25 Best Universities In Malaysia For International Students 2026

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 62 universities and colleges in Malaysia, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 62 universities in Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 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.

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 64,800 MYR , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 1,470 MYR to 335,000 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

The Universiti Teknologi 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.

The Universiti Sains 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.

The Universiti 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.

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.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) 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.

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.

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.

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.

Offering a diverse range of programs but with an emphasis on management, the Universiti Utara 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.

Named in honor of Malaysia’s first prime minister, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) 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.

Tagging itself as a ‘community-driven university,’ the Universiti 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.

Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) 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.

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) 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.

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.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) 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.

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.

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) 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.

Situated close to Mount Kinabalu and the South China Sea, the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has one of the most beautiful campuses in Southeast Asia, with access to beaches, mountainous views, and forests. Students of UMS get to study in a serene environment close to natural wonders while engaging with a passionate community of students and lecturers that care deeply about personal growth and creativity.

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.

Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka is considered the first technical public university in the country, offering practical teaching methods to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The institution collaborates closely with relevant industries and organizations to widen its students’ academic experiences and expose them to cutting-edge technologies through partnerships and internships. It also participates in numerous conferences and research projects, nurturing the students’ innovative minds.

The Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka 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.

The Universiti Tenaga Nasional is a premier institution in Malaysia known for its specialization in engineering and business degree programs. The university actively supports its students’ research activities by allowing them to collaborate with various industries and actualize their discoveries in the community. This support will enable students to form strong relations with different organizations and enhance the practical skills that will prepare them for their careers.

Universiti Tenaga Nasional (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.

The Universiti 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.

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.