Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is one of Malaysia’s oldest and most prestigious public universities, recognized for its commitment to sustainability and research excellence. Tied at #128 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, USM is among the top 1% of universities globally and ranks #34 in Asia.
As Malaysia’s only APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) university, USM is designated by the government to fast-track its progress toward world-class status. Highlights include:
- Global Sustainability Leader: Ranked 1st in Asia and 14th globally in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings for its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Unique School System: Unlike traditional faculties, USM uses a broad-based school system to encourage transdisciplinary learning and flexibility in selecting minor programs.
- International Hub: Welcomes students from over 80 countries, providing a vibrant multicultural environment in the UNESCO World Heritage City of George Town, Penang.
USM is a Premium Research Intensive University, reflecting its core strengths in:
- Natural & Applied Sciences
- Engineering & Technology
- Medical & Health Sciences
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Travel Distance/Time (Walking)
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Small Room (RM)
Medium Room (RM)
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Travel Distance/Time (Walking)
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To Nearest Train station
Small Room (RM)
Medium Room (RM)
Master Room (RM)
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Travel Distance/Time (Walking)
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To Nearest Train station
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Medium Room (RM)
Master Room (RM)
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What Bachelor programs can international students study at USM Malaysia?
USM offers over 60 undergraduate programs for international students across diverse fields, including Science, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Arts, and Business. Popular choices include the Doctor of Medicine (MD), Bachelor of Computer Science, and Bachelor of Architecture.
When are the academic intakes at Universiti Sains Malaysia?
The main intake for the 2026 session is in October (Semester 1), with a secondary intake in March (Semester 2). Application deadlines are typically July 15 for the October intake and January 15 for the March intake.
How much does it cost to study at USM Malaysia?
Tuition fees for international students are highly competitive, generally starting from USD 3,125 (~MYR 13,000) per year. Specialized clinical programs like Medicine (MBBS) or Dentistry are more expensive, reaching up to USD 27,500 (~MYR 120,000) annually.
Where is Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) located?
USM has three main campuses in Malaysia:
Main Campus: Minden, Penang Island.
Engineering Campus: Nibong Tebal, Mainland Penang.
Health Campus: Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
It also has an international offshore medical campus in Belgaum, India.
Is USM recognized internationally?
Yes, USM is a world-class institution with a QS World Ranking of #134 for 2026. Its degrees are globally recognized, and it maintains strong research collaborations with top universities in Europe, Australia, and the USA.
How is Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) ranked by QS?
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is ranked #128 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, its strongest result is 48th for Pharmacy & Pharmacology, followed by the 101–150 band for Architecture / Built Environment, English Language & Literature and Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies; across the broad subject areas it ranks 157th in Engineering & Technology, 166th in Social Sciences & Management, 181st in Arts & Humanities, 185th in Life Sciences & Medicine and 201st in Natural Sciences.
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