Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country with a diverse cultural heritage, as seen in its people, religion, languages, and cuisine. The nation is regarded for its coastal landscapes and mountains and is just as famous for its commercial centers and skyscrapers. In recent years, it has also become a popular student destination.
The Malaysian diverse education system features various degree programs and courses. The country provides international students with many cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Moreover, scholarships and grants offered by Malaysia’s public and private universities allow many overseas learners to study in this nation. Because of these financial aids, higher education here is more accessible, and they can experience academic development in an engaging and culturally rich setting.
That’s why this article will list some of Malaysia’s top universities that international students can consider, so make sure to read the information carefully below.
Top Universities in Malaysia for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME |
TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
| University of Malaya |
Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, and Education |
| Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman |
Information Technology, Engineering, and Business Administration |
| National University of Malaysia |
Medicine, Law, and MBA |
| University of Putra Malaysia |
Agriculture, Forestry Science, and Biotechnology |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia |
Pharmacology, Chemistry, and English Language & Literature |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia |
Engineering, Informatics, and Built Environment & Surveying |
| Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Information Technology |
| Taylor’s University |
Architecture, Biomedical Science, and Business |
| Universiti Teknologi MARA |
Business Management, Computer Science, and Engineering |
| Universiti Tenaga Nasional |
Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology |
| Universiti Malaysia Perlis |
Engineering Technology, Business Innovation, and Technopreneurship |
| University of Malaysia Sarawak |
Applied and Creative Arts, Medicine, and Resource Biotechnology |
| Universiti Utara Malaysia |
MBA, Economics and Finance, and Entrepreneurship |
| Multimedia University |
Creative Multimedia, Computer Science, and Immersive Media Design |
| Management & Science University |
Business Computing, Biomedical Science, and Accounting & Finance |
1. University of Malaya
The University of Malaya is the oldest in Malaysia and one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. It was established in 1949 after the merger of two colleges. Today, UM is the best for international students. It is also organized into over 10 faculties and several academic institutes and centers. The institution offers teaching and research in almost all disciplines, from business to medicine to engineering.
The University of Malaya is located on a 920-hectare campus in Kuala Lumpur. The campus includes an Olympic-sized pool, the Rimba Ilmu Botanical Gardens, museums, over 60 research centers, and first-rate teaching facilities. Students at UM can study at the same school where three Malaysian prime ministers and several prominent national personalities have graduated.
2. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman is a non-profit university offering the most affordable higher education in Malaysia. Established just in 2002, it is a relatively young institution, but it has rapidly ranked in major international university rankings. One of Malaysia’s best higher education schools, UTAR is also one of the premier digital tech universities.
This means the institution has a proven track record of producing excellent graduates in tech-based professions through cutting-edge research and industry connections. This Malaysian institute has nine faculties, several institutes and centers, and over 300 university and industry partners. It offers business, science, communication technology, engineering, medicine, the arts, and more within its two Kampar and Sungai Long campuses.
3. National University of Malaysia
The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, or the National University of Malaysia, is a public university highly regarded in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Because of its quality research, UKM is one of the six appointed research universities in the country. It focuses on timely world issues, with crucial areas primarily related to energy, including earth science and biotechnology. These programs attract many postgraduate students locally and globally to this top institution.
Moreover, many learners can benefit from government-subsidized fees while pursuing multidisciplinary studies in many disciplines. These include social science, health sciences, engineering, pharmacy, medicine, economics, education, law, and Islamic studies. Moreover, UKM has many institutes and service centers that provide more expansive education to students.
4. University of Putra Malaysia
The University of Putra Malaysia is a leading research university, especially in agricultural sciences and its allied fields. It was first established as the School of Agriculture in 1931 and maintained its focus on the subject, now locally known as Universiti Putra Malaysia. Through the years, it has expanded into 16 faculties, including veterinary medicine, human ecology, food science, and biotechnology.
The university works with several affiliated institutes focusing on halal product research, tropical forestry, and more. In addition to the comprehensive set of disciplines UPM offers, over 7,000 international students can enjoy studying on the 1,000-hectare campus in Serdang and the branch campus in Bintulu, Borneo. These campuses house lecture halls, a football stadium, an 18-hole golf course, and college residences.
5. Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia, also known as the University of Science Malaysia, is one of the best universities for international students in Malaysia. It has comprehensive programs in technology, liberal arts, sciences, and health science and one of the largest enrollment rates among Malaysian schools. USM is also the only one in the country to receive government support to implement the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX).
This accreditation means it’s funded to raise the level of education to an international level. Moreover, USM is spread out over three campuses in Northern Malaysia, housing nearly 24,700 students. Many of these students stay at the university’s student village, where they can access guidance services, galleries and museums, sports facilities, and many more amenities.
6. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Established in 1904 as one of Malaysia’s oldest technical schools turned academic institutions, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is one of the best in technical-heavy industries. It produces the essential workforce needed by many public and private institutions in and out of the country. Many major university rankings place UTM in the country’s first spot for architectural and engineering programs.
This Malaysian university has 10 faculties offering local and international undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The 1,222-hectare vast main campus in Johor Bahru is between the well-developed Malay Peninsula and the economically prosperous Iskandar Development Region (IDR) area. Due to this, the prospects of studying here are preferred by international students.
7. Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Founded in 1997, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS is a relatively new school established by Malaysia’s national oil and gas company, Petronas. UTP is one of Malaysia’s top private institutions because of its excellent industry-relevant programs and extensive research activities.
Its current aim to produce quality professionals can be seen in its effort to use its partnered institutions to set up internships to help students transition into their preferred career opportunities. International students living in Malaysia can also enjoy its benefits through the University’s Student Development and Services program, which often supports immigration processing and social enrichment to better fit in with its culture.
8. Taylor’s University
A member of Taylor’s Education Group, Taylor’s University is a private university in Selangor, Malaysia. It was established in 1969 as a college and was granted university status in 2010. It soon became one of Malaysia’s best private higher education schools, boasting its top status given by QS World Rankings.
It’s all because this Malaysian institution has continuously provided quality service for its students and faculty, combining state-of-the-art facilities and diverse study options – then operated by competent teachers armed with a quality curriculum. Taylor’s University is a benchmark of excellence, and any aspiring student looking for competency, whether local or international, can find more than welcome on its grounds.
9. Universiti Teknologi MARA
Universiti Teknologi MARA is Malaysia’s most prominent public institution, encompassing all 13 Malaysian states. UiTM is also known for its high-quality education programs, supported by its consistent top ranking in the QS Rankings. It also continues to further its expansion in education, with a large variety of courses offered from pre-diploma to the Ph.D. level.
This top Malaysian university has also produced alums who held numerous positions of power in the country. It is also known to be one of the cheapest options for local and international students, paired with its affordability. However, undergraduate programs are exclusive to local students, and postgraduate programs are open for all to apply.
10. Universiti Tenaga Nasional
A prestigious private institution wholly owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Universiti Tenaga Nasional is an academic school determined to distinguish itself worldwide and be globally competitive by living up to its nickname as the Energy University. Its goals were manifested and had taken form by being one of the country’s top choices for engineering, computer science, and information technology programs.
With its extensive private library network, UNITEN’s students enjoy access to a wide array of information readily available due to the university’s efforts. The institution’s on-site amenities and infrastructure offer various activities: from its cozy dorm rooms to its giant sports arena, many will find its grounds very safe and accommodating for inquiring international students.
11. Universiti Malaysia Perlis
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Top-Rated Programs: Engineering Technology, Business Innovation, and Technopreneurship
Formerly known as Kolej Universiti Kejuruteraan Utara Malaysia (KUKUM), Universiti Malaysia Perlis, or UniMAP, started as a college but was turned into a full-fledged institution to help support Malaysia’s industrial blueprint plan, the Pelan Induk Perindustrian Negara. It is also renowned as one of the top-rated public schools and is distinguished as one of the country’s only four technical universities.
Its aim to become the leading technical school in Perlis and Malaysia is demonstrated by its proficiency in niche areas in engineering, technology, and science-related regions. All the while, it is cheaper to study than most universities. Due to its affordability and solid facilities, such as residential colleges and bus services, UniMAP is one of the local and international students’ most desired Malaysian institutions.
12. University of Malaysia Sarawak
The University of Malaysia Sarawak is a public institution that is community-driven and admits many international students. UNIMAS is most famous for its efficient utilization of research grants from organizations worldwide. Some notable examples are the development of a candidate vaccine for dengue through international collaboration and its research on producing environmentally friendly plastic through sago starch.
It primarily focuses on improving the quality of life of most organisms in Borneo. Its in-demand programs include applied and creative arts, cognitive sciences and human development, computer science and information technology, economics and business, medicine and health sciences, resource science and technology, and social sciences.
13. Universiti Utara Malaysia
A public institution in Sintok, Kedah, Universiti Utara Malaysia, is considered an aesthetic university since it is snuggled inside a tropical rainforest with its scenery dotted with rolling hills. UUM is famous nowadays for its sole focus on management education. It is one of the most prestigious schools in Malaysia and one of the cheapest to enroll in.
Furthermore, UUM is renowned for its infrastructure, which allows it to accommodate many students on the main campus. Its state-of-the-art facilities are equal to those of the world’s best campuses.
14. Multimedia University
Multimedia University, also known as Universiti Telekom, is Malaysia’s first private institution. MMU is well-known for being one of the top five universities preferred by significant ICT companies to acquire staffing. The institute is also praised for its collaborations on the global stage, partnering with companies like Nokia, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, and Motorola; its international exposure is a testament to its quality education.
Its campus in Cyberjaya, Malaysia’s equivalent to Silicon Valley, is ideal for international students because it is within Kuala Lumpur and easily accessible to private and public services such as transportation and shopping districts.
15. Management & Science University
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Top-Rated Programs: Business Computing, Biomedical Science, and Accounting & Finance
The Management & Science University is a non-profit, private institution in Selangor, Malaysia. MSU strongly emphasizes and promotes its dynamic cultural diversity within the campus grounds—an academic melting pot with students from almost 40 countries worldwide, making it very friendly and familiar for international students.
The university also aims to deliver quality education in academic excellence and soft skills to produce a balanced and well-rounded graduate by making different student resources readily accessible. Resources include career development, health services, counseling, and international student services.
FAQs: Studying in Malaysian Universities
Is Malaysia a Good Place for International Students to Study?
According to UNESCO, Malaysia is one of the most popular destinations worldwide for international students and among the highest in Asia. The Malaysian government has heavily invested in tertiary education in recent years. Various initiatives have led to first-rate facilities, cutting-edge research, and internationally recognized degree programs. The most sought-after courses by foreign learners include business, engineering, medicine, hospitality, mass communication, and art and design.
Tuition fees are very affordable, too, with a bachelor’s degree starting at $1,500 per year and $2,500 annually for a master’s degree. The official language in the country is Malay or Bahasa Malaysia, but English is spoken abundantly. Other languages like Cantonese, Mandarin, and Tamil are just as widely spoken. There is a little language barrier when studying and living in Malaysia, especially when students develop a good understanding of Malay in a few months.
Can International Students Work in Malaysia While Studying?
International students can work in Malaysia during their studies, albeit with some restrictions. They can work up to 20 hours a week, but only on semester breaks and holidays that span seven days. Standard job placements for students include working at restaurants, hotels, petrol kiosks, and mini-markets.
They cannot work as cashiers, singers, masseurs, musicians, or guest relations officers. Students can apply from the educational institution in which they are enrolled. A representative from their university will accompany them to the Immigration Department of Malaysia when applying.
Can International Students Stay in Malaysia After Graduation?
International graduates who wish to stay in Malaysia need a valid residency permit. One way to do this is to seek employment in the country’s many thriving industries. Graduates must first secure a job from a Malaysian employer, who will process the work permit. These “employment passes” are valid for two to five years. The path toward permanent residency can be found on Malaysia’s official immigration website.
Other foreign nationals can apply for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, which gives them a 10-year visa to stay in the country. However, this government initiative is for retirees and people who can finance themselves independently, so visa holders cannot work in the country.
Because of its many institutional options, pursuing a degree in Malaysia can provide international students with a rich and varied academic experience. There are several benefits to learning in this country, including the opportunity to learn English-focused programs, various scholarships, and lower costs of living and studying compared to other countries. That’s why many will find Malaysia an ideal destination for a well-rounded education, so consider the universities above if you’re interested!
We hope this article helped you in your search for the best university to enroll in Malaysia. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to explore the Malaysia Page and check out some of the Available Programs for International Students!
