Universiti Malaya (UM) is Malaysia’s oldest and most prestigious public university, globally recognized for its academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and vibrant multicultural environment. Established in 1905, UM has evolved into a comprehensive research-intensive university offering world-class education across a broad spectrum of disciplines including medicine, engineering, social sciences, law, business, and the humanities.
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, UM combines historical significance with modern infrastructure. It consistently ranks as the top university in Malaysia and among the best in Asia. The university has strong international collaborations, high employability rates, and an impressive number of research publications and patents.
University Overview
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Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Established: 1905
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Student Population: 24,000+
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International Students: 3,000+ from over 80 countries
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Language of Instruction: English & Malay
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Affiliations: ASEAN University Network, ACU, APRU
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Research Focus: Medicine, Engineering, Biotechnology, Social Sciences, Education, ICT
Faculties & Schools
UM is structured into faculties, academies, centers, and institutes:
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Faculty of Medicine
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Faculty of Engineering
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Faculty of Law
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Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
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Faculty of Science
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Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
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Faculty of Business and Accountancy
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Faculty of Dentistry
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Faculty of Economics and Administration
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Faculty of Education
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Academy of Malay Studies
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Academy of Islamic Studies
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Cultural Centre
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UM Graduate School
Intakes
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Main Intake: September
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Application Deadline: March – June (depending on program)
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Secondary Intake: February (limited availability)
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Application Deadline: September – November (previous year)
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Note: Deadlines may vary by program and applicant nationality. Early applications are encouraged for scholarship and visa processing.
Admission Requirements
| Program Level | Academic Requirements | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | MUET (Malaysia) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | High school/A-levels/IB with good results | 6.0 – 6.5 | 80 – 90 | Band 3 – 5 |
| Postgraduate | Bachelor’s degree with strong CGPA in relevant field | 6.5 – 7.0 | 85 – 100 | Band 4 – 5 |
Note: Competitive programs like Medicine, Dentistry, and Law have higher requirements and may involve interviews or entrance tests.
Top Programs at UM
Undergraduate Programs:
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Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
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Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
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Bachelor of Computer Science
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Bachelor of Business Administration
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Bachelor of Law (LLB)
Postgraduate Programs:
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Master of Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical)
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Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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MSc in Biotechnology
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Master in Public Health
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PhD in Information Technology
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PhD in Economics
Tuition Fees (USD/year)
| Program Level | Estimated Tuition Fee (USD/year) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Postgraduate | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Doctoral | $3,500 – $5,500 |
Note: Fees vary by faculty and are higher for professional programs such as Medicine and Dentistry.
Scholarships for International Students
UM Global Scholarship
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Eligibility: International students with strong academic records
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Benefits: Tuition waiver + partial living expenses
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Renewable: Yes, based on GPA and performance
Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)
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Eligibility: Outstanding international students (Master’s/PhD)
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Benefits: Full tuition + monthly stipend
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Application: Through Ministry of Higher Education (Malaysia)
UM Faculty-Based Awards
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Eligibility: High-achieving students within specific faculties
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Benefits: Tuition discounts, grants, or research assistantships
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Renewable: Based on academic merit
Why Choose Universiti Malaya (UM)?
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Malaysia’s top-ranked and oldest university with a global reputation
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Located in Kuala Lumpur — a major hub for education, business, and culture
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Strong focus on research, innovation, and international collaboration
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English-medium instruction in most programs
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Diverse and inclusive campus with students from over 80 countries
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Affordable tuition and high quality of life
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Excellent career prospects with strong industry connections