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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
Universiti Malaya’s roots can be traced back over 120 years ago when it was known as the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore in 1905. A merger with Raffles College in 1949 established the University of Malaya, but was split into two divisions in 1959, one in Malaysia and one in Singapore (known today as the National University of Singapore (NUS)).
The Universiti Malaya we know of today was a result of the governments of Singapore and Malaysia making both divisions autonomous, national universities in their respective countries.
Fast forward to today, the institution is the first and oldest research institution in the country. It is also well known to be a popular choice amongst locals and international students alike, due to its ranking and long-standing reputation for high achievements in the field of science and medicine.
1.2 Universiti Malaya Rankings 2025
According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, UM ranks at #58 globally, marking the prestige the university holds thanks to its high-quality learning experience. Locally, it is also ranked the best university.
The Subject Categories listed below are offered by Universiti Malaya via their alternative channel, UM SATU, which rank in the QS Subject rankings.
UM SATU is direct application option, allowing you to apply to Universiti Malaya, bypassing the commonly used UPU pathway for local public universities.
| QS Subject Category | Subject World Ranking |
| Education and Training | 38 |
| English Language and Literature | 46 |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | 47 |
| Modern Languages | 60 |
| Accounting & Finance | 63 |
| Computer Science & Information Systems | 64 |
| Engineering – Electrical and Electronic | 67 |
| Social Sciences and Management | 71 |
| Engineering – Chemical | 80 |
| Pharmacy and Pharmacology | 80 |
| Engineering – Civil and Structural | 51-100 |
| Performing Arts | 51-100 |
| Dentistry | 51-120 |
| Business and Management Studies | 106 |
| Engineering – Mechanical | 120 |
| Medicine | 123 |
| Sports Related Subjects | 101-150 |
2. Student Life Review & Living Cost
2.1 UM Campus Review
Location and Surrounding Vibe: Located in Petaling Jaya, the campus spans over 800 acres (excluding the teaching hospital, UMMC). 559 blocks house the bulk of the facilities and faculties.
Despite being in an urban location in the Klang Valley, the university utilises its large space to ensure there is enough greenery and parks surrounding the campus to create an enjoyable varsity experience.
Being close to the capital of the country, Kuala Lumpur, adds the element of an exciting social life that knows no bounds!
The faculties that are within this campus include:
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Built Environment
- Faculty of Business and Economics
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
- Faculty of Creative Arts
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Languages and Linguistics
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Sports and Exercise Sciences
Ease of Accessibility to Campus: To ensure connectivity and ease of mobility around the large campus, University Malaya has plenty of options in terms of transportation.
The free campus shuttle bus, UMRIDE CAMPUS, with 5 service routes that travel between campus facilities and on-campus accommodations, plus Pantai Dalam/Kerinchi, Section 17 Petaling Jaya, and 9th Residential College, located outside of campus compounds.
External bus routes also run through the Universiti Malaya campus, providing external public transportation options to nearby townships such as Bangsar, Petaling Jaya, and Kuala Lumpur.
Suppose you prefer a more eco-friendly and scenic travel option around campus. In that case, the campus has introduced shared road markings for bicycles, plus well-lit pathways for walking between classes and facilities.
Student Diversity: As of 30th June 2025, there have been over 12,000 international students from 80 countries who call Universiti Malaya home. You’re never going to miss out on the cultural exposure here!
2.2 Learning Resources
Universiti Malaya’s Medical Facilities
Take a tour around one of Universiti Malaya’s dedicated health centre and training hospital: The Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, home to the institution’s popular field of study. Apart from state-of-the-art facilities available for learning purposes, students will also be able to learn in a real-life environment to better prepare them for the workforce.
Research Centres
Being Malaysia’s first university, UM has always been at the forefront of research, many of which have significant impact on the country’s development, such as population development, social advancement, and more recently, their involvement in COVID-19 research.
There are over 70 research centres that fly under the Universiti Malaya banner, ranging from various fields of study, such as medicine, engineering, innovation and sustainability.
2.3 Recreational Facilities and Student Activities
With the space that Universiti Malaya covers, it’s no surprise that there are various sports facilities, ranging from Olympic-size swimming pools, artificial and grass football fields, and even a track and field facility. Looking for a unique experience while blowing off steam (or bringing a date to somewhere romantic, maybe?), there’s even a lake for you to kayak on as well!
With the size of the campus and number of students as well, over 100 student-run clubs and societies are there to complete the social experience of the university.
2.4 Student Services
As a student at Universiti Malaya, you will have access to the following (but not limited to) services:.
- Student Health Clinic (including UMMC facilities)
- Student Counselling and Psychological Services
- Financial Aids
- Academic and Career Counselling
- International Student Support
- Disability Support
2.5 UM Student Accommodation
Universiti Malaya has 14 on-campus accommodations, with 12 of it known as “Residential Colleges”. Each residential college has its own set of facilities, ranging from study rooms to dedicated recreational spaces.
Room options range from Single rooms, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, with rentals starting from RM15 – RM45 per day, per person. The total monthly spend on accommodation totals up to RM1,500 – RM3,600 per month.
Rooms are also fully furnished with basic furnishings, study desks, lights, and internet.
3. Courses Review, Fees & Scholarships
3.1 Courses You Can Study At UM Campuses
Being at the forefront of national higher education, you can find many of the well known fields of studies offered at Universiti Malaya. However, we will only cover the courses offered via the UM SATU alternative channel.
You can read more about what alternative channels are here.
Below are the fields of study offered at Universiti Malaya. You can click into each one to see all courses offered:
 Accounting and Finance Accounting, Finance, Islamic Finance |  Architecture and Built Environment Architecture, Quantity Surveying |
 Business Actuarial Science, Business Administration, Economics |  Communication and Media Studies Journalism, Mass Communications |
 Computing and IT Computer Science |  Creative Arts and Design Music, Performing Arts |
 Education Early Childhood Education, Teaching |  Engineering Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering |
 Language and Social Studies Counselling, Language Studies, Social Sciences |  Law Law (LLB) |
 Medicine & Allied Health Biomedical Science, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy |  Science and Mathematics Agriculture, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics |
3.2 Course Fees At UM
We’ve also prepared a full list of Universiti Malaya’s detailed course fees in the article below. If you’re going to find this helpful in your search for your dream course, be sure to share it with your friends, too!
Article coming soon!
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3.3 Popular Course Review At UM
It comes to no surprise that the Medicine course offered at Universiti Malaya is one of the popular options, being the flagship course and what the university historically was made for. Other popular courses include the likes of their engineering courses, business, and law.
MBBS Course
Tracing its roots from King Edward VII College of Medicine in 1905, this is one of UM’s most popular and most sought-after courses. This 5-year course centres around nurturing students through innovative educational approaches, by providing students with opportunities through early and sustained clinical experience, interdisciplinary projects, and soft skill development.
How do they do it?
Next to the Universiti Malaya Campus is the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). This is the teaching hospital that will provide students the practical knowledge from Year 1 itself. With UMMC, students can practice with over 1000 beds and on more than 1 million patients who visit the hospital annually, and the main faculty building, where classes are conducted, is conveniently located next to the medical centre.
Studying medicine at UM also gives you the privilege to access state-of-the-art facilities, such as the clinical skills unit, which includes a mock Operating Theatre and various simulators with life-size mannequins as well as simulation wards.
Studying MBBS in UM also puts you at the epicentre of Malaysia’s national health research and development. The university played a vital role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, from implementing preventative measures in hospitals to managing risk for COVID-positive patients and conducting contact tracing, as well as researching vaccination.
Engineering Courses
One of the bigger pull factors of the Engineering courses at Universiti Malaya are also due to their placement in the QS Best Subject rankings, with a majority of them placing in the Top 100.
Of course, that’s not all. Students who are in the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Malaya are encouraged to explore subjects that are out of the box, apart from the traditional ones. The core of this is the need to empower students to think creatively and challenge existing practices. Thus, there is a strong focus in hands-on sessions, projects, industry placements with the top players in the scene, such as Daikin and Proton just to name a few.
You’ll be able to achieve all of that with access to world-class facilities distributed among the 180 specialized engineering laboratories that are within the faculty compounds.The laboratories include the likes of maker spaces, concrete technology labs, prosthetic labs and more. (It’s also why the video we shared is 11 minutes long!)
The Faculty of Engineering of Universiti Malaya’s research arm also contributes to many areas that will enhance national development, such as innovation in smart grid technologies to transition to sustainable electricity generation and distribution (UM Power & Energy System), and digital transformation via AI application in healthcare, as well as robotics.
The faculty is also a proud host of many of Malaysia’s icons, such as Tun Abdul Razak, and Tun Dr. Mahatir Mohamad!
Business Courses
With a strong legacy dating back to 1966, Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Business and Economics is part of a prestigious network of top business schools globally, thanks to its AACSB accreditation since 2015. This achievement highlights the institution’s efforts in ensuring that students receive the best in business education, teaching, research, and facilities.
As a student of this faculty, you will be able to enjoy an integrated learning experience, where you will be exposed to real-life case studies, as well as collaborative projects that encourage active participation and critical thinking.
Through this experiential learning, your biggest outcome would be a very early preparation for the dynamics of the workplace and the various environments of the business world.
Universiti Malaya highlights 2 key centres that cater to the Faculty of Business and Economics the Centre of Business Excellence (UMCBE) and the UM Centre of Innovation and Entreprise (UMCIE). Both of these centres have hosted industry partners and governing bodies such as AXA, Uniqlo, the Bond Pricing Agency of Malaysia (BPAM), and many more.
UMCBE is the faculty’s approach to student upskilling, providing training and industrial sharing by partners and visiting professionals. UMCIE, on the other hand, is the enterprise arm of the faculty, providing students platform to build their own business, and learn about intellectual property.
Law
Universiti Malaya also holds the prestige of having one of Malaysia’s premier law schools. Graduates of Universiti Malaya’s Law degree hold high-impact positions in the country’s administrative scene, such as Prime Ministers, Chief Justice, and Attorney Generals. The course also has a strong track record of producing graduates who secure positions in major law firms in Malaysia.
Unlike many local law degrees, Universiti Malaya’s LLB course enables graduates to directly start pupilage once they successfully complete their degree. The common pathway usually requires successful completion of further examinations, such as the Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP).
You will be exposed to a liberal, comprehensive academic approach encompassing hands-on learning, using a blend of theoretical knowledge and a strong exposure to professional ethics. The university emphasises mooting skills, legal drafting, law practice management, and alternative dispute resolution skills in the curriculum. You are also required to do an internship during your third year, guaranteeing you early exposure to the legal profession.
You can also catch a glimpse of your through Universiti Malaya’s highly recognised legal aid clinic, Klinik Bantuan Guaman Universiti Malaya. The faculty is also home to several research centres that play a big part in the country’s law-making development, such as the UM Malaysian Centre of Regulatory Studies (UMCoRS), Centre for Law and Ethics in Science and Technology (CELEST), and the Center for Legal Pluralism and Indigenous Law (CLPIL)
Modern globalisation also means that you will get the opportunity to work with a very diverse classroom and the opportunity to study abroad. To encourage high achievers, you are given the chance to study in a 3+1+1 scheme, where you can seek a place to study your Master’s abroad in the world’s top law universities, such as King’s College London.
4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates
4.1 UM Entry Requirements 2025
Minimum entry requirements for Degree:
- STPM – CGPA 3.30 and at least 2 B- in any 2 subjects
- A – Level – B in any 2 subjects
- SACE/WACE – ATAR 80
- IB Diploma – 35
- Foundation – CGPA 3.3
- Diploma – CGPA 3.3
4.2 UM Intake Periods for 2025
The intake periods for UM in 2025 are as follows:
Degree – March, October
Postgraduate – March, October
Do note that intake periods vary depending on courses. For specific intakes and dates, do not hesitate to consult Uni Enrol’s counsellors.
4.3 Learn How To Choose The Right University
There will be moments when we need advice on big decisions from professionals. Same with universities, the right education path is vital to ensure that you go into your future career on the right foot. That’s where Uni Enrol can help you!
Take a look at some of the articles on what education consultants do and how they can assist you:
5. Student & Alumni Testimonial
Hear what Betty has to say about her experience studying at Universiti Malaya!
How Can Uni Enrol Help?
Uni Enrol’s experienced counsellors help you compare the pros and cons of studying at IMU with different universities offering your preferred courses.
6. Summary Review
If Universiti Malaya is now on your consideration list, here’s how we can wrap it up for you:
Background, Status, and Ranking: Established in 1905, before making a mark in Malaysia in 1959, UM is the country’s oldest university, and the country’s highest-ranked university. Through its commitment to groundbreaking research and world-class education, UM is also regarded very highly globally, placing at an impressive #58 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.
Student Life: Located in the heart of Klang Valley’s social scene, students will never be able to miss a single day where they’d possibly be cooped up in their rooms. Apart from its proximity to the city’s capital, the campus in Petaling Jaya is itself sustainable, with easy access around campus and outside of it, as well as having the best amenities without having to travel far. There is also enough green spaces around campus to not feel like students are in a concrete jungle (even though they are).
Courses Offered: There are so many fields of study that are available to you if you choose to study at Universiti Malaya, including medicine, science, engineering, arts, business and languages. Being at the forefront of research, directly involved in national and international development, students are ensured of the highest quality of education possible.
Students keen to pursue Medicine at UM will have the privilege to learn and practice in the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre. Other courses that are gaining popularity are the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence courses, proven by their ranking in the Top 50 of the latest QS Subject Rankings.
SEE OTHER UNI GUIDES
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About the Author:
Henry Choo is an experienced writer specialising in university guides and feature articles. His aim is to provide clear, well-researched, and engaging content that helps readers make informed decisions. With a focus on accuracy and accessibility, his writing is designed to inform, educate, and empower audiences across a range of educational and lifestyle topics.
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