Universiti Sains Malaysia
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Universiti Sains Malaysia: Courses, Admission, Cost

USM
Highlights 2024

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Year of establishment
1969
Also known as
USM
University website
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No. of campus
1
Accepted exams
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   Will my campus life be better at Universiti Sains Malaysia than staying off-campus?

A: 

Living on-campus at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) offers convenience with facilities like the library, gym, and utilities provided, fostering a strong sense of community among students. However, it comes at a higher cost due to expensive dorm prices and limited cooking options. On the other hand, staying off-campus provides more freedom, cheaper rental options, and independence from university rules, making it a popular choice for non-resident students in Malaysia. 

Q:   Why do Indian students choose to study at Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

Indian students choose to study at Universiti Sains Malaysia due to several factors. These include USM's strong business links, good reputation, adequate facilities, and availability of programs that suit students' needs. Additionally, factors like service quality, reputation, programs offered, and reliability of the institution play a role in attracting students to universities in Malaysia. Indian students specifically opt for Universiti Sains Malaysia for its academic excellence, affordability, cultural familiarity, and prospects. 

Q:   What is Universiti Sains Malaysia famous for?

A: 

Here are some points highlighting what Universiti Sains Malaysia is famous for:

Academic Excellence: USM is ranked #504 in Best Global Universities.

APEX University: Universiti Sains Malaysia is the only APEX University in Malaysia, a special status granted by the Ministry of Higher Education. 

Diverse Fields of Study: USM offers undergraduate and postgraduate education in Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Building Sciences & Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education.

Campuses and Centers of Excellence: The university has 4 campuses with the main campus located in Penang. It also has specialised campuses like the Health Campus focusing on health studies and the Engineering Campus offering engineering courses. 

Q:   Is getting part-time jobs easy while studying at Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

While studying at Universiti Sains Malaysia, it is possible to find part-time jobs to support yourself. International students may have opportunities for part-time employment, allowing them to work alongside their studies. In Malaysia, many students, including international ones, seek part-time jobs to earn money while studying. According to a report by HSBC, 53% of students in Malaysia engage in part-time work to improve their job prospects in a competitive market. 

USM
Scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   What are the top Scholarships for Indian Students at Universiti Sains Malaysia and how to avail them?

A: 

Indian students interested in scholarships at Universiti Sains Malaysia have several options to explore:
USM Graduate Student Financial Assistance (GRA-ASSIST): This financial assistance is available for both Malaysian and International candidates pursuing postgraduate studies by research mode at USM.

Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS): Offered by the Malaysian Government, this scholarship attracts bright minds globally to pursue postgraduate academic studies in Malaysia, including at USM.

Education Future International Scholarship: This scholarship is available for Indian students pursuing various subjects at Universiti Sains Malaysia, with a value of up to 17,000 USD. 

Q:   What scores do I need to have to get a scholarship at Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

To qualify for a scholarship at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the requirements vary depending on the type of scholarship. Here are some details:
Undergraduate International Scholarship:
PTE Academic minimum score of 47 or Malaysian University English Test minimum Band 3.5 is required.

Malaysia International Scholarship Program:
For Master's Degree applicants, a minimum of Second Class Upper (Honours) or a CGPA of 3.5/4.0 is needed.
English Language Proficiency Test requirements include the IELTS Academic Test with a score of at least 6.5 or the TOEFL paper-based test with a score of at least 580.

USM
Admission process

  • Application fees :No Fees
  • Type of deadline :Regular
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Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNot required
LORNot required
EssaysNot required
CVNot required
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Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall15ᵗʰ Jul 2024
Summer15ᵗʰ Jan 2025
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   Can an average Indian student join Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

Yes, an average Indian student can join Universiti Sains Malaysia. The university requires students to maintain a minimum percentage of 60 to have a good chance of admission. Additionally, specific academic qualifications are needed, such as passing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or equivalent with certain grades in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. English language proficiency is also essential, with requirements like a minimum score of 4 in IELTS. 

Q:   Are there many students from other countries studying at Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

Yes, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has seen a significant increase in the number of international students studying there. The university has recorded more than a twofold rise in international student admissions, with 1,086 students admitted from January to August 2021 compared to 338 students during the same period in 2020. The top countries of origin for international students at USM include China, Jordan, Iraq, Nigeria, and Pakistan, with popular fields of study being Management, Education, Computer Science, English for Professionals, and Arts. The total number of international students at Universiti Sains Malaysia is approximately 8000. 

Q:   What are the deadlines for submitting applications for Indian students at Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

The deadlines for submitting applications for Indian students at Universiti Sains Malaysia vary depending on the semester intake:
For the 1st Semester Intake, the application duration is from 1 January to 1 April.
For the 2nd Semester Intake, the application period is from 1 October to 30 November.

Students are required to obtain Student Pass/Visa approval before being allowed to register as a USM student. 

Q:   What are the documents required in the visa process for Indian students at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia?

A: 

To apply for a student visa at Universiti Sains Malaysia in Malaysia, Indian students need to prepare the following documents:

Printout of the online application form duly signed.
Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
Academic Transcripts and Certificates.
Offer Letter from the educational institution in Malaysia.
Pre-arrival Medical Report.
Support letter issued by the Ministry of Education or Department of Skill Development.
Form Immigration 14.
Two sets of colored photos (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm).
Personal Bond form (stamped).

The original VDR approval letter. 

Q:   How is applying to Universiti Sains Malaysia different from applying to other universities in Malaysia?

A: 

To apply to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as an international student, you need to follow these steps:
Application Process:
All applications must be submitted online at International@USM
Register to create an account or log in if you have applied before
The system will generate a reference number sent to your registered email

Visa Process:
International students need a student visa to study in Malaysia.
Apply at least three months before the programme starts through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
Required documents include a valid passport, health declaration, insurance coverage, academic certificates, an offer letter from the University, and more.

Application Deadlines:
Deadlines vary for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants:
Undergraduate Semester 1: August 12 (extended)
Undergraduate Semester 2: December 30
Postgraduate Semester 1: August 31 (extended)
Postgraduate Semester 2: October 15. 

USM
Courses and Fees 2024

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
B.Sc.(9 courses)
INR 3 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above
Others UG(1 course)
INR 2 L
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above
MS(1 course)
INR 85 K
Duration1 year-3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above
BSN(1 course)
INR 3 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS
BBA(2 courses)
INR 4 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above
BFA(1 course)
INR 2 L
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above
MD(1 course)
INR 5 L
Duration5 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above
B.E. / B.Tech(1 course)
INR 71 K
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above
B.Pharma(1 course)
INR 2 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS
B.A.(1 course)
INR 2 L
Duration42 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above
Read more
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   How expensive is it to live at Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

Here is a breakdown of the expenses at Universiti Sains Malaysia:
On-Campus Accommodation:
For undergraduate international students, on-campus accommodation costs around RM700 per semester, subject to change.
Graduate students may pay between RM10 to RM25 per day for on-campus accommodation if available.

Off-Campus Accommodation:
Off-campus accommodation in Nilai, where USIM is located, ranges from RM500 to RM1500 (USD150-USD500) per month.

Specific Accommodation Costs at USM:
Shared room in a hostel: RM 120 per month
Single room in a hostel: RM 240 per month
Family accommodation at Bakti Permai: RM 350 for one room, and RM 450 for two rooms. 

Q:   How much money is required in Indian rupees to study at Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

Here are some examples of the first-year tuition fees for different programs at Universiti Sains Malaysia:
B.E. / B.Tech: INR 2 Lacs
B.Sc.: INR 3 Lacs
MS: INR 2 Lacs
BFA: INR 2 Lacs
MD: INR 3 Lacs
BSN: INR 3 Lacs
BBA: INR 4 Lacs
B.Pharma: INR 2 Lacs.

Additionally, living costs in Malaysia are relatively low, with monthly expenses ranging from INR 36,000 to INR 64,000, covering accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses. 

Q:   Is a score of 85 in TOEFL good for Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to Universiti Sains Malaysia is 61. Additionally, for postgraduate programs, a minimum TOEFL score of 40 is required. The minimum IELTS score required for admission to Universiti Sains Malaysia is a band score of 5.0. Additionally, for specific programs like the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English for Professionals, a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 is necessary. 

USM
Placements 2024

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Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   What are the popular sectors that Indian students prefer for doing part-time jobs at Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

Some popular part-time jobs for students in Malaysia include:
Home Tutor: Teaching as a private tutor is a common part-time job, offering flexibility and higher hourly rates compared to other jobs.
Waiter & Waitresses: Working in restaurants allows students to earn while gaining practical experience in customer service and hospitality.
Event Staff: Students can work at events like concerts or product launches, providing short-term employment with decent rewards.
Retail Store Assistant: Jobs in retail involve tasks like packing groceries, organizing items, and assisting customers, offering a good entry-level opportunity.
Freelancer: Students with skills in writing, graphic design, or other areas can work as freelancers, offering services for gigs and projects.
Photographer: Part-time photography jobs include event coverage or selling photos online through stock photo platforms.

Q:   What are the job opportunities after doing B.Tech from Universiti Sains Malaysia?

A: 

After completing a B.Tech from Universiti Sains Malaysia, you can explore various job opportunities in different sectors. Some potential career paths include:

Software Engineer/Developer: In this role, you can work on software development, programming, and application design. Entry-level software engineers in Malaysia earn an average salary ranging from MYR 3,000 to MYR 5,000 per month, with experienced professionals earning between MYR 6,000 to MYR 10,000 or more per month.

Electrical Engineer: Electrical engineers are involved in designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment. Entry-level electrical engineers in Malaysia typically earn around MYR 3,000 to MYR 5,000 per month, with salaries increasing with experience.

Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers focus on designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems and equipment. Entry-level mechanical engineers can expect an average salary of around MYR 3,000 to MYR 5,000 per month in Malaysia, with higher salaries based on experience.

Civil Engineer: Civil engineers work on infrastructure projects like buildings, bridges, and roads. Entry-level civil engineers in Malaysia earn around MYR 3,000 to MYR 5,000 per month, with experienced professionals making between MYR 6,000 to MYR 10,000 or more per month.







USM
Rankings & Grading

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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   What is the rank of Universiti Sains Malaysia in the world?

A: 

Universiti Sains Malaysia holds various rankings in different global university lists:
Times Higher Education 2024 Rank: 401–500
US News Best Global Universities: Ranked #504
QS World University Rankings: Ranked #137

Some of the programme rankings at Universiti Sains Malaysia are as follows:
QS World University Rankings: Ranked 34th in Asia, 142nd globally, and 75th for Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Times Higher Education Subject Rankings:
Agricultural Sciences: #195 (tie)
Biology and Biochemistry: #380 (tie).

USM
College comparison

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USM

INR 2.84 LB++#146 QS, 2025

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USM
Studying in Malaysia

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USM

Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 7 months ago

To take admission to USM MS in Computer Science, international applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (achieved in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework). Other admission requirements are given below:

  • Official transcripts and degree certificates or

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Akanksha Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 7 months ago

USM MS in Computer Science includes advanced topics in Computer Science. Also, this programme offers flexibility for students to select courses in or more areas of interest. The duration of this programme is between 1.5 years – 2 years, including a thesis or research project. While working on thesis

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Akanksha Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 7 months ago

A few names included in the list of Southern Miss notable alumni are given below:

Names

Professions

Catherine Cora

Chef, TV Personality

Ray Guy

Football player

Gary Grubbs

Film and TV actor

Phil Bryant

Politician

Ray Guy

Football player

Robert L. Stewart

Astronaut

Brian Dozier

Baseball player

43342425
Akanksha Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Pranjal Singh

Study Abroad Expert

Pranjal is an enthusiastic and creative content creator who loves writing engaging content for different audiences. She is particularly interested in the Education sector and developed content for higher education. Pranjal is a big-time foodie and al...Read Full Bio
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USM
Location

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University CityPenang, Other - Malaysia, Malaysia

USM
Campuses

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Universiti Sains Malaysia Main CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

Universiti Sains Malaysia,11800 USM,Pulau Pinang Malaysia

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USM
Contact Information

Address

Universiti Sains Malaysia,11800 USM,Pulau Pinang Malaysia
Penang ( Other - Malaysia)

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