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University of Malaya

7.3(1)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1905
Founded
1905
Type
Public
University Guide

About University of Malaya

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

University of Malaya (UM) is a top ranked public university in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is one of the top 60 universities in the world as per QS rankings 2025, placed at #60. UM has around 40,000 students, including 12,405 international students from 80 countries. It offers over 150 degree programs through its 14 faculties, at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It has a competitive acceptance rate of around 34%.

Master of Media Studies, MBA, Master of Orthodontics, Master of Pathology, and Master of Education Leadership are among the most popular programs of this university. The annual tuition fees for University of Malaya masters programs range within 24,500 and 112,500 MYR (4.91 to 22.56 lakhs INR). To get admission to the postgraduate courses at the University of Malaya, Indian students must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0.

Read More: University of Malaya Reviews

Table of Contents
  1. University of Malaya Courses and Fees 2025
  2. University of Malaya MBA
  3. University of Malaya Admissions 2025
  4. University of Malaya Ranking 2025
  5. FAQs

University of Malaya Courses and Fees 2025

University of Malaya’s subjects ranking make it the most subjects ranked university in Malaysia as per the QS rankings 2025. Malaya’s,

  • 41 subjects are ranked in QS WUR by Subject 2025
  • 38 out of 41 subjects ranked #1 in Malaysia
  • 4 subjects are ranked among the top 50 globally
  • 20 subjects are ranked among the top 100 globally
  • 28 subjects are ranked among the top 10% globally

Explore some of the top courses and fees of the University of Malaya in the table below.

University of Malaya Top Courses and Fees

Courses Annual Tuition Fees (in MYR) Annual Tuition Fees (in INR)
Master, Pathology (MPath) (Haematology) MYR 72,925 ₹ 1732698
Master, Orthopaedic Surgery (MOrthSurg) MYR 72,925 ₹ 1732698
Master, Orthodontics MYR 24,500 ₹ 582120
Master of Business Administration [MBA] MYR 52,733 ₹ 1252936
Master, Media Studies (Full Coursework) MYR 48,100 ₹ 1142856
Master, Educational Leadership and Management MYR 30,800 ₹ 731808
Master, Clinical Dentistry (Restorative Dentistry in Prosthetic Dentistry) - -
Bachelor of Engineering [B.Eng], Chemical Engineering MYR 33,025 ₹ 784674
Bachelor of Business Administration [B.B.A], Business Administration MYR 22,028 ₹ 523385
Bachelor, Medicine and Surgery MYR 134,640 ₹ 3199046
Bachelor, Malay Language MYR 26,900 ₹ 639144

Note: University of Malaya does not offer any scholarships for Indian students. However, Indian students can apply for the external scholarships to study in Malaysia.


University of Malaya MBA

The University of Malaya MBA is a full-time postgraduate degree program of 1.5 to 2.5 years. Students are required to complete a minimum of 46 credit hours of learning and research project that cover various business concentrations in this program. The total tuition fee for Malaya MBA is 79,100 MYR (15.86 lakhs INR). Admission for the MBA program is offered in March and October intakes. The University of Malaya MBA admission requirements are as follows.

  • A honors Bachelor’s degree
  • A minimum of three (3) years full-time working experience after completing first degree
  • Successful completion of the Faculty of Business and Economics interview
  • English Language requirement:
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • TOEFL iBT: 79
    • PTE: 63

Application Portal: MAYA Portal

Application Fee: 300 MYR (6,018 INR)

University of Malaya Application Deadline: August 30, 2025, for Semester 1 (October Intake 2025)


University of Malaya Admissions 2025

University of Malaya offers October and March intakes for international students. Currently, UM is accepting applications from international students for the Semester 1 (October 2025). The upcoming application deadline is August 30, 2025, for the undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The University of Malaya acceptance rate is reported to be 34%. Note, this is the overall acceptance rate, including domestic and international students. The University of Malaya entry requirements for international students are as follows.

Particulars Undergraduate Postgraduate
Application Portal MAYA Portal MAYA Portal
Application Fee 300 MYR (6,018 INR) 300 MYR (6,018 INR)
Academic Requirements Senior High School Certificate (SHSC)/ High School Certificate (HSC)/ Grade 12 Honors Bachelor’s Degree
Score Requirements 65% marks in Grade 12 Minimum CGPA of 3.0
English Language Requirements IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 79 | PTE: 63 IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL iBT: 79 | PTE: 63

Note: University of Malaya requirements for international students will vary depending on the course/ faculty. It is advisable to check the official program page for detailed information.

Also Read: University of Malaya Admissions 2025


University of Malaya Ranking 2025

The University of Malaya is Malaysia’s number #1 university. According to the University of Malaya QS ranking, it is ranked among the top 100 universities globally. Times Higher Education places UM within #251-300 bands, in the world university ranking category. Explore the University of Malaya world rankings in the table below.

Ranked By 2025 Rank 2024 Rank 2023 Rank
QS #60 #65 #70
THE #251-300 #251-300 #351-400
US News and World Report - #281 #226

Ranked #60 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and #1 in Malaysia, the University of Malaya offers over 150 programs across 14 faculties, attracting 12,405 international students from 80 countries. With 41 subjects ranked in QS WUR by Subject 2025—including 38 ranked #1 nationally and 4 in the global top 50—UM is a top academic destination.


FAQs

Ques: What is the rank of University of Malaya?

Ans: The University of Malaya is ranked #60 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, making it the #1 university in Malaysia. It is also placed within the #251–300 band by Times Higher Education (THE) for 2025.

Ques: Is University of Malaya hard to get in?

Ans: Yes, the University of Malaya has a competitive acceptance rate of around 34%, which includes both domestic and international applicants. This indicates selective admissions, especially for popular programs like MBA and master's degrees.

Ques: What are the fees of University of Malaya for Indian students?

Ans: The tuition fees for master’s programs at the University of Malaya range between MYR 24,500 and MYR 112,500, which is approximately INR 4.91 to 22.56 lakhs per year. For the MBA program specifically, the total fee is MYR 79,100 (INR 15.86 lakhs).

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

155

Fee from

₹4,75,200

Exams

IELTS · TOEFL

Showing 5 of 58 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration5 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 32 L/Yr
Native FeeMYR 134,640 /Yr
Estimated Total₹313632
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

The University of Malaya (UM) is one of Malaysia’s top public universities and attracts over 18,000 students, including around 6,240 international students. While the official acceptance rate is not published, third-party estimates suggest it is about 34%, making admission competitive for international applicants, including students from India.

UM offers multiple intakes each year; mainly March and October, with limited June options for selected programs. For Indian students, the March intake is the most important, especially for undergraduate and coursework master’s programs. Applications usually open 4-6 months before the intake and close around January for March admissions. Early preparation is essential to allow time for admission processing and student visa approval.

At the undergraduate level, students must have at least 65% in Grade 12, along with an English test score such as IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, or PTE 63 to get into the University of Malaya. For master’s programs, applicants generally need a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0 (65%-69%). For the MBA program, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (CGPA 3.0 or above), at least 3 years of full-time work experience, and pass a faculty interview. English requirements for the MBA are slightly lower, starting from IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 60.


University of Malaya Application Deadlines and Intakes

University of Malaya follows a multi-intake academic calendar, primarily offering March (Semester II), October (Semester I), and limited June (Term I) intakes depending on study level and program mode.

For Indian students, the key intake to target is the March intake, as it is widely available across diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate coursework programs. Application windows typically open 4-6 months before the intake, so early preparation (English test scores, transcripts, SOP, passport, funding documents) is crucial.

Postgraduate research programs offer more flexibility, with extended deadlines, sometimes open up to a few months before the semester begins. However, Indian applicants should ideally apply at least 3-4 months before the deadline to allow time for offer processing, visa approval, and accommodation arrangements.

Below is a structured overview of the latest application windows for the 2026-2027 academic sessions.

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

Program Type Intake Application Window
Undergraduate (International) March 2027 8 Sept 2026 – 30 Jan 2027
Undergraduate – Open Channel (SATU) March 2027 20 Oct 2026 – 28 Feb 2027

Note: Indian students should aim for the international undergraduate deadline only. The SATU channel is open only to Malaysian citizens.


Postgraduate (Master’s & Doctoral) Application Deadlines

October Intake (Semester I – 2026/27)

Level Mode Application Window
Master’s & PhD (Research) Full/Part-Time 10 Feb 2025 – 2 Jan 2026

March Intake (Semester II – 2025/26)

Level Mode Application Window
Master’s & PhD (Coursework / Mixed Mode) Full/Part-Time 8 Sept 2025 – 30 Jan 2026
Master’s & PhD (Research) Full/Part-Time 6 Jan 2026 – 5 Jun 2026

2026/27 Intakes

Intake Level Mode Application Window
October 2026 Master’s (Coursework/Clinical) Full-Time 10 Dec 2025 – 2 Feb 2026
June 2026 (Term I) Master’s (Clinical) Full-Time 22 Dec 2025 – 30 Apr 2026

What does it mean for Indian Applicants?

  • Most popular intake: March (applications usually close in January).
  • Best time to prepare: Start 6-8 months before intake.
  • Research programs: Offer flexible deadlines, but early supervisor confirmation is critical.
  • Visa buffer: Keep at least 6-8 weeks between final offer and program start.

For the majority of Indian students targeting Bachelor’s or Master’s coursework programmes, the ideal application period is September-December for the March intake. Visit the application deadlines to study in Malaysia for more information.

university_of_malaya_admissions


University of Malaya Graduate Admissions Requirements

Among the University of Malaya masters programs, the Master of Education Leadership, Master of Media Studies, and Master of Data Science are among the most popular ones. Tuition fees for these programs range from 24,500 to 112,500 MYR (5.69 to 26.12 lakhs INR). University Malaya entry requirements for these programs are tabulated below.

Criteria UM Entry Requirement
Academic Qualification Honors Bachelor's degree
Minimum CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0
English Language Proficiency IELTS: 6.5 / TOEFL iBT: 79 / PTE: 63
Application Fee 300 MYR (6,967 INR)
Application Portal UM Application Portal: MAYA

University of Malaya MBA Admissions

The University of Malaya MBA is a full-time postgraduate degree program with a duration of 1.5 to 2.5 years and offered in Semester 1 (October) and Semester 2 (March) intakes. The program requires the completion of 46 credit hours, including coursework and a research project. The total tuition fee for the program is 79,100 MYR (18.37 lakhs INR). The admission requirements for this program are as follows:

Category Requirement Minimum Criteria Notes
Academic Qualification Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) CGPA ≥ 3.00 Direct eligibility
Conditional Academic Entry Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) CGPA 2.50–2.99 Must fulfill at least ONE additional condition below
Additional Conditions (For CGPA 2.50–2.99) Work Experience / Interview / etc. Any ONE of: 1 year related work experience, UM graduate, relevant publications, scholarship holder, government staff, pass faculty interview, or special faculty evaluation Required only for CGPA 2.50–2.99 applicants
Professional Qualification (Equivalent) ACCA or a related accredited body ACCA Level 7 and above Accepted in place of a Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience (MBA-Specific) Full-time experience after a Bachelor’s degree Minimum 3 years Mandatory for MBA applicants
Interview Faculty Interview Must pass Mandatory for MBA admission
IELTS Academic 6.0 Accepted
TOEFL iBT Centre-Based 60 Accepted
TOEFL Essential Online 8.5 Accepted
PTE Academic Academic 59 Accepted

University of Malaya Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

Among the undergraduate programs offered by Malaya Uni, BBA, B.Eng Chemical Engineering, Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS in India) are among the popular ones. Tuition fees for the undergraduate programs range between 18,257 and 630,200 (4.24 to 1.46 crores INR). University of Malaya Admission requirements for international students for undergraduate programs are as follows.

Criteria UM Entry Requirement
Academic Qualification Senior High School Certificate (SHSC) / High School Certificate (HSC) / Grade 12
Minimum Marks 65% in Grade 12
English Language Proficiency IELTS: 6.5 / TOEFL iBT: 79 / PTE: 63
Application Fee 300 MYR (6,967 INR)
Application Portal MAYA Portal

University of Malaya International Admissions Process

Consider the following steps to apply to the University of Malaya admissions.

  1. Visit the UM Application Portal MAYA
  2. Create an account and select your intended program
  3. Upload required documents:
    1. Recent passport-size photographs with a blue background;
    2. Certified copies of passport (first page only - photo, owner details, and validity)/ Identity Card;
    3. Certified copies of academic certificates with detailed academic transcripts/results for Higher School Certificate (HSC), Grade 12, or GCE (A' Level) or Diploma from recognized Institutions. An official translation is needed for applicants whose native language is not English or Malay.
    4. Certified copies of TOEFL/IELTS or other equivalent examinations indicating English proficiency (if available);
    5. A letter of guarantee from the sponsor for sponsored students;
  4. Pay the application fee: 300 MYR (6,967 INR)
  5. Submit your application before the deadline
  6. Track your application status through the MAYA portal
  7. Await interview call (if applying for MBA or specific postgraduate programs)
  8. Receive admission decision via email/portal

University of Malaya Acceptance Rate and Enrollment

The University of Malaya does not report its acceptance rate on the official website. Third-party websites often cite that the estimated acceptance rate is 34%. Currently, the university has over 18,000 students, including around 6,240 international students.


The University of Malaya is a competitive but clearly structured option for Indian students. The March intake is the most strategic choice, especially for undergraduate and coursework master’s programs, with deadlines usually closing in January. Indian students should start preparing 6-8 months in advance to manage English tests, documentation, and visa timelines.


FAQs

Ques: How to get admission in University of Malaya?

Ans: Apply through the UM MAYA portal, select your program, upload required documents (academic transcripts, passport, English test scores, sponsor letter if applicable), and pay the 300 MYR application fee. You must meet the academic criteria (65% in Grade 12 for UG, CGPA 3.0 for Master’s) and apply before the intake deadline — ideally for the March intake.

Ques: Does the University of Malaya need IELTS?

Ans: Yes, in most cases. For undergraduate and most master’s programs, the minimum is IELTS 6.5 (or TOEFL iBT 79 / PTE 63). For the MBA, the requirement is slightly lower at IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent).

Ques: Is it hard to get into the University of Malaya?

Ans: UM is competitive, with an estimated 34% acceptance rate. It is not extremely difficult, but applicants must meet the academic benchmarks and apply early, especially international students.

Ques: What is the No. 1 university in Malaysia?

Ans: The University of Malaya (UM) is widely ranked as the No. 1 university in Malaysia in major global rankings.

Ques: Do I need IELTS to study in Malaysia?

Ans: Most Malaysian universities, including UM, require proof of English proficiency such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. However, requirements vary by university and program. For UM specifically, IELTS (or equivalent) is generally required.

Placements & Recruiters

University of Malaya Placement Details

University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #1
  • Overall: #1 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 39 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 4 ranking records in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Best overall country rank: #1
  • Overall: #1 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 35 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 2 ranking records in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #1
  • Overall: #1 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 10 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Education
  • 2 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #1
  • Engineering: #1 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 35 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Engineering, Data Science and Analytics
  • 3 ranking records in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Best overall country rank: #1
  • Overall: #1 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 8 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Business
  • 3 ranking records in 2026

Contact Information

Jalan Universiti, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

+60-79-67-4525

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

7.3/10
Top Rated

Based on 1 rating

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
8.0/10
Faculty
10.0/10
Infrastructure
10.0/10
Accommodation
7.0/10
Placement
9.0/10