University of Malaya (UM)

— · Kuala Lumpur

University of Malaya (UM)

—

Country

Kuala Lumpur

City

41213

Total Students

—

Status

About the University

University of Malaya (UM) overview

Universiti Malaya (UM), the oldest and most prestigious university in Malaysia, was established in 1949 following the merger of King Edward VII College of Medicine, founded in 1905, and Raffles College, founded in 1928.

Initially located in Singapore, the university was divided into two autonomous divisions in 1959 — one in Singapore and one in Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian division was renamed Universiti Malaya following the passage of the University of Malaya Act in 1962.

The Kuala Lumpur campus is now a vibrant and diverse academic community situated on 750 acres of lush greenery in Malaysia's capital. Universiti Malaya has earned international recognition throughout its history for its academic excellence and research contributions.

The university has produced many influential leaders across fields including politics, business, and academia. Notable alumni include several Malaysian prime ministers, among them Tun Abdul Razak and Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.

UM is widely recognized for its strong research in medicine, engineering, and the social sciences, and ranks among the top universities in Asia and the world.

About the University

About University of Malaya (UM)

UM is widely recognized for its strong research in medicine, engineering, and the social sciences, and ranks among the top universities in Asia and the world.

City

Kuala Lumpur

Number of Students

41213

#201

Times Universities

#58

QS World

National Ranking

Quality Score

#601

Shanghai List

Faculties & Programs

University of Malaya (UM) faculties and programs

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No programs match your search criteria.

Scholarship Opportunities

University of Malaya (UM) scholarships and financial aid

The University of Malaya offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students. That said, it should be noted that scholarship programs have limited capacity and funding, admission standards are high, and scholarships are awarded based on need. Students seeking detailed information about scholarship programs can click on the links below.

University of Malaya (UM) Exam Requirements

Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.

Diploma Note

Min. score

IELTS

6.5

Min. score

TOEFL

Min. score

University GPA

Min. score

Application Process

How to get into University of Malaya (UM)

Prospective international students wishing to apply to undergraduate programs offered by the University of Malaya must meet the following admission requirements.

Completion of 12 Years of Basic Education
4-Year High School Diploma (with a strong GPA)
- The University of Malaya may require you to have taken a national university entrance exam and to submit your exam scores in addition to your 4-year high school diploma.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
or
GCE A-Level / International A-Level Diploma
or
SAT/ACT Test Score
or
Advanced Placement (AP)
- Applicants must have taken and completed exams in courses directly relevant to the program they intend to study at university
English Language Proficiency Certificate for programs taught in English
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic

Prospective international students wishing to apply to postgraduate programs offered by the University of Malaya must meet the following admission requirements.

4-Year Bachelor's Degree
Strong GPA
Official transcripts listing the courses taken and grades received throughout undergraduate study
GRE/GMAT scores may be required depending on the program-specific admission requirements
At least 2 letters of recommendation
English Language Proficiency Certificate for programs taught in English
- An English proficiency certificate obtained through exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic

Campus

Take a closer look at University of Malaya (UM)

The University of Malaya campus, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, covers an area of approximately 365 hectares and sits right in the heart of the city.

This strategic location provides a tranquil environment conducive to academic work while remaining close to the bustling city centre.

The campus is home to various faculties, research centres, and institutes, making it a hub for higher education and research.

Among the notable buildings on campus are the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Library, the Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden, and the Tun Ahmad Sarji Hall.

The Dewan Tunku Chancellor is also a landmark structure, used for major events including convocations and ceremonies.

The university offers a wide range of facilities to support student life and academic activities.

These include state-of-the-art laboratories, sports complexes, residential colleges, and a health centre.

The Faculty of Medicine has its own teaching hospital, the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), which serves both the campus and the general public.

In terms of transportation, the campus is well connected via public transit, including buses and the KL Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, which has a nearby station.

UM also operates shuttle bus services within the campus to make it easy for students and staff to get around.

Campus Life

Student life at the University of Malaya reflects Malaysia's multicultural character.

The campus is home to a wide variety of student organizations, clubs, and societies catering to diverse interests — from academic and professional development to sports, arts, and culture.

Through these organizations, students can participate in activities such as debate, music, theatre, and various sports.

The university's Student Affairs Department actively supports these groups, ensuring students have ample opportunities to pursue their passions and develop leadership skills.

UM also regularly organizes events, festivals, and cultural evenings that foster interaction and unity among students.

Residential life at UM is equally dynamic, with various residential colleges providing accommodation for students.

These colleges offer not just a place to stay but also a close-knit community where students can forge lasting friendships.

Facilities in these residential spaces include common rooms, study areas, recreation spaces, and dining halls.

The campus also features facilities such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Library, sports complexes, and the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), giving students access to comprehensive academic and health resources.

Student Profile

The University of Malaya has an extensive alumni network with many distinguished graduates who have achieved outstanding success in various fields. Notable alumni of the university include;