University of Malaya: Fees, Requirements, Courses, Scholarships, and Alumni

University of Malaya [UM]: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Kuala Lumpur, Kuala LumpurLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1905established year
17095enrollment
Public
7.3/10
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Jun 20, 2024

Highlights:

  • Intakes: For UG courses the deadline is August 30th, 2024, for master’s the deadline is in October, and there are rolling admissions for PhD. 
  • Eligibility Requirement: International applicants require submission of their prior academic transcripts, and their ELP scores for most courses to be eligible for admission. 
  • Average Annual Fees: The average annual fee range of UM international students is RM 33,600 (INR 595,538.22)- RM 98,300 (INR 1,742,303.79).
  • Top Recruiters: Some top recruiters of UM graduates are Maybank, PChem, Tenaga, Nasional Berhad, CIMB Group, etc.
  • Top Job Roles: The most popular job roles of UM graduates are Computer Support Specialist, Computer Systems Analyst, Academician/Researcher, etc.

University of Malaya (UM) is a top public university located in central Kuala Lumpur. The university is popular for offering top courses in study areas like Medicine, Engineering, etc. The University of Malaya has an acceptance rate of 34%. The intake for master's degree courses is in October, whereas for PhD there is a rolling admission process. For UG courses, students can apply on August 30th, 2024 for 2024/2025 entry. For PG courses the deadline for 2024/2025 entry is also on 30 August 2024.

The only exams to study in Malaysia at the University of Malaya is the ELP exam. The document requirements for UM Kuala Lumpur students are as follows:

  • Higher School Certificate
  • Bachelor’s Degree certificate
  • ELP score certificate
  • Work experience certificate

Students while seeking admission must know that there are quotas and reservations for Bumiputera policy holders. Bumiputera policyholders are the natives of Malaysia, and this policy enables them to get priority admission in comparison with international applicants. Another point to note is that the country has a sizeable Tamil population. So, as an Indian student, you won’t miss your connection with the Indian diaspora.

The average University of Malaya fees are in the range of RM 33,600 (INR 595,538.22)- RM 98,300 (INR 1,742,303.79). Students can expect to get job roles as Computer Support Specialist, Computer Systems Analysts, Academician/Researcher, etc. The average annual salary of a UM graduate is around RM 50,044 as a Professor or Lecturer.

University of Malaya Rankings

As a university, UM Kuala Lumpur takes great pride in it being among the first 70 universities worldwide as per QS. Tabulated are the other University of Malaya rankings from other agencies:

Ranking Agency Rank
QS World University Rankings 2025 #60
QS WUR Ranking By Subject #28
QS Sustainability Ranking #=132
QS Asian University Rankings - South-Eastern Asia #3
THE World Ranking 2024 #251–300
THE Impact Rankings 2024 #63
THE Asia University Rankings 2024 #65

U_M_qs_rankings

University of Malaya Campus

The university campus is top-notch, and infrastructure-wise students will have nothing to complain about. One of the major reasons why international students choose the University of Malaya is because of its campus. The top reasons are:

  • Infrastructure
  • Culture
  • Good Academics
  • Location is prime

Shared below are a few pictures of the university that shed some light on the university. This might help applicants judge their decision between,

UM_campus

University Malaya Course List

International applicants first search for fees before applying to study in Malaysia. Universiti Malaya tuition fees might seem expensive to many Indian students. But some of the major reasons why many Indian students choose to study at the university are as follows:

  • Reputation
  • Diverse Programs
  • Research Opportunities
  • Cultural Experience
  • Very humble lecturers/supervisors
  • Grant or partially involved in supported projects

One important factor is that the tuition fees of University Malaya (UM) is certainly cheaper compared to that of private institutions in Malaysia. University of Malaya fees although not subsidized, yet are low, as it is a public university.

Below are the University Malaya degree courses and their respective fee range for international students.

Course Annual Fees
Bachelor of Business Administration RM 71,400 (INR 1,265,525.73)
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering RM 98,300 (INR 1,742,303.79)
MBBS RM 673,200 (INR 11,932,099.75)
Master of Library And Information Science RM 34,500 (INR 611,496.05 )
Master of Information Science RM 32,700 (INR 579,591.91)
Master of Data Science RM 33,500 (INR 593,771.53)
Master of Software Engineering (Software Technology) RM 33,600 (INR 595,543.98)
Master of Business Administration RM 56,800 (INR 1,006,818.11)
Doctor of Philosophy In Business & Accountancy Field RM 69,000 (INR 1,223,071.30)
Doctor of Public Health RM 96,700 (INR 1,714,072.38)

University Malaya Entry Requirements

Universiti Malaya requirements are similar to those of other international universities. The university accepts ELP scores, but the score range varies during the University of Malaya admisisons. Some of the selection criteria include academic performance, entrance examinations, interviews, and other relevant factors. The university has two intakes , i.e., Semester I (September intake), and Semester II (February intake).

One thing that has helped Malay students is the Bumiputera policy. This policy has led to increased access to education for Bumiputra students through quotas in universities and scholarships. This has contributed to a higher level of education attainment among the Bumiputera population. However international candidates might find such racial preference partial in many situations. Below is the checklist that Indian students must check before trying to get an entry at the university:

  • Check the Admission Requirements
  • Educational Qualifications
  • Language Proficiency
  • Application Process
  • Visa and Immigration
  • Financial Considerations

UG Course Requirements and Deadline

Universiti Malaya undergraduate courses do not require any submission of standardized test scores. Stated below are the important admission requirements:

UG Course Entry Requirement ELP Score Requirement Intakes Application Fee
Faculty of Languages and Linguistics Higher School Certificate with a grade of 80% and above IELTS- 6.0
TOEFL- 90
PTE- 54
Semester 1 2024/2025- 30 August 2024 RM 300 (INR 5,315.78)
Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology Higher School Certificate with a grade of 90% and above IELTS- 6.0
TOEFL- 80
PTE- 57
Faculty of Medicine Higher School Certificate with a grade of 90% and above IELTS- 6.0
TOEFL- 78
PTE- 57
Faculty of Business and Economics Higher School Certificate with a grade of 80% and above IELTS- 6.0
TOEFL- 80

PG Course Requirements and Deadline

UM Kuala Lumpur requires international applicants to have a CGPA of 3.00 for direct admission in its master’s courses. All other requirements and deadlines are given below:

PG Course Entry Requirement ELP Score Requirement Intake Application Fee
Master Program by Coursework, Research, and Mixed Mode Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the related field
with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 or its equivalent
Has relevant work experience;
 Has produced publications in the relevant fields
IELTS- 6.0
TOEFL- 80
PTE- 42
Semester 1 2024/2025- 30 August 2024
Semester 2 2024- 31 May 2024
RM 300 (INR 5,315.78)

PhD Course Requirements and Deadline

Students can apply all year round for PhD courses while selecting their selected University Malaya degree. AAll other entry requirements are stated below:

PhD Course Entry Requirement ELP Score Requirement Intake Application Fee
Doctor of Philosophy (PH.D) Bachelor’s degree in the relevant field, and
a Master’s degree in the relevant field
Evidence of adequate training, work experience, and ability to undertake research
IELTS-6.0
TOEFL- 80
PTE- 59
All year round RM 300 (INR 5,315.78)

University of Malaya Cost of Living

Malaysia is expensive for international candidates and the Universiti Malaya tuition fees is also high in comparison with Indian universities. Given below is the cost of living in Malaysia for international students.

UM_Cost_of_Living

University of Malaya Scholarships

University of Malaya Malaysia offers several scholarships to international students. One thing to note is that the university provides one scholarship to international master's and PhD candidates. This scholarship is available to students of all backgrounds and nationalities. This scholarship award value varies, as students with good academic achievements might receive a higher grant of money as compared to others. This scholarship is available only to full-time PG students. Some of the scholarships for international students in Malaysia are as follows:

Scholarship Eligibility Award
Education Future International Scholarship It is open to Indian nationals only. INR 2 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs
Universiti Malaya Scholarship Scheme (UMSS) Open to postgraduate students (Malaysian and non-Malaysian) who are pursuing coursework, mixed-mode or full research program in Universiti Malaya (UM) Varies
Women in Finance Scholarship 2024 For women in Finance courses Up to USD 20,000 (INR 1668897)

Student Visa Permit Malaysia

As an aspirant who wishes to study at the University of Malaya, you’ll need to gain a student visa, also known as a student pass, before you arrive. Out of the 21,055 students enrolled for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Malaya, more than 21% are international students from more than 80 countries. So, one can guess how popular the university is, and how much you will require a visa to study in Malaysia to study at UM Kuala Lumpur.

Your student pass is only valid for one year and must be renewed at least one and a half months before its stated expiry date. Annual student visa fees are around RM 60 (INR 1,063.38). The visa fee is quite affordable if compared with countries like UK, USA, etc. The documents required for the student visa are as follows:

  • Formal admissions letter from your university
  • Completed and signed student visa application form
  • Copy of your passport with an expiry date over 12 months away
  • Two passport-style photographs
  • Academic qualification records
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources
  • A medical certificate that proves you’re in good health
  • A personal bond document (a letter signed by your university to guarantee you’ll comply with immigration laws)
  • English language proficiency test certificates

University of Malaya Job Outcomes

Post completion of courses at University Malaya, graduates can expect to find suitable jobs in Malaysia. However because of Bumiputra reservations, Malay students will get first preference in jobs.Top recruiters in Malaysia include names like:

  • Maybank
  • PChem
  • Tenaga Nasional Berhad
  • CIMB Group
  • IHH Healthcare
  • PetGas
  • Hong Leong Bank
  • MISC Berhad
  • Nestle Malaysia
  • PBBank

In order to work in Malaysia one requires an Employment Pass and then the employee must meet the following requirements:

  • Educational qualifications (diploma, degree, or equivalent)
  • Suitable work experience
  • A salary of no less than RM 3,000 (INR 53,186.66) per month

Some of the career opportunities or job roles students of the University of Malaya are offered are as follows:

  • Computer Support Specialist
  • Computer Systems Analysts
  • Academician/Researcher
  • Computer Specialists
  • Web Content Developer

UM_Job_Outcomes

University of Malaya Notable Alumni

UM Kuala Lumpur has a vibrant list of alumni. The current Prime Minister of Malaysia is also an alumnus of the university. So when you are thinking to apply to study in Malaysia, do keep the university at the top of your list. Shared are some of the most famous alumni of University of Malaya:

Alumni Profession
Mahathir Mohamad Malaysian politician, author, and physician
Anwar Ibrahim Prime Minister of Malaysia
Sellapan Ramanathan Singaporean Politician and Civil Servant
Ungku Abdul Aziz bin Ungku Abdul Hamid Economist and Lecturer
Saldi Isra Indonesian Jurist and Law Professor
V. Sivakumar Malaysian Politician
Muhammad Irfan Malaysian Discus Thrower

The University of Malaya offers several courses ranging from languages and literature to attaining any preferred Doctoral thesis. Despite the higher tuition fee range and cost of lying, several Indian applicants apply to the university for quality education. The university even has a high QS rank in 2025.

FAQs

Ques: What is the rank of the University of Malaya?

Ans: As a university, UM Kuala Lumpur takes great pride in being among the first 70 universities worldwide as per QS. The QS rank is #60 in 2025.

Ques: Is the University of Malaya hard to get in?

Ans: To answer this question, anyone would say that it is not hard to get accepted into UM but if you're applying for their top courses medicine, engineering, etc then it's very hard if you're non bumiputera due to the quota system.

Ques: Is the University of Malaya private or government?

Ans: The University of Malaya which is abbreviated as UM or informally the Malayan University is a public research university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ques: Is Malaysia costly for Indian students?

Ans: If a student requires a brief idea then the average cost of living in Malaysia for an Indian student needs INR 39,308 (2,256.9RM) per month on average.

Ques: Is it worth studying at the University of Malaya?

Ans: UM is one of the top 70 universities worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings. As a student at UM, you will learn a lot about your curriculum and the world.

University of Malaya Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesExams ScoreAction
Application Deadline For Semester 1 (30th Aug 2024)
USD 11,928 /Yr
MYR 56,800 /Yr
  • IELTS: 5.5
  • TOEFL: 60
  • PTE: 42
Application Deadline For Semester 1 (30th Aug 2024)
USD 15,477 /Yr
MYR 73,700 /Yr
  • IELTS: 5.0
  • TOEFL: 60
  • PTE: 41
Application Deadline For Semester 1 (30th Aug 2024)
USD 13,125 /Yr
MYR 62,500 /Yr
  • IELTS: 5.0
  • TOEFL: 60
  • PTE: 41
Application Deadline For Semester 1 (30th Aug 2024)
USD 14,994 /Yr
MYR 71,400 /Yr
  • IELTS: 5.0
  • TOEFL: 60
  • PTE: 41
Application Deadline For Semester 1 (30th Aug 2024)
USD 11,109 /Yr
MYR 52,900 /Yr
  • IELTS: 5.0
  • TOEFL: 60
  • PTE: 41
Application Deadline For Semester 1 (30th Aug 2024)
USD 9,828 /Yr
MYR 46,800 /Yr
  • IELTS: 5.5
  • TOEFL: 60
  • PTE: 42

Top Recommended Courses


1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
Ranked #351 out of 1502 by THE Global Ranking 2023
Exam Scores: IELTS5.5|TOEFL60|PTE42
Important Date: 30 Aug, 2024
USD 11,928 /YrMYR 56,800 /Yr

1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS5.5|TOEFL60|PTE42
Important Date: 30 Aug, 2024
USD 5,418 /YrMYR 25,800 /Yr

Bachelor of Science [B.S] Computer Science (Software Engineering)

42 months
On Campus
English
Full Time
USD 15,477 /YrMYR 73,700 /Yr
5 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS5.0|TOEFL60|PTE41
Important Date: 30 Aug, 2024
USD 13,125 /YrMYR 62,500 /Yr
42 months
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS5.0|TOEFL60|PTE41
Important Date: 30 Aug, 2024
USD 14,994 /YrMYR 71,400 /Yr

University of Malaya comparison

University NameUniversity of MalayaNational University of Singapore
Collegedunia Score5.2 Out of 108 Out of 10
Overall Ranking
  • #251 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #211 US News 2023
  • #351 Times Higher Education 2023
  • #8 QS World University 2025
  • #5 QS World University 2024
  • #8 QS World University 2024
Subject Strength
  • #176 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #351 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2023
  • #351 for Law by Times Higher Education 2023
  • #9 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #6 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
  • #31 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
Programs
  • UG Programs- 62
  • PG Programs - 108
  • UG Programs- 62
  • PG Programs - 69
  • Doctorate Programs -19
Acceptance Rate70.0 %25.0 %
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 1043.8554 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 3091.0068 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 210 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 4084.5 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 10500 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 1610.28 Per Year
Placement

The program and average salary as follows:

Bachelor of science: $47,000

Bachelor of Arts: $36,000

Master in Science: $34,000

Executive MBA: $122,000


Graduate Employability Rankings (QS): #24
MBA: $167,000
Masters in Finance: $128,000
Graduates from executive masters, masters in management, and masters in law are among the highest paid


-Read Full Comparison

University of Malaya Ranking

20242023202220212020201920182017

Times Higher Education logo

Overall 251 out of 1600 in Global Ranking

#1 out of 10 in Malaysia 2024
Education 92 out of 703 in Global Ranking
( #1 out of 7 in Malaysia 2024)
Arts 251 out of 691 in Global Ranking
( #1 out of 5 in Malaysia 2024)
Humanities 251 out of 691 in Global Ranking
( #1 out of 5 in Malaysia 2024)
Engineering 176 out of 1374 in Global Ranking
( #1 out of 9 in Malaysia 2024)

View More >>

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University of Malaya Student Profiles

Filter By: All

University of Malaya Ratings

Based on 1 Students Rating

7.3 out of 10
8.0/10Academic
7.0/10Accommodation
10.0/10Faculty
10.0/10Infrastructure
9.0/10Placement

University of Malaya Reviews


Student StatusNationalityBatch
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1 Reviews Found

DD
7.3 /10

Overview:

UM was recommended to me by a senior colleague who has worked for decades in South East Asia. Additionally, UM is a publicly funded research university and is ranked within the top 60 globally with very high research output.

Fees:

5,00,000 INR approximately is the program fee.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 7/10
placement: 9/10

University of Malaya Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
JN Tata Endowment ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Bhajan Lal ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Axol Science ScholarshipScholarship per student$2,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCompany-Sponsored
ASID Foundation Legacy ScholarshipsScholarship per student$4,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
UKM Vice-Chancellor’s ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Malaysian Government ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

Attendance Cost

$5,145

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$13,419 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$5,145 / Year
Off Campus
Public transport per month
$32 / Year
Food per month
$84 / Year
Off campus accommodation rent/month
$126 / Year

University of Malaya Campus Location


+60-79-67-4525
Telephone
Jalan Universiti, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Address

Comments


25 Comments
Y
yuta kihara
I have coulpe of questions in terms of appling to the University of Malaya. 1. Do I need to take a English exam? even though I graduated from a high school in Canada which is an English speaking contry. 2.I am having some difficulty try to select my high school for part of the qualification.
K
Karan Gupta

Yes, You need an English language proficiency score. For admission, the university requires international students to demonstrate English language proficiency. The university website might require specific details about your high school that you haven't provided. Double-check the information requested and ensure you're entering it correctly.

R
riyan nur
Am doing my IGCSE finals currently I would to ask if you offer full ride scholarships and if can apply for a diploma in biochemistry research. Thank you
K
Kishlay Ranjan

University of Malaya does not offer diploma courses. The list of courses offered by University of Malaya are here.

W
waad mohamed ahmec

How much the course fees?

L
Lagan Kapoor

Fees differ between undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, you can explore the UM courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.

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