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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
As its name suggests, USM is highly focused on science, engineering and healthcare studies. USM is a public research university in Malaysia, founded in 1969, it is the second oldest university in Malaysia. It has 5 campuses: a main campus on the island of Penang, 2 on Penang mainland at Nibong Tebal and Kepala Batas, a health campus in Kelantan, and lastly a campus in Kuala Lumpur. USM uses English as its medium of instruction.
USM is the only Accelerated Programs for Excellence (APEX) government-funded autonomous university in Malaysia. APEX is a fast-track development programme to enable institutions of higher education to be recognised as world class entities.
Here’s some information about USM:
| Total student population | 30,000 |
| % of international students | 15% (about 5,000) |
| Teaching faculty-to-student ratio | 1:12 (about 2,500 academic staff) |
| Graduate employability rate % | 90% after 6 months from graduation |
1.2 Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2025
According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the USM ranks at #146 globally which is a reflection of its quality in education delivery and learning experience.
Below are USM’s fields of study offered through its Saluran Alternatif options QS Subject Rankings:
| QS Subject Category | Subject World Ranking |
| Pharmacy and Pharmacology | #87 |
| Education and Training | #101-150 |
| Architecture and Built Environment | #101-150 |
| Engineering – Chemical | #101-150 |
| English Language and Literature | #151-200 |
| Environmental Science | #151-200 |
| Chemistry | #151-200 |
| Economics and Econometrics | #151-200 |
| Engineering – Electrical and Electronics | #151-200 |
| Accounting and Finance | #151-200 |
| Engineering – Civil and Structural | #151-200 |
| Engineering and Technology | #177 |
| Communication and Media Studies | #201-250 |
| Business and Management Studies | #201-250 |
| Engineering – Mechanical | #201-250 |
| Mathematics | #201-250 |
| Computer Science and Information Systems | #201-250 |
| Medicine | #251-300 |
| Physics and Astronomy | #251-300 |
2. Student Life Review & Living Cost
2.1 USM Penang Campuses Review
Minden, Main Campus
Get a comprehensive campus tour of USM!
Location and Surrounding Vibe: The Minden Campus is the main campus of USM and occupies a vast 416.6-hectare site at Minden, Penang Island which is close to 1,000 football fields in size! The majority of its courses are offered here while some of the specialised studies are hosted on other campuses.
USM is coined as ‘’The University in a Garden’’ as the campus trademark is its unique location set amidst undulating terrain overlooking the sea and hills. The site is further enriched by the habitats of exotic flora and fauna protected by gazetted law as a bird sanctuary with more than 20 endangered species. The numerous natural assets such as trees, flowers, lakes, wildlife, tropical forests and orchards set the tone for the formation of a garden-like ambience accentuated by breathtaking panoramic views.
Studying and living in the ecosystem of USM is an experience on its own. You will truly get the full impact of a university campus life as it transports you to another world.
The Schools that operate under this campus include:
- School of the Arts
- School of Biological Sciences
- School of Communication
- School of Chemical Sciences
- School of Computer Sciences
- School of Distance Education
- School of Educational Studies
- School of Housing, Building and Planning
- School of Humanities
- School of Industrial Technology
- School of Management
- School of Mathematical Sciences
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Physics
- School of Social Sciences
- School of Language, Literacies and Translation
- Institute of Postgraduates Studies
- Graduate School of Business (GSB)
Ease of Accessibility to Campus: The various faculty buildings spread out across the huge land means that you’ll be commuting around the campus area using USM’s free shuttle bus service. The campus is located very close to the Penang Link Bridge and therefore students can easily travel between the main island without getting caught in the Georgetown city traffic.
Student Diversity: Most of the 5,000 international students hail from China, Korea, Japan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Indonesia, and many more countries, making 1 in every 6 students you meet an opportunity to gain new cultural exposure.
Nibong Tebal, Engineering Campus
Located in Nibong Tebal, on mainland Penang, this campus offers various Engineering courses. This campus also provides a peaceful and calm surrounding for its nature-friendly environment and spans 146.65 hectares. About 3,000 engineering students currently study at the campus.
According to USM’s official website, the focus of the Engineering Campus is structured into 2 disciplines namely the Centre for Engineering Sciences and Industrial Technology Studies. Naturally, it offers advanced engineering studies ranging from Aerospace, Mechatronics to Manufacturing Engineering.
The Schools that operate under this campus include:
- School of Civil Engineering
- School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- School of Aerospace Engineering
- School of Chemical Engineering
- School of Mechanical Engineering
- School of Materials & Mineral Resources Engineering
Kepala Batas, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI)
The Kepala Batas Campus or known more fondly as AMDI is USM’s medical and dental campus. This campus mainly focuses on postgraduate studies such as Masters and PhD in the areas of medical sciences.
Clusters have been set up by AMDI to spearhead the academic and research activities in the areas of Biomedical Imaging, Biomedical Science, Community Health, Dental Science, Toxicology and Clinical Medicine.
How Can Uni Enrol Help?
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2.2 USM Kelantan, Kubang Kerian Healthcare Campus
Also known as Healthcare Campus, this is where the healthcare, medical and dental undergraduate programme clinical training is run. USM’s Healthcare Campus was the 3rd medical faculty established in the country after Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
The USM Hospital is also located here in Kubang Kerian where students will get direct posting and training under the guidance of doctors and lecturers to administer real patients in real environments.
The Schools that operate under this campus include:
- School of Dental Sciences
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Medical Sciences
2.3 USM Kuala Lumpur Campus
The USM KL Campus was officially established in 2014 to strengthen its physical presence and visibility in the Klang Valley. This campus provides postgraduate studies for Masters and PhD with a focus on humanities and social science fields like communications and psychology.
It is strategically located in downtown Kuala Lumpur in the highly coveted MoF Inc. Tower, Platinum Park and is well-equipped with physical, technical and teaching-learning facilities such as classrooms, administrative offices, computer laboratories, students’ lounge area, resource centre and a meeting room with teleconference system.
2.4 Learning Resources
USM’s Engineering and Medical Facilities
These next 2 videos capture perfectly the facilities used and the learnings you will undergo with USM for the various engineering and medical disciplines offered.
There are so many engineering specialisations you can choose ranging from Aerospace, Electronic, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Mechatronic, and Manufacturing Engineering. Watch the highlights of each discipline in the video below.
At USM there is a dedicated health centre where you will get the chance to treat real patients for all sorts of health and dental ailments. The video showcases not just the equipment used but also the doctors and students in action.
Research Centres
USM also has 17 dedicated research centres for a wide range of specialisations which include archaeology, medicine and dentistry, molecular medicine, drug research, human genome, engineering technology, renewable energy, information technology, Islamic development, women’s development, management studies, policy research and international studies.
It also commercialises its research work in the form of consultancy, testing, and advisory services to the industry under the ambit of USAINS Holdings Sdn Bhd, the University’s commercial arm.
2.5 Recreational Facilities and Student Activities
As the USM main campus ground is so huge, the sports facilities are spread out throughout the area. You can find all types of popular sports activities here such as football, futsal, tennis, badminton, squash, hockey, basketball, table tennis, swimming, indoor and open space gym exercise, track and field, and even kayaking!
As far as interests and hobbies to join, there are about 100 clubs, societies, associations, student bodies, and councils to be a part of.
2.6 Student Services
Student support and services come in all forms including:
- Counselling support
- Disability facilities
- Health centres for health support
- USM Expert, connecting students to academic staff
- Programmes to enhance graduate talents and employability.
2.7 USM Student Accommodation
Penang, Minden, Main Campus
There are 8 blocks of student hostel accommodation spread across the campus
- Aman Damai
- Bakti Fajar Permai & Petas (BFPP)
- Cahaya Gemilang
- Indah Kembara
- Restu
- Saujana
- Tekun
- Premium Accommodation (F26)
Generally, rooms without air-conditioning will range from RM5-RM6 per day which comes up to about RM150 to RM200 per room, per month. However, you typically pay by semester.
Rooms with air-conditioning on the other hand will range from RM11-RM12 per day or RM330 to RM360 per room, per month.
There are also larger unit blocks at BFPP that only have a 1 bedroom unit or 2 bedrooms in a single unit that will cost between RM11-RM20 per day or RM330 to RM600 per room, per month.
All accommodation is fully furnished with basic furniture, bed frame, study desk, study lights, fan or air-conditioning and most importantly high-speed internet.
Nibong Tebal, Engineering Campus
- Hostel building – Jaya Lembaran Utama
- For more information, you can enquire with Uni Enrol’s counsellors.
USM Kelantan, Kubang Kerian Healthcare Campus
- Hostel buildings – Blok Murni, Blok Naruni
- For more information, you can enquire with Uni Enrol’s counsellors.
Comfort At its Best
Uni Enrol helps sort out your accommodation arrangements as well, should you need one. We work with partners to assist students to find one in their budget.
3. Courses Review, Fees & Scholarships
3.1 Course You Can Study At USM Penang Campuses
These are well known areas of study offered at USM Penang Campuses. We are only covering courses offered under USM’s Saluran Alternatif (or Private Enrolment Channel). What’s the difference? Read about it here.
The areas of study below are provided in the Penang Island Campus, Nibong Tebal Campus and Kepala Batas Campus. Click below to see all courses offered:
 Business Economics, Management |  Accounting and Finance Accounting |
 Communication and Media Studies Communication |  Architecture and Built Environment Quantity Surveying |
 Education Education, TESOL, Special Education |  Computing and IT Computer Science |
 Language and Social Studies Social Science, Social Work, Translation |  Engineering Aerospace, Electronic, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Manufacturing |
 Medicine and Allied Health Sciences MBBS, Dental Surgery, Pharmacy, Medical Physics |  Science and Mathematics Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geophysics, Chemical Industry, Food Science, Maths, Statistics etc |
3.2 Courses You Can Study At USM Kelantan Campuses
These are well known areas of study offered at USM Kelantan Campus. We are only covering courses offered under USM’s Saluran Alternatif (Alternative Enrolment Channel). What’s the difference? Read about it here.
Click the respective area of study below to see all courses offered:
Medicine and Allied Health Sciences MBBS, Dental Surgery, Pharmacy, Nutrition, Audiology, Sports Science etc |
3.3 Course Fees At USM
We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of USM’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!
PTPTN Financial Aid
Malaysian students can apply for the National Higher Education Fund or PTPTN which is responsible for giving loans to students pursuing tertiary education. PTPTN falls under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education.
You can borrow up to RM6,000 per annum for USM Saluran Alternatif courses. PTPTN only charges an annual interest rate of about 1%.
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4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates
4.1 USM Entry Requirements 2025
Minimum entry requirements for Degree:
- STPM – CGPA of 3.00
- A-Level – 2B1C
- SACE/WACE – ATAR 68
- IB Diploma – 29
- Foundation – CGPA 3.00
- Diploma – CGPA 3.00
Please note that the entry requirements may vary depending on the chosen field of study as certain courses may have higher or specific qualifying conditions, especially for courses in Engineering and Healthcare.
4.2 USM Intake Periods For 2025
The intake periods for USM in 2025 are as follows:
- Degree – March, October
Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, consult Uni Enrol’s counsellors.
4.3 Learn How To Choose The Right University
When you need life-changing advice, we often consult professionals such as teachers, lawyers, and bankers. However, many students are not aware that education consultants like Uni Enrol can help you choose the right education path to secure your future prospects.
Check out some articles on what education consultants do and the benefits:
- 7 Vital Questions To Ask Before Choosing Your Educational Consultant
- Top 10 Benefits Of Engaging A Higher Education Consultant
Check Eligibility With Uni Enrol
Talk to our experienced counsellors who will instantly let you know the requirements for your preferred courses!
5. Student & Alumni Testimonial
Here’s a final video from Fadhila sharing about her experience and 3 strong reasons to come to USM!
6. Summary Review
If you’re considering, here’s our takeaways:
Background, Status and Ranking: Established in 1969, USM is Malaysia’s second-oldest university and the only institution granted APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) status, reflecting its commitment to world-class education. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, USM holds the #146 position globally, underscoring its academic excellence.
Student Life: USM’s main campus in Minden, Penang, spans 416.6 hectares and is affectionately known as “The University in a Garden” due to its lush, natural surroundings. The campus offers a serene environment enriched with diverse flora and fauna, including a bird sanctuary housing over 20 endangered species. This tranquil setting provides students with a unique and inspiring atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth.
Courses Offered: USM offers many study disciplines, including science, engineering, medicine, arts, business, and literature. The university provides flexible undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, enabling students to achieve their academic goals regardless of geographical location. USM’s Pharmacy and Pharmacology program is particularly distinguished, ranked #87 globally. Other notable fields of study include Education and Training, Architecture and Built Environment, and various engineering disciplines, all of which have secured positions within the top 150 in their respective fields.
SEE OTHER UNI GUIDES
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And if you’re still not sure what to study, we have many Course Guide articles that will shed more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!
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