25 Best Universities In Malaysia For International Students 2024

If you are looking to study in Malaysia, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 48 universities and colleges in Malaysia, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 48 universities in Malaysia, University of Malaya and Taylor’s University are the top-performing schools in Malaysia. This list covers both public and private institutions in Malaysia.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Malaysia. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Malaysia.

Rank University Founded Year City Type
1 University of Malaya 1905 Kuala Lumpur Public
2 Taylor’s University 1969 Subang Jaya Private
3 UCSI University 1986 Kuala Lumpur Private
4 University of Technology, Malaysia 1904 Iskandar Puteri Public
5 University of Science, Malaysia 1969 George Town Public
6 National University of Malaysia 1970 Bangi Public
7 University of Putra, Malaysia 1971 Seri Kembangan Public
8 Northern University of Malaysia 1984 Changlun Public
9 Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS 1997 Seri Iskandar Private
10 Management and Science University 2001 Shah Alam Private
11 National Energy University 1997 Kajang Private
12 Sultan Idris Education University 1922 Tanjung Malim Public
13 Sunway University 2004 Petaling Jaya Private
14 University of Malaysia, Pahang 2002 Pekan Public
15 International Islamic University, Malaysia 1983 Selangor Public
16 Multimedia University 1996 Cyberjaya Private
17 MARA Technological University 1956 Shah Alam Public
18 University of Kuala Lumpur 2002 Kuala Lumpur Private
19 University of Malaysia, Terengganu 2001 Kuala Terengganu Public
20 University of Malaysia, Sarawak 1992 Kota Samarahan Public
21 Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia 1993 Batu Pahat Public
22 Technical University of Malaysia, Malacca 2000 Alor Gajar Public
23 University of Malaysia, Kelantan 2006 Kota Bharu Public
24 Tunku Abdul Rahman University 2002 Petaling Jaya Private
25 University of Malaysia, Perlis 2001 Kangar Public

How do I get admission to the best universities in Malaysia?

Applying to the universities in Malaysia involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Malaysia to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Malaysia?

Tuition fees at Malaysia’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 2,040 MYR to 70,900 MYR , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 1,470 MYR to 100,000 MYR. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Malaysia!

As we cover the best universities in Malaysia for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Malaysia for International Students

1 University of Malaya

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#1 in Malaysia
#33 in Asia
#232 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 30,568

The University of Malaya is the oldest and most prestigious university in Malaysia. With many academic programs to offer to domestic and international students, the institution continues innovating to provide its stakeholders with the best education possible. As a university of harmony and academic excellence, it seeks to widen its internationalization by taking in globally-competitive students and improving its research facilities to pave the way for more breakthrough discoveries.

Music
Nursing Science
Real Estate
Indian Studies
English

2 Taylor’s University

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#2 in Malaysia
#37 in Asia
#244 in World
Percentage of International Students
20%
Total Number of students - 15,000
International Number of students - 3,000

Taylor’s University is a private institution established in the year 1969. It is one of the leading institutions in the region that prides itself in providing its students with research programs excellent for teaching and learning. The university is well known for its hospitality and leisure sectors that serve the region and the community at large.

Chemical Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Software Engineering
Information Technology
International Hospitality Management

3 UCSI University

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#3 in Malaysia
#47 in Asia
#293 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 12,000

UCSI University is a scientific based institution that envisions itself as being among the universities known to be leaders in academics and community engagement in the area in which it is situated. The university offers research programs with unique delivery methods meant to empower the students and encourage them to desire to be more successful  and to contribute more to society.

Nursing
Optometry
Contemporary Music
Petroleum Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

4 University of Technology, Malaysia

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#4 in Malaysia
#58 in Asia
#343 in World
Percentage of International Students
20%
Total Number of students - 25,526
International Number of students - 5,210

The University of Technology, Malaysia (UTM) is a long-standing public research institution in Iskandar Puteri, Malaysia. UTM began as a technical school in 1904 but later became a college in 1955 and a full-fledged university in 1972. It counts itself as part of the top five universities in Malaysia and has gained international recognition in various fields. While UTM emphasizes technology and innovation, the university also offers a wide range of programs in diverse spheres of study.

Biomedical Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Software Engineering
Aeronautics
Chemistry

5 University of Science, Malaysia

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#5 in Malaysia
#85 in Asia
#453 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 30,000

The University of Science, Malaysia (USM) is a leading and prestigious institution in Malaysia specializing in science, engineering, health, and management. With its long history of innovation and research, USM has distinguished itself as a research-intensive university responsible for numerous Malaysian patents and inventions.

To further interdepartmental collaboration and ensure that its students are multi-disciplined, USM uses the school instead of the traditional faculty system. As a result, it has achieved a higher research quality and enacted impactful innovations compared to other conventional Malaysian universities.

Computer Science
Bioresource
Geophysics
Aerospace Engineering
Forensic Science

6 National University of Malaysia

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#6 in Malaysia
#87 in Asia
#458 in World
Percentage of International Students
5%
Total Number of students - 28,776
International Number of students - 1,368

Established in 1970 by the Malaysian government, the National University of Malaysia stands as the bastion of Malay culture, values, and language. It is among the leading institutions in the country and attracts elite students from around the world to participate in top-class education and research. The university is also rapidly growing in relevance globally which is reflected in its yearly rise in the QS University World rankings from a position of 279 in 2011 to a current world ranking of 129.

Architecture
Mechanical Engineering
Marine Science
Nuclear Science
Entrepreneurship and Innovation

7 University of Putra, Malaysia

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#7 in Malaysia
#91 in Asia
#466 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 25,399

The University of Putra, Malaysia (UPM) initially started as a school of agriculture in 1931 but grew into an influential college in the Selangor region. In 1971, the government of Malaysia converted the college into a complete university capable of educating its students in a wide range of topics and areas.

Biochemistry
Accounting
Software Engineering
Business Administration
Human Resource Development

8 Northern University of Malaysia

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#8 in Malaysia
#94 in Asia
#485 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 30,670

Offering a diverse range of programs but with an emphasis on management, the Northern University of Malaysia (UUM) has one of the best management courses in Malaysia. Students of UUM get the privilege of being mentored by top-tier business and management professionals in the country. The university has two campuses to make studying convenient for its students, with the main campus in Sintok, Changlun, and the other in Kuala Lumpur.

Accounting
Computer Science
Development Management
Law
Industrial Statistics

9 Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS

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#9 in Malaysia
#111 in Asia
#544 in World
Percentage of International Students
11%
Total Number of students - 6,456
International Number of students - 691

Established by PETRONAS, the national oil and gas company of Malaysia, in 1997, the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS is a privately owned institution of higher learning. Tasked with the mandate of producing excellent graduates for Malaysia’s engineering and technology industry, the university has distinguished itself in science and technology with its list of prestigious graduates and its numerous research contributions.

Business Management and Computing
Chemical Engineering
Business Management
Computer Science
Materials Engineering

10 Management and Science University

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#10 in Malaysia
#147 in Asia
#691 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 14,999

Management and Science University is a private institution that works to produce graduates who, in turn, become well-suited for employment by providing them with efficient study programs. It was initially founded as the University College of Technology and Management Malaysia. The programs allow the students to graduate at different levels, giving them a higher chance of securing jobs in the business market and fields.

Broadcasting
Economic and Finance
Biomedical Science
Office Management Technology
Computer Forensic

11 National Energy University

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#11 in Malaysia
#212 in Asia
#913 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 5,000

The National Energy University (UNITEN) is a private university owned by Ternaga Nasional Berhad, a Malaysian multinational electric company. UNITEN focuses on engineering, information technology, and management but also offers programs in other fields to provide a wealth of knowledge to its students. Graduates of UNITEN are adequately trained and come out ready to take on various roles, be it in commerce, industry, or academia.

Civil Engineering
Cyber Security
Graphics and Multimedia
Economics
Marketing

12 Sultan Idris Education University

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#12 in Malaysia
#224 in Asia
#946 in World
Percentage of International Students
4%
Total Number of students - 20,014
International Number of students - 875

Sultan Idris Education University is a public university dedicated to training educational professionals at the higher level. While the university offers diverse programs, it has one of the most sought-after education programs.

It was formerly a teacher training college that had served Malaysia since 1992, but it was later converted into a university by the government of Malaysia in 1997. As a result, Sultan Idris Education University is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in Malaysia.

Guidance and Counselling
Music Education
Technical and Vocational Education
Health Science
Chemisty

13 Sunway University

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#13 in Malaysia
#237 in Asia
#974 in World
Percentage of International Students
13%
Total Number of students - 8,000
International Number of students - 1,000

Sunway University is an institution that was established to bring entrepreneurial progress and train students who are relevant to the industry. The visions of the university lie in developing an institution that promotes research for its students in the ever-changing world of business. It offers undergraduate programs, together with programs at the graduate and postgraduate levels.

Accounting
Statistics
Advertising and Branding
Computer Science
Culinary Management

14 University of Malaysia, Pahang

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#14 in Malaysia
#291 in Asia
#1108 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 10,982

University of Malaysia, Pahang is a world-class university focusing on technical courses such as engineering, biotechnology, data science, and more. The institution already has various campuses scattered around the country, with more than 10,000 students trained annually. Since its establishment, the university has aimed to allow its students to gain extensive real-world exposure to prepare them for the latest developments and updates in their fields of interest.

Business Analytic
Mechatronics Engineering
Graphics and Multimedia Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Industrial Biotechnology

15 International Islamic University, Malaysia

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#15 in Malaysia
#300 in Asia
#1135 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 26,266

Integrating Islamic values and worldviews into scientific and technical education, International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM) aims to restore the roles of Muslims in knowledge creation and dissemination. Founded in 1983 by the government of Malaysia with aid from prominent Muslim scholars, the university has grown into a hub of innovation and extensive academic activities. In addition to skill and competencies, education in IIUM bestows students with a strong ethical conscience and a drive for societal development and impact.

Law
Shariah
Manufacturing
Mechatronics
Biomedical Engineering

16 Multimedia University

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#16 in Malaysia
#347 in Asia
#1272 in World
Percentage of International Students
10%
Total Number of students - 8,000
International Number of students - 800

Multimedia University (MMU) is the first private research university in Malaysia. Initially named Telekom University (UniTELE) during its establishment in 1996 but later renamed Multimedia University in 2000, MMU specializes in information and technology-related fields. In addition, the university is located in Cyberjaya, a bustling technological hub that has been dubbed ‘the Silicon Valley of Malaysia.’ This location allows the university to benefit from the city’s technological experience allowing collaboration that is mutually beneficial.

Interface Design
Security Technology
Electronics Engineering
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence

17 MARA Technological University

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#17 in Malaysia
#381 in Asia
#1367 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 187,994

MARA Technological University, also known as Universiti Teknologi MARA or UiTM in Malay, is one of the most extensive institutions in Malaysia. It began as a training center but has grown into a system with a flagship, satellite, and state campuses. UiTM’s premier education quality has allowed it to expand as more students aspire to learn and be trained within its walls. Also, the institution offers other programs, such as foundation courses, besides the usual degree programs, thus, opening more avenues to students who don’t want or can’t pursue a conventional track.

Business Administration
Accountancy
Laws
Creative Writing
Environmental Administration

18 University of Kuala Lumpur

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#18 in Malaysia
#387 in Asia
#1388 in World
Percentage of International Students
4%
Total Number of students - 27,049
International Number of students - 1,000

The University of Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) is a technical university offering academic and professional courses. Its main campus is in the commercial heart of Malaysia’s capital city, but UniKL has 11 other campuses spread across diverse locations in Malaysia, including places like Gombak, Bangi, and Sepang.

To better foster inter-disciplinary interaction, the university uses institutes instead of conventional faculties, and these institutes extend to all its various campus locations.

Accounting
Computer Animation
Mechanical Engineering
Aviation Management
Chemical Engineering Technology

19 University of Malaysia, Terengganu

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#19 in Malaysia
#398 in Asia
#1405 in World
Percentage of International Students
6%
Total Number of students - 11,424
International Number of students - 678

University of Malaysia, Terengganu is a marine-focused institution that aims to be well-reputed and works to produce graduates that form a sustainable global community. Formerly known as Malaysian Science and Technology University College (KUSTEM), UMT officially gained full university status in 2007 and has been working toward its goals since. It takes part in international academic activities, having students graduating internationally and locally in the different levels of education offered in the institution.

Fisheries
Food Technology
Marketing
Aquaculture
Data Analytics

20 University of Malaysia, Sarawak

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#20 in Malaysia
#412 in Asia
#1445 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 20,000

Tagging itself as a ‘community-driven university,’ the University of Malaysia, Sarawak (UNIMAS) is known in the Malaysian state of Sarawak for its numerous social initiatives and commitment to sustainable development. The university also features a student-centered curriculum that continuously adapts to industry trends and enables individuals to discover their passions and nurture their creativity. Students who attend UNIMAS will find a close-knit community that values community, teamwork, and innovation.

Design Technology
Music
Animation
Resource Biotechnology
Accountancy

21 Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia

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#21 in Malaysia
#414 in Asia
#1450 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 19,421

Tun Hussein Onn University of Malaysia was initially founded in 1993 as Pusat Latihan Staff Polytechnic but was later renamed in 2006 to honor Tun Hussein bin Dato’ Onn, the third prime minister of Malaysia. It is a public university that holds true to its polytechnic roots by producing graduates with technical skills and relevant competencies to meet labor demands.

Architecture
Civil Engineering
Web Technology
Chemical Engineering
Industrial Chemistry

22 Technical University of Malaysia, Malacca

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#22 in Malaysia
#495 in Asia
#1618 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 13,361

The Technical University of Malaysia, Malacca (UTeM) is a public university located in Malacca, a UNESCO world heritage city with a rich multi-cultural history. It is home to one of the best engineering programs in Malaysia and also has a strong and innovative IT department. Since UTeM’s inception in 2000, the university has placed a strong emphasis on practice-based learning. As a result, it is considered the pioneer of ‘Application and Practice Oriented’ education in Malaysia.

Electronic Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Games Technology

23 University of Malaysia, Kelantan

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#23 in Malaysia
#498 in Asia
#1600 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 12,229

University of Malaysia, Kelantan, was established in the year 2006 with the aim of being an institution that not only offers degree courses but also brings about entrepreneurial development. The university offers academic programs that give the graduates a good environment for fulfilling their social responsibilities and which in turn favors global prosperity. UMK has three campuses in different districts in Malaysia, namely, Bachok, Jeli, and Pengkalan Chepa.

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Product Development Technology
Agrotechnology
Husbandry Science

24 Tunku Abdul Rahman University

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#24 in Malaysia
#504 in Asia
#1658 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 21,000

Named in honor of Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman University is a private research university founded with a philosophy of knowledge dissemination and innovation. It is among the top private universities in Malaysia and offers courses in specialist areas like biomedical engineering and digital economy technology. The university also boasts two campus locations, providing its students with a wealth of experience and options.

Building and Property Management
Logistics and International Shipping
Food Science
Journalism
Biomedical Engineering

25 University of Malaysia, Perlis

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#25 in Malaysia
#505 in Asia
#1661 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 14,000

University of Malaysia, Perlis is famous for its science and technology courses. The university excels in the scientific area, which is why it invests more in laboratories and facilities to enhance its research and development sector. Throughout the years, the institution has showcased its skills in molding professional graduates capable of meeting the standards and needs of the industry.

Business
New Media Communication
Electronic Engineering
Computer Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering

We know that choosing your dream school in Malaysia not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Malaysia, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Malaysia! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!