Malaysia has a strong higher education profile in Southeast Asia. Several Malaysian universities are ranked internationally, and the country’s institutions maintain academic and research partnerships with top-ranking schools in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Asian countries.
Moreover, the country offers a diverse, multicultural community, which can enrich student life for international students. On top of that, studying in Malaysia is generally more affordable than in many other major study destinations. In this guide, we walk you through some of the best English-taught universities in Malaysia.
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in Malaysia
1. University of Malaya
The University of Malaya, commonly known as Universiti Malaya or UM, is a top-ranking public research institution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Its roots trace back to 1905, when its predecessor, King Edward VII College of Medicine, was established. In 1949, the medical college merged with Raffles College to form Universiti Malaya, Malaysia’s oldest university.
The university grew quickly in its first decade, leading to two autonomous divisions in 1959, one in Singapore and one in Kuala Lumpur. After legislation was passed in 1961, the present Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur was established on January 1, 1962.
UM is considered one of the best English-taught universities in Malaysia. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, UM is ranked 56th in the world, and QS also lists it 15th in the Asian University Rankings.
UM is also a strong choice for students looking for English-medium study. The university states that it conducts all academic programs in English unless otherwise specified, although some programs at the Academy of Islamic Studies, Academy of Malay Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Languages and Linguistics are taught in other languages, including Malay, Arabic, and several foreign languages.
2. Universiti Putra Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia is one of the top English-taught universities in Malaysia. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, UPM is ranked 138th globally and 22nd in the QS Asian University Rankings. Initially established with a primary focus on agriculture, the school now offers a wide range of research and academic programs in fields such as agriculture, medicine, engineering, information technology, and social sciences.
Although UPM became a full-fledged university in 1971, its roots trace back to 1931, when the School of Agriculture Malaya was established in Serdang, Selangor. The institution later expanded beyond agriculture into science, technology, and engineering, and it was renamed Universiti Putra Malaysia in 1997.
UPM has developed a strong international profile through research, academic programs, and partnerships. It is also known for doctoral collaboration with UK institutions, including a jointly awarded Ph.D. program with the University of Sheffield and a dual Ph.D. degree program with the University of Nottingham.
For students interested in English-focused study, UPM’s Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication includes a Department of English Language, which offers courses in English language and English literature, along with related postgraduate programs.
3. Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia is a renowned research-intensive institution in Malaysia. Its name means the University of Science, Malaysia. USM is the second oldest university in the country and is recognized as Malaysia’s only APEX University, a special status granted by the Ministry of Higher Education. It is also one of the largest universities in the country, with enrollment exceeding 34,000 students.
The university offers programs in natural sciences, applied sciences, medical and health sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, building sciences and technology, social sciences, humanities, and education. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, USM is ranked 128th globally and is listed as Malaysia’s second-highest-ranked university after UM.
USM offers English-medium programs, but the language of instruction varies by program. For example, the Bachelor of Arts in English for Professionals is listed with English as the medium of instruction, while some other programs, such as the Bachelor of Social Work, are listed with Malay as the medium of instruction. Students should check the latest program page before applying.
4. University of Nottingham – Malaysia
Another of the best English-taught universities in Malaysia is the University of Nottingham – Malaysia, an overseas branch campus of the UK’s prestigious University of Nottingham. The University of Nottingham is ranked 97th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and its Malaysia campus offers students a UK degree experience in Malaysia.
Established in 2000, the University of Nottingham Malaysia became the first campus of a British university in Malaysia and one of the first of its kind anywhere in the world. This earned the University of Nottingham the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2001 and the Queen’s Award for Industry (International Trade) in 2006. The Malaysia campus moved to its purpose-built Semenyih campus in 2005.
In addition, the University of Nottingham Malaysia has held Tier 5 “Excellent” status in SETARA and a 5-star rating in the Malaysian Research Assessment (MyRA). The university states that it confers the same degrees as those in the UK, and all courses at the Malaysia campus are taught in English.
5. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, also known as the National University of Malaysia, is one of the country’s major public research universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, UKM is ranked 130th globally and 24th in the QS Asian University Rankings. UKM states that its research contributes to economic and social development through intellectual discovery, innovation, dissemination, and application of knowledge.
Moreover, the institution has academic partnerships with higher education institutions in countries such as Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Mexico, Germany, and the United States. These partnerships support UKM’s international profile and provide students with opportunities such as summer programs abroad.
Students should note that UKM’s general undergraduate admissions page states that undergraduate courses currently use Bahasa Melayu as the medium of instruction. However, UKM also lists some English-taught options, including the Doctor of Dental Surgery program and selected postgraduate dentistry programs, which are fully taught in English.
When it comes to universities, Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s notable study destinations. Its diverse population and comparatively lower study costs can make it an attractive option for international students. The country also offers English-taught programs from its best institutions, including universities with academic links to institutions in the United Kingdom and other countries.
We hope you found this article on the best English-taught universities in Malaysia informative and helpful. Visit the Malaysia Page and the Available Programs for International Students to find out more about Malaysian universities and courses abroad!
