University of Malaya
Kuala Lumpur, 🇲🇾 Malaysia Public
#1 National #58 QS World
#1 National #58 QS World #251 THE #601 ARWU
36,444 students 18% international Urban $4k - $10k/yr
About University of Malaya
The University of Malaya (UM) is Malaysia's oldest and most prestigious higher education institution, established in 1905 as the King Edward VII College of Medicine and later becoming a university in 1949. Located in Kuala Lumpur, UM is a comprehensive research-focused university with a diverse student body from over 80 countries. It consistently ranks among the top universities in Asia and globally, recognized for its academic excellence and research impact.
UM offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 13 faculties, two academies, three centers, and two institutes, covering arts, sciences, engineering, and medicine. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, contributing significantly to national development in various fields. UM consistently ranks highly in subject areas such as Social Sciences & Management, Engineering & Technology, Arts & Humanities, Life Sciences & Medicine, and Natural Sciences, with Dentistry and Marketing making recent debuts in the top 100 globally. The teaching approach fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, with a focus on interdisciplinary research to address real-world issues.
The International Student Centre (ISC) provides comprehensive support services for international students, including 24-hour assistance upon arrival, help with visa-related queries, and information kits. UM has a diverse student community from over 80 countries, enriching the campus with multicultural and multinational perspectives. The university organizes programs like homestay experiences and cultural exchange clubs to facilitate cultural integration. International students can also join organizations such as the Universiti Malaya International Student Association (UMISA) and UM Global Buddies, which connect international students with local peers for various activities.
Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, UM's 812-acre campus offers a vibrant city life experience alongside its academic environment. The campus features modern infrastructure, including well-stocked libraries, advanced research laboratories, comfortable student hostels, and extensive sports facilities. A fully integrated public transportation network, including campus buses and connections to RapidKL buses and LRT/MRT stations, ensures easy access within and outside the campus. Nearby attractions and the dynamic urban setting provide ample opportunities for exploration and entertainment.
UM's Graduate Employability and Career Centre (GECC) provides extensive career development services, including career planning, resume polishing, and connecting students with potential employers. The university fosters strong industry connections through its Industry Liaison Office (UM ILO) and Centre of Industry Relations (UMCIR), facilitating knowledge transfer and technology commercialization. UM also promotes an entrepreneurial spirit and innovation through programs like the UM Deep Tech (UMDT) Accelerator, which supports deep tech startups from research to market-ready phases. These initiatives equip graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Academics
UM offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across 13 faculties, two academies, three centers, and two institutes, covering arts, sciences, engineering, and medicine. The university is renowned for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, contributing significantly to national development in various fields. UM consistently ranks highly in subject areas such as Social Sciences & Management, Engineering & Technology, Arts & Humanities, Life Sciences & Medicine, and Natural Sciences, with Dentistry and Marketing making recent debuts in the top 100 globally. The teaching approach fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, with a focus on interdisciplinary research to address real-world issues.
International Students
The International Student Centre (ISC) provides comprehensive support services for international students, including 24-hour assistance upon arrival, help with visa-related queries, and information kits. UM has a diverse student community from over 80 countries, enriching the campus with multicultural and multinational perspectives. The university organizes programs like homestay experiences and cultural exchange clubs to facilitate cultural integration. International students can also join organizations such as the Universiti Malaya International Student Association (UMISA) and UM Global Buddies, which connect international students with local peers for various activities.
Campus & Location
Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, UM's 812-acre campus offers a vibrant city life experience alongside its academic environment. The campus features modern infrastructure, including well-stocked libraries, advanced research laboratories, comfortable student hostels, and extensive sports facilities. A fully integrated public transportation network, including campus buses and connections to RapidKL buses and LRT/MRT stations, ensures easy access within and outside the campus. Nearby attractions and the dynamic urban setting provide ample opportunities for exploration and entertainment.
Career Outcomes
UM's Graduate Employability and Career Centre (GECC) provides extensive career development services, including career planning, resume polishing, and connecting students with potential employers. The university fosters strong industry connections through its Industry Liaison Office (UM ILO) and Centre of Industry Relations (UMCIR), facilitating knowledge transfer and technology commercialization. UM also promotes an entrepreneurial spirit and innovation through programs like the UM Deep Tech (UMDT) Accelerator, which supports deep tech startups from research to market-ready phases. These initiatives equip graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
Highlights
- Malaysia's oldest and most prestigious university
- Consistently ranked top in Asia
- Comprehensive research-focused institution
- Diverse international student community
- Strong academic and research impact
- Located in Kuala Lumpur
Subject Areas
EngineeringArts and HumanitiesSocial SciencesScience
Student Life & Support
Visa Support Campus Housing Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available
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Offers programs in:
Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Humanities Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences
Bachelor Programs (7)
Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering)
STEM
Computer Science
General Computer Science
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
STEM
Dentistry
Dentistry
60 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering)
STEM
Engineering
General Engineering
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Science
STEM
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Language and Linguistics
Humanities
General Humanities
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Actuarial Science
STEM
Mathematics
48 months English Full-time
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
STEM
Medicine
Medicine
60 months English Full-time
Master Programs (7)
Master of Architecture (MArch)
STEM
Architecture
Architecture
24 months English Full-time
Master of Arts (MA) in Southeast Asian Studies
Area Studies
Area Studies
24 months English Full-time
Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology
STEM
Biotechnology
Biology
24 months English Full-time
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Business Administration
Business Administration
24 months English Full-time
Master of Science (MSc) in Data Science
STEM
Data Science
Data Science & AI
24 months English Full-time
Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Management
Education
General Education
24 months English Full-time
Master of Public Health (MPH)
STEM
Public Health
Public Health
24 months English Full-time
PhD Programs (6)
PhD in Biomedical Engineering
STEM
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Chemistry
STEM
Chemistry
Chemistry
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Civil Engineering
STEM
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Electrical Engineering
STEM
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Law
Law
General Law
36 months English Full-time
PhD in Physics
STEM
Physics
Physics
36 months English Full-time
6.5+ IELTS
60+ TOEFL
3+ GPA
Acceptance Rate Selective (20-40%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline August 30, 2025 (October Intake)
Tuition (per year) $4k - $10k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$450
Application Fee $300
Teaching Language English, Malay, Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Tamil, Vietnamese, Filipino, Iban, Korean, Russian, Portuguese, Persian, Thai, Sign Language
Accreditation
Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi (Ministry of Higher Education)
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