An increasing number of foreign branch campuses, including some located in the new EduCity complex, have joined Malaysia’s educational institutes, which already have a significant presence in regional and international rankings. As the world’s eleventh-largest exporter of education, Malaysia is rapidly rising to the forefront of the global education scene.
Some of Malaysia’s best features include its cultural variety, culturally diverse population, and reasonably secure socioeconomic climate, as well as its advantageous position between East and West. Malaysia seems to have the largest impact on international student’s decision to study there due to its reputation for excellent education and the recommendations of friends and family. While geography and culture are also essential for students, other factors include quality education and cost of living.
Top 11 Universities in Malaysia based on QS score 2024:
The below list consists of Malaysia’s top 11 universities. The list is extracted based on the 2024 QS global score:
- 1. Monash University Malaysia
- Universiti Malaya (UM)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Taylor’s University
- UCSI University
- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
- INTI International University
- Sunway University
1. Monash University Malaysia
As the first overseas university campus in Malaysia, Monash University Malaysia has been there since 1998 and is the third biggest campus of Australia’s prominent institution. Being a member of Australia’s esteemed Group of Eight (Go8) it is a leading research-intensive institution that has been rated among the top 60 universities worldwide by the Times Higher Education World Institution Rankings 2024. The most recent QS World University Rankings similarly place Monash University at number 37.
The campus is home to almost 9,300 students from over 79 different countries, creating a culturally diverse and international atmosphere. They are a self-accrediting institution. Teaching faculty members come from all around the globe, and the campus follows the same stringent standards as the rest of Monash University. All Monash credentials are quality certified by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency and local certifying organizations.
Monash University has been recognized by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education with a 6-star SETARA grade, solidifying its place as one of the country’s most prestigious educational institutions. Through its extensive network of partnerships in academia, business, and government, Monash University Malaysia facilitates collaborations in research and teaching throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. From working with industry partners to make medical devices safer to partnering with Sunway Medical Centre to provide internships, they lead research and education that addresses national and international needs.
2. Universiti Malaya (UM)
Universiti Malaya (UM), the oldest university in Malaysia, was founded in 1949 by the amalgamation of many institutions in Singapore. More than 14,500 undergraduates and over 13,700 graduate students enroll in its comprehensive academic offerings.
Present day campus amenities include a 920-acre lake with kayaks and a swimming pool equivalent to an Olympic-sized pool. The university is situated 12 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur city center. It has sixty research centers organized into six research clusters and has been self-accredited since 2009.
Two prime ministers of Malaysia, among other politicians and other noteworthy individuals from Malaysia and beyond, are among the notable alumni.
After being evaluated alongside 23 other Malaysian universities since it first entered the rankings in 2018, UM is pleased to announce that it has maintained its position as the leading Malaysian university in THE WUR 2024.
3. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), is a government financed institution that accepts a sizable number of undergraduate and graduate students each year.
The institution was founded in 1970. UKM has a strong research emphasis and provides a wide variety of topics. Situated in the Selangor district, just south of Kuala Lumpur, the little town of Bangi is home to its main campus.
With the addition of the Graduate School of Business (GSB-UKM) and thirteen faculties, UKM currently has sixteen prestigious educational research institutions.
With more than 2 million volumes and electronic books and periodicals, the Tun Seri Lanang Library at UKM is one of the largest university libraries in Malaysia.
Earth sciences and biotechnology are two of the university’s primary energy-related research areas. Several engineering, architectural, and food science-related Malaysian firms have benefited from university-sponsored research.
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4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
The Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was the country’s second university, having been founded in 1969.
Courses are given in a variety of scientific areas at this institution, including medical sciences, natural sciences, and building sciences and technology. Additionally, students have the option to take classes in the humanities, and arts, among others.
The university comprises three main campuses and seventeen specialized research centers covering topics such as international studies, policy research, and archeology.
In the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, USM secured the top rank worldwide, marking a great milestone for the institution. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) for justice, peace, and strong institutions (SDG16) also placed USM at the top.
5. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
The leading research university in Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), is situated in Serdang, close to Putrajaya, the country’s administrative capital. Students and faculty from all over the globe come to UPM because of its outstanding track record as a research and educational institution. In 1971, the Faculty of Agriculture at the University Malaya and the Agriculture College in Serdang merged to become what is today known as Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
The initial three faculties were the Agricultural, Forestry, and Veterinary and Animal Science. UPM continues to uphold its long-standing commitment to teaching by directing its graduate-level research on agriculture and related fields. In the early 1980s, UPM included science and technology in its curriculum. Universiti Putra Malaysia was renamed Universiti Pertanian Malaysia by Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, prime minister of Malaysia, on April 3, 1997.
UPM is Malaysia’s biggest science, technology, and agriculture university with 29,000 undergraduate students in 58 programs and 5,000 post-graduate students from 60 countries in several graduate programs. Over 1,700 faculty members make up the university’s academic staff, with 62% holding doctoral degrees from institutions all over the globe.
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6. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a research university in Malaysia that focuses on innovation and graduating students. It is situated in both Johor Bahru, the southern metropolis of Iskandar Malaysia, and Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, it comes in at number 181. The University of Technology, Malaysia (UTM) is home to 10 different faculties that together offer undergraduate and graduate-level courses. These include the Faculty of Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geoinformation Science & Engineering, Computer Science & Information Systems, Management & Human Resources Development, and Education. About 17,500 undergraduates and 3,200 graduate students are currently enrolled at UTM. There are 1,877 faculty members and 2,061 support staff members employed full-time by the university. The University of Technology, Malaysia (UTM) is rightfully considered the best engineering and technology university in Malaysia, having graduated over 200,000 technical students and professionals.
7. Taylor’s University
Taylor University has been a leader among Malaysia’s private universities since its founding in 1969. The university’s reputation for excellence has spread throughout the country. Taylor takes great pride in offering a well-rounded education that not only leads to exceptional academic performance but also equips students with marketable skills. Courses and learning activities tailored to specific businesses are an integral part of most university curricula and foster strong relationships between different sectors.
To provide its students with the greatest possible education, Taylor’s University has been working on and adopting cutting-edge strategies for teaching that are relevant to students in the modern world. A well-rounded graduate is the goal of the university’s pedagogy, which seeks to achieve this goal via curricular reform, increased industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities.
Taylors University has reached a new pinnacle of success, being named the best private institution in Malaysia and Southeast Asia in the most recent QS World University Rankings. The university’s online learning accomplishment was further recognized with the QS 5-star award. As one of the world’s top universities, the institution is now rated 251st. These accomplishments showcase the university’s dedication to offering students a top-notch education.
They also acknowledge the community’s strength and support, including the trust of students and their parents, as well as committed lecturers, researchers, and industry partners.
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8. UCSI University
After years of outstanding reputation as an educational institution, UCSI University is currently establishing itself as a leader in higher education research and innovation. Having established itself as a premier educational institution with a history of producing graduates with exceptional skills, the University has been steadily rising in the rankings. With locations in Kuching, Springhill (Port Dickson), and Kuala Lumpur, UCSI University is one of the top universities in Malaysia.
From the medical, pharmacy, nursing, engineering, and architecture fields to the arts, music, multimedia, education, liberal arts, and hospitality, their faculties provide a diverse array of academic programs supported by state-of-the-art facilities. More than 12,000 students are enrolled at the University right now. The campus is a cultural and ethnic melting pot since it has hosted students from 120 different nations. With over 150 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, UCSI University, one of Malaysia’s earliest private institutions, continues to influence higher education.
The impressive “QS Recognition for Improvement” award was bestowed to UCSI University by the esteemed QS World University Rankings 2023. UCSI students are recruited by top colleges including Harvard, Imperial College London, Chicago, and Tsinghua to do high-impact research. Some of the university’s graduates are Malaysia’s top entrepreneurs, community organizers, artists, and entertainers.
9. Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
Among Malaysia’s most prestigious private institutions, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) has been around since 1998. The QS World University Rankings for 2024 ranks it at 269th. The campus is situated in Malaysia’s Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan. Petronas, Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas firm, owns 100% of the institution.
Undergraduate and graduate students at UTP may choose from a variety of engineering, scientific, and technology programs that are relevant to the business world. Its ultimate goal is to turn out graduates who are strong communicators and have great leadership potential. In six distinct fields of study, the university collaborates closely with PETRONAS and other domestic and international organizations to carry out substantial research. These include autonomous systems, health analytics, hydrocarbon recovery, self-sustaining buildings, and transportation infrastructure.
Over 22,000 individuals have graduated from UTP. There are more than 800 foundation students, over 4,000 undergraduates, and more than 1,000 postgraduates enrolled at the moment, representing over 50 different nations. Students, teachers, and businesses of all sizes may benefit from UTP’s Micro-Credential Learning program, which encourages and facilitates continuous learning. Micro-credential modules are built for byte size learning, making them adaptable and manageable. Anyone may finish their tailored learning modules anytime and anywhere.
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10. INTI International University
INTI International University is one of the top private universities in Malaysia. It is located in the lively town of Putra Nilai, about an hour south of Kuala Lumpur, on 82 acres of beautifully maintained grounds. The institution provides a first-rate setting for intellectual development, packed with cutting-edge resources.
Through its four campuses, INTI International University & Colleges has produced more than 86,000 graduates throughout its 35-year existence, making it a shining example of educational achievement. At present, the university and its colleges support a thriving community of more than 13,000 students from all over the world, giving them an exciting opportunity to learn about other cultures.
The university’s creative and collaborative strategy helps students prepare for the real world via its strong engagement with global industry leaders and its comprehensive teaching and learning management system. INTI International University has maintained its dedication to providing students with a world-class education and a safe environment by earning certifications with the following standards: ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018.
11. Sunway University
Sunway University, one of the top private universities in Malaysia that is not for profit, is owned and managed by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. It is controlled by a distinguished Board of Trustees. On the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur lies Sunway City, one of the most environmentally friendly, secure, and sustainable communities in Malaysia. Sunway University is situated close to the center of this city.
Their state-of-the-art contemporary campus is linked to a broad variety of social and community resources providing a unique sustainable study, work, and social environment for students and staff on campus and in Sunway City. From anywhere in Sunway City, students may reach their campus quickly and conveniently by using the bus rapid transit, the free shuttle bus, or one of the many green canopy walkways.
According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, Sunway University has achieved remarkable success in several areas. In the categories of Art and Design (#201–240), Business and Management Studies (#401–450), and Hospitality & Leisure Management (#101–150), they are among the world’s best universities. The Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation has acknowledged the university as a leading institution in digital technology for its innovative use of digital tools.
Conclusion
To sum up, Malaysia has emerged as a major destination for international students seeking higher education. A broad variety of academic programs are available to meet the demands of both domestic and foreign students due to the country’s many public and private institutions. Several universities in Malaysia are among the best in the world, and the country as a whole has an outstanding record for academic brilliance.
The country’s educational institutions also train its students to be competitive in global marketplaces by emphasizing research and innovation. A large number of Malaysian universities have partnered with foreign universities to provide students with more international experience via exchange programs and dual degree programs.
Malaysian universities are a great option for students looking for an affordable, diverse, and internationally competitive education in Asia because of their high-quality programs, multiculturalism, and affordability. With their rising profile on the world stage, Malaysia is quickly becoming a major participant in the world of higher education.
| Top 11 Universities in Malaysia | QS Ranking 2024 |
| Monash University | 37 |
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | 60 |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | 138 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | 146 |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | 148 |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | 181 |
| Taylor’s University | 251 |
| UCSI University | 265 |
| Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) | 269 |
| INTI International University | 516 |
| Sunway University | 539 |
FAQs
What Is The Number Of Foreign Universities In Malaysia?
There are currently 10 international campuses in Malaysia, with origins in China, the UK, Ireland, and Australia.
What Is The Average Living Expense For An International Student In Malaysia?
On average international students in Malaysia spend 1,200–2,500 MYR per month for housing, food, transportation, entertainment, and health care.
Which Malaysian City Is Best For Overseas Students?
Kuala Lumpur serves as both the federal capital and the capital city of Malaysia. In this city, students attend some of the top universities in the world.
Which Job In Malaysia Is Considered The Most Demanding?
Increasing infrastructure projects in Malaysia demand competent engineers and construction workers. Civil engineers, project managers, and quantity surveyors are important for national development.
Which Type Of Malaysian University Is Better: Public Or Private?
Private universities may have a relatively modest student population and better facilities, making them an attractive option for students. Public institutions have a greater local population and provide a more localized cultural and educational experience.
