Do you intend to pursue higher education in Malaysia? Communication can be a concern when studying abroad, but many Malaysian universities offer programs taught partly or fully in English. To enroll in an English-track program, international students may need to prove their English language proficiency through an accepted test or another approved qualification. One commonly accepted test is IELTS. In this article, we cover seven Malaysian universities that accept IELTS and summarize their current requirements.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in Malaysia
| INSTITUTION NAME | MIN. SCORE (UNDERGRADUATE) | MIN. SCORE (GRADUATE) |
|---|
| Universiti Utara Malaysia | Varies by program | 5.5 with a required English enhancement course; 6.0 without the course |
| Multimedia University | 5.0–6.0, depending on the program | 5.0–6.0, depending on the program |
| Universiti Malaya | Program-specific; for example, 6.0 for Geography and 7.0 for English Language and Linguistics | Program-specific; for example, 6.0 for the Master of Arts in Visual Arts |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | 5.5; 6.5 for TESL | 6.0; 7.0 for TESL |
| Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS | 5.0; 5.5 for Business Management | 5.0–6.0, depending on the field |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia | Program-specific; 5.5–6.0 in current School of Business and Economics materials | 6.0 for a full offer; 5.5 may qualify for a provisional offer |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia | 5.0; some programs may require a higher score | 5.0; the required score may vary by program |
1. Northern University of Malaysia
Universiti Utara Malaysia, commonly known as UUM, is a public university with a particular focus on management education.
UUM does not publish a single university-wide IELTS minimum for international undergraduate applicants on its general admissions page. Instead, the English requirement is determined by the academic program. For graduate applicants, an IELTS score of 5.5 is accepted with the requirement to complete the SCLE4186 Academic English Language Enhancement for Postgraduates course. Applicants with an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher are not required to take the enhancement course.
2. Multimedia University
Multimedia University is a private university whose history is closely connected to Malaysia’s telecommunications and information technology sectors. It offers programs in areas such as engineering, computing, creative multimedia, communication, law, and business.
MMU does not use a single IELTS minimum for every degree. Current bachelor’s degree requirements range from 5.0 to 6.0, while graduate requirements also range from 5.0 to 6.0, depending on the program. Meeting the English requirement is only one part of the admissions process and does not guarantee admission, a scholarship, or other funding.
3. University of Malaya
Situated in Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Malaya is Malaysia’s oldest university.
Universiti Malaya’s English requirements vary by program and applicant category. Current international entry requirements list an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 for the Bachelor of Geography and 7.0 for the Bachelor of English Language and Linguistics. Graduate requirements are also program-specific; for example, the Master of Arts in Visual Arts requires IELTS Academic 6.0. Applicants should therefore consult the admissions page for their intended program rather than relying on a university-wide minimum.
4. University of Technology Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, or UTM, is one of Malaysia’s top engineering and technology universities. Its academic focus includes engineering, science, and technology.
For undergraduate admission, UTM requires an IELTS score of at least 5.5 for programs other than Teaching English as a Second Language, or TESL. The undergraduate TESL program requires 6.5. Graduate applicants generally need IELTS 6.0 to enroll directly in their faculty, while the graduate TESL program requires 7.0. Applicants with lower scores may be required to complete an approved English preparation program.
5. Petronas Technology University
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS offers programs in engineering and science, technology, computer science, and business management.
International undergraduate applicants need an IELTS score of at least 5.0 for programs in engineering and science, technology, and computer science. Business Management requires a minimum score of 5.5. At the graduate level, engineering programs require IELTS 5.0, while science, management, social sciences and humanities, information technology, and information systems programs generally require 6.0. The university also lists limited exemptions for applicants with qualifying English-medium educational backgrounds.
6. University of Putra Malaysia
At Universiti Putra Malaysia, a public university, English-language requirements differ by program and level of study.
Current international admission materials from UPM’s School of Business and Economics list IELTS 5.5 for the Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Business Administration and IELTS 6.0 for the Bachelor of Accounting. Graduate applicants generally need IELTS 6.0 for a full offer. An IELTS score of 5.5 may result in a provisional offer that requires the applicant to submit a qualifying new score or complete the specified English program. A score of 5.0 is listed only for certain programs conducted in Malay, Arabic, or Chinese, or programs that allow the thesis to be written in the relevant language, subject to UPM’s stated conditions.
7. University of Science, Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia is a leading research university in Malaysia that offers programs in fields including arts, science, engineering, health sciences, medicine, and dentistry.
International undergraduate applicants can satisfy USM’s general English-language requirement with an IELTS or IELTS Online score of at least 5.0. The general graduate requirement also lists IELTS 5.0, but USM advises applicants that the required minimum may vary by program. Applicants should confirm the requirement on their specific program page.
Students planning to study abroad often focus on traditional study destinations, but Malaysia is another option worth considering. Costs differ by institution and program, so applicants should compare current tuition and living expenses before applying. Malaysia offers a range of higher education options, including comparatively affordable universities and English-track programs for international students.
Hopefully, this article will serve as your guide when searching for a university in Malaysia that accepts IELTS. Get the latest updates about studying abroad by visiting the Study in Malaysia and Available Programs for International Students!
