Quick Summary
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, is a public research university that has shaped higher education since 1969. Ranked #146 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 31325 students including 15% from outside Malaysia. Known for strengths in Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Chemical Engineering, Development Studies, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25-30%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
USM is Malaysia's only APEX status university, focusing on sustainability and the bottom billion. It is located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Penang.
Subject Strengths
Pharmacy & PharmacologyChemical EngineeringDevelopment StudiesEnvironmental SciencesChemistry
Founded1969
TypePublic Research University
Total Students31325
Intl Students15%
Faculty Ratio13.5
CampusSuburban
Campus Size416 hectares (Main Campus)
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
AccreditationMalaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#146
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401–500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501–600
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Distance Learning, Short Courses
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Centre for Drug Research (CDR), Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), National Poison Centre
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25-30%
IELTS5
TOEFL60
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Ensure research proposals for postgraduate studies align with USM's sustainability (APEX) focus; ensure all international certificates are attested.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Malaysian Ringgit
UG Tuition
RM16,000/yr
per year · MYR
Living Cost
RM18,500/yr
per year · MYR
PG Tuition
RM11,500/yr
per year · MYR
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
RM34,730/yr
tuition + living + essentials · MYR
Scholarships AvailableUSM Fellowship Scheme, MIS (Malaysia International Scholarship), PTPTN
Avg Scholarship$2,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate, Distance Learning, Short Courses programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Civil Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Management | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$12,000
Average Salary After Graduation
85%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong industry links with Penang's Free Industrial Zone (Bayu Lepas)
Industry Connections
IntelKeysight TechnologiesDellMotorolaNational Instruments
Notable Alumni
Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Chow Kon Yeow, Dzulkefly Ahmad
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Azman Hashim USM Sports Centre, Olympic-sized swimming pool, Athletics stadium
Student Clubs
Over 100 societies including Arts, Martial Arts, and Academic Clubs
Library Resources
Perpustakaan Hamzah Sendut, specialized digital thesis repositories
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available