Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Malaysia might already be on your list if you're considering studying abroad. The country highly prioritizes education and offers a wide range of educational options. Its public universities have international reputations, and most are among the top ones. They also have pretty affordable tuition fees.
Over the years, Malaysia has become a popular regional and global study hub. In this article, we’ll highlight the top public universities in Malaysia and discuss all the other universities and their information. Let’s begin!
Public universities in Malaysia have a very old and rich history. The first university, the University of Malaya, was established in 1949. The number of public universities has increased. According to MoHE, there are currently 20 public universities across Malaysia.
All public universities in Malaysia receive great support from the government. By providing funding and establishing policies, the government ensures that higher education remains accessible. These universities have contributed immensely to the country’s growth and offer affordable education to Malaysians and international students alike.
Several aspects matter when ranking the universities. Here’s what’s mostly considered:
First and one of the most important things to consider is the academic excellence of the universities. This includes the quality of teaching, research output, and overall student performance. Universities with high academic standards usually rank well.
Another key factor is the campus’s infrastructure. From modern libraries to well-equipped laboratories and residences, everything counts here. Almost all Malaysian public universities offer great facilities to their students.
Support services also matter in ensuring that students have a positive experience. Services like scholarships, financial aid, and career counseling are some criteria to consider in this case.
A university’s reputation is important when choosing where to study. National and international rankings can give you an idea of how a university is viewed. Accredited universities are mostly recognized for maintaining a high standard of education.
Here are the top 10 public universities in Malaysia. We’ve shared overviews of each university along with additional information.
The University of Malaya is the best public university in Malaysia. It is often called UM and is Malaysia’s oldest university. It was started in Kuala Lumpur and is still one of the top universities in the country. UM is also highly respected across Southeast Asia. It is regularly ranked as the best university in Malaysia and one of the top three in the region.
Globally, UM is doing great, too. It ranks 60th in the world in the QS World University Rankings for 2025. Many students choose UM for its wide range of programs and strong reputation. The university has a large, beautiful campus in the lively city of Kuala Lumpur. This gives students access to both great education and city life.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: RM 45,500-RM 133,000
Undergraduate Duration: 3-4 years (6-8 semesters)
Postgraduate Duration: 1.5-2 years
Established: 1949
Total Programs: 80 undergraduate and 180 postgraduate programs
Total Students: 17,222
Total Faculty: 2,524
Location: Kuala Lumpur.
Universiti Sains Malaysia, or USM, is the second-top university in the country. It started in 1969. In fact, it’s the oldest university in Northern Malaysia and the second-oldest in the country. USM is well known for its focus on science and research.
Their main campus area, in Penang, was once a British army base called Minden Barracks. USM has other campuses, too. One is the Health Campus in Kelantan, and another is the Engineering Campus in Penang.
USM is also proud of its medical program. With so many campuses and programs, USM is a great place for students to learn and grow.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: 3,437-6,250 USD per year
Undergraduate Duration: 3-4 years
Postgraduate Duration: 3-4 years
Established: 1969
Total Programs: 85+ Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs
Total Students: 34,674
Total Faculty: 1,838
Location: Penang
Here is another of the best public universities in Malaysia. Universiti Putra Malaysia, or UPM, is Malaysia’s other top university. It started as a school focused on agriculture but has grown into much more. UPM is still famous for its strong agricultural programs, including food crops, veterinary medicine, and forestry.
UPM is located in Serdang, close to Kuala Lumpur. This gives students easy access to the capital city while enjoying a quieter campus life. The university’s mission is to be a top centre for learning and research.
UPM is not just known for agriculture. It has many other programs, including science, engineering, and business. It consistently ranks well among universities in the region.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: USD 11,904- 16,664
Undergraduate Duration: 3.5-4 years
Postgraduate Duration: 1 year - 3 years
Established: 1931
Total Programs: 460 Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs
Total Students: 18,007
Total Faculty: 2,217
Location: Selangor
Founded in 1970, the National University of Malaysia is another public University in the country. It’s know as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Located in Bangi, a town just south of Kuala Lumpur, UKM is one of the leading research universities in Malaysia.
UKM has some strong faculties in social sciences, education, and health sciences. It is also well-known for its environmental research. Its location provides students with a peaceful study environment while still being close to the capital.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: 61600 (8 Semesters)
Undergraduate Duration: 4 Years
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years
Established: 1970
Total Programs: 70
Total Students: 17,701
Total Faculty: 2,503
Location: Selangor
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is another top choice for students. Located in Johor Bahru, UTM has grown significantly since its establishment in 1904. It’s near the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula.
UTM is highly regarded for its innovative programs, especially in civil engineering, architecture, and information technology. It also has a strong international presence, attracting students from around the world.
UTM students benefit from a focused, research-based environment. It’s a great place for students who want to focus on technology and innovation.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: RM51,620- RM76,000
Undergraduate Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Postgraduate Duration: 1–3 years for Master’s and 3–6 years for PhD. Programmes.
Established: 1972
Total Programs: 50 Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs
Total Students: 20,000+
Total Faculty: 1,9431,943
Location: Johor Bahru
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), also known as the “University of Management,” was founded in 1984 in the state of Kedah. It focused on business, economics, and management and has since developed into a key player in those fields.
UUM’s campus is surrounded by greenery. It offers a serene study environment. Its business and finance programs are particularly popular. The university also emphasizes leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
Although located in a quieter region, UUM provides students with a complete campus experience. It’s a perfect fit for students looking to build strong management and business foundations.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: RM29,400-40,000
Undergraduate Duration: 4 years
Postgraduate Duration: 3-4 years
Established: 1984
Total Programs:
Total Students: 32,819
Total Faculty: 1,242
Location: Kedah
Another top university in Malaysia is Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). It’s Malaysia’s largest institution of higher education. Established in 1956, it has campuses all across the country, with its main campus in Shah Alam.
UiTM offers a wide range of programs but is particularly known for its law, business, and art and design courses. The proximity to Malaysia’s capital gives students many academic and cultural opportunities.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: USD 3,000 – USD 13,000
Undergraduate Duration: 4 years
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years
Established: 1956
Total Programs: 518 academic programmes
Total Students: 175,910
Total Faculty: 4,490
Location: Shah Alam, Selangor.
The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) was founded in 1983 to integrate Islamic values into education. Located in Gombak, near Kuala Lumpur, it’s known for its beautiful campus, surrounded by nature.
IIUM offers many programs but is particularly well-known for its law, engineering, and Islamic studies faculties. Students at IIUM enjoy a rich cultural and academic experience, with Kuala Lumpur just a short drive away. Their peaceful campus environment, combined with its international community.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: RM 7,500-50,000
Undergraduate Duration: 4 years
Postgraduate Duration: 3-6 years
Established: 1983
Total Programs: 63 Undergraduate and 108Postgraduate programs
Total Students: 26,266
Total Faculty: 1,904
Location: Gombak, Selangor.
Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) is a relatively young university in Malaysia. But it has made it to the top list nationally. The university was established in 2002. It’s in Pahang, a state known for its natural beauty and outdoors. UMP focuses heavily on engineering and technology.
The university’s close ties to industry make it a great place for students who want practical, hands-on learning. Though located in a more rural area, UMP offers students a quiet, focused study environment.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: RM 41,566-49,880
Undergraduate Duration: 4 years
Postgraduate Duration: 3-5 years
Established: 2002
Total Programs: 18 undergraduate and 24 postgraduate programs.
Total Students: 8,154
Total Faculty: 624
Location: Pahang
Sultan Idris Education University, or UPSI, is one of Malaysia’s oldest universities. It started as a teachers’ college in 1922 and became a full university in 1997. Located in Tanjung Malim, about 70 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, UPSI offers a peaceful place to study while still being close to the capital.
UPSI is well-known for its focus on education and teacher training. Their main campus is Tanjung Malim, and the second is the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus in Proton City. The university has nine faculties covering languages, music, science, and sports.
The beautiful surroundings of Tanjung Malim include places like the Strata Waterfalls.
Key Departments:
Tuition Fee: 1,185-7,500 USD per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 4 years
Postgraduate Duration: 1.5-3 years
Established: 1922
Total Programs: 19
Total Students: 8,142
Total Faculty: 774
Location: Tanjung Malim, Perak
Here's a table of 20 public universities in Malaysia, including their names, locations, established years, and websites:
|
University Name |
Location |
Established Year |
Website |
|
University of Malaya (UM) |
Kuala Lumpur |
1962 |
|
|
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) |
Penang |
1969 |
|
|
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) |
Serdang, Selangor |
1931 |
|
|
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) |
Bangi, Selangor |
1970 |
www.ukm.my |
|
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) |
Skudai, Johor |
1995 |
www.utm.my |
|
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) |
Kota Samarahan, Sarawak |
1992 |
www.unimas.my |
|
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) |
Perlis |
2001 |
www.unimap.edu.my |
|
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) |
Kuala Terengganu |
1970 |
www.unisza.edu.my |
|
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) |
Kuala Nerus, Terengganu |
1999 |
www.umt.edu.my |
|
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) |
Tanjung Malim, Perak |
1922 |
www.upsi.edu.my |
|
Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (IIUM) |
Gombak, Kuala Lumpur |
1983 |
www.iium.edu.my |
|
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) |
Melaka |
2000 |
www.utem.edu.my |
|
Universiti Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) |
Tanjung Malim, Perak |
1922 |
www.upsi.edu.my |
|
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) |
Kuala Lumpur |
1995 |
www.upnm.edu.my |
|
Universiti Pahlawan (UPM) |
Universiti Pahlawan |
1995 |
www.upm.edu.my |
|
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) |
Kota Bharu, Kelantan |
2006 |
www.umk.edu.my |
|
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) |
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah |
1994 |
www.ums.edu.my |
|
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) |
Batu Pahat, Johor |
1993 |
www.uthm.edu.my |
|
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) |
Nilai, Negeri Sembilan |
1997 |
www.usim.edu.my |
|
Universiti Malaysia Science and Technology (UMST) |
Kuala Lumpur |
2011 |
www.must.edu.my/ |
When looking at universities in Malaysia, there are some differences between public and private ones. For example,
Public universities get money from the government. This helps keep their fees low. You might pay about $2,000 to $4,000 a year. Private universities are more expensive, costing between $6,000 and $11,000 a year. But, private schools often have scholarships to help with costs.
Public universities offer many different programs, like engineering and arts. They are known for good quality education. Private universities focus on specific areas, like business or IT, and often have smaller classes. This can mean more personal attention for students.
Public universities usually have larger campuses with many facilities, like gyms and big libraries. They can host many students. Private universities are smaller but often have newer and nicer facilities. If you like modern buildings, you might prefer a private school.
Applying to public universities in Malaysia is easy but requires some planning, especially for international students. Malaysia’s public universities use the Unit Pengambilan Universiti (UPU) platform, which allows you to apply to multiple programs across institutions. Applicants usually need a high school diploma or its equivalent for undergraduate programs. International students may need to take English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Postgraduate programs (Masters or Ph.D) require a bachelor’s degree in relevant subjects.
The process involves submitting an online application through UPU and consolidating applications from multiple universities. Key steps are to confirm course prerequisites, prepare documents, and pay application fees. International students also need to apply for a student visa upon acceptance.
After applying, check the university’s portal for application tracking and further instructions on enrolling. Malaysia offers financial aid scholarships for students who are eligible through government or university programs.
Public universities in Malaysia offer high-quality education at affordable costs. With its strong academic programs, Malaysia’s universities have been attracting students from all over the world. So, if you’re thinking about studying in Malaysia, explore your options and apply early!
November 13 2024
October 30 2024
October 28 2024
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