Universiti of Malaya (UM), Malaysia: Fees, Courses, Admissions

Introduction

The University of Malaya (UM) is a Malaysian public research university based in Kuala Lumpur. It was established in 1905 and is one of the oldest universities in the country. UM is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, and is considered one of the leading research universities in the region.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various faculties, including arts and social sciences, medicine and health sciences, business and economics, engineering, and many more. UM is well known for its strong research programs, and its faculty and students are engaged in cutting-edge research in many fields. The university also has a large international community, and attracts students from around the world to its campus.

Available Programs and Courses

The university provides three kinds of programmes-

• Foundation
• Undergraduate
• Post graduate

The Foundation courses are-

The list of undergraduate courses is given below-

List of Postgraduate courses is given below-

Costing

The cost of studying at the University of Malaya (UM) will depend on various factors such as the program of study, the duration of the program, and the student’s residency status. For international students, tuition fees vary by program and level of study, but the average cost is around USD 6,820-9,100 per year.

In addition to tuition, students will also need to factor in other expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, books, and living expenses. These expenses will vary depending on the student’s lifestyle and individual needs, but the average cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (where UM is located) is around USD 228-455 per month. It’s important to note that fees and expenses are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check with the university for the most up-to-date information.

Other expenses include-

• Application fees: 68$
• Health insurance fees: 60 to 80$ per year
• Accommodation fees (discussed later)

The table shows that the cost of education in Malaysia is significantly less expensive, about a third of the cost compared to studying in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. Despite being less expensive, Malaysia still offers high-quality and globally recognized universities.

Admission Requirement

Obtaining an education in Malaysia is comparatively less complicated for Bangladeshi students compared to studying directly in Australia, USA or UK. There are several factors contributing to this. The primary causes are that obtaining a student visa in Malaysia is a less complex procedure, and the academic requirements for Asian students are not as stringent.

Academic requirement

International students at the University of Malaya are mandated to have either a National Higher School Certificate or an equivalent advanced level qualification. To qualify for the undergraduate program, candidates must score at least 70% in HSC or A Level, or 7 in GCE, or 25 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).

For postgraduate programs, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a reputable university with a score of at least 65% in the relevant field and with a duration of four years. If not, they must have a diploma from a recognized institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00. For certain selective programs, international students at the University of Malaya may be required to participate in an interview session before being officially accepted into their desired faculty.

English proficiency requirement

International students at the University of Malaya are required to have a minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL (Paper-Based Test), 173 on the TOEFL (Computer-Based Test), or 60 on the TOEFL (Internet-Based Test). Alternatively, they may have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 to 6.5.
In the absence of these English proficiency certificates, students who have been accepted will receive a conditional offer letter, subject to them meeting the English language requirements. Applications must be submitted through the online portal at apply.um.edu.my.

How to apply

Potential applicants are advised to select the suitable program and assess their qualifications. The application process should be completed online and should not take more than 15 minutes. The minimum age requirement for enrollment is 17 years old. When submitting their application, the following items should be prepared:

The first step is to apply through the online portal (apply.um.edu.my) and create your own personal account. This will allow you to access the application form and submit your information and documents electronically. Once you have access to the application portal, you will need to select the program you would like to study.

This could be a specific course or major that aligns with your career goals and interests. After selecting your program, you will need to fill out your personal and academic information. This will include information such as your name, contact information, previous educational background, and other relevant details. You will need to provide various supporting documents to complete your application.

This may include a passport-sized photo, copies of your passport, transcripts from previous studies, and certificates of any relevant qualifications. Once you have completed the application form and uploaded all the necessary documents, you will need to pay the processing fee. This can typically be done through a debit or credit card or other online payment methods. After you have submitted your application and paid the processing fee, you will receive an email acknowledging that your application has been received and is being processed.

Throughout the application process, you can monitor your status through the online portal. This will allow you to keep track of any updates or changes to your application, as well as see if there are any additional documents or information that you need to provide. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter from the university. This letter will be conditional and will outline any additional requirements or conditions that you need to meet before enrolling. This is the sequence of steps you should follow to finalize your application and guarantee your spot into the university. Good luck!

Intakes

The academic calendar at the University of Malaya is structured into two semesters, providing undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to apply for their preferred program in either semester. Additionally, the university offers prospective students the opportunity to apply up to one year prior to the intended enrollment date through early decision.

‘Intake’ refers to the number of individuals who are admitted by a college or university, at a specific time. There are a total of 2 intakes at UM throughout the years, February and September. The deadline for the February semester is on November 17th, while the deadline for the September semester is June 17th.

International student’s facilities

The University of Malaya (UM) offers a range of facilities and services to support international students during their studies. These include assistance with the visa application process, airport pickup services, and accommodation options. International students can also benefit from the International Student Centre, which provides various services such as academic and personal counseling, cultural exchange programs, and language classes.

The university has several student organizations that allow international students to meet and interact with other students from around the world. Additionally, the university provides medical facilities, sports facilities, and a range of dining options on campus. The UM library has a vast collection of academic resources, including e-books, journals, and research papers, which are accessible to international students. Overall, UM is committed to ensuring that international students have a positive and rewarding experience during their time at the university, both academically and personally.

Scholarship

The University of Malaya offers educational opportunities through a range of scholarships, some of which are fully funded, while others are partially funded, or through awards. These opportunities are available for both postgraduate and undergraduate programs across a variety of academic fields.

The following is a list of scholarships available for international students-

1. Malaysian Government funded Scholarships
2. Student Financial Aid Awards, Malaysia
3. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
4. Malaysian Government MTCP Scholarship – Master’s Degree Programme
5. Malaysian Government Scholarships – Ministry of Education Malaysia (fully funded)
6. University of Malaya international awards in Malaysia

To stay current on the list of scholarships offered by the University of Malaya, be sure to check their website for updates.

Accommodation

The University of Malaya provides a variety of student accommodations to support the living needs of its students. Options include on-campus dormitories, off-campus apartments and homestays. Accommodations range from single to multi-occupancy rooms and offer amenities like fully-furnished rooms, common kitchens and dining areas, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security. The university strives to provide safe and convenient housing options for students to ensure their well-being and success during their stay at UM.

For further information on housing options and amenities, consult UM’s online resource.

University Ranking

The University of Malaya (UM) is a leading public institution of higher education in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is highly regarded for its comprehensive learning environment, which includes extensive facilities for both students and faculty that support learning and research. With its solid student support system and exceptional services, UM is the first choice of top students in Malaysia and attracts a diverse population of international students from over 80 countries. The university’s commitment to excellence has earned it a place in the QS World University Rankings 2023, where it is ranked 70th.

Potential collaborative partners

Universities establish partnerships with other educational institutions, leading companies and industries to invest in research, provide training for academic staff, offer advanced academic programs for faculty, involve students in global academic networks and exchange programs, and provide hands-on learning experiences for students.

Some collaborative partners of UM are listed below-

1. Swinburne University (Australia)
2. Siemens Healthineers Malaysia
3. Daikin Malaysia (air conditioning)
4. Ossur (orthopaedic)
5. Rohde & Schwarz Malaysia (wireless communications)
6. Motorola Solutions Malaysia (wireless technology)
7. Proton Holdings Berhad (automotive)
8. Coway, Malaysia
9. VINCI construction
10. Huawei

Job or internship facilities

Universiti of Malaya (UM) provides job and internship opportunities for students to enhance their professional development and gain practical experience in their field of study. UM collaborates with various organizations and companies to offer students a variety of internships and job placements.

The university also provides career services and resources, such as resume building, job search assistance, and career workshops, to help students succeed in their job search. By offering these resources and opportunities, UM aims to prepare its students for a successful career and bridge the gap between education and the workforce. Visit their Facebook page or official website to find out more.

FAQ

1. What is the ranking of Universiti of Malaya?

A: The top university in Malaysia (ranked as no. 1) is Universiti of Malaya (UM). As per the QS World University Rankings for 2023, the University of Malaya holds the number 70th position.

2. What kind of facilities does Universiti of Malaya offer?

A: Universiti of Malaya provides extensive learning and research facilities, a comprehensive learning environment, solid student support and services, and job & internship opportunities for students and staff.

3. What is the age requirement to study at Universiti of Malaya?

A: Students need to be at least 17 years old at the time of enrollment to study at Universiti of Malaya.

4. What is the process for international students to apply at Universiti of Malaya?

A: International students need to choose an appropriate course and program, check their eligibility, and apply online at apply.um.edu.my. They must have required documents and information ready, including a passport, photo, academic transcript, certificate, etc. and pay the processing fee via various payment options.

Conclusion

Universiti of Malaya is a top public university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It offers an extensive range of academic programs in various disciplines, along with comprehensive facilities for learning and research. The university is committed to providing quality education and solid student support, making it a popular choice for both local and international students.

With its state-of-the-art facilities, highly-skilled faculty, and diverse student body, Universiti of Malaya is an excellent choice for those seeking a challenging and enriching university experience. Whether you are looking to further your education, pursue a passion, or launch a successful career, Universiti of Malaya has everything you need to achieve your goals and reach your full potential.