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University of Malaya

Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia Public
#1 National #58 QS World #251 THE #601 ARWU
University of Malaya campus
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.

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

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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)

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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.

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