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MALAYSIA · PENANG

Universiti Sains Malaysia

public · Founded 1969 · Languages: en, ms, zh

In short

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a leading research-intensive university in Malaysia, offering a diverse range of programs to over 34,000 students from more than 80 nationalities. USM provides a multicultural academic environment with extensive student support services and research opportunities.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1969
Students: 34,000
International students: 3,000
Acceptance rate: 30%
Tuition (intl): €3–6k/yr
Languages: EN, MS, ZH
Location: Penang, Malaysia

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), established in 1969, is Malaysia's second university and a leading research-intensive institution. With a main campus in Penang, an engineering campus in Nibong Tebal, and a health campus in Kubang Kerian, USM offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across natural sciences, applied sciences, medical and health sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, building science and technology, social sciences, humanities, and education. USM welcomes over 34,000 students from more than 80 nationalities, fostering a vibrant multicultural academic environment. The university operates on a School system, encouraging multidisciplinary learning and exposure to various fields of study. USM is also recognized for its 17 dedicated research centers and its role as the first Malaysian university selected for the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX), aiming for world-class status. Beyond academics, USM provides comprehensive student support services, including accommodation, counseling, sports facilities, and a wide array of clubs and societies, promoting a holistic student experience.

Why study here

Experience a global academic environment with students from over 80 nationalities.
Benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to education, covering a wide array of fields from science and engineering to social sciences and arts.
Access state-of-the-art research facilities and contribute to cutting-edge projects as part of a Research Intensive University.
Engage with a supportive community that offers extensive student services, including diverse clubs, societies, and recreational facilities.
Join a university with a strong commitment to sustainable development through its Centre for Global Sustainability Studies.

Student life

USM offers a dynamic student life with extensive support services and diverse activities. Students can reside in on-campus residences and utilize academic facilities including an impressive museum, art gallery, lecture theatres, and a comprehensive research library with over one million items. The Sports Centre provides indoor and outdoor facilities such as soccer fields, an 8-lane synthetic running track, an Astroturf hockey stadium, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool for various sporting events. Cultural events at the Cultural Hall foster community spirit. The university hosts a myriad of clubs and societies, ranging from the Political Science Society and Astronomy Club to the Debating & Public Speaking Club and Mass Communication Club, catering to a wide array of interests. The Counseling Unit is available to support students' personal and academic development.

Fees

InternationalInternational tuition at USM is competitive compared with Western universities. Annual fees vary by programme and level, typically ranging from roughly USD 2,500 to USD 6,500 per year for undergraduate study, with professional programmes such as medicine and pharmacy charged at higher rates. Exact figures are published on individual programme pages.

HomeSubsidised tuition applies to Malaysian students; fees are set per programme by the university.

LivingInternational students should budget approximately USD 350-600 per month for living costs in Penang, including accommodation, food, and transport.

Specific tuition fees for international students are available on individual program pages, such as the Bachelor of Electronic Engineering with Honours. Please refer to the program-specific fees section for detailed information.

Admissions

Undergraduate Academic Requirements (High School Certificate)High School Certificate Level or equivalent with minimum CGPA 3.00, and minimum grade B in specific subjects relevant to the chosen program (e.g., Physics, Mathematics for Electronic Engineering).

Undergraduate Academic Requirements (Diploma/A-Level/IB/AUSMAT/SAM & Others)Diploma in a related field with minimum CGPA of 3.00 (course duration not less than 5 semesters or 2 1/2 years), and minimum grade B in specific subjects (e.g., Mathematics/Engineering Mathematics, Physics/Engineering Physics/Engineering Science for Electronic Engineering).

Master Degree (Research Mode) QualificationBachelor degree with CGPA of at least 2.75, or CGPA 2.5-2.74 with 1 year research/professional experience or 2 academic publications or Grade B for major/elective courses or Grade B+ for final year project, or CGPA 2.00-2.49 with 5 years research/professional experience and 2 academic publications or Grade B+ for major/elective courses or Grade A- for final year project.

PhD Degree QualificationMaster degree (Coursework or Mixed Mode) with CGPA of at least 3.00, or CGPA 2.75-2.99 with 2 years research/professional experience or 2 academic publications or Grade B+ for major/elective courses or Grade B+ (Coursework Mode) / P (Mixed Mode) for dissertation/project. Alternatively, Bachelor degree with CGPA of at least 3.67 or APEL A qualification.

InterviewCandidates must undergo an interview session before being accepted by the respective faculty for some programs (e.g., Electronic Engineering).

Physical RequirementsCandidates for some programs (e.g., Electronic Engineering) should not have visual impairment (color blind) or physical disability that would make practical work difficult.

Compulsory Course for International StudentsMalaysian Culture and Malay Language (LKM111) is compulsory for all international students and must be passed with a minimum grade of C before graduation. Exemption may be granted for equivalent courses.

IELTS / IELTS Onlineminimum Band 5.0

TOEFL iBTminimum score of 40

TOEFL Essentials Onlineminimum score of 7.5

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)minimum score of 154

Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)minimum score of 154

Cambridge English: Linguaskill Onlineminimum score of 154

PTE Academic / PTE Academic (Online)minimum score of 47

ELS Certified Intensive English Programme Level (CIEP Level)107

Malaysian University English Test (MUET)minimum Band 3.5

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026Around #134 worldwide

QS World University Rankings (Malaysia)Among the top universities nationally

QS Asia University RankingsRanked among the leading universities in Asia

University scholarships

This program, titled "Bengkel Muzik Asli 2 - Himpunan Budaya DB," is an event focused on traditional music and cultural heritage, organized by the School of the Arts at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The event provides a platform for learning, showcasing, and celebrating indigenous music. It is an opportunity for participants to engage with cultural performances and workshops related to traditional Malaysian music. The School of the Arts at USM is dedicated to promoting arts education and cultural preservation.

Scholarships

for Malaysia

Browse all scholarships →

partial funding

Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia

Government of Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

Open to international postgraduate applicants from eligible countries who intend to pursue, or are enrolled in, full-time Master's or PhD study at Malaysian public universities or selected private institutions. Master's applicants must be under 40 and PhD applicants under 45, with a CGPA of 3.0 or a Second Class Upper (Honours), IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL PBT 550, and a research proposal of at least 1,000 words.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia

Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP) Scholarship

Open to citizens of developing countries recognised by the Malaysian government, aged up to 45, with strong academic credentials meeting their chosen programme's requirements. Applicants must already hold admission to a participating public or private Malaysian university and provide proof of English proficiency such as an IELTS score or institutional certificate, and be in good health.

Multimedia University (MMU), Malaysia

International Scholarships at Multimedia University Malaysia

Open to international and domestic students holding an offer for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme at Multimedia University Malaysia, awarded on academic merit and, for some schemes, financial need; undergraduate entrants need a high-school certificate and postgraduate entrants a first degree.

MAHSA University Blue Ribbon Scholarship (MBRS)

Open to local and international students of all nationalities who enrol full-time in a MAHSA Foundation programme (Science, Business or Arts) leading to a Bachelor's degree. Applicants must hold at least 5 SPM or O-Level credits in the relevant subjects, show good conduct, maintain attendance and academic standards, and provide evidence of financial need.

Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)

For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.

Wellcome International Training Fellowships

For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.

Frequently asked questions

What are the general tuition fees for international students at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)?

International tuition fees at USM are competitive, typically ranging from approximately USD 2,500 to USD 6,500 per year for undergraduate study. Professional programs like medicine and pharmacy may have higher fees. Exact figures are available on individual program pages.

What are the estimated living costs for international students in Penang?

International students should budget around USD 350-600 per month for living expenses in Penang. This estimate includes accommodation, food, and transportation.

Does USM have English language proficiency requirements for international students?

Yes, USM has English language proficiency requirements. Accepted tests include IELTS with a minimum Band 5.0, TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 40, and others listed on the university's admission pages. Candidates may be exempted if their previous education was in English.

What academic qualifications are generally required for undergraduate admission at USM?

For undergraduate admission, applicants typically need a High School Certificate or equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 and a grade B in relevant subjects. Alternatively, a relevant diploma with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 and specific subject grades can be considered.

What scholarships are available for international postgraduate students at USM?

USM offers scholarships such as the Graduate Assistant/Fellowship Scheme for eligible postgraduate researchers, providing stipends and fee support. International students can also explore Malaysian Government scholarships like MIS and MTCP.

Last updated 3 July 2026