Public Universities in Malaysia Application Requirements

Malaysia is part of the Commonwealth education system and is ranked 11th globally in terms of international education. Malaysia has become the first choice of many students due to its low cost of study, low language requirement and a series of other advantages. Colleges and universities widely use English as the medium of instruction, and some private institutions have also established dual-degree programs, introducing high-quality higher education resources from the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries. These qualifications are recognised around the world. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Malaysian institutions accounted for 8 of the top 300, with the University of Malaya ranking 58th year on year. In terms of accommodation, universities and colleges are surrounded by a wide selection of student accommodation in Malaysia, ranging from budget shared apartments to high-end single rooms, offering affordable rents and excellent facilities, which provide a safe and convenient living environment for international students.

1. University of Malaya

Ranked 58th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings

Located in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, it is the largest and oldest public research institution of higher learning in Malaysia.

It is the only university in Malaysia that is a member of the Pacific Rim University Consortium.

Advantageous majors:

Library and Information Management (2025 QS Ranking 29)

Education and Training (QS Rank 38 in 2025)

English Language and Literature (QS Rank 46 in 2025)

Information Science (2025 QS Speciality Rank 47)

Undergraduate Application Requirements:

High school graduates: average score of 80% or above in all subjects; Gao Kao score of 520.

Language score: IELTS 5.0-7.0;

Interviewis are required for some majors (depending on the specific requirements of the faculty major);

Application Deadline: August 30, 2025 (Fall 2025)

Master's Degree Application Requirements:

Bachelor's degree, 80% average score in all subjects/CGPA 3.0+.

Language score: IELTS 5.5-7.0;

Application deadline: August 30, 2025 (Fall 2025 entry)

2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Ranked 126th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings

It is the third public university founded by the Malaysian government.

Strengths Majors:

Theology and Religious Studies (QS Speciality Ranking 51-100 in 2025)

English Language and Literature (2025 QS Speciality Ranking 101-150)

Pharmacy and Pharmacology (2025 QS Ranking 101-150)

Undergraduate Application Requirements:

Completion of 12 years of primary and high school education, and attainment of a high school certificate

Language: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 60 or above

and meet the minimum English language requirements set by the teacher; and

and pass a UKM interview (depending on the specific requirements of the faculty program).

Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 (Fall 2025)

Master's Application Requirements:

Academic: Bachelor's Degree Certificate, 80%+ average score in all subjects

Language: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 60 or above

Application deadline: June 30, 2025 (Fall 2025 entry)

3. Universiti Putra Malaysia

Ranked 134th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings

One of the five public research universities in Malaysia, and a regular foreign institution recognised by the Education-related Foreign Supervision Network of the Ministry of Education of China

Advantageous majors:

Veterinary Medicine (QS Speciality Ranking 37 in 2025)

Agriculture, Forestry (QS Rank 56 in 2025)

Petroleum Engineering (2025 QS Speciality Ranking 51-100)

Undergraduate Application Requirements:

High school or equivalent and grades meeting the entry requirements for the relevant program;

Language Achievement:

IELTS 5.5 and above; or

TOEFL iBT score of 60 or above.

MUET band 3 and above.

Application Deadline: July 31, 2025 (October entry)

November 1 - December 31, 2025 (for admission next March)

Master's Degree Application Requirements:

Bachelor's degree and grades meeting the entry requirements of the relevant program;

CGPA of 3.0 and above.

Language scores:

IELTS 6.0 and above; or

TOEFL iBT score of 65 or above.

or MUET band 4 and above.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2025

4. Universiti Sains Malaysia

Ranked 134th by the 2026 QS World University Rankings

Internationally renowned in the fields of engineering, medicine, science and computing, it is a highly influential institution of higher education in Asia.

Advantageous Majors:

Pharmacy & Pharmacology (QS Speciality Rank 87 in 2025)

Education and Training (2025 QS Professional Ranking 101-150)

Hospitality Management (2025 QS Professional Ranking 101-150)

Undergraduate Application Requirements:

Graduation from high school or the second semester of senior year with an average score of 80% or higher in all subjects.

Some majors may require an interview (depending on the specific requirements of the faculty's major).

Language Requirements: IELTS 5.0/TOEFL 40 or above.

Master's application requirements:

Bachelor's degree, average score of 80% or above in all subjects/CGPA 2.75+.

Language score: IELTS 5.5/TOEFL 46 or above