Top 10 Best Universities in Malaysia for International Students 2025
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Malaysia is a newly industrialised country with a high quality of life and a good educational system catering to students' needs in the modern world. The country is a safe haven for international students with a peaceful environment. International students also prefer studying in Malaysia for the number of work opportunities that they can take up during and after their studies. Additionally, students also do not suffer from a language barrier as most communications are in English in the country. So here, based on various rankings and reports, this article covers the top 10 universities in Malaysia in 2025.
Top 10 Universities in Malaysia 2025
Check out the list of best universities in Malaysia as per the QS and THE World University Rankings 2025 below.
| Top Universities in Malaysia 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Malaysian Universities |
QS World University Rankings 2025 |
THE World University Rankings 2025 |
| Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur |
60 |
251-300 |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi |
138 |
401-500 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Gelugor |
146 |
401-500 |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Seri Kembangan |
148 |
601-800 |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai |
=181 |
401-500 |
| Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya |
251 |
- |
| UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur |
=265 |
- |
| Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Seri Iskandar |
=269 |
201-250 |
| INTI Interntional University, Nilai |
=516 |
- |
| Sunway University, Petaling Jaya |
=539 |
401-500 |
Universiti Malaya
The university was set up in 1905 in Singapore as the King Edward VII College of Medicine and became the University of Malaya in 1949. At present, the Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah is the Chancellor of UM. The University of Malaya is recognised as one of the top universities in the world. It offers one of the best MBAs in Malaysia.
Year of establishment: October 8, 1949
Highlights:
- The oldest and one of the leading universities in Malaysia.
- Boasts more than 2,000 staff members, 16,734 undergraduate & 8,629 postgraduate local students and 962 Undergraduate & 4,243 Postgraduate international students.
- Ranked 60th in QS World University Rankings 2025.
Universiti Putra Malaysia
It is a multi-disciplinary university and one of Malaysiaʼs largest and premier institutions. A total of 25,500 students, both Malaysians and foreigners from over 80 nations are studying here. Universiti Putra Malaysia offers 8 diploma programs, 80 bachelor's programs, and 66 master's programs, all of which are taught by expert faculty.
Year of establishment: 1931
Highlights:
- A research-intensive public university formerly known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia or Agricultural University of Malaysia and located in central Peninsular Malaysia, close to the capital city, Kuala Lumpur.
- Recognised by the independent government assessments as one of Malaysia's leading research Universities.
- Ranked the joint 148th in QS World University 2025 and 25th best Asian university in QS Asia University Ranking 2024. 11 of its subjects were recognised among the top 200 in the world.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia is recognised among the world's top 200 universities.
Year of establishment: May 18, 1970
Highlights:
- Obtained 138th rank in QS World University Rankings 2025 and 28th in QS Asia University Rankings 2024.
- The university is also known as the National University of Malaysia
- Based on a foundation of 30 years of research, UKM was awarded the status of a Malaysian Research University in October 2006 by the Ministry of Higher Education, a move designed to propel the four public universities into leading research universities in line with the Higher Education Strategic Plan 2007-2020.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (University of Science Malaysia, USM)
Before its establishment as the second university in the country, USM was known as Universiti Pulau Pinang. Students can pursue various courses such as Social Sciences, Humanities, Applied Sciences, Natural Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Education. 5,000 students of over 70 nationalities are registered as USM students. Various important facilities such as medical centres, post office, libraries, pharmacies, post office, banks, sports centres, etc are available for the convenience of the students.
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Year of establishment: 1969
Highlights:
- A public university, USM is one of the biggest universities in terms of enrollment in Malaysia.
- Offers courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to more than 30,000 students. Boasts 26 academic schools and 3 campuses.
- Has 17 research centres for a wide range of specialisations in medicine and dentistry, science and technology, archaeology, molecular medicine, Islamic development etc.
- USM is one of six universities in Malaysia that have been identified as research-intensive universities, with the other being the University of Malaya and Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (University of Technology Malaysia, UTM)
Year of establishment: 1904
The University of Technology Malaysia has been ranked 181st in the world by QS World University Rankings 2025 and 37th in Asia by QS World University Rankings: Asia 2024.
Highlights:
- Oldest public engineering and technological university in Malaysia. It is also the country's major source of graduate engineers and similar professionals.
- Specializes in technical studies, with separate faculties for the engineering divisions like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. It also has faculties for Education, Pure Sciences, Management, and Human Resources Development.
- Provides on-campus housing for over 12,000 students in its 10 residential colleges.
Taylor's University
Year of establishment: 1986
Ranked among the best private universities in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Taylor's University is among the top-flight universities globally. It is recognised as one of the few Asian universities which have a 5-star rating for online learning.
Highlights:
- It has been the number one private university in Southeast Asia for 3-consecutive years.
- The university's academic provision is divided into four faculties.
UCSI University
Year of establishment: 1986
A leading higher-learning institute, UCSI University has campuses in Kuala Lumpur, Springhill (Port Dickson) and Kuching, Malaysia. Currently, over 12,000 students are studying various courses at the university.
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Highlights:
- Ranked 265th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.
-
Selected by Imperial, Tsinghua and Harvard for high-impact research.
-
Five university professors have been ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford.
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
A leading private university in Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS's campus is located at Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PETRONAS, Malaysia's national oil and gas company. Numerous industry-oriented programs such as engineering, science and technology are offered here at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. At present, more than 800 foundation students, 4,000 + undergraduate and over 1,000 postgraduate are studying here.
Year of establishment: 10 January 1997
Highlights:
-
Ranked 269th in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
-
Ranked 69th in QS Asia University Rankings 2024
- Offers 1 foundation, 15 undergraduate, and 41 post-graduate programs.
Universiti Utara Malaysia (Northern University of Malaysia - UUM)
Year of establishment: 16 February 1984
Highlights:
- First university in the country to be fully wired using fibre-optic cables.
- Has 29 computer laboratories in academic and administrative buildings on the campus, providing students with access points for e-services
- Boasts 3 Graduate Schools including Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business (UUM COB), Ghazali Shafie Graduate School of Government (UUM GSGSG), and Awang Had Salleh Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (UUM CAS) Universiti Utara Malaysia.
- Academic schools include: Accountancy, Business Management, Computing, Economics, Finance & Banking, Education & Modern Languages, Government, International Studies, Islamic Business, Law, Multimedia Technology &, Communication, Quantitative Sciences, Social Development, Technology Management & Logistics, Tourism, Hospitality & Environmental Management
Also Read: Cost of Living for International Students in Malaysia
Management and Science University
Year of establishment: 2001
Highlights:
-
Top 155th in QS Asia University Rankings 2024.
Read more about studying in Malaysia:
- How to get Malaysia Student Visa in 5 easy steps
- Eligibility conditions for studying at Malaysia
- Top courses in Malaysia
This was all about the top universities in Malaysia for international students. Get Shiksha's Counselling Services for free if you wish to study abroad.
Q: Is it hard to get into Uni Teknologi Malaysia?
University of Teknologi Malaysia is a moderately competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at 60%. This figure tells us that almost 60 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is more than half of all the applicants. Therefore, once an applicant fulfills University Teknologi Malaysia Johor admission requirements i.e.; competitive grades, standardized test scores, English language requirements as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission to the university. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to the university within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.
Q: What are the best things for University Technology Malaysia students to do on weekends?
According to some of student reviews over an unofficial source, students can take part in the following activities:
- You can go out of the campus and explore different types of food and go for shopping
- In the campus, you can play all kinds of sports such as cricket, football, tennis, basketball, etc.
- Enjoy watching movies at the theatres
- Have barbecue in Desaru beach
- Enjoy Kota Tinggi waterfall
- Check out different malls like Paradigm Mall, Aeon Mall, Central Square, etc.
- Visit Danga Bay
- Try hiking at Tanjung Piai
Q: How much does it cost to study at UTM Malaysia?
UTM Malaysia cost for international students can be checked from the table given below:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MS (5 courses) | INR 38 K - 5 L |
MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 5 L |
BE / BTech (4 courses) | INR 4 L |
MIM (3 courses) | INR 3 L - 5 L |
BE7 PG (1 course) | INR 3 L |
Executive MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 4 L |
BBA (2 courses) | INR 1 L - 4 L |
Living Cost
The cost of living for international students studying at UTM is low compared to international students. The living cost will vary from USD 200 – USD 400 a month depending on individual needs and lifestyle. The accommodation for on-campus students is around USD 120 – 250 per month. On the other hand, the off-campus accommodation cost can vary from USD 100 – USD 500 per month.
Also Read: BBA4 of Living for International Students in Malaysia
Q: Will the degree from University of Nottingham (UK) be of same value as University of Nottingham (Malaysia)?
The University of Nottingham campuses in China and Malaysia will provide the degree to the students with the same equal value. The campuses will follow the UK learning and teaching style for the students to get the similar environment. This degree will be fully official in the UK with automatic recognition, as well as it will be valid in Malaysia and China respectively.
The quality of teaching will also remain equivalent along with the academic standards that are decided by the entire Nottingham University and the campuses follow its governance. The quality of teaching and learning at the University of Nottingham China campus has also been compared to the main flagship campus in UK. These are some of the reasons why the degree in the Malaysia and China campuses will be of the same value as in UK.
Q: How can I get into UTM Malaysia?
UTM Malaysia admission requirements vary as per the undergraduate and graduate courses. The admission requirements are given below:
Undergraduate
- The applicants are required to have a Senior High School Certificate or equivalent pre-university qualification
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
The applicants are required to pass the Faculty interview (if applicable)
Master’s Degree
- The applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree with good honors from UTM Malaysia or any other institute of higher learning recognised by the State
OR
- The applicants should have a qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and experience in the relevant field recognised by the Senate
Doctoral Degree
- The applicants should have at least a master’s degree
Q: What are the entry requirements for the MSc Software Engineering course of UTM Malaysia?
UTM entry requirements for international students for an MSc Software Engineering course are given below:
- A bachelor’s degree
- IELTS Academic with 6.0 score / TOEFL with a score of 60 / PTE with 69 overall score
- Application materials like academic transcripts, English language proficiency certificate, copy of passport, passport size photograph, etc.
Q: How is applying to Mahsa University different from applying to other Universities in Malaysia?
Depending on a number of variables, applying to Mahsa University in Malaysia could be different from applying to other universities in the nation as it entails particular steps and regulations which makes it different from the other Malaysian Universities. Students perspectives on their time at Mahsa University, especially in the medical sector, might shed light on the institution's administration, faculty, and general standard of instruction, which makes it different from other institutions.
Q: How is applying to AIMST University different from applying to other Universities in Malaysia?
Applying to AIMST University different from applying to other Universities in Malaysia in several ways.
Firstly, the institute admits the students based on the merit without interview. They are judged only on the basis of pre interview criteria. Morever, AIMST University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields such as medicine, engineering, business, and social sciences. The other universities also includes the interviews. Here the english proficiency exam accepted is only IELTS anfd TOEFL.
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