Educads
See all destinations →
Countries Universities Courses Subjects Compare Study Abroad Rankings Scholarships Success Stories Guides
UM Universiti Malaya logo

Universiti Malaya

Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory · Public University · Est. 1949

QS World #60 Admissions open
Apply Compare
Type
Public University
Founded
1949
Students
22,000
International
5,000

UM: the applicant's brief

6 findings

  1. The short answer

    Universiti Malaya is a public research university in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and it suits students who want a large, established university in the country’s capital. It is a strong option if you want an institution with a sizable international student community and broad recognition.

  2. What you can study

    Universiti Malaya is a public research university. No subject areas or programme list is given here, so the current programme catalogue needs to be checked on the university website before applying.

  3. Getting in

    International applicants should apply through the university’s official admissions process and check the entry requirements, documents, and deadlines on the university website. Because programme-specific requirements can vary, confirm the exact admission criteria with the relevant faculty or admissions office before submitting an application.

  4. What it costs

    Tuition is listed at MYR 24,000 to MYR 32,500. Living costs in Kuala Lumpur will add to the overall budget, so check accommodation, food, transport, and other daily expenses separately before deciding.

  5. Coming from abroad

    The university has 5,000 international students, which suggests an established environment for students from abroad. The language of instruction is not stated, so confirm it before applying, along with visa steps, tuition payment terms, accommodation, and any programme-specific entry requirements.

  6. How it compares

    Among Malaysia’s 152 universities, Universiti Malaya stands out as a large public university in Kuala Lumpur with a recorded QS world rank of 60. That makes it one of the more visible options in the country, especially for students who want a major urban location and a substantial international student body.

Written from this university's catalogue entry and its cited encyclopedia summary. Figures are only shown where the institution or a cited source publishes them — always confirm fees and entry requirements with the university itself before applying.

Questions about UM

What type of university is Universiti Malaya?

It is a public university in Malaysia.

Where is Universiti Malaya located?

It is in Kuala Lumpur, in the Federal Territory of Malaysia.

How many international students does it have?

It has 5,000 international students.

What is the tuition range?

The tuition range is MYR 24,000 to MYR 32,500.

Overview

The University of Malaya is a public research university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is the oldest Malaysian institution of higher education, and was the only university in newly independent Malaya.

Ranking figures are indicative and provided for general guidance — always verify current positions with the official QS rankings and the university.

Programs at UM

81 programs across 3 study levels.

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's Degree Professional Accounting & Finance

Bachelor of Finance

Universiti Malaya

🎓

PhD / Doctorate

Master's Degree

Master's Degree Arts, Design & Architecture

Master of Arts

Universiti Malaya

🎓
Master's Degree Arts, Design & Architecture

Master of Dance

Universiti Malaya

🎓

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

MYR 24,000 – MYR 32,500/yr

Moderate tuition

Indicative living cost

—

Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.

Admission requirements

Recognised high-school qualification for undergraduate entry; a relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate entry.

English: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90 (varies by programme).

How to apply

  1. 1Check the entry requirements and intake dates for your chosen programme on the official university website.
  2. 2Confirm you meet the entry requirements: Recognised high-school qualification for undergraduate entry; a relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate entry..
  3. 3Apply directly through the university admission portal, or via its official application platform.
  4. 4Submit your transcripts and English-proficiency scores (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo English Test) and pay the application fee.
  5. 5On receiving your offer letter, accept it and begin your student-visa process for Malaysia.

Related universities

UP Universiti Putra Malaysia logo

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia · Public University

★ 65 QS World #148 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
MYR 20,000 – MYR 27,000/yr
Founded
1971
UT Universiti Teknologi Malaysia logo

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia · Public University

★ 65 QS World #181 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
MYR 20,000 – MYR 27,000/yr
Founded
1975
US Universiti Sains Malaysia logo

Universiti Sains Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia · Public University

★ 64 QS World #146 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
MYR 20,000 – MYR 27,000/yr
Founded
1969
UK Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia logo

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia · Public University

★ 63 QS World #138 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
MYR 20,000 – MYR 27,000/yr
Founded
1970

Last updated 29 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance — verify with official sources before applying.

Stay updated

Get admission alerts, scholarship deadlines & university news — free.