Quick Summary
University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is a public founded in 1994, located in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 18500 students including 6.5% from outside Malaysia. Known for strengths in Agriculture & Forestry, Hospitality & Leisure Management, Marine Science, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Unique focus on Bornean biodiversity, affordable tuition, and a world-class eco-campus environment.
Subject Strengths
Agriculture & ForestryHospitality & Leisure ManagementMarine ScienceEnvironmental Sciences
Founded1994
TypePublic
Total Students18500
Intl Students6.5%
Faculty Ratio16
CampusCoastal / Eco-campus
Campus Size999 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationMalaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), Washington Accord
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma
Programs
Doctor of Philosophy in Science, Social Science, Engineering, Business, Medicine
PhD Programs
Available through UMS Center for External Education (PLUMS)
Online Programs
Borneo Marine Research Institute, Biotechnology Research Institute, Tropical Biology and Conservation Institute
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), Washington Accord
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS5
TOEFL60
Min GPA2.75
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · September 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · February 28
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight extracurricular involvement and environmental research interests for science programs.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Malaysian Ringgit
UG Tuition
RM9,500/yr
per year · MYR
Living Cost
RM17,500/yr
per year · MYR
PG Tuition
RM12,500/yr
per year · MYR
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
RM27,220/yr
tuition + living + essentials · MYR
Scholarships AvailableYayasan UMS, PTPTN, MIS (Malaysian International Scholarship)
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidBantuan Kewangan Pelajar, Zakat
Work-StudyAvailable for on-campus administration and library roles
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Master, PhD, Diploma programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Sustainable Agriculture | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| International Business | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Forestry | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$8,500
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong links with Sabah state industries and environmental NGOs
Industry Connections
PetronasSime DarbyWWFSabah Softwoods
Notable Alumni
Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor, various regional political leaders
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic-sized swimming pool, football stadium, indoor sports complex, kayak facilities
Student Clubs
Over 100 clubs including Marine Science Club and Cultural Arts Club
Library Resources
Main Library with extensive digital archives on Bornean biodiversity
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, AUN-ACTS, Mevlana Exchange
Summer Programs
Tropical Biology Summer Course, Marine Science Expedition