470,000 square meters and sits on a 150-acre tract of land. XMUM is to become a university that values cultural diversity, has a unique global perspective, and provides excellent teaching and research. All other programs, except Chinese Studies and Traditional Chinese Medicine, are taught in English.

University of Reading Malaysia

The University of Reading Malaysia is a wholly-owned campus of the University of Reading, one of the top universities in the UK with a prestigious international reputation for teaching and research.

The University of Reading is well-known for its exceptional research and instruction. Globally, the university was ranked 75th in 2020. The university, founded as a University of Oxford extension college, has a more than 150-year history and celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2016.

RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus

In 1996, RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC), formerly Penang Medical College (PMC), became the first recognized private medical institution in Malaysia, founded by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin, two of Ireland's top academic institutions.

In 2018, the Malaysian Ministry of Education (MOE) granted us university status, and we are now known as a Foreign University Branch Campus, one of the highest classifications for a foreign-owned institution in Malaysia. The area's only Irish foreign branch campus remains RUMC.

Studying in Malaysia provides a unique and enriching educational experience for students from around the world. With its diverse culture, vibrant economy, and top-notch universities, Malaysia offers a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for success in a globalized world.