Top 10 Universities in Malaysia and Their Tuition Fees
Malaysia has emerged as a leading educational hub in Asia, offering quality education at affordable costs. Below is a list of the top 10 universities in Malaysia along with their tuition fees for international students.
| University | Location | QS World Ranking 2025 | Tuition Fee (MYR/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Malaya (UM) | Kuala Lumpur | #60 | 40,000 – 50,000 |
| Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) | Seri Iskandar | #269 | 50,000 – 60,000 |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | Selangor | #138 | 35,000 – 45,000 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Pulau Pinang | #146 | 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | Johor | #181 | 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Serdang | #148 | 35,000 – 45,000 |
| Taylor’s University | Subang Jaya | #251 | 60,000 – 70,000 |
| Sunway University | Selangor | #539 | 40,000 – 50,000 |
| UCSI University | Kuala Lumpur | #265 | 45,000 – 55,000 |
| INTI International University | Nilai | #516 | 30,000 – 40,000 |
(Tuition fees vary by program and degree level. Please check the official university websites for updated information.)
Detailed Overview of the Top 10 Universities in Malaysia
1. University of Malaya (UM)
As Malaysia’s highest-ranked university, UM is located in Kuala Lumpur and is known for its research and academic excellence. It offers a wide range of programs in medicine, engineering, business, and humanities.
Key Features:
- QS Ranking: #60
- Oldest university in Malaysia (established in 1949)
- Strong global partnerships and exchange programs
2. Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
Owned by Malaysia’s leading oil and gas company, Petronas, UTP specializes in engineering, technology, and business studies. It has a strong industry focus and collaborates closely with multinational companies.
Key Features:
- QS Ranking: #269
- Known for its petroleum and energy-related programs
- High employability rate for graduates
3. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
UKM, also known as the National University of Malaysia, is a research-intensive university with strong programs in science, engineering, and social sciences.
Key Features:
- QS Ranking: #138
- Offers dual-degree programs with international universities
- Home to multiple research centers
4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Located in Penang, USM is one of Malaysia’s top research universities, particularly in science and technology. It has multiple campuses focused on medicine, engineering, and arts.
Key Features:
- QS Ranking: #146
- Recognized as an APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) university
- Offers strong interdisciplinary research programs
5. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
UTM, located in Johor, specializes in engineering, technology, and computer science programs. It has a strong reputation for producing highly skilled graduates in technical fields.
Key Features:
- QS Ranking: #181
- Top engineering and technology university in Malaysia
- Strong industry collaborations
6. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
UPM is well-known for its agricultural and environmental sciences programs, as well as its strengths in engineering and biotechnology.
Key Features:
- QS Ranking: #148
- Offers scholarships for international students
- Advanced research facilities in agriculture and biotechnology
7. Taylor’s University
Taylor’s is one of the best private universities in Malaysia, known for its business, hospitality, and design programs. It ranks among the top private universities in Asia.
Key Features:
- QS Ranking: #251
- Leading private university in Malaysia
- Offers globally recognized programs in business and hospitality
8. Sunway University
Sunway University is a fast-growing private university with a strong focus on business, computing, and arts. It collaborates with institutions like Lancaster University in the UK.
Key Features:
- QS Ranking: #539
- Modern campus with excellent facilities
- Strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation
9. UCSI University
UCSI is a well-established private university in Malaysia offering programs in medicine, engineering, business, and arts. It is known for its co-op internship program, which allows students to gain work experience.
Key Features:
- QS Ranking: #265
- Offers medical and pharmacy programs
- Strong emphasis on work-integrated learning
10. INTI International University
INTI has multiple campuses in Malaysia and provides American, Australian, and UK-based degree transfer programs. It has strong ties with global universities and industries.
Key Features:
- QS Ranking: #516
- Offers 3+0 and 2+2 degree transfer programs
- Industry-focused curriculum
Why Study in Malaysia?
1. Affordable Education & Living Costs
Malaysia offers high-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia. Annual tuition fees for international students range between MYR 30,000 – 70,000, while the cost of living is around MYR 10,000 – 18,000 per year.
2. Globally Recognized Universities
Many Malaysian universities rank among the top 500 globally. Institutions like University of Malaya (UM) and Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) have strong reputations worldwide.
3. English-Taught Programs
Most programs in Malaysian universities are taught in English, making it easier for international students to adapt.
4. Diverse Cultural Environment
Malaysia is home to a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, providing international students with a unique and enriching experience.
5. Post-Graduation Employment Opportunities
Graduates from Malaysian universities have opportunities to work in Malaysia or abroad, thanks to strong industry collaborations and internship programs.
Conclusion
Malaysia has positioned itself as a top education hub, offering quality education at competitive prices. Whether you’re looking for public universities like University of Malaya (UM) or private institutions like Taylor’s University, Malaysia provides diverse opportunities for local and international students.
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