Malaysia Universities to Consider for Higher Education
*T&C Apply
Planning higher studies in Malaysia becomes easier when you shortlist universities that match your course, budget, and city preference. From well-established public universities to recognised private institutions and international branch campuses in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang, Malaysia offers numerous options for Indian students. If funding is a concern, an education loan for Malaysia can help you cover tuition, accommodation, and other student expenses, especially because the cost of studying in Malaysia varies significantly by university and programme type.
Universities in Malaysia
| University | City/Location | Notes (type/recognition) |
|---|---|---|
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Kuala Lumpur | Public university; Malaysia's oldest and highest-ranked university |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | Bangi, Selangor | Public university; National University of Malaysia |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Penang | Public university; strong in science and technology |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Serdang, Selangor | Public university; focus on agriculture and related sciences |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | Johor Bahru/Kuala Lumpur | Public university; leading technical institution |
| Taylor's University | Subang Jaya, Selangor | Private university; known for hospitality and business |
| Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) | Shah Alam, Selangor | Public university; largest by enrolment |
| International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) | Gombak, Selangor | Public university; focus on Islamic studies |
| Sunway University | Bandar Sunway, Selangor | Private university; comprehensive programmes |
| INTI International University | Nilai, Negeri Sembilan | Private university; American curriculum focus |
| Multimedia University (MMU) | Cyberjaya/Melaka | Private university; technology and multimedia focus |
| Management and Science University (MSU) | Shah Alam, Selangor | Private university; diverse programme offerings |
| Asia Pacific University (APU) | Kuala Lumpur | Private university; technology and innovation |
| Monash University Malaysia | Bandar Sunway, Selangor | International branch campus (Australian) |
| University of Nottingham Malaysia | Semenyih, Selangor | International branch campus (UK) |
| Heriot-Watt University Malaysia | Putrajaya | International branch campus (UK) |
| Curtin University Malaysia | Miri, Sarawak | International branch campus (Australian) |
| University of Southampton Malaysia | Iskandar Puteri, Johor | International branch campus (UK) |
Why Study in Malaysia
- English-medium programmes are widely available, with many universities offering courses entirely in English, making classroom learning accessible for international students.
- Malaysia offers a multicultural environment with a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures, providing students with diverse cultural exposure.
- Recognised academic quality with Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) accreditation ensures degrees are globally acknowledged and accepted.
- Malaysia has high visa acceptance rates (approximately 90%) for international students, with a relatively straightforward visa process.
- Post-study work opportunities are available, with graduates eligible to apply for an Employment Pass (Category III) for up to 12 months after graduation.
Main Intakes in Malaysia: How It Works
Malaysia follows a flexible academic calendar with multiple intakes in Malaysia throughout the year, unlike many Western countries that have only one or two main intakes.
- February/March Intake: This is one of the major intakes, particularly suitable for students who complete their previous studies in December. Many postgraduate programmes also start during this period. Application period typically runs from October/November to January.
- July Intake: This intake is popular among South Asian and Middle Eastern students whose academic calendars align with mid-year completions. Application period typically runs from February to May/June.
- September/October Intake: This is the largest and most significant intake, especially for public universities like Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. This fall intake in Malaysia also has the highest availability of government-funded scholarships. Application period typically runs from March/April to June/July.
- Additional Intakes: Some private universities and international branch campuses offer additional intakes in Malaysia, April, or May for selected programmes, providing more flexibility for international students.
- Planning timeline: Students should generally apply 3-4 months before the desired intake month to allow sufficient time for document processing, visa approval letter (VAL) application through EMGS, and student pass processing.
Source: https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/2890/how-to-apply-to-universities-in-malaysia.html
Student Cities in Malaysia
| City | Why students choose it |
|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | Capital city with major universities including UM, UKM, Asia Pacific University; vibrant urban environment; excellent public transport; diverse cultural attractions |
| Selangor (Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya) | Multiple university locations including UiTM, Taylor's University, Sunway University; close proximity to Kuala Lumpur; affordable living options |
| Penang (George Town) | Home to Universiti Sains Malaysia; UNESCO World Heritage city; lower cost of living; vibrant food scene; coastal location |
| Johor Bahru | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia campus; close to Singapore border; developing education hub; emerging city |
| Melaka | Multimedia University campus; historic city with UNESCO status; quieter environment; cultural heritage |
| Cyberjaya | Technology hub with Multimedia University; modern planned city; focus on IT and technology sectors |
| Putrajaya | Administrative capital; modern infrastructure; Heriot-Watt University Malaysia campus; planned city environment |
| Bangi | Home to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; residential town atmosphere; close to Kuala Lumpur |
List of 10 Fields to Study in Malaysia
| Course/Field | Why it's popular (high-level) |
|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology | Strong infrastructure; public and private universities offer comprehensive engineering programmes |
| Business Administration & MBA | Malaysia's position as regional business hub; affordable MBA programmes; diverse specializations available |
| Medicine (MBBS) | Recognized medical degrees; twinning programmes with international institutions; clinical exposure opportunities |
| Computer Science & IT | Growing technology sector; IT hubs like Cyberjaya; demand for tech professionals |
| Hospitality & Tourism Management | Tourism-driven economy; Taylor's University renowned for hospitality programmes; practical training opportunities |
| Biotechnology | Research focus at universities; government support for biotech sector |
| Pharmacy | Comprehensive pharmacy education; recognized degrees; growing healthcare sector |
| Accounting & Finance | Financial hub in Southeast Asia; ACCA and professional qualifications recognized |
| Architecture & Design | Unique blend of traditional and modern architecture; design-focused programmes |
| Mass Communication & Media | Diverse media landscape; English-language media opportunities; creative industries growth |
Engineering & Technology Universities in Malaysia
| University | City | Example Programme | Approx. Tuition (MYR) | Approx. (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | Johor Bahru | Bachelor's in Engineering | MYR 32,000 / year | ₹7,50,400 |
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Kuala Lumpur | Bachelor's in Engineering | MYR 25,000 / year | ₹5,86,250 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Penang | Bachelor's in Engineering | MYR 28,000 / year | ₹6,56,600 |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Serdang | Bachelor's in Engineering | MYR 25,000 / year | ₹5,86,250 |
| Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) | Perak | Bachelor's in Engineering | MYR 25,000 / year | ₹5,86,250 |
Disclaimer: All Malaysian Ringgit to INR conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate as of 26 February 2026. Actual exchange rates may vary due to market fluctuations. Students are advised to check the latest rates before making financial decisions
Medical Universities in Malaysia
| University | City | Programme Type | Approx. Tuition (MYR) | Approx. (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Kuala Lumpur | MBBS | MYR 30,000 / year | ₹7,03,500 |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | Bangi | MBBS | MYR 30,000 / year | ₹7,03,500 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Penang | MBBS | MYR 28,000 / year | ₹6,56,600 |
| International Medical University (IMU) | Kuala Lumpur | MBBS | MYR 35,000 / year | ₹8,20,750 |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Serdang | MBBS | MYR 30,000 / year | ₹7,03,500 |
Disclaimer: All Malaysian Ringgit to INR conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate as of 26 February 2026. Actual exchange rates may vary due to market fluctuations. Students are advised to check the latest rates before making financial decisions.
MBA Universities in Malaysia
| University | City | Programme Type | Approx. Tuition (MYR) | Approx. (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Kuala Lumpur | MBA | MYR 40,000 / year | ₹9,38,000 |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Serdang | MBA | MYR 35,000 / year | ₹8,20,750 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Penang | MBA | MYR 35,000 / year | ₹8,20,750 |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | Johor Bahru | MBA | MYR 35,000 / year | ₹8,20,750 |
| Taylor's University | Subang Jaya | MBA | MYR 45,000 / year | ₹10,55,250 |
Disclaimer: All Malaysian Ringgit to INR conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate as of 26 February 2026. Actual exchange rates may vary due to market fluctuations. Students are advised to check the latest rates before making financial decisions.
Engineering & Technology Universities in Malaysiahttps://www.utm.my/
Universiti Malaya (UM) – Faculty of Engineering (Bachelor’s Engineering programmes):https://engine.um.edu.my/undergraduate-programmes
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) – Engineering programmes:https://admission.usm.my/?view=category&id=54
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) – Faculty of Engineering (Bachelor’s Engineering programmes):https://eng.upm.edu.my/academic/undergraduate/bachelor_program_admission_requirements-2288
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) – Faculty of Engineering (Engineering programmes):https://www.utp.edu.my/Pages/Academic/Faculty-Of-Engineering.aspx
https://medicine.um.edu.my/bachelor-of-medicine-and-bachelor-of-surgery
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) – Doctor of Medicine (MBBS-equivalent):https://studyukm.ukm.my/doctor-of-medicine/
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) – Doctor of Medicine (MBBS-equivalent):https://www.usm.my/en/undergraduate/medicine/doctor-of-medicine/
International Medical University (IMU) – MBBS programme:https://www.imu.edu.my/medicine/medicine-programme/
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) – Doctor of Medicine (MBBS-equivalent):https://medic.upm.edu.my/academic/undergraduate/doctor_of_medicine-867
https://fbe.um.edu.my/postgraduate/mba/
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) – MBA (Faculty of Economics and Management):https://kpupm.upm.edu.my/mba/
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) – MBA (Graduate School of Business / GSB):https://cbes.usm.my/programme/mba/
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) – MBA (Faculty of Management):https://www.utm.my/fbm/programme/mba/
Taylor’s University – Master of Business Administration (MBA):https://university.taylors.edu.my/en/study/explore-all-programmes/business/master-coursework/master-of-business-administration/
#Under the old tax regime. Please consult your Chartered Accountant or Tax Advisor for information specific to you.
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