Quick Summary
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), in Bangi, Malaysia, is a public research university that has shaped higher education since 1970. Ranked #138 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 30250 students including 14.5% from outside Malaysia. Known for strengths in Social Sciences and Management, Medicine, Engineering and Technology, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
UKM is a premier research university that balances national identity with global academic excellence, offering affordable world-class education.
Subject Strengths
Social Sciences and ManagementMedicineEngineering and TechnologyEducationIslamic Studies
Founded1970
TypePublic Research University
Total Students30250
Intl Students14.5%
Faculty Ratio11.8
CampusSuburban / Garden Campus
Campus Size1096 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM),UKM Specialist Centre (UKMSC),Hospital Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani
AccreditationMalaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#138
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601–800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401–500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Foundation,Undergraduate,Postgraduate,PhD,Executive
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Institute of Climate Change (IPI),Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA),Fuel Cell Institute (SELFUEL),Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS5.5
TOEFL550
Min GPA3
GREOptional / Recommended for some postgraduate programs
GMATOptional for Business programs
SATAccepted for international undergraduate entry
ACTAccepted
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on a strong research proposal for PhD candidates; international students should apply through UKMShape for faster processing.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Malaysian Ringgit
UG Tuition
RM15,000/yr
per year · MYR
Living Cost
RM20,000/yr
per year · MYR
PG Tuition
RM18,000/yr
per year · MYR
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
RM37,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · MYR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Foundation,Undergraduate,Postgraduate,PhD,Executive programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Pharmacy | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Accounting | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Mechanical Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$12,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong clinical and industrial placements integrated into curriculum.
Industry Connections
PETRONASIntelSime DarbyMaybank
Notable Alumni
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (First Malaysian Astronaut),Liow Tiong Lai (Former Minister of Transport),Anthony Loke Siew Fook (Minister of Transport)
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Danau Golf Club,Olympic-sized swimming pool,Stadium UKM,Squash courts
Student Clubs
UKM Debate Society,Cultural Arts Club,Persatuan Mahasiswa Anak Terengganu
Library Resources
Perpustakaan Tun Seri Lanang (one of the largest in Malaysia)
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available