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Universiti Sains Malaysia

Penang, 🇲🇾 Malaysia Public
#4 National #134 QS World #401 THE #701 ARWU
Universiti Sains Malaysia campus
24,375 students Multiple Campuses $3.2k - $8.5k/yr

About Universiti Sains Malaysia

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a public research university established in 1969, making it the second oldest university in Malaysia. Recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and sustainability, USM holds the prestigious Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) status from the Malaysian government. USM aims to provide a comprehensive and diverse educational experience, empowering students with the knowledge and skills to excel in a globalized world.

Academics


USM employs a multidisciplinary approach to education, offering a wide array of programs across Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Building Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education. The university operates on a School system rather than traditional faculties, encouraging students to explore diverse areas of study. Notable programs include those in Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Education and Training, Architecture and Built Environment, and Chemical Engineering, which are highly ranked globally.

International Students


USM welcomes students from over 80 nationalities, fostering a global academic environment with a rich blend of cultures and perspectives. The university's International Office (IO) serves as a key platform for international students, offering support and a variety of mobility programs. While specific diversity statistics are not readily available, USM aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. On-campus accommodation is available, providing a comfortable and safe living environment.

Campus & Location


USM's main campus, often referred to as "The University in a Garden," is located in Minden, Penang, spanning 416.6 hectares with lush, natural surroundings. Penang itself offers a vibrant city life. The campus provides numerous facilities including libraries, medical centers, sports complexes, and an art center, along with shuttle services and free wireless internet. USM also has health and engineering campuses, and a postgraduate studies campus in Kuala Lumpur.

Career Outcomes


USM emphasizes preparing students for success in an interconnected world. The university has a reported graduate employability rate of 90% six months after graduation. USM's Division of Industry & Community Network actively promotes knowledge and skill transfer programs and collaborates with industries to address community needs and achieve sustainable development goals. The university also offers career services, including career talks and opportunities to explore job openings with various companies.

Highlights

  • Second oldest Malaysian university
  • APEX status research institution
  • Multidisciplinary academic programs
  • "University in a Garden" campus
  • Diverse international student body
  • Highly ranked specific programs

Subject Areas

ScienceEngineeringPharmacyArts

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

Universiti Sains Malaysia photo 1Universiti Sains Malaysia photo 2Universiti Sains Malaysia photo 3Universiti Sains Malaysia photo 4Universiti Sains Malaysia photo 5Universiti Sains Malaysia photo 6Universiti Sains Malaysia photo 7Universiti Sains Malaysia photo 8Universiti Sains Malaysia photo 9

Programs Offered at Universiti Sains Malaysia (27)

Offers programs in:

Business & Management Computer Science Engineering Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry

Bachelor Programs (9)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
bachelor in biologybachelor in biology in malaysiastudy biology in malaysiabachelors biology in malaysiabiologist degree
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineering

STEM

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering
babachelorbbabsbsc
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
bachelorbsccomputerhonoursmalaysia
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

STEM

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering
electrical and electronic engineering programelectrical and electronic engineering in penangelectrical and electronic engineering degreestudy electrical and electronic engineering in malaysiabachelor of electrical and electronic engineering
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Language and Literature

English Language and Literature

English Language and Literature
English Language and Literature programstudy English Language and Literaturebachelor in English Language and Literatureundergraduate English Language and Literaturebachelor of English Language and Literature
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Management (Honours)

Management

Management
babachelorbachelor's degreebsbsc
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mathematics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
bachelor of mathematicsundergraduate mathematicsmathematicsapplied math programstudy mathematics in malaysia
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

STEM

Pharmacy

Pharmacy
babachelorbachelor's degreebsbsc
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
bachelor of physicsphysics programphysics degreeundergraduate physics programbachelor of science physics
48 months English Full-time

Master Programs (9)

Master of Science in Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
biologygraduatelife sciencesmalaysiamaster
24 months English Full-time

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Business Administration

Business Administration
master in business administrationmaster business administrationmasters in business administrationmasters business administrationmsc in business administration
24 months English Full-time

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

STEM

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering
ChemicalChemical EngineeringEngineeringMAMS
24 months English Full-time

Master of Science in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computer science at Universiti Sains Malaysiacomputer sciencemaster computer sciencecomputer science degreemaster in computer science
24 months English Full-time

Master of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

STEM

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Electrical Engineering
circuitselectricalelectrical and electronic engineeringelectronicsengineering
24 months English Full-time

Master of Arts in English Language Studies

English Language Studies

English Language Studies
masters in english language studiesmasters english language studiesmaster english language studies malaysiastudy english language studies in malaysiainternational master english language studies
24 months English Full-time

Master of Science in Mathematics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
graduatemalaysiamastermathematicsmba
24 months English Full-time

Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Technology

STEM

Pharmaceutical Technology

Pharmaceutical Technology
MAMScMalaysiaPharmaceuticalUniversiti Sains Malaysia
24 months English Full-time

Master of Science in Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
graduatemamalaysiamastermba
24 months English Full-time

PhD Programs (9)

PhD in Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
bs biologybiology phdphd in biologybiology degreeenglish phd biology
36 months English Full-time

PhD in Chemical Engineering

STEM

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering
phdchemicalengineeringmalaysia
36 months English Full-time

PhD in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computer science program englishdoctorate in computer sciencedoctoral program in computer scienceinternational computer science programstudy computer science in penang
36 months English Full-time

PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

STEM

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering
phd in electrical and electronic engineeringphd of electrical and electronic engineeringstudy electrical and electronic engineering in malaysiaelectrical and electronic engineering program in penangelectrical and electronic engineering phd malaysia
36 months English Full-time

PhD in English Language Studies

English Language Studies

English Language Studies
doctoraldoctorateenglishlanguagemalaysia
36 months English Full-time

PhD in Management

Management

Management
PhD in ManagementManagement PhD degreestudy Management in MalaysiaManagement phd program MalaysiaManagement in Penang
36 months English Full-time

PhD in Mathematics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
Mathematics PhD programstudy mathematicsMathematics program abroadPhD programdoctoral degree
36 months English Full-time

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

STEM

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmaceutical Sciences
pharmaceutical sciences program in malaysiastudy pharmaceutical sciences in malaysiaphd pharmaceutical sciencesdoctorate pharmaceutical sciencesPhD abroad
36 months English Full-time

PhD in Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
phd in physicsphysics phd programstudy physics in malaysiaphd physics malaysiaphysics program in penang
36 months English Full-time

Universiti Sains Malaysia Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

5+ IELTS
40+ TOEFL
2.75+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline July 15, 2025 (Semester I); January 15, 2026 (Semester II)
Tuition (per year) $3.2k - $8.5k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$30
Teaching Language Malay, English, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Spanish, Tamil, Russian, Thai

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Frequently Asked Questions About Universiti Sains Malaysia

Common questions from international students considering Universiti Sains Malaysia.

What is the acceptance rate at Universiti Sains Malaysia?

Universiti Sains Malaysia is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Universiti Sains Malaysia cost for international students?

Tuition at Universiti Sains Malaysia ranges from $3.2k - $8.5k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $30/month), books, and living expenses.

What is Universiti Sains Malaysia ranked globally?

Universiti Sains Malaysia holds the following rankings: QS World #134, Times Higher Education #401, ARWU #701, #4 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 Universiti Sains Malaysia have?

Universiti Sains Malaysia typically requires IELTS 5+ or TOEFL 40+ 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 Universiti Sains Malaysia?

Yes, Universiti Sains Malaysia 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 Universiti Sains Malaysia start its semesters?

Universiti Sains Malaysia 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 Universiti Sains Malaysia offer?

Universiti Sains Malaysia offers 27+ 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 Universiti Sains Malaysia located?

Universiti Sains Malaysia is located in Penang, Malaysia 🇲🇾. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

How do I apply to Universiti Sains Malaysia?

For specific details about Universiti Sains Malaysia, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does Universiti Sains Malaysia offer?

For specific details about Universiti Sains Malaysia, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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