Contents
Universiti Malaya admission at a glance
International applicants choose a programme and meet its own requirements: Universiti Malaya sets an English score and grades per credential for each one. UM's How to Apply table lists, for international undergraduates, a Semester II (March) window for Session 2026/2027, the latest published; the Session 2027/2028 undergraduate table is not yet published.
According to the pages as of October 2026, Universiti Malaya (UM) sits on a lush 922 acre campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. For international undergraduates the How to Apply page lists a Semester II (March) window for Session 2026/2027 from 07 Sept 2026 to 30 Jan 2027; it is open in October 2026.
Do not read that window as the Session 2027/2028 rule: Session 2026/2027 is the latest published, and the Session 2027/2028 undergraduate table is not yet published, so the dates for that session are not known.
UM sets the English score per programme. According to the pages as of October 2026, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) lists IELTS Academic 5.5, TOEFL iBT 46 and PTE Academic 51; Economics lists 6.0, 60 and 59. The English chapter gives twenty programmes.
According to the page as of October 2026, UM's International Booklet lists one tuition figure per programme beside its length in years: 89,200.00 for Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) over 3.5 years and 673,200.00 for the MBBS over 5 years. The booklet also states that The Admission Fee is included in the total tuition fee. The application fee is RM300 on the Admission FAQ and MYR 300 in the booklet; the costs chapter sets the fees out.
| Item | What UM publishes |
|---|---|
| Entry bar | Set per programme: an English score and grades per credential (see the English and diploma chapters) |
| Semester II (March), Session 2026/2027 | 07 Sept 2026 to 30 Jan 2027 (open) |
| Session 2027/2028 | Undergraduate table not yet published |
| English score, IELTS Academic | Among the twenty programmes in the English chapter: from 5.0 (Architecture) to 7.0 (Bachelor of Arts English) |
| Tuition, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), International Booklet | 89,200.00 over 3.5 years (no currency printed in the booklet table) |
| Application fee | RM300 on the Admission FAQ; MYR 300 in the International Booklet |
Universiti Malaya size and programmes
Universiti Malaya describes itself by its campus and the number of programmes it offers. For a ranking position, read the current edition on the ranking publisher's own site.
According to the pages as of October 2026, UM sits on a lush 922 acre campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. For 2026/2027 UM states that it offers a total of 80 bachelor’s degree programmes and around 150 postgraduate programmes.
What this means for an applicant: neither the size of the catalogue nor a university-wide ranking position changes what a programme requires. Entry rules, fees and tests are set per programme; the chapters on admission, English and costs give them programme by programme.
Entry qualifications and foundation programmes for international applicants
In the Admission FAQ, UM sets the floor for its Undergraduate International Programmes, according to the pages as of October 2026: a minimum of twelve (12) years of study and a pass in STPM/A-Level/IB/High School/Grade 12/Equivalent, or a Diploma recognised by the University with at least a CGPA of 3.00. The programme pages then set grades per credential.
Qualifications UM lists on the International tab
The International tab of each programme page lists the credentials it accepts. According to the page as of October 2026, the Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) page, for example, lists these routes:
- GCE A-Level: a recognised qualification with grade B in Mathematics and grade B in one of Physics, Computing, Chemistry, Biology or Further Mathematics.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): 30 points, with grade 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in Mathematics and in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Computer Science.
- Senior High School Certificate (SHSC): a minimum average of 65%, with 60% / grade B- in Mathematics and in one of Physics, Computing, Chemistry or Biology.
- Matriculation / Foundation: a minimum CGPA of 3.00, with grade B- in Mathematics and in one of Computing, Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Basic Engineering.
- Diploma: a minimum CGPA of 3.00 from a recognised institution approved by the UM Senate, with the same subject grades as Matriculation / Foundation.
- AUSMAT: a minimum score of 80 in the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), with grade B in Mathematics and in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics Specialist.
Grades and scores differ by programme: the chapter on A-Levels, IB and other diplomas compares ten programmes. For a credential that your programme page does not name, such as a US high school diploma, the Admission FAQ's floor, as of October 2026, names High School/Grade 12/Equivalent; ask the faculty which grades apply to your certificate.
Foundation programmes for international students: UM's pages disagree
| UM page | What it says |
|---|---|
| How to Apply, Academic Session 2026/2027 | A row titled FOUNDATION - FOR INTERNATIONAL with the window 03 Aug 2026 to 23 Aug 2026, only for Foundation of Life Sciences and Foundation of Social Sciences (the window is past) |
| Admission FAQ of the Academic Services Department (ASD) (page footer: Last Update: 12/02/2026) | UM says it does not offer foundation degree program to International Students, as this course is strictly offered for local students |
The two statements point in different directions. If you plan to enter through a Foundation, ask UM in writing which page applies to your case before you pay an application fee.
Changing programme after an offer
The Admission FAQ, as of October 2026, says: It is not allowed to change programme after receiving the offer letter. To change, the candidate needs to apply again for the programme he or she wants to change to.
How Universiti Malaya selects international students
According to the Admission FAQ as of October 2026, every online application will be processed for five (5) working days for evaluation, and only successful applicants will be offered a place. You must meet the entry requirements of your programme, which the chapters on English, diplomas and entrance tests give programme by programme.
For certain selection programmes the faculty adds an interview: UM's FAQ, as of October 2026, says an applicant may be required to undergo an interview session for certain selection programme before being accepted by the respective faculty. The programmes with a stated interview or test are in the interviews chapter.
Applicant numbers and admission rate
The Admission FAQ describes the process above, not an admission rate. The gate it states is the entry requirement of the programme, plus an interview for certain selection programmes; treat that requirement as the minimum for being considered, not as the level of applicants who receive offers.
Universiti Malaya interviews and entrance tests (MBBS, Dentistry, Pharmacy and more)
Universiti Malaya sets interviews and tests per programme. According to the pages as of October 2026, the MBBS page says Interview is required for this course. Test is required for this course. The Dental Surgery page lists Interview is required and Test is required, the Pharmacy page states an interview and a test, and the Architecture page asks applicants to pass the drawing test and/or interview as determined by the University. The Admission FAQ adds that the faculty may require an interview for certain selection programmes.
| Programme | Interview and test | Where UM states it |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) | Interview is required for this course. Test is required for this course. | Programme page, International tab |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery | Interview is required; Test is required | Programme page, International tab |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy | Interview and test required | Programme page, International tab |
| Bachelor of Science in Architecture | Pass the drawing test and/or interview as determined by the University | Programme page, International tab |
For a programme missing from the table, confirm with the faculty whether an interview or test applies before you pay the application fee.
Medicine: which admissions tests UM names
On the MBBS programme page as of October 2026, the requirement UM lists for international applicants is to have attained a high score in MSAT-Malaysia, BMAT, MCAT, GAMSAT or any other equivalent qualifications approved by the Senate in current or previous year. That list does not name UCAT. The separate list on the Local tab, the Malaysian route, adds UCAT; it is not the rule for international applicants.
Subjects and grades that come with the tests
An interview or test is added to the grade requirement, not a replacement for it. UM's pages, as of October 2026, state these examples, each for the programme named, and none applies to UM as a whole:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy: two (2) Grade A and one (1) Grade B (AAB) at A-Level in Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics; in the IB, a minimum score of 36 points with 6 (HL) in each of those three subjects.
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Senior High School Certificate: a minimum average of 65% and 75% or grade A- in any TWO (2) of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
- Bachelor of Actuarial Science, IB: a minimum score of 34 points and at least Grade 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), A-Level: a minimum of grade B in Mathematics and grade B in one of Physics, Computing, Chemistry, Biology or Further Mathematics.
- Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Chemical Engineering: UM states that candidates must not be colour blind.
SAT and ACT
The credentials and tests UM names per programme, listed above and in the diploma chapter, do not include the SAT or ACT. A result from either is therefore not a credential UM names for entry; the grades UM sets are in the chapter on A-Levels, IB and other diplomas.
Universiti Malaya admissions step by step: windows, documents and offer
On Universiti Malaya's How to Apply page, the window for international undergraduates that is still open in October 2026 is Semester II (March) of Session 2026/2027: it runs from 07 Sept 2026 to 30 Jan 2027, the latest published. The Session 2027/2028 undergraduate table is not yet published, so no 2027/2028 date is known.
Do not read these dates as the Session 2027/2028 rule. UM's table is for Session 2026/2027, and UM publishes no 2027/2028 table for undergraduates yet. Check the How to Apply page again once UM posts the 2027/2028 table.
Intake names differ between UM pages
The How to Apply window for international undergraduates is labelled Semester II (March). As of October 2026, the Admission FAQ of the Academic Services Department (ASD) (page footer: Last Update: 12/02/2026) states Two Semester/Intake: Semester I (September intake) Semester II (February intake). The two pages use different labels. Use the dates and the session label in the How to Apply table rather than the intake names.
Documents to upload
According to the Admission FAQ as of October 2026, UM asks international applicants for certified copies of the academic certificate with detailed academic transcripts/results for Higher School Certificate (HSC), Grade 12 or GCE (A’ Level) or Diploma from recognized Institutions, and says an official translation is needed for applicants whose native language is not English or Malay. The English score you submit comes from your programme's list in the English chapter.
Application fee
| UM page | Figure |
|---|---|
| Admission FAQ (page footer: Last Update: 12/02/2026) | RM300 per application for non-Malaysian/ International |
| International Booklet | MYR 300, payable upon submission of the online application |
As of October 2026, the Admission FAQ gives RM300 and the booklet MYR 300: the same amount. The Admission FAQ says the fee should be paid using FPX, Credit/Debit Card, and Flywire before submitting an application.
After the offer
According to the page as of October 2026, UM's International Student page lists the step Create your UM Siswa Mail after you accept the offer. The next step is the visa: Universiti Malaya (UM) administers the Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) Application Services as a mandatory part of the international student visa application process. The student pass and arrival chapter gives the order of those steps.
Universiti Malaya English language requirements
Universiti Malaya sets English scores per programme, not one score for the whole university. According to the pages as of October 2026, among the twenty programmes in the table below the lowest IELTS Academic score is 5.0 for Architecture (TOEFL iBT 40); Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) lists 5.5 (TOEFL iBT 46), as do the engineering programmes in the table; the MBBS lists 6.0 (TOEFL iBT 60), as do Economics and Dental Surgery; and Bachelor of Arts English asks for the most, IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 96 and PTE Academic 65.
The table gives the scores for twenty programmes. The Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) page, as of October 2026, introduces its list with any ONE (1) of the following requirements, so a single score from the list is what that programme asks for. The programme pages also list TOEFL Essentials and Cambridge English scores; the MUET column is the Malaysian University English Test.
UM states a total of 80 bachelor’s degree programmes for 2026/2027, so another programme can set a different English score. Check the page of the programme you want.
Malay language course
UM's Admission FAQ, as of October 2026, states that all international students accepted into any program will also be required to undergo a course in the Malay language (local language) during their studies in UM prior to completion of their programme.
Universiti Malaya requirements for A-levels, IB and other diplomas
According to the Admission FAQ and the programme pages as of October 2026, UM sets one general minimum for its Undergraduate International Programmes, and the programme pages then set a different threshold per programme and per credential. The general floor is a minimum of twelve (12) years of study plus a qualification such as A-Level, IB, High School or Grade 12; the grades below belong to the programme named in each line, not to UM as a whole.
UM's Admission FAQ, as of October 2026, lists what counts as the minimum undergraduate qualification: passed the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)/A-Level/IB/High School/Grade 12/Equivalent; or possess a Diploma that is recognized by the University with at least a CGPA of 3.00. That is the floor. Each programme page then states what it wants from each credential.
| Programme | A-Level | IB | Senior High School Certificate (SHSC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) | Grade A in Biology and Chemistry, grade A in one of Physics or Mathematics | 36 points, with 6 (HL) in two subjects and 6 (SL) in one; Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics at 6 (HL) / 6 (SL) | See the programme page |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy | AAB in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics | 36 points, 6 (HL) in each of the three subjects | Minimum average 85% and AAB in the same subjects |
| Bachelor of Civil Engineering | Grade B in Mathematics and Physics | 30 points, at least 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in any two subjects | Minimum average 75% |
| Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) | Grade B in Mathematics and grade B in one of Physics, Computing, Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics | 30 points, 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in Mathematics and in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Computer Science | Minimum average 65% |
| Bachelor of Economics | Grade B in any two listed subjects | 30 points, 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in any two listed subjects | Minimum average 65% |
| Bachelor of Electrical Engineering | Grade B in Mathematics and Physics | 30 points, at least 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in any two subjects | Minimum average 75% |
| Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) | Grade B in Mathematics and grade B in one of Physics, Computing, Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics | 30 points, 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in Mathematics and in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Computer Science | Minimum average 65% |
| Bachelor of Finance | Grade B in any two listed subjects | 30 points, 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in any two listed subjects | Minimum average 65% |
| Bachelor in Accounting | See the programme page | 35 points, 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in any two listed subjects | Minimum average 70% |
| Bachelor of Actuarial Science | See the programme page | 34 points, at least 5 (HL) / 6 (SL) in Mathematics or Further Mathematics | See the programme page |
UM states 80 bachelor’s degree programmes for 2026/2027. The table covers ten of them, and another programme can ask for different grades. The SHSC column gives the minimum average; the SHSC lines also set subject grades, for example, according to the page as of October 2026, 65% / grade B in the following subjects: Mathematics & Physics for Civil Engineering. Do not carry one programme's threshold over to another.
ATAR, CGPA and subject lines on programme pages
The programme pages, as of October 2026, also set these lines per credential, each for the programme named:
- Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR): a minimum of 85 for the MBBS and 85 for Actuarial Science; 80 for Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), 80 for Economics, 80 for Civil Engineering and 80 for Pharmacy.
- Matriculation or Foundation (CGPA): 3.80/4.00 for the MBBS, 3.00 for Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), 3.00 for Economics, 3.30 for Accounting and 3.50 for Actuarial Science.
- Diploma (CGPA): 3.00 for Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), 3.30 for Accounting and 3.50 for Actuarial Science.
- Degree holders (MBBS): the page lists, under Degree Programme, passed with a minimum CGPA 3.7/4.0 in Undergraduate Science / Allied Health Sciences from a recognised institution approved by the University.
- SPM / O-Level / equivalent subject lines: Pharmacy lists Grade B in FIVE (5) of the following subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Mathematics / Additional Mathematics; Finance lists at least Grade B in TWO (2) of the following subjects: English Mathematics / Additional Mathematics.
Other credentials named on the MBBS page
The MBBS page, as of October 2026, also lists these credentials on its International tab:
- Australia: a minimum score of 85 in the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), with grade A in Biology and Chemistry and grade A in one of Physics or Mathematics.
- CPU/CIMP/OSSD: CPU/CIMP/OSSD Grade 12 with a minimum A in THREE (3) subjects: grade A in Biology and Chemistry and grade A in one of Physics or Mathematics.
- India: Indian Pre-University (ICSE/CBSE and state boards) with a minimum A in THREE (3) subjects: grade A in Biology and Chemistry and grade A in one of Physics or Mathematics.
- New Zealand: NCEA Level 3/NZB with a minimum A in THREE (3) subjects: grade A in Biology and Chemistry and grade A in one of Physics or Mathematics.
These are the MBBS rules for those credentials. For a credential your programme's page does not list, such as a US high school diploma with AP or SAT, a European school-leaving certificate or the UEC, the Admission FAQ, as of October 2026, names Grade 12 or equivalent among accepted credentials; ask the faculty which grades apply to your certificate before you apply.
What to study at Universiti Malaya: faculties and Bachelor's programmes
For Academic Session 2026/2027, Universiti Malaya says it offers a total of 80 bachelor’s degree programmes and around 150 postgraduate programmes, so an international undergraduate chooses among a wide list. According to the page as of October 2026, UM's International Booklet lists a length in years and a tuition figure for a selection, shown below.
| Programme | Duration | Tuition figure in the booklet (no currency printed) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) | 3.5 years | 89,200.00 |
| Bachelor of Civil Engineering | 4 years | 132,100.00 |
| Bachelor of Economics | 3.5 years | 77,100.00 |
| Bachelor of Accounting | 4 years | 99,100.00 |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy | 4 years | 280,100.00 |
| Bachelor of Science in Architecture | 3 years | 103,900.00 |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) | 5 years | 673,200.00 |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 years | 655,000.00 |
| Bachelor of East Asian Studies | 3.5 years | 59,400.00 |
| Bachelor of Arts International and Strategic Studies | 3.5 years | 65,100.00 |
| Bachelor of Environmental Studies | 3.5 years | 75,900.00 |
| Bachelor of Laws | See the programme page | International Not Available |
As of October 2026, the booklet's table prints each tuition figure beside the programme's length in years and no currency sign. The booklet also states that The Admission Fee is included in the total tuition fee. The costs chapter explains how UM presents these figures.
Computer Science
UM's Faculty of Computer Science page, as of October 2026, lists six Bachelor of Computer Science programmes: AI, Software Engineering, Computer System and Network, Multimedia Computing, Data Science and Information System. The Artificial Intelligence programme appears in the booklet at 89,200.00 over 3.5 years; Software Engineering lists the same IELTS Academic 5.5. Other tracks can have different fees and requirements; check each programme page.
Engineering
According to the pages as of October 2026, the Civil Engineering programme appears in the booklet at 132,100.00 over 4 years and lists IELTS Academic 5.5. The same page carries a health rule for two other engineering programmes: candidates who apply for Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Chemical Engineering must not be colour blind.
Business, economics and accounting
According to the pages as of October 2026, the Bachelor of Economics appears in the booklet at 77,100.00 for 3.5 years. The Bachelor of Accounting appears at 99,100.00 for 4 years. Entry rules differ: Economics asks for English scores of IELTS 6.0, and Accounting asks for an IB score of 35 points; both are set out in the chapters on English and diplomas.
Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy
The MBBS, Dental Surgery and Pharmacy rows carry the highest figures in the table above, according to the pages as of October 2026: the MBBS lists 673,200.00 over 5 years, Dental Surgery 655,000.00 over 5 years and Pharmacy 280,100.00 over 4 years. Each page states an interview and a test, described in the interviews and tests chapter.
Humanities and social sciences
According to the pages as of October 2026, among the humanities and social-science rows in the booklet, East Asian Studies lists 59,400.00, International and Strategic Studies 65,100.00 and Environmental Studies 75,900.00, each for 3.5 years. The Bachelor of Arts English page asks for the highest English score in the English chapter, IELTS Academic 7.0.
Law: the international line reads Not Available
The Bachelor of Laws page, as of October 2026, shows the international tuition line as International Not Available, and its International tab reads Not Offered. Ask UM whether international applicants are admitted to this programme before you plan around it.
Universiti Malaya tuition and costs for international students
According to the page as of October 2026, Universiti Malaya's International Booklet lists a tuition figure per programme: for example 89,200.00 for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) and 673,200.00 for the MBBS. The booklet's table prints no currency and lists each figure beside the programme length.
UM's International Booklet, as of October 2026, states that The Admission Fee is included in the total tuition fee, and the Admission Fee for undergraduates is MYR 800, one-time upon acceptance. The MBBS page also shows a Local line of RM 500,000; that line is for Local applicants, not the international rate.
Application and admission fees
| Fee | UM page | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Admission FAQ (page footer: Last Update: 12/02/2026) | RM300 per application |
| Application fee | International Booklet | MYR 300 |
| Admission fee, undergraduate | International Booklet | MYR 800, one-time upon acceptance |
As of October 2026, the Admission FAQ and the booklet give the same application fee, RM300 and MYR 300. For visa-related charges UM publishes a PDF, International Student Processing Fees by Country (Updated : 10 July 2026); it lists fees by country, so look up the line for your nationality there.
According to UM's International Student page as of October 2026, the processing fee for new international students is distinct from EMGS charges and is a one-time payment for all new students applicable upon initial admission only.
Rent and living costs
UM's booklet, as of October 2026, gives one living-cost figure: off-campus rent in the nearby areas averages MYR 800 to 2,200 a month. For food, transport and other living costs, use sources outside UM. The housing chapter covers on-campus residential colleges.
Universiti Malaya scholarships and financial aid
Universiti Malaya's undergraduate financial aid page announces aid one item at a time. According to the page as of October 2026, it names, among other announcements, the PMG Scholarship for outstanding students in the field of Pharmacy and describes the PTPTN Education Loan Scheme as educational loans for students at local Higher Education Institutions. Read the audience of each announcement before you plan around it.
| Aid | How the page describes it |
|---|---|
| PMG Scholarship | A financial aid initiative designed to support outstanding students in the field of Pharmacy |
| PTPTN Education Loan Scheme | Educational loans to students pursuing studies at local Higher Education Institutions (IPT) |
The PMG Scholarship
The aid page, as of October 2026, announces the scholarship of the Public Medicare Group (PMG), described as a financial aid initiative designed to support outstanding students in the field of Pharmacy. The description does not mention international students, so confirm with UM whether you can apply.
PTPTN loans
The aid page, as of October 2026, defines the scheme as educational loans to students pursuing studies at local Higher Education Institutions. The description does not say that international students can use it, so confirm with UM before you count on it.
Housing at Universiti Malaya: residential colleges and off-campus
According to the pages as of October 2026, Universiti Malaya's International Student page says on-campus accommodation is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed for all students, and the International Booklet notes Accommodation placement based on availability only. Treat a college place as not confirmed until UM allocates it.
| UM page | Statement |
|---|---|
| International Student page | On-campus accommodation is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed for all students |
| International Booklet | Accommodation placement based on availability only |
Because placement depends on availability, plan an off-campus fallback and confirm your placement with UM before you travel.
Residential colleges
As of October 2026, the housing page, which names the 2026/2027 Academic Session, carries a notice of Phase 2 results for senior undergraduate students that names the residential colleges involved: the Fifth Residential College (KK5), the Sixth Residential College (KK6) for MBBS, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing, the Thirteenth Residential College (KK13) and International House (IH). That list is for senior students. For new undergraduates, the housing page links Accommodation Placement for New Undergraduate Students (2026/2027 Academic Session).
Off-campus housing
According to the pages as of October 2026, UM's International Booklet gives an average monthly rent for off-campus housing in the nearby areas of MYR 800 to 2,200. The International Student page encourages students without a college place to use trusted off-campus housing solutions and alternative accommodation support platforms, including HomeFinderPro, QH Corporate and Uniren.
Student pass, eVAL and arrival in Malaysia
According to UM's International Student page as of October 2026, Universiti Malaya runs the visa step for international students: UM administers the Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) Application Services as a mandatory part of the international student visa application process. UM's student pass page says approval for a Student Pass can take between 4-6 weeks.
When you may enter Malaysia
UM's International Student page, as of October 2026, states that new international students are permitted to enter Malaysia no earlier than two (2) weeks before the official Orientation Week.
What the visa charges cover
UM's International Student page, as of October 2026, says the first component of the visa charges is the EMGS Visa Processing Fee, which covers essential immigration-related services such as the eVAL issuance, student pass fee, medical screening, health insurance coverage, i-Kad issuance, Multiple Entry Visa (MEV), and applicable taxes. UM's own International Student Processing Fee is separate and is covered in the costs chapter.
After landing: medical screening and passport
UM's International Student page, as of October 2026, says all new international students must undergo a mandatory post-arrival medical screening at any EMGS registered clinic within seven (7) days of arriving in Malaysia. After the screening results appear in the EMGS system, UM asks new students: please submit your passport to the UM Visa Office at the One-Stop-Centre, Perdanasiswa Complex for student pass endorsement.
Renewing the pass
UM's student pass page, as of October 2026, says you will need to submit the renewal application no later than 3 MONTHS before the expiry of your current student pass.
Campus and arrival at Universiti Malaya
According to the pages as of October 2026, Universiti Malaya's International Booklet places the university on a lush 922 acre campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. For arrival, UM's International Student page describes an airport pickup service for new international students.
The page, as of October 2026, says that Airport Pickup Service may be arranged by the Student Affairs Department for selected arrival dates and time slots; however, this service is not available daily.
Because pickup is not available daily, plan your own transport for any arrival date or time slot that UM does not arrange.
City, climate and culture
For the city's climate, safety and culture, use sources outside UM, and plan your first weeks around the UM steps in the student pass chapter: the entry window, the medical screening and the passport submission come before settling in.
Career prospects: what Universiti Malaya graduates do next
According to the pages as of October 2026, Universiti Malaya's programme pages list career prospects as roles per programme, for example for the MBBS and the LLB. Graduate employment rates and salaries are a separate question; ask the faculty of your programme.
| Programme | What UM lists |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | Career prospects: General Practitioner, Surgeon, Pediatrician, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Psychiatrist, Medical Officer, Anesthesiologist, Emergency Medicine Doctor, Public Health Specialist, Medical Lecturer |
| Bachelor of Laws | Career prospects: Advocate and Solicitor, Legal Consultant, Corporate Lawyer, Criminal Lawyer, Family Lawyer, Employment Lawyer |
The Bachelor of Laws row comes from the programme page, whose international tuition line, as of October 2026, reads International Not Available and whose International tab reads Not Offered. The career list on that page does not by itself show that the LLB is open to international applicants.
Graduate employment figures
UM's career lists give job titles. If outcomes drive your choice, ask the faculty of your programme for its latest graduate tracking before you commit.
Does UM ask for the SAT?
According to the pages as of October 2026, the Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) page lists IELTS Academic 5.5 and TOEFL iBT 46; Economics lists IELTS Academic 6.0, the MBBS 6.0 and the Bachelor of Arts English 7.0. The SAT is not named among UM's entry credentials. The English requirements chapter gives all twenty programmes.
Who is Universiti Malaya for? Summary
Universiti Malaya fits an international applicant who can meet a programme-specific entry bar. According to the pages as of October 2026, for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), UM's International Booklet lists a tuition figure of 89,200.00 (no currency printed) and the programme page lists IELTS Academic 5.5. The undergraduate window on UM's How to Apply page belongs to Session 2026/2027; the Session 2027/2028 undergraduate table is not yet published.
| Question | What UM states |
|---|---|
| Entry bar | Set per programme: IELTS Academic from 5.0 to 7.0 across the twenty programmes in the English chapter, and grades per credential |
| Tuition, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) | 89,200.00 over 3.5 years (booklet table, no currency printed) |
| English, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) | IELTS Academic 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46 |
| English, Economics | IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 60 |
| Semester II (March) window, Session 2026/2027 | 07 Sept 2026 to 30 Jan 2027 |
| Application fee | RM300 on the Admission FAQ; MYR 300 in the International Booklet |
| Interview and test, MBBS | Interview is required for this course. Test is required for this course. |
Two cautions come with the table. English and grade requirements are set per programme, so a score that suffices for Computer Science does not carry over to Economics or the MBBS. And UM's pages differ on whether international students can enter through a Foundation, so ask UM before you plan around it.
Next steps
Where these facts come from
The facts come from Universiti Malaya's own pages: How to Apply, the programmes overview, the programme and faculty pages, the International Student page, the International Booklet, the country fee PDF, the Admission FAQ, financial aid and student pass pages of the Academic Services Department (ASD) and the Student Affairs Department's housing page. Each linked figure opens the quotation behind it.
UM: frequently asked questions
Do I need the SAT for Universiti Malaya?
According to the pages as of October 2026, UM's entry lists name credentials such as STPM/A-Level/IB/High School/Grade 12/Equivalent, and the programme pages add routes such as the Senior High School Certificate (SHSC), AUSMAT with an ATAR and Matriculation / Foundation. The SAT and ACT are not named among them. Each programme also sets an English score, which the English chapter lists. For the MBBS, UM lists a high score in MSAT-Malaysia, BMAT, MCAT, GAMSAT or any other equivalent qualifications approved by the Senate.
What TOEFL or IELTS score do I need for UM?
UM sets the score per programme on the International tab, according to the pages as of October 2026. Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) lists IELTS Academic 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46; Economics lists 6.0 or 60; the MBBS lists 6.0 or 60; Architecture lists 5.0 or 40; and Bachelor of Arts English lists 7.0 or 96. The Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) page introduces its list with any ONE (1) of the following requirements, so a single score from the list is what that programme asks for.
How much does Universiti Malaya cost for an international student?
According to the page as of October 2026, UM's International Booklet lists a tuition figure per programme beside its length, and the table prints no currency: 89,200.00 for Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), 77,100.00 for Economics, 132,100.00 for Civil Engineering and 673,200.00 for the MBBS. The booklet adds that The Admission Fee is included in the total tuition fee. The tuition line on the Bachelor of Laws page reads International Not Available. The application fee is RM300 per application for non-Malaysian / International applicants on the Admission FAQ and MYR 300 in the booklet.
What language are classes taught in at Universiti Malaya?
Each programme page sets the English score an international applicant must hold: among the twenty programmes in the English chapter, IELTS Academic runs from 5.0 for Architecture to 7.0 for Bachelor of Arts English, according to the pages as of October 2026. UM also says that all international students accepted into any program will also be required to undergo a course in the Malay language. Check the page of your programme for its language of teaching before you apply.
When are the UM admissions deadlines?
For international undergraduates, UM's How to Apply page lists a Semester II (March) window for Session 2026/2027 from 07 Sept 2026 to 30 Jan 2027, the latest published; Session 2027/2028 is not yet published. The Foundation (International) window, 03 Aug 2026 to 23 Aug 2026, was open only for Foundation of Life Sciences and Foundation of Social Sciences and is past; the Admission FAQ, as of October 2026, says that UM does not offer foundation degree program to International Students.
Are there scholarships for international students at UM?
According to the page as of October 2026, UM's undergraduate financial aid page announces, among other items, the PMG Scholarship for outstanding students in the field of Pharmacy and describes the PTPTN Education Loan Scheme as educational loans for students at local Higher Education Institutions. Neither description mentions international students, so read the audience of each announcement on that page and confirm eligibility with UM before you plan around one.
Is a Universiti Malaya degree recognised internationally?
Before you apply, ask the body in your own country that evaluates foreign degrees how it treats a UM degree in your programme. UM lists career prospects per programme, according to the page as of October 2026, for example for the MBBS: General Practitioner, Surgeon, Pediatrician and others, but a career list is not a recognition decision.
How does Universiti Malaya compare to NUS and NTU in Singapore?
Compare the figures each university publishes for your own programme. On UM's side, according to the pages as of October 2026, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) asks for IELTS Academic 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46, and Economics asks for 6.0 or 60. Set those against the English scores NUS and NTU publish for the same programme. UM's International Booklet prints its tuition figures without a currency, so compare fees only where each university states one.
Does Universiti Malaya publish an acceptance rate?
UM's Admission FAQ describes the process, not an admission rate, according to the page as of October 2026: every online application will be processed for five (5) working days for evaluation and only successful applicants will be offered a place, and an applicant may be required to undergo an interview session for certain selection programme before being accepted by the respective faculty.
Do I need an interview or an entrance test for UM?
It depends on the programme. According to the pages as of October 2026, UM states for the MBBS: Interview is required for this course. Test is required for this course. For Dental Surgery the page lists Interview is required and Test is required; for Pharmacy the programme page says that an interview and a test are required for this course; and for Architecture the page says pass the drawing test and/or interview as determined by the University. The Admission FAQ adds that an applicant may be required to undergo an interview session for certain selection programme. Check the page of your programme for any other interview or test.
How do I get a student visa for Universiti Malaya?
According to UM's International Student page as of October 2026, UM administers the Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) Application Services as a mandatory part of the international student visa application process; UM's student pass page says approval for a Student Pass can take between 4-6 weeks. After you arrive, all new international students must undergo a mandatory post-arrival medical screening at any EMGS registered clinic within seven (7) days of arriving in Malaysia.
Is on-campus housing guaranteed at Universiti Malaya?
No. According to the pages as of October 2026, the International Student page says on-campus accommodation is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed for all students, and the International Booklet notes Accommodation placement based on availability only. For housing outside the campus, the booklet gives an average rent in nearby areas of MYR 800 to 2,200 a month, and the International Student page names trusted off-campus housing solutions and alternative accommodation support platforms, including HomeFinderPro, QH Corporate, and Uniren.
Where these numbers come from
Official pages of Universiti Malaya (University of Malaya, UM), all on um.edu.my and checked on 17 Oct 2026: How to Apply, the programme and faculty pages, the International Booklet, the International Student page, the Admission FAQ, financial aid and student pass pages of the Academic Services Department, and the housing page of the Student Affairs Department.
Begin Your Journey with · PROGRAMMES · HOW TO APPLY · Academic Services Department (ASD) · BACHELOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE) · Academic Services Department (ASD) · BACHELOR OF ECONOMICS · BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE · BACHELOR OF ARTS ENGLISH · BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY · BACHELOR OF DENTAL SURGERY · BACHELOR OF PHARMACY WITH HONOURS · BACHELOR OF ACTUARIAL SCIENCE · BACHELOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING · INTERNATIONAL STUDENT · BACHELOR OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING · BACHELOR OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING · BACHELOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE (SOFTWARE ENGINEERING) · BACHELOR OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING · BACHELOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING · BACHELOR IN ACCOUNTING · BACHELOR OF ARTS INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES · BACHELOR OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE · BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION · BACHELOR OF FINANCE · BACHELOR OF MEDIA STUDIES (INDUSTRIAL MODE) · BACHELOR OF LAWS · FACULTY OF COMPUTER SCIENCE · International Student Processing Fees by Country · Academic Services Department (ASD) · Student Affairs Department
Photos: Universiti Malaya KL gate: photo *angys*, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons · Mural on the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics building, Universiti Malaya, 2021: photo *angys*, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons · 13th Residential College (KK13), Universiti Malaya: photo angys*, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons