University of Malaya
The University of Malaya (UM) is Malaysia’s oldest and most prestigious public research university, founded in 1905 and located in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Over more than a century, UM has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, research, and global engagement. For international students in 2026, it remains the most popular choice in Malaysia because of its high ranking, wide range of programs, affordable University of Malaya fees, and strong career opportunities after graduation.
University of Malaya Ranking
When talking about University of Malaya ranking, it continues to be Malaysia’s No. 1 university in 2026. Globally, UM is placed at QS World University Rankings 2026 #58, a strong position that makes it the highest ranked institution in the country and among the best in Asia. It is also featured in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, holding a place within the top 300 worldwide.
Students interested in sustainability and global impact will notice that UM performs very well in QS Sustainability Rankings and THE Impact Rankings as well, proving that the university is not only strong in academics but also committed to solving global challenges. For international applicants, these rankings make UM a trusted institution when choosing where to study abroad.
Admission and Acceptance Rate
The University of Malaya acceptance rate is moderately competitive. As a top university, entry standards are higher than most institutions in Malaysia. While the exact rate is not published, estimated acceptance for international undergraduates is around 25–30%. For postgraduate programs, admission is based heavily on academic background, English language proficiency, and research proposals (for thesis-based programs).
The process is managed through the University of Malaya application portal, where international students create an account, upload their documents, and track the status of their admission. There is a non-refundable University of Malaya application fee of about RM 300 (~USD 65).
The University of Malaya application deadline typically falls around March–April for September intake and October–November for February intake. Applicants are advised to apply early because visa processing can take time.
Admission Requirements for International Students
The University of Malaya admission requirements for international students depend on the level of study:
Undergraduate programs: Completion of secondary school equivalent to A-Levels, IB Diploma, or other recognized international qualifications. Minimum GPA requirements vary by faculty.
English proficiency: The standard University of Malaya IELTS requirement is 6.0 overall for undergraduates and 6.5 for postgraduates, though TOEFL and other recognized tests are also accepted.
Postgraduate programs: A recognized bachelor’s degree with a good CGPA. For research programs, a research proposal and sometimes an interview are required.
University of Malaya Fees for International Students
For many international students, cost is the most important factor. The University of Malaya fees for international students are very competitive compared to universities in the UK, US, or Australia, yet the degrees carry global recognition.
Undergraduate programmes: starting from USD 4,000–6,500 per year for fields like social sciences, arts, and business.
Engineering programs: around USD 6,500–8,500 per year, including University of Malaya chemical engineering, civil engineering, and biomedical engineering.
Medicine & Dentistry: higher tuition, with University of Malaya medicine fees around USD 20,000–35,000 per year, and University of Malaya dentistry fees in a similar range.
Postgraduate & Master’s programs: tuition begins at USD 6,500 per year, with professional programs like MBA at University of Malaya Business School closer to USD 8,000–12,000 annually.
University of Malaya master fees also vary by faculty, with research-based programs usually cheaper than coursework-based.
The overall University of Malaya fee structure is transparent, and the living cost in Kuala Lumpur remains affordable compared to many global capitals (average $400–600 per month).
Faculties and Popular Programs
UM has 17 faculties, covering almost every major field of study. For international students, some of the most popular University of Malaya bachelor programmes include:
Bachelor of Law University of Malaya (LLB): among the most prestigious law degrees in Malaysia.
Bachelor of Accounting University of Malaya: widely recognized across Asia.
Engineering Faculty: with programs like civil engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and computer science.
Faculty of Dentistry: strong global reputation, though with higher fees.
University of Malaya Education Faculty: known for producing qualified teachers and researchers in education.
University of Malaya Business School: offering BBA, MBA, and doctoral degrees, with AACSB and AMBA accreditation.
These programs ensure international students can find both traditional and modern study fields that match career ambitions.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
To support talented students, UM offers several scholarships:
Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS): for outstanding postgraduates worldwide.
UM Global Scholarship: partial tuition waivers for high-achieving undergraduates.
Research Assistantships: for master’s and PhD students.
This financial aid reduces the University of Malaya cost significantly for many students, making the university even more attractive.
Why International Students Choose UM
Top global ranking: the highest in Malaysia and among Asia’s best.
Affordable tuition: much cheaper than Western universities while still internationally accredited.
Strong research culture: from engineering labs to medical sciences.
Location: Kuala Lumpur is modern, safe, and affordable.
Wide program options: from business administration to dentistry, engineering, and law.
For many students, these advantages make UM not just an academic destination but also a cultural and personal growth experience.
By 2026, the University of Malaya continues to strengthen its global reputation as a leading Asian university. Its combination of top QS ranking, affordable fees for international students, world-class faculties like Business School, Dentistry, and Engineering, plus accessible admission via the application portal, make it a first-choice institution for thousands of students from across the world. Whether you are applying for bachelor programmes, a master’s degree, or professional programs, UM provides a pathway to high-quality education, recognized globally, at a cost far lower than many other countries.
Would you like me to also create a separate version focusing only on University of Malaya tuition fees for international students (like we did with Ozyegin and Uskudar), or keep everything combined like in this one?
Undergraduate Program Costs
For international undergraduate students, the annual tuition fees generally range from approximately $4,000 to $6,500 USD. The total cost for the entire duration of a typical bachelor’s degree program can be estimated between $14,000 to $18,000 USD. However, specialized programs may have different fee structures. For instance, certain language-related degrees, such as Malay studies, may have total tuition fees reaching up to $16,000 USD for the full course duration, reflecting the specialized nature and intensive curriculum of these fields. Other programs, like the Bachelor of Accounting, are approximately $17,800 USD, while a Bachelor of Actuarial Science is around $14,900 USD. The Bachelor of Al-Quran and Al-Hadith is priced at about $11,200 USD. Similarly, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English Language and Literature may cost around $18,000 USD per year. The overall range for total undergraduate program fees for international students can be between $18,000 USD and $30,000 USD, depending on the chosen specialization and duration.
Postgraduate Program Costs
Postgraduate tuition fees for international students at Universiti Malaya tend to be higher and exhibit greater variability. For the first year of postgraduate courses, annual tuition typically ranges from about $10,800 to $13,100 USD. The exact amount depends on the specific graduate program, encompassing both master’s and doctoral levels. Professional master’s courses, such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master in Management (MIM), generally fall towards the higher end of this range. For example, the Malaya MBA program costs approximately $20,000 USD. Other master’s programs can range from $6,500 USD to $30,000 USD per year for international students. Some master's programs can cost between $4,300 to $8,500 USD annually. Postgraduate research programs may also include separate fees for supervision and thesis submission, contributing to the overall cost.
Specialized Program Fees: Medicine and Engineering
Programs in highly specialized fields like Medicine and Engineering have distinct fee structures due to the intensive training, advanced facilities, and extensive research materials required. Medicine courses, for example, may range from approximately $20,000 to $35,000 USD annually. Engineering programs generally cost between $4,000 and $7,000 USD per year, reflecting the specific demands of these technically rigorous disciplines.
Additional Expenses Beyond Tuition
Beyond tuition fees, international students should meticulously budget for a range of additional expenses to ensure a comfortable and productive academic experience. These include application fees, which are approximately $65 USD per application for both undergraduate and graduate international students. Furthermore, living expenses, health insurance, visa fees, and other miscellaneous costs typically add an estimated $4,000 to $5,000 USD annually to the overall expenditure. These additional costs contribute significantly to the total financial commitment for international students.
Scholarship Opportunities
Universiti Malaya is committed to supporting its international student community by offering various scholarship opportunities. These scholarships can significantly alleviate the financial burden, ranging from partial scholarships (covering 10%-50% of tuition) to full scholarships. Such opportunities are provided through both national and international funding bodies, including prestigious programs like the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) and the Commonwealth Scholarship programs. These initiatives underscore UM's dedication to attracting and supporting academically talented students from around the world.
University Malaya consistently demonstrates its academic prowess through its strong performance in various international university rankings. It is universally acknowledged as Malaysia's leading institution of higher education, a position it maintains through its unwavering commitment to research output, teaching quality, and global academic reputation.
QS World University Rankings
In the highly regarded QS World University Rankings, University Malaya has shown remarkable progress. It is consistently positioned within the top 150–200 universities globally, making it the highest-ranked Malaysian university in this prestigious list. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UM further solidified its standing by climbing to the 58th position globally and the 16th in Asia. This ascent reflects the university's robust performance in key indicators such as employer reputation and academic reputation, where it has achieved significant global recognition. UM's strength across disciplines like engineering, social sciences, and business contributes to its prominent position.
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings
University Malaya also maintains a competitive standing in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. It is frequently recognized as the leading Malaysian institution and performs strongly in the Asia-Pacific regional rankings. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, UM is positioned within the top 300 universities worldwide, reflecting its continuous improvements in research impact and internationalization efforts.
Other Notable Rankings
Beyond the major global rankings, UM distinguishes itself in various subject-specific rankings and university league tables. The university excels in fields such as pharmacy, computer science, and linguistics, highlighting its dedication to excellence in specialized academic disciplines. For example, EduRank placed UM 462nd globally in its 2025 rating and 1st in Malaysia across 238 research topics, underscoring its significant research output and academic publications.
Radar Chart illustrating University Malaya's perceived strengths across various academic parameters.
University of Malaya has garnered numerous prestigious accreditations and recognitions that unequivocally validate its academic quality and institutional standards on a global scale. These accreditations assure international students and employers that degrees awarded by UM meet rigorous international academic and professional benchmarks.
ABET Accreditation
A significant number of engineering programs at Universiti Malaya hold accreditation from ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). This accreditation is an internationally recognized standard that confirms UM's engineering education meets global quality benchmarks, ensuring graduates are prepared for a competitive global workforce.
AACSB Accreditation
The Faculty of Business and Accountancy at UM boasts accreditation from AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). This elite approval is held by less than 5% of global business schools, signifying that UM's business education adheres to stringent international standards in curriculum design, faculty expertise, and student learning outcomes. This accreditation has also been extended for a six-year period, reaffirming UM's consistent commitment to excellence in business education.
AMBA Accreditation
The Association of MBAs (AMBA) has accredited Universiti Malaya's Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs, along with other related business master's programs. This accreditation highlights that UM's business programs meet rigorous international standards for postgraduate business education, providing students with globally recognized qualifications.
Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
All programs offered by Universiti Malaya are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). As the national body responsible for maintaining academic standards across Malaysian higher education institutions, MQA's accreditation further underpins the quality and recognition of UM's qualifications both nationally and internationally. UM's programs are listed on the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR), indicating provisional and full accreditations.
Project Management Institute (PMI) Accreditation
Since October 2021, Universiti Malaya has received accreditation from the Project Management Institute (PMI) for its Faculty of Built Environment. This accreditation signifies UM's dedication to providing globally recognized and high-quality education in the built environment disciplines.
### International Collaborations and Memberships
Beyond formal accreditations, UM is an active member of several international higher education networks. These memberships foster academic exchange, facilitate joint research activities, and promote collaborations with globally recognized universities for student exchange programs, dual degree options, and joint research initiatives. Such collaborations enrich the academic experience and enhance UM's global footprint.
Bar Chart indicating the strength and recognition of Universiti Malaya's key global accreditations.
The University of Malaya offers an extensive and richly diverse array of academic programs across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. These programs span virtually all academic disciplines, catering to a broad spectrum of interests and career aspirations. Students can pursue their studies through various modes, including coursework, mixed-mode, research, and clinical tracks, with options for both full-time and part-time enrollment, providing flexibility for international learners.
Faculties and Their Offerings
UM is structured with numerous faculties and academic centers, each providing specialized courses and contributing to the comprehensive educational environment:
Faculty of Medicine
This faculty offers full medical degrees and a range of related health science programs. It is particularly renowned for its extensive clinical training and research opportunities, preparing future medical professionals with practical skills and in-depth knowledge.
Faculty of Engineering
The Faculty of Engineering provides robust programs in chemical, electrical, civil, mechanical, and computer engineering. Its curricula are meticulously aligned with ABET accreditation standards, ensuring that graduates are equipped with globally recognized engineering competencies.
Faculty of Business and Accountancy
Accredited by AACSB and AMBA, this faculty delivers high-quality programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and management. Its international accreditations validate its commitment to global standards in business education.
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
This faculty is recognized for its strong programs in computer science, software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the digital age.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Offering a diverse range of programs, this faculty covers disciplines such as linguistics, various languages (including Malay, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Tamil, English, French, and German), history, and sociology, fostering a deep understanding of human cultures and societies.
Faculty of Science
This faculty encompasses natural sciences like mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science. Its programs are designed to strengthen both theoretical knowledge and applied scientific skills.
Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law is highly regarded for producing graduates with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and practices, applicable both in Malaysia and internationally.
Faculty of Built Environment
This faculty offers programs accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI), focusing on disciplines related to the planning, design, construction, and management of the built environment.
Faculty of Pharmacy
The Faculty of Pharmacy provides comprehensive programs in pharmaceutical sciences, preparing students for careers in research, development, and healthcare delivery.
Faculty of Education
Dedicated to advancing educational practices, this faculty offers programs in teaching, educational leadership, and curriculum development.
Other Faculties and Centers
UM also comprises faculties such as Dentistry and offers a wide array of specialized centers and institutes, ensuring a broad spectrum of choices for prospective students. These include Built Environment, Languages and Linguistics, and others, collectively offering over 200 academic programs.
Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies
Universiti Malaya provides extensive opportunities for postgraduate study, including research-based and coursework master’s and doctoral programs across all its faculties. These include interdisciplinary options and professional studies such as MBA, Master of Public Health, and MSc in Environmental Management. The university supports specialized research degrees and offers options for both full-time and part-time enrollment, enabling flexibility for advanced learners.
What is the University of Malaya's global ranking?
The University of Malaya consistently ranks among the top universities globally. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it climbed to the 58th position worldwide and 16th in Asia. It is also positioned within the top 300 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.
What are the tuition fees for international undergraduate students at the University of Malaya?
For international undergraduate students, annual tuition fees typically range from approximately $4,000 to $6,500 USD, with the total cost for a full bachelor's degree program estimated between $14,000 and $18,000 USD. Specialized programs like medicine or certain languages may have higher fees.
Does University Malaya offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, Universiti Malaya provides various scholarship opportunities for international students, ranging from partial to full scholarships. These are available through both national and international funding bodies, including the Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) and Commonwealth Scholarship programs.
What global accreditations does the University of Malaya hold?
Universiti Malaya holds several prestigious global accreditations, including ABET for engineering programs, AACSB for its Faculty of Business and Accountancy, and AMBA for its MBA and related business master's programs. It is also accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Project Management Institute (PMI) for built environment programs.
What types of programs are available at the University of Malaya?
UM offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. These include degrees in medicine, engineering, business, computer science, arts and social sciences, pure sciences, law, pharmacy, and built environment. Programs are available in coursework, mixed-mode, research, and clinical tracks, with full-time and part-time options.
