Quick Summary
Situated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Universiti Malaya (UM) is a public established in 1905. Ranked #60 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28520 students including 21% from outside Malaysia. Known for strengths in Library and Information Management, Theology & Religious Studies, Engineering - Petroleum, it maintains an acceptance rate of 20%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is Malaysia's premier and oldest university, offering world-class education at a fraction of the cost of Western institutions, located in a vibrant capital city.
Subject Strengths
Library and Information ManagementTheology & Religious StudiesEngineering - PetroleumSocial Sciences and ManagementDevelopment Studies
Founded1905
TypePublic
Total Students28520
Intl Students21%
Faculty Ratio11.2
CampusUrban
Campus Size922 acres
Affiliated HospitalsUniversiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Universiti Malaya Specialist Centre (UMSC)
AccreditationMQA, AACSB, AMBA, Washington Accord (Engineering)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#60
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#251–300
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301–400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Foundation, Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Professional Development
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
High Impact Research (HIR) Building, Nanotechnology and Catalysis Centre (NANOCAT), Centre for Civilisational Dialogue
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
MQA, AACSB, AMBA, Washington Accord (Engineering)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate20%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional
GMATOptional (Recommended for MBA)
SATOptional
ACTOptional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · August
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Ensure a strong research proposal for postgraduate applications; competitive courses like Medicine and Law require high academic standing and interview performance.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Malaysian Ringgit
UG Tuition
RM18,500/yr
per year · MYR
Living Cost
RM21,000/yr
per year · MYR
PG Tuition
RM24,000/yr
per year · MYR
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
RM45,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · MYR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidPTPTN (Locals), UM Excellence Scholarship, Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Foundation, Undergraduate, Master's, Doctoral, Professional Development programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Accounting | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$11,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementYes
Industry Connections
PetronasSime DarbyShellMaybankGoogle Malaysia
Notable Alumni
Mahathir Mohamad, Anwar Ibrahim, Muhyiddin Yassin, Zeti Akhtar Aziz
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic-sized swimming pool, Varsity Stadium, Indoor Sports Complex, Gymnasiums
Student Clubs
Over 100 student organizations including UM Debating Society and Enactus
Library Resources
UM Library (Central Library and 11 subject libraries), largest collection in Malaysia
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available