University of Malaya
Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia Public
#1 National #58 QS World
#1 National #58 QS World #251 THE #601 ARWU
36,444 students 18% international Urban $4k - $10k/yr
About University of Malaya
The University of Malaya (UM) is Malaysia's oldest and most prestigious higher education institution, established in 1905 as the King Edward VII College of Medicine and later becoming a university in 1949. Located in Kuala Lumpur, UM is a comprehensive research-focused university with a diverse student body from over 80 countries. It consistently ranks among the top universities in Asia and globally, recognized for its academic excellence and research impact.
UM offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 13 faculties, two academies, three centers, and two institutes, covering arts, sciences, engineering, and medicine. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, contributing significantly to national development in various fields. UM consistently ranks highly in subject areas such as Social Sciences & Management, Engineering & Technology, Arts & Humanities, Life Sciences & Medicine, and Natural Sciences, with Dentistry and Marketing making recent debuts in the top 100 globally. The teaching approach fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, with a focus on interdisciplinary research to address real-world issues.
The International Student Centre (ISC) provides comprehensive support services for international students, including 24-hour assistance upon arrival, help with visa-related queries, and information kits. UM has a diverse student community from over 80 countries, enriching the campus with multicultural and multinational perspectives. The university organizes programs like homestay experiences and cultural exchange clubs to facilitate cultural integration. International students can also join organizations such as the Universiti Malaya International Student Association (UMISA) and UM Global Buddies, which connect international students with local peers for various activities.
Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, UM's 812-acre campus offers a vibrant city life experience alongside its academic environment. The campus features modern infrastructure, including well-stocked libraries, advanced research laboratories, comfortable student hostels, and extensive sports facilities. A fully integrated public transportation network, including campus buses and connections to RapidKL buses and LRT/MRT stations, ensures easy access within and outside the campus. Nearby attractions and the dynamic urban setting provide ample opportunities for exploration and entertainment.
UM's Graduate Employability and Career Centre (GECC) provides extensive career development services, including career planning, resume polishing, and connecting students with potential employers. The university fosters strong industry connections through its Industry Liaison Office (UM ILO) and Centre of Industry Relations (UMCIR), facilitating knowledge transfer and technology commercialization. UM also promotes an entrepreneurial spirit and innovation through programs like the UM Deep Tech (UMDT) Accelerator, which supports deep tech startups from research to market-ready phases. These initiatives equip graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Academics
UM offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 13 faculties, two academies, three centers, and two institutes, covering arts, sciences, engineering, and medicine. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, contributing significantly to national development in various fields. UM consistently ranks highly in subject areas such as Social Sciences & Management, Engineering & Technology, Arts & Humanities, Life Sciences & Medicine, and Natural Sciences, with Dentistry and Marketing making recent debuts in the top 100 globally. The teaching approach fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, with a focus on interdisciplinary research to address real-world issues.
International Students
The International Student Centre (ISC) provides comprehensive support services for international students, including 24-hour assistance upon arrival, help with visa-related queries, and information kits. UM has a diverse student community from over 80 countries, enriching the campus with multicultural and multinational perspectives. The university organizes programs like homestay experiences and cultural exchange clubs to facilitate cultural integration. International students can also join organizations such as the Universiti Malaya International Student Association (UMISA) and UM Global Buddies, which connect international students with local peers for various activities.
Campus & Location
Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, UM's 812-acre campus offers a vibrant city life experience alongside its academic environment. The campus features modern infrastructure, including well-stocked libraries, advanced research laboratories, comfortable student hostels, and extensive sports facilities. A fully integrated public transportation network, including campus buses and connections to RapidKL buses and LRT/MRT stations, ensures easy access within and outside the campus. Nearby attractions and the dynamic urban setting provide ample opportunities for exploration and entertainment.
Career Outcomes
UM's Graduate Employability and Career Centre (GECC) provides extensive career development services, including career planning, resume polishing, and connecting students with potential employers. The university fosters strong industry connections through its Industry Liaison Office (UM ILO) and Centre of Industry Relations (UMCIR), facilitating knowledge transfer and technology commercialization. UM also promotes an entrepreneurial spirit and innovation through programs like the UM Deep Tech (UMDT) Accelerator, which supports deep tech startups from research to market-ready phases. These initiatives equip graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Highlights
- Malaysia's oldest and most prestigious university
- Consistently ranked top in Asia
- Comprehensive research-focused institution
- Diverse international student community
- Strong academic and research impact
- Located in Kuala Lumpur
Subject Areas
EngineeringArts and HumanitiesSocial SciencesScience
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available
Photos








Programs Offered at University of Malaya (20)
Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Humanities Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences
Bachelor Programs (7)
Software Engineering
STEM
Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering)
Computer Science
Computer Science & IT
babachelorbachelor of computer science (software engineering)bsbsc
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
STEM
Dentistry
Dentistry
dentistrybachelor's degreebachelor in dentistrystudy in malaysiamalaysia
60 months English Full-time
Chemical Engineering
STEM
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering)
Engineering
Engineering
(chemicalbachelorbachelor of engineering (chemical engineering)engineeringengineering)
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Science
STEM
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
bachelor of science (bsc) in environmental science at university of malayabachelor environmental science in malaysiaundergraduate environmental sciencebachelor of science (bsc) in environmental sciencestudy environmental science in malaysia
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Language and Linguistics
Humanities
Humanities
bachelor of arts (ba) in english language and linguisticsinternational studentbachelor humanitiesbachelor's degreecultural studies
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Actuarial Science
STEM
Mathematics
mathematics
actuarialbabachelorbachelor of science (bsc) in actuarial sciencebachelor's
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
STEM
Medicine
Medicine
babachelorbbabsbsc
60 months English Full-time
Master Programs (7)
Master of Architecture (MArch)
STEM
Architecture
Architecture
masters in architecturemasters architecturemsc architecturestudy architecture in malaysiamasters in architecture in malaysia
24 months English Full-time
Master of Arts (MA) in Southeast Asian Studies
Area Studies
Social Sciences
anthropologyareaarea studiesartsasian
24 months English Full-time
Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology
STEM
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
master in biotechnologymaster biotechnologymsc biotechnologymasters in biotechnologyms biotechnology
24 months English Full-time
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Business Administration
Business & Management
(mba)administrationbusinessbusiness administrationgraduate
24 months English Full-time
Master of Science (MSc) in Data Science
STEM
Data Science
Data Science
master in data science in malaysiastudy data science in malaysiamaster data science kuala lumpurmaster of science (msc) in data sciencemasters data science
24 months English Full-time
Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Management
Education
Education
educationeducationalgraduatemamalaysia
24 months English Full-time
Master of Public Health (MPH)
STEM
Public Health
Public Health
public health master programmaster in public health in malaysiamasters public healthstudy public health in malaysiapublic health program in kuala lumpur
24 months English Full-time
PhD Programs (6)
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
STEM
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
international biomedical engineering programbiomedical engineering careersSTEM program in biomedical engineeringbiomedical engineering salary
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Chemistry
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry
chemistrydoctoraldoctoratemalaysiaphd
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Civil Engineering
STEM
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering
phd in civil engineeringdoctorate in civil engineeringPhD program civil engineeringdoctoral degree civil engineeringresearch doctorate civil engineering
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Electrical Engineering
STEM
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
study electrical engineeringbecome an engineerphd electrical engineering programbest phd electrical engineering programsenglish-taught electrical engineering in malaysia
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Law
Law
Law
malaysiamalayaphdlawuniversity
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Physics
STEM
Physics
Physics
phd in physicsdoctoral physicsphd physicsstudy physics in malaysiaphd in physics in malaysia
36 months English Full-time
University of Malaya Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate
6.5+ IELTS
60+ TOEFL
3+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Selective (20-40%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline August 30, 2025 (October Intake)
Tuition (per year) $4k - $10k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$450
Application Fee $300
Teaching Language English, Malay, Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Tamil, Vietnamese, Filipino, Iban, Korean, Russian, Portuguese, Persian, Thai, Sign Language
Accreditation
Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi (Ministry of Higher Education)
Ready to apply to University of Malaya?
Abroadly helps you manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched to programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Malaya
Common questions from international students considering University of Malaya.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Malaya?
University of Malaya is classified as "Selective (20-40%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.
How much does University of Malaya cost for international students?
Tuition at University of Malaya ranges from $4k - $10k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $450/month), books, and living expenses.
What is University of Malaya ranked globally?
University of Malaya holds the following rankings: QS World #58, Times Higher Education #251, ARWU #601, #1 in Malaysia. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.
What English language requirements does University of Malaya have?
University of Malaya typically requires IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 60+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.
Are scholarships available at University of Malaya?
Yes, University of Malaya offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.
When does University of Malaya start its semesters?
University of Malaya has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.
How many English-taught programs does University of Malaya offer?
University of Malaya offers 20+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.
Where is University of Malaya located?
University of Malaya is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🇲🇾. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.
What programs does University of Malaya offer?
For specific details about University of Malaya, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
How do I apply to University of Malaya?
For specific details about University of Malaya, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.
More Universities in Kuala Lumpur
View all →
#2
Aid
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation
Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Private $5.5k - $13k/yr
#2
Aid
Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Private $5.5k - $13k/yr
#6
Aid
UCSI University
Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Private $5k - $12k/yr
#22
Aid
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Public $2.9k - $7.3k/yr
#31
Aid
HELP University
Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Private $6.2k - $15.5k/yr
#33
Aid
Universiti Tun Abdul Razak
Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Private $4k - $9k/yr
#37
Aid
Asia e University
Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Private $3.5k - $8k/yr
#77
Aid
Asia Metropolitan University
Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Private $4.8k - $11k/yr Need help applying?
AI-powered tools to manage applications, track deadlines, and get matched.