Malaysia offers international students a strong choice of social science degrees, from Economics and International Relations to Political Science, Sociology, Geography and Islamic Studies. Students can choose from Malaysian public research universities, private universities and international branch campuses from the UK and Australia.
But choosing a social science degree is about more than tuition fees. In this guide we compare Social Sciences fees across Malaysian universities, look at QS subject rankings, explain the main fields of study and show what a typical degree looks like year by year.
Summary
A Social Sciences bachelor’s degree in Malaysia usually takes 3 to 4 years. Total tuition fees range from approximately RM50,000 to RM165,000.
Students can choose from 46 Social Sciences programmes across 19 Malaysian universities, covering Economics, International Relations, Political Science and Public Policy, Sociology and Anthropology, Social Work, Geography, History, Islamic Studies and Liberal Arts.
QS-Ranked Universities for Social Sciences
Students in Malaysia can study at universities represented in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 across the social sciences.
| University | QS Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|
| Monash University | #34 |
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | #72 |
| University of Nottingham | #122 |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | #146 |
| University | QS Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|
| Monash University | #36 |
| Xiamen University | #93 |
| University of Nottingham | #96 |
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | #103 |
More QS subject rankings 2026
- Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies: International Islamic University Malaysia #25, Universiti Malaya #40, UKM #51–100, USM #101–150
- Arts & Humanities: Universiti Malaya #91
- Geography: Universiti Malaya #101–150
- Anthropology: Universiti Malaya #101–200
Rankings for Monash University, University of Nottingham and Xiamen University are for the parent university. Students at the Malaysian campus receive the same degree — see our guide to Branch campuses of foreign universities in Malaysia.
Social Sciences Fees in Malaysia
Social science degrees in Malaysia are among the most affordable at public universities, and fees rise sharply at international branch campuses.
| University Type | Approx. Fee Range | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Public universities (UM, UKM, UPM, USM) | RM50,000 – RM77,100 | 3.5–4 years |
| Private universities | RM51,250 – RM122,028 | 3 years |
| International branch campuses (Monash, Nottingham) | RM149,760 – RM165,000 | 3 years |
Social Sciences programmes and total tuition fees
| University | Programme | Duration | Approx. Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Bachelor of Economics with Honours | 4 years | RM50,000 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours | 4 years | RM50,500 |
| UNIRAZAK | Bachelor of Arts in Governance & Public Policy (Honours) | 3 years | RM51,250 |
| Lincoln University College | Bachelor of Islamic Studies (Hons) | 3 years | RM56,604 |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | Bachelor of Social Sciences in Political Science with Honours | 3.5 years | RM57,400 |
| UTAR | Bachelor of Public Administration (Honours) | 3 years | RM59,010 |
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Bachelor of Arts Anthropology and Sociology | 3.5 years | RM60,900 |
| Management and Science University (MSU) | Bachelor in Liberal Arts (Honours) | 3.5 years | RM62,170 |
| UNITEN | Bachelor of Economics (Energy) (Honours) | 3 years | RM66,000 |
| UCSI University | Bachelor of Financial Economics (Hons) | 3 years | RM73,320 |
| Multimedia University (MMU) | Bachelor in Analytical Economics (Honours) | 3 years | RM74,000 |
| TAR UMT | Bachelor of Economics (Honours) | 3 years | RM74,000 |
| Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) | Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Analytical Economics | 3 years | RM84,659 |
| HELP University | Bachelor of Economics (Honours) | 3 years | RM86,100 |
| Sunway University | Bachelor of Science (Honours) Financial Economics | 3 years | RM108,280 |
| Asia Pacific University (APU) | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations | 3 years | RM108,500 |
| Taylor’s University | Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) in International Relations | 3 years | RM110,040 |
| Monash University Malaysia | Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences | 3 years | RM149,760 |
| University of Nottingham Malaysia | BA (Hons) in International Relations | 3 years | RM156,000 |
Good to know: UKM offers one of the widest social science choices in Malaysia, with Political Science, Anthropology & Sociology, Social Work, Geography, Development Science and History, all at approximately RM57,400.
Social Science Fields You Can Study in Malaysia
Economics
What you learn: microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, public finance and economic policy.
Where to study it: the most widely offered social science degree, available at UPM (RM50,000), UNIRAZAK (RM51,250), UKM (RM57,400), UTAR (Financial Economics and Global Economics, from RM59,710), USM (RM60,600), UNITEN (Energy Economics, RM66,000), UCSI, MMU, TAR UMT, UM (RM77,100), UniKL, HELP, Sunway and University of Nottingham Malaysia (BSc Economics and Economics and International Economics, RM165,000).
International Relations
What you learn: global politics, diplomacy, international security, foreign policy and international organisations.
Where to study it: Asia Pacific University (RM108,500), Taylor’s University (RM110,040) and University of Nottingham Malaysia (RM156,000, including options with French or Spanish).
Political Science, Public Policy & Administration
What you learn: government, public policy, governance and public sector management.
Where to study it: UKM (Political Science, RM57,400), UNIRAZAK (Governance & Public Policy, RM51,250), UTAR (Public Administration, RM59,010) and Taylor’s University (Philosophy, Politics and Economics, 4 years, RM122,028).
Sociology, Anthropology & Social Work
What you learn: society, culture, social problems, community development and helping vulnerable groups.
Where to study it: UM (Anthropology and Sociology, RM60,900), UKM (Anthropology & Sociology, Social Work and Development Science, RM57,400) and UPM (Human Development Science, RM65,000).
Geography & History
Where to study it: UKM (Geography and History, RM57,400) and UM (History, RM60,900; Geography, RM68,100).
Islamic Studies
What you learn: Shariah, Quran and Sunnah studies, Islamic theology and philosophy, and Arabic and Islamic civilisation.
Where to study it: UKM (Islamic Studies majors including Shariah, Al-Quran & As-Sunnah, and Arabic & Civilization, RM58,900) and Lincoln University College (RM56,604). UKM also offers an online Bachelor of Islamic Studies (Theology & Philosophy) for approximately RM29,900.
Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
Where to study it: MSU (Liberal Arts, RM62,170), USM (Bachelor of Social Sciences, RM50,500) and Monash University Malaysia (Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences, RM149,760).
Intakes
- Public universities: usually March and October. USM‘s social science programmes list October only.
- Private universities: often 3–5 intakes a year. Examples: HELP University (Jan, Feb, Jun, Aug, Oct), UNIRAZAK (Mar, Jul, Nov), Taylor’s University (Feb, Apr, Sep).
- Branch campuses: University of Nottingham Malaysia lists a September intake. Monash University Malaysia lists Feb, Jul and Oct.
What Does a Social Sciences Degree Look Like?
Social Sciences programmes in Malaysia usually take 3 years at private universities and 3.5 to 4 years at public universities. They move from broad social theory to research and specialised study.
The exact curriculum varies by university, but a typical journey may look like this:
Year 1 — Social Science Foundations
Students build a broad understanding of society. Subjects may include Introduction to Sociology, Principles of Economics, Political Science, Social Psychology, Academic Writing and Statistics for Social Sciences.
Year 2 — Core Discipline & Research Methods
Students go deeper into their chosen field, such as Economics, International Relations or Sociology, and learn quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Year 3 — Advanced Study & Specialisation
Students take advanced electives and apply theory to real-world issues, such as development, policy, global affairs or community work.
Year 4 (in 4-year programmes) — Research & Practical Experience
Longer programmes usually include a final-year research project or dissertation, and some include practicum or industrial training with government agencies, NGOs or research organisations.
This is a general example of how a Social Sciences degree may be structured. Subjects, fieldwork, internships and the timing of each component vary by university.
Entry Routes: How to Get Into Social Sciences in Malaysia
- Foundation in Arts (1 year) → Bachelor’s degree. Foundation in Arts programmes range from approximately RM12,000 (Multimedia University) to RM37,868 (SEGi University, Kota Damansara).
- Direct entry. Students with A-Levels, STPM, a recognised foundation or an equivalent pre-university qualification may enter Year 1 directly.
General entry requirements: most universities ask for a recognised pre-university qualification and proof of English proficiency such as IELTS or an equivalent test. Economics programmes often expect a good result in Mathematics. Exact grades and English scores vary by university and programme — see our guides to entry requirements and English requirements. A TJS StudySteps counsellor can check your high school certificate against each university’s requirements.
Next Step: Master’s in the Social Sciences
Malaysian universities offer a wide range of social science Master’s programmes, many at very competitive fees at public universities:
| University | Master’s Programme | Duration | Approx. Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Master of Economics Management | 1 year | RM18,000 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Master of Social Work | 1.5 years | RM22,000 |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Master of Public Administration | 1.5 years | RM23,100 |
| TAR UMT | Master of Science in Economics | 2 years | RM24,600 |
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Master of Arts (Southeast Asian History) | 1.5 years | RM26,000 |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | Master in Public Administration & Leadership | 1.5 years | RM32,500 |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | Master of Social Science in Strategy and Diplomacy | 1 year | RM32,500 |
| UNIRAZAK | Master of Public Policy | 1 year | RM35,750 |
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Master of Public Policy | 1.5 years | RM98,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Social Sciences in Malaysia
How much does it cost to study Social Sciences in Malaysia?
How long is a Social Sciences degree in Malaysia?
Which universities in Malaysia are QS-ranked for Social Sciences?
Where can I study International Relations in Malaysia?
Where can I study Economics in Malaysia?
Can I study Islamic Studies in Malaysia?
Can international students study Social Sciences in Malaysia?
What are the entry requirements for Social Sciences in Malaysia?
