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Universiti Sains Malaysia
47.0(0)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1969
Founded
1969
Type
Public
University Guide
About Universiti Sains Malaysia
Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a world-class public university, located on scenic Penang Island, off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. USM was awarded APEX (Accelerated Program for Excellence) status in 2008 for its strong achievements in academics, research, and innovation. Founded in 1969, USM now has three campuses, 26 schools, 13 centers of excellence, 3 national higher education centers, 36 service centers, and 10 hostels - serving around 34,000 students from 80 countries. It offers 60 programs to international students across fields like science, engineering, medicine, arts, business, and literature.
MBA, MS in Aerospace Engineering, Master of Computer Science, MSc Biotechnology, MSc Marine Sciences, MSc/ PhD Dentistry are among the popular USM Penang courses at postgraduate level. Universiti Sains Malaysia fees for these programs range between 5,600 to 63,000 USD* (4.74 to 53.39 lakhs INR). To get into these programs, Indian students need a bachelors degree with at least 2.75 CGPA out of 4.0. Alongside, an IELTS score of 5.0 or TOEFL score of 40 or PTE score of 47 is required.
*Uni Sains Malaysia publishes international tuition fees in USD.
Table of Contents
- University Sains Malaysia Courses and Fees 2025
- Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Admissions 2025
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Application Deadline 2025
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Cost of Attendance
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Scholarships
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2025
- FAQs
University Sains Malaysia Courses and Fees 2025
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers 60 programs to international students. Students can choose between online and offline courses. The tuition fees for Universiti Sains Malaysia undergraduate courses are within 1,562 and 13,750 USD (1.32 to 11.65 lakhs INR) per semester. Some of the top courses and fees of USM Penang are tabulated below.
Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA
The Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA is full-time, 2-5 years long postgraduate program, offered by the Graduate School of Business. Students can choose from any of the following specializations:
- International Business
- Service Science Management and Engineering
- Sustainable Development
- Governance and Control
- Business Analytic
- Digital Leadership
USM requirements for the MBA program are as follows:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a university recognized by the USM’s Senate or an equivalent qualification with:
- A minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.00 or equivalent and a minimum of 1 year working experience; or
- A minimum CGPA of 3.50/4.00 or equivalent (without working experience); or
- Pass the interview and/or test to determine the ability of prospective students to undergo the MBA program.
- English Language requirements:
- IELTS: 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: 60
- PTE: 59
- GMAT score is not required
- USM Direct Intake: April and October
- Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
- MBA fees structure:
- Registration Fees: 225 USD
- Personal Bond: 1000 USD
- Tuition Fees: 200 X 48 Units= 9,600 USD
- Convocation Fee: 50 USD
Universiti Sains Malaysia Admissions 2025
Universiti Sans Malaysia offers April and October intakes for international students. Currently, the university is not accepting undergraduate applications until further notice. However, students can apply to postgraduate programs until July 15, 2025, for the courses starting in October 2025. Explore the Universiti Sains Malaysia requirements in the table below.
| Particulars | USM Requirements for UG | USM Requirements for PG |
|---|---|---|
| Application Portal | Universiti Sains Malaysia Portal | Universiti Sains Malaysia Portal |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia Application Fee | 100 MYR (approx. 2,000 INR) | 225 to 275 USD (approx 19,111 to 23,358 INR) |
| Academic Requirements | Must have completed at least 12 years of schooling | A bachelor’s degree |
| GPA or Aggregate |
|
CGPA of at least 2.75/4.00 |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS: 5.0 | TOEFL iBT: 40 | PTE: 47 | IELTS: 5.0 | TOEFL iBT: 40 | PTE: 47 |
Universiti Sains Malaysia Application Deadline 2025
The Universiti Sains Malaysia application deadline of different levels of programs are tabulated below.
| USM Intake Dates | USM Application Deadline for UG and PG |
|---|---|
| Semester I (October Intake) | July 15, 2025 |
| Semester II (March Intake) | January 15, 2026 |
Also Read: Application Deadline to Study in Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia Cost of Attendance
Students at USM can choose between on-campus and off-campus accommodation based on their budget and preferences. On-campus housing is affordable and well-equipped with essential facilities, while off-campus options offer more space and privacy, usually within a short distance from campus.
On-Campus Accommodation:
- Single or twin-sharing rooms
- Shared bathrooms
- Facilities: Cafeteria, laundry, sports centre, study room, pantry, grocery stores
- Rent: USD 30–75/month (excluding meals)
Off-Campus Accommodation:
- Private condos/apartments within 3 km of campus
- Typically 3-bedroom, air-conditioned units
- Facilities: Grocery stores, gym, swimming pool, tennis/badminton courts, laundry
- Rent: USD 75–125/month per room (excluding utilities)
The estimated annual cost of studying at USM varies based on each student's lifestyle and needs. This includes tuition, accommodation, food, books, travel, entertainment, and other miscellaneous expenses.
- Universiti Sains Malaysia tuition fees for international students: From USD 3,125/ year
- On-Campus Accommodation: From USD 340/ year
- Other Expenses (food, books, travel, etc.): From USD 2,500/ year
Must Read: Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students
Universiti Sains Malaysia Scholarships
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers very limited scholarships to international masters students. There are no scholarships for international undergraduate students. More details on the Universiti Sains Malaysia scholarships for masters programs are available below.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award Details |
|---|---|---|
| USM Graduate Student Financial Assistance (GRA-ASSIST) | International graduate students applying to study at USM Penang | Varies |
| Islamic Development Bank Scholarship (IsDB) | Master’s and PhD candidates from the bank’s member countries and the Muslim communities in non-member countries. | Tuition support, monthly living allowance, medical coverage, travel expenses and research allowances |
| Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) | Bright minds from around the world to pursue postgraduate academic studies in Malaysia | Varies |
Also Read: Scholarships for International Students in Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia Postgraduate Research Attachment (PGRA)
The Postgraduate Research Attachment (PGRA) fund supports USM Master's (research mode) and PhD students with strong research progress for short-term attachments at partner institutions. The program aims to boost research output through international collaboration.
Eligibility & Details:
- Must be a registered USM Master’s (research mode) or PhD student with good research progress
- Attachment must be at a university or research institution with an active MOU/MOA with USM
- Application must include an official invitation letter from the host institution
- Duration: 1 to 3 months
- Maximum funding: RM 4,000 (79,910 INR)
- Students must publish in indexed journals within a year, co-authored by the host scientist
Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2025
The Universiti Sains Malaysia QS ranking places it in #146 position in 2025. In the same QS rankings, USM Penang is ranked #8 in Asian University Rankings (Southeast Asia). Some notable trends of University Sains Malaysia rankings are tabulated below.
| Ranked By | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS | #146 | #137 | #143 |
| THE | #401-500 | #401-500 | #601-800 |
| US News and World Report | - | #401 | #504 |
USM By the Numbers
- 6 Campuses
- 26 Schools
- 14 Centers
- 39,663 Student Enrollment
- 8,960 Students Graduated in 2024
- 1,773 Academic Staff
- 2,410 Active Grants
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a globally ranked, budget-friendly option for international students. With QS rank #146 in 2025, tuition starting at USD 3,125/year, and living costs from USD 340/year, USM offers quality education across 60+ programs.
FAQs
Ques: Is Universiti Sains Malaysia a good university?
Ans: Yes, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a top-ranked public university. It ranks #146 in QS World University Rankings 2025 and holds APEX status for excellence in academics and research. With affordable fees and diverse programs, it’s a great choice for international students.
Ques: What are the requirements to enter the USM?
Ans: The requirements to enter the USM are
Undergraduate (UG) Requirements:
- Completion of 12 years of schooling
- Qualifications like A-Level, IB, AUSMAT, SAM, or equivalent recognized by the Malaysian government
- English Proficiency: IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 40, or PTE 47
Postgraduate (PG) Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree with at least CGPA 2.75/4.00
- English Proficiency: IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 40, or PTE 47
- For MBA:
- CGPA ≥ 2.75 with 1 year of work experience, or
- CGPA ≥ 3.50 (work experience not needed), or
- Pass interview/test if below criteria not met
- GMAT not required
Ques: How many USM campuses are there in Malaysia?
Ans: USM has 6 campuses across Malaysia:
- Main campus in Penang (Health and Science)
- Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal
- Health campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
- IPPT Campus
- USM@KL
- USM-KLE Belgaum
Courses & Fees
Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way
Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.
Courses
33
Fee from
₹62,726.4
Exams
TOEFL · IELTS
Showing 5 of 11 bachelors
Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration3 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 4.5 L/Yr
Native FeeMYR 18,750 /Yr
Fee trendTuition progression
Admission Guide
Admission Process
Universiti Sains Malaysia admissions for international students are offered in two main intakes—Semester I (October) and Semester II (March). For the 2025–26 academic year, the application deadline for Semester I is July 15, 2025, and for Semester II is January 15, 2026. All applications must be submitted online through the USM admissions portal, along with the required documents and applicable fees. USM processes applications within 5 working days, making it one of the more efficient public universities in Malaysia.
With a moderately selective admissions process, Universiti Sains Malaysia maintains an estimated acceptance rate of around 45–50% for international students. Indian applicants to undergraduate programs must have completed 12 years of formal education (such as A-Levels, IB, or equivalent), while postgraduate applicants need a recognized bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75. English language proficiency is mandatory, with minimum scores such as IELTS 5.0 for general programs and IELTS 6.0 for the MBA. Additional requirements like interviews or written tests may apply to competitive programs like MBA or engineering.
Table of Contents
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Top Courses and Fees
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Application Deadlines and Intakes
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Postgraduate Admission Requirements
- Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA Admission 2025
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
- Universiti Sains Malaysia International Application Process
- FAQs
Universiti Sains Malaysia Top Courses and Fees
Check out the top courses offered by the Universiti Sains Malaysia in the table below.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Application Deadlines and Intakes
USM offers two main intakes for international applicants: Semester 1 and Semester 2. The application deadlines for each intake are given below.
- Semester I (October 2025): July 15, 2025
- Semester II (March 2026): January 15, 2026
Universiti Sains Malaysia Postgraduate Admission Requirements
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers 60 programs to international students across fields like science, engineering, medicine, arts, business, and literature. MBA, MS in Aerospace Engineering, Master of Computer Science, MSc Biotechnology, MSc Marine Sciences, MSc/ PhD Dentistry are among the popular postgraduate courses at USM Penang. Universiti Sains Malaysia fees for these programs range between 5,600 to 63,000 USD (4.74 to 53.39 lakhs INR). The admission requirements are as follows:
- A recognized Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.00
- For certain master’s programs (including MBA), additional interviews or written assessments may be required
- Minimum English language requirements:
- IELTS: 5.0
- TOEFL iBT: 40
- PTE: 47
Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA Admission 2025
USM offers a flexible MBA program through its Graduate School of Business with specializations such as International Business, Sustainable Development, Digital Leadership, and Business Analytics. The Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA can be completed full-time over 2–5 years.
Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor's degree with CGPA of:
- 2.75 and above with 1 year of work experience
- 3.50 and above without work experience
- Applicants with lower CGPAs may be required to attend an interview or pass a written test
- English language proficiency:
- IELTS: 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: 60
- PTE: 59
Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA Fees
- Registration Fee: USD 225
- Personal Bond: USD 1,000
- Tuition Fee (48 credits x USD 200): USD 9,600
- Convocation Fee: USD 50
- Total Estimated Cost: USD 10,875
Universiti Sains Malaysia Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Accounting, Bachelor of Forensic Science, BS in Nutrition are among the popular undergraduate courses at USM Penang. The tuition fees for Universiti Sains Malaysia undergraduate courses are within 1,562 and 13,750 USD (1.32 to 11.65 lakhs INR) per semester. The admission requirements of these programs are as follows.
- Completion of 12 years of formal education (e.g., A-Level, IB, AUSMAT, or equivalent)
- A minimum score in recognized English proficiency tests:
- IELTS: 5.0
- TOEFL iBT: 40
- PTE: 47
Universiti Sains Malaysia International Admission Application Process
The application process to apply for USM admissions are as follows:
- Visit the Universiti Sains Malaysia portal:
- Select your preferred postgraduate program
- Fill in personal, academic, and language proficiency details
- Upload required documents (transcripts, certificates, English test scores, passport copy)
- Pay the application fee:
- Undergraduate: 2,000 INR (100 MYR)
- Postgraduate: 19,111 to 23,358 INR (225–275 USD)
- Submit the application before the respective deadline
- Await confirmation and further instructions from USM
Note: USM takes 5 days to review applications. After receiving the letter of acceptance from the university, international students must apply for a visa on time. To know more, visit Malaysian Student Visa.
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers a streamlined and affordable admission process for international postgraduate applicants, with two main intakes in October 2025 and March 2026. With modest eligibility criteria, quick 5-day processing, and program fees starting from USD 5,600, USM is a strong choice for students seeking quality postgraduate education in Malaysia.
FAQs
How do I apply for USM?
Ans: To apply to Universiti Sains Malaysia, visit the official USM application portal, choose your desired undergraduate or postgraduate program, fill in your personal, academic, and English proficiency details, upload required documents (transcripts, certificates, test scores, passport), pay the application fee, and submit your application before the deadline.
Ques: Is USM public or private?
Ans: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a public research university funded by the Malaysian government.
Ques: How much is the application fee for USM?
Ans: The application fee is 2,000 INR (100 MYR) for undergraduate programs and between 19,111 to 23,358 INR (225–275 USD) for postgraduate programs.
Ques: What is the acceptance rate of USM Malaysia?
Ans: Based on available data, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has an estimated acceptance rate of approximately 55%. However, this figure is an approximation, as USM does not officially publish its acceptance rates. The actual rate may vary depending on the specific program and applicant pool.
Placements & Recruiters
Universiti Sains Malaysia Placement Details
Universiti Sains Malaysia in George Town, Penang, Malaysia placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.
Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
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Placement Metric
Average Package
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Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.
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Rankings over the years
Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.
2022
Highlights
2022
2022
- Best overall country rank: #2
- Medicine: #1 in country
- Top source: ARWU
- 16 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 4 ranking records in 2022
2023
Highlights
2023
2023
- Best overall country rank: #3
- Medicine: #2 in country
- Top source: QS
- 19 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2023
2024
Highlights
2024
2024
- Best overall country rank: #1
- Overall: #1 in country
- Top source: QS
- 17 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2024
2025
Highlights
2025
2025
- Best overall country rank: #2
- Computer Science: #1 in country
- Top source: THE
- 15 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 2 ranking records in 2025
2026
Highlights
2026
2026
- Best overall country rank: #2
- Overall: #2 in country
- Top source: QS
- 5 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2026
Contact Information
Level 1, Building E42, Chancellory II Universiti Sains Malaysia 11800 USM Penang
+60-46-53-3888
Student Reviews & Ratings
Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary
Overall score
47.0/10
Top Rated
Based on 0 ratings