The University of Malaya (UM), established in 1905, is Malaysia’s oldest and top-ranked university, located in Kuala Lumpur. Universiti Malaya is dedicated to providing high-quality teaching, research, and services globally, while continuously improving to benefit all stakeholders, especially its students. With competitive tuition fees and low living costs, University of Malaya (UM) is an excellent choice for international students seeking quality education at a reasonable price.
Renowned for its academic excellence and research contributions, University of Malaya (UM) offers diverse programs across various fields, including engineering, medicine, law, and social sciences. With a strong international presence and cutting-edge facilities, UM provides a dynamic learning environment for students seeking quality education in a globalized setting.
University of Malaya (UM): Summary
- Established: 1905, Malaysia’s oldest and most prestigious university.
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Ranking:
- 65th globally (QS World University Rankings 2024).
- No. 1 in Malaysia consistently.
- Available Programs:
- Undergraduate: Engineering, Medicine, Law, Business, Arts, Sciences.
- Postgraduate: Data Science, Public Health, Biotechnology, and more.
- Research Areas: Renewable Energy, Nanotechnology, Cultural Studies.
- Program Duration:
- Bachelor’s: 3–4 years.
- Master’s: 1–2 years.
- PhD: 3–5 years.
- Application Time: March and October (varies by intake).
Study Areas
Faculties
- BUILT ENVIRONMENT
- LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS
- PHARMACY
- ENGINEERING
- EDUCATION
- DENTISTRY
- BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
- MEDICINE
- SCIENCE
- COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
- ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
- CREATIVE ARTS
- LAW
- SPORT & EXERCISE SCIENCES
The University of Malaya (UM) offers a diverse range of academic programs across various disciplines:
Undergraduate Programs
- Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.)
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Business and Accounting
- Law
- Computer Science and IT
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology, etc.)
- Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Postgraduate Programs
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Public Health
- Environmental Management
- Advanced Materials Science
- Education
- Linguistics and Language Studies
- Biotechnology
Research Areas (PhD)
- Renewable Energy
- Nanotechnology
- Cultural and Heritage Studies
- Biomedical Sciences
- Urban Development
University of Malaya (UM) Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s:
To Know Entry Requirements by Faculty, Visit
- High School or Equivalent
- English:
- IELTS: At least a band 6
- TOEFL 550 (paper-based).
- TOEFL 213 (computer-based).
- TOEFL 80 (internet-based).
Master’s:
- A Bachelor’s Degree (Hons.) or its equivalent in the related field
- Preference will be given to applicants having a Bachelor’s Degree with CGPA 3.0 and above or its equivalent
- Applicants having a Bachelor’s Degree with CGPA of 3.7 and above can apply directly for the Doctoral of Philosophy (PhD).
- English:
- IELTS 7.0 or
- TOEFL 600 (paper-based).
PhD:
- A Master’s Degree or its equivalent in the related field*
- Applicants having a Bachelor’s Degree with CGPA of 3.7 and above can apply directly for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- English:
- IELTS 6.5–7.0 or
- TOEFL 620 (paper-based).
- Some programs may require GRE/GMAT scores.
Required Documents to Apply
- Completed application form.
- Photo (Passport Size With Blue Background)
- Passport (First Page)
- Education Background (*Certificate and Academic Transcript)
- Working Experience Document – if any
- TOEFL / IELTS Certificate – if any
- Financial Support – if any
- Reference (Application for Research Only)
- Research Intent (Application for Research Only)
PAYMENT OF PROCESSING FEE:- International applicants, USD60
- Processing fee for International applicants should be paid using Bank Transfer/ Internet Banking or Telegraph
- Transfer made payable to:
- Payee : BURSAR, UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA
- Account No. : 8001279998
- Bank Information : CIMB Bank Berhad
- University of Malaya
- 50603 Kuala Lumpur
- Swift Code : CIBBMYKL
- Any enquiries, please contact:
- Telephone : 603-7967 4407 /4404 /4659 / 4528
- Fax : 603-7956 6634
- Email : eapps_ips@um.edu.my
Tuition Fees for International Students at University of Malaya (UM)
Tuition fees vary depending on the program and level of study:
Undergraduate Programs
- Humanities and Social Sciences: USD 3,000–4,500 per year
- Engineering and Science: USD 4,000–6,000 per year
- Medicine and Dentistry: USD 10,000–15,000 per year
Postgraduate Programs
- Master’s (Coursework): USD 4,000–8,000 per year
- Master’s (Research): USD 3,500–7,000 per year
- PhD: USD 5,000–9,000 per year
Visit for International Undergraduate
Visit for International Postgraduate
Living Expenses
Living in Kuala Lumpur is relatively affordable for international students. Monthly expenses typically range from USD 400–700, including:
- Accommodation: USD 150–300 (on-campus or shared apartments)
- Food: USD 100–200 (depending on dining habits)
- Transportation: USD 30–50 (public transport or ride-hailing services)
- Miscellaneous: USD 50–150 (utilities, entertainment, etc.)
Estimated Annual Living Cost
USD 4,800–8,400 per year, depending on lifestyle choices and accommodation type.
These costs make the University of Malaya an attractive option for high-quality education at a reasonable price.
Why Choose University of Malaya (UM)
UM is renowned for its high-quality education, research opportunities, and diverse cultural environment. Its strategic location in Kuala Lumpur offers students access to internships, networking, and vibrant city life.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Start your application early to ensure all documents are prepared.
- Research available scholarships to ease financial burdens.
- Familiarize yourself with Malaysia’s culture and climate for a smoother transition.
Available Scholarships for Interested Students
- UM Bright Sparks Scholarship.
- Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS).
- UM Excellence Awards.
- External funding from organizations like ASEAN or Commonwealth scholarships.
FAQs about the University of Malaya
- What is the application fee for UM?
- The application fee is approximately USD 50–100, depending on the program.
- Are there on-campus accommodations?
- Yes, UM provides affordable on-campus housing for international students.
- Does UM offer part-time work opportunities for students?
- International students can work part-time (20 hours/week) during semesters.
- What is the medium of instruction at UM?
- Most programs are taught in English, with some offered in Malay.