Education is key to social mobility. Thus, for most students, choosing the best university in Malaysia is one of their first major decisions in life.
Malaysia, as an emerging player in the area of advanced education, has set its target of attracting a significant influx of 250,000 foreign students by the year 2025.
And it could only be achieved if it has the best university in Malaysia.
To name a few, renowned academic institutions such as Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) have achieved international recognition.
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10 Best Universities in Malaysia with Quality Education
The country’s learning scene is rapidly transforming. It houses a variety of respected universities that have acquired global acknowledgement as a fraction of its ambition to establish itself as a distinguished educational provider.
Most of the top universities in Malaysia have provided attractive cultural customs, affordability and contemporary infrastructure for global and local students.
Furthermore, the existence of global subsidiary campuses, notably within the EduCity complex, substantially enriches the educational panorama of the nation.
Are you curious about the best university in Malaysia for you? Read on to find out the top 10 that have earned global ranking.
1. Universiti Malaya, UM (Global Ranking 2024: =65)
Universiti Malaya (UM) is one of the top universities in Malaysia, with a global rating of 65 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. It is a government-funded public research institution with almost 3,969 international students.
One reason UM became the best university in Malaysia is they have experienced staff and many courses provided. The average yearly tuition expenses are roughly RM 16,000, which is more affordable than other famous colleges worldwide.
Furthermore, UM also provides scholarship opportunities to all outstanding students to reward and encourage them to continue getting good results.
According to the law, local and international students can work up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks to help with living expenses or gain some different experience.
Moreover, it is one of the top universities in Malaysia for computer science, medicine, and architecture programmes, with low tuition and several scholarship options.
To many local students, it is an immense honour if he or she is accepted into this best university in Malaysia.
2. Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM (Global Ranking: =137)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a notable public exploration establishment, positioning 137th globally and exhibiting its greatness as one of the top universities in Malaysia.
Specifically, the mining engineering course is highly rated because of its experienced lecturer, making it the best engineering university in Malaysia.
The average tuition fee at USM is under RM 16,000 per year, giving it a cost-effective option for an excellent education. Furthermore, qualified students are available to gain scholarships to support the students’ daily expenditures further.
Don’t be fooled by its low tuition and assume that its education is low quality. It’s the other way around. USM provides an accessible and high-quality education to students both locally and abroad.
Also, It is among the top medical universities in Malaysia.
3. Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM (Global Ranking: 158)
When discussing the best university in Malaysia, you should also consider Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), a public institution that ranks 158 internationally. It excels specifically in research and agriculture.
Given the experienced lecturer and advanced facilities, UPM is the popular choice for students interested in the agriculture industry.
Tuition rates at UPM vary per programme, but students may expect to pay roughly RM 16,000 annually on average. Furthermore, qualified students are available to gain scholarships to let them have a good financial support system.
4. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM (Global Ranking: =159)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a public university ranked 159 internationally, is one of the best universities in Malaysia, specialising in education, politics, and engineering. In light of the various courses provided and the experienced lecturer, UKM is the popular choice for students interested in comprehensive education.
Tuition expenses at UKM are roughly RM 18,000 per year, but this can vary depending on the programme. Of course, UKM also provides scholarships and financial aid to those students who need help, letting them have a stable financial status during their studies.
It has low tuition fees, various scholarships, and financial aid and has become the popular choice for global and local students to start their uni life in UKM.
5. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Global Raking: 188)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), a public research-intensive university in Johor Bahru, is ranked 188th globally and is regarded as Malaysia’s best engineering and technology university.
The experienced lecturer and advanced facility pushed UTM into the list of top universities in Malaysia for computer science.
Tuition fees at UTM are typically RM 15,000 per year, but this might vary depending on the programme. UTM also provides students with different scholarships and financial aid to reward or help them face financial difficulties.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a top choice in Malaysia for students seeking a world-class engineering and technology education.
6. Taylor’s University (Global Ranking: 284)
So far, the list of the best university in Malaysia only includes public universities. Taylor’s University is the first private higher education to make this list.
Taylor’s University is replete with professional staff and a good education environment. Besides, Taylor’s provides a variety of scholarships, financial aid, and flexible payment methods for students.
With a world university ranking of 284, you would expect that it excels in various faculties. One thing worth noting is that It is one of the top architecture universities in Malaysia.
As expected, their tuition fee will be higher than the public universities. Its tuition fee ranges from RM30,000 to RM50,000 per year, depending on the course and duration.
If this is affordable for you, this price is worth its environment and quality.
7. UCSI University (Global Ranking: 300)
UCSI University is another famous private university in Malaysia, ranking 300 globally. UCSI is one of the top universities in Malaysia for computer science.
UCSI’s tuition fee is generally higher for every course than other public universities. It goes from RM25,000 to RM40,000 per year.
However, they provide scholarships and financial aid to help students when studying.
For global and local students looking for the best private university in Malaysia for medical, engineering and business courses, UCSI is an excellent choice.
8. Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, UTP (Global Ranking: =307)
Petronas is a household name in Malaysia. Ask a Malaysian what Petronas is, and he or she will tell you something about engineering, science, and petroleum.
It also has its own university, too.
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) is a private university regarded as one of the top universities in Malaysia for computer science and engineering. UTP has been rewarded 307 places in the global ranking.
The tuition fee of UTP is RM14,000 to RM30,000 per year. Still, it is worth it because UTP has professional staff and advanced education facilities to ensure students get a good education journey.
Besides, UTP also provides scholarships and financial aid.
9. Universiti Utara Malaysia, UUM (Global Ranking: =538)
University Utara Malaysia (UUM) is a public university in Malaysia, ranking 538 on the global list. UUM is one of the top universities in Malaysia for computer science.
They are also famous for business, economics and information technology courses. Of course, these courses can be popular with the public because they come with their professional staff and the facility.
It has professional staff and a good education facility. The best part is its cost ranges from RM7,000 to RM12,000 per year. Not to mention your opportunity to obtain their scholarships and financial aid.
10. Universiti Teknologi MARA, UiTM (Global Ranking: 555)
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is one of the top universities in Malaysia, with a rank of 555 on the global list.
UiTM provides a wide range of courses, from diplomas to Ph.D. degrees. This system is convenient for students who want to study at a higher level than a diploma. They do not need to seek other universities again to continue their academic pursuit.
Besides, their tuition fee is also lower than other public university. It only cost RM2,000 to RM8,000.
Can you imagine how attractive this university is, offering the lowest price, providing scholarships and financial aid to the students, and having outstanding staff? No doubt, UiTM is one of the top universities many people recommend to global and local students.
Conclusion
I understand that while these top 10 universities in Malaysia have made it into the global ranking list, they are no Harvard, Ivy League, or Oxbridge.
But do you know what else they are not? They are not your wallet bloodsuckers, too.
People tend to equate higher tuition fees to higher quality education, but let me tell you, from my personal educational experience, it is not the case.
If you still believe in that idea, just know that the Malaysian government funds these public universities heavily. While they may not be expensive to you, they are expensive nonetheless.
No matter what course you are looking for, you can find the best university in Malaysia just for you. Besides, all the aforementioned universities provide scholarships and financial aid, alleviating your financial burden.
After all, all the top universities in Malaysia believe that education should not drive you into bankruptcy.
Don’t rush into a decision. Take your time and do your research.
