University of Malaya (UM)
University of Malaya (UM) overview
Universiti Malaya (UM) is the oldest and most prestigious university in Malaysia. It began in 1949, when King Edward VII College of Medicine, founded in 1905, merged with Raffles College, founded in 1928.
The university was first based in Singapore. In 1959 it was divided into two autonomous divisions, one in Singapore and one in Kuala Lumpur. The University of Malaya Act of 1962 then renamed the Malaysian division Universiti Malaya.
The Kuala Lumpur campus today spreads over 750 acres of greenery in Malaysia's capital, and holds a lively, diverse academic community. Throughout its history, Universiti Malaya has drawn international recognition for its academic excellence and its research contributions.
The university has produced many influential leaders in 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 known for its strong research in medicine, engineering, and the social sciences. It ranks among the top universities in Asia and in the world.
About University of Malaya (UM)
Universiti Malaya (UM) is the oldest and most prestigious university in Malaysia. It began in 1949, when King Edward VII College of Medicine, founded in 1905, merged with Raffles College, founded in 1928.
The university was first based in Singapore. In 1959 it was divided into two autonomous divisions, one in Singapore and one in Kuala Lumpur. The University of Malaya Act of 1962 then renamed the Malaysian division Universiti Malaya.
The Kuala Lumpur campus today spreads over 750 acres of greenery in Malaysia's capital, and holds a lively, diverse academic community. Throughout its history, Universiti Malaya has drawn international recognition for its academic excellence and its research contributions.
The university has produced many influential leaders in 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 known for its strong research in medicine, engineering, and the social sciences. It ranks among the top universities in Asia and in the world.
University of Malaya (UM) faculties and programs
Chemistry
Computer Science (Software Engineering)
Computer Science (Multimedia Computing)
Sports Management
Sports Science (Exercise Science)
Nursing Science
Al-Quran and Al-Hadith (Islamic Studies)
Shariah and Law
Civil Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
University of Malaya (UM) scholarships and financial aid
The University of Malaya offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students. Keep in mind that these programs have limited capacity and funding, that admission standards are high, and that scholarships are awarded based on need. For detailed information about the scholarship programs, you 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.
How to get into University of Malaya (UM)
If you are an international student applying to an undergraduate program at the University of Malaya, you 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.
or
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
or - GCE A-Level / International A-Level Diploma
or - SAT/ACT Test Score
or - Advanced Placement (AP)
- You must have taken and completed exams in courses directly relevant to the program you 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
If you are an international student applying to a postgraduate program at the University of Malaya, you must meet the following admission requirements.
- 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
- Strong GPA
- Official transcripts listing the courses you took and the grades you received throughout your 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
Take a closer look at University of Malaya (UM)
The University of Malaya campus sits right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, and covers about 365 hectares.
That strategic location gives you a calm place to work while keeping the busy city centre close by.
The campus is home to various faculties, research centres, and institutes, which makes it a hub for higher education and research.
The notable buildings include the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Library, the Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden, and the Tun Ahmad Sarji Hall.
The Dewan Tunku Chancellor is another landmark, used for major events including convocations and ceremonies.
The university offers a broad range of facilities to support student life and academic work.
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 the campus and the general public.
You can reach the campus easily by public transport, including buses and the KL Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, which has a nearby station.
UM also runs shuttle bus services inside the campus, so students and staff can get around with ease.
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, and they cater to diverse interests — from academic and professional development to sports, arts, and culture.
Through these organizations, you can take part in activities such as debate, music, theatre, and various sports.
The university's Student Affairs Department actively supports these groups, so you have ample chances to follow your interests and build leadership skills.
UM also organizes events, festivals, and cultural evenings regularly, which foster interaction and unity among students.
Residential life at UM is just as dynamic, with various residential colleges providing accommodation for students.
These colleges offer not just a place to stay, but a close-knit community where you can forge lasting friendships.
Facilities in these residential spaces include common rooms, study areas, recreation spaces, and dining halls.
The campus also offers facilities such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Library, sports complexes, and the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Together they give you comprehensive academic and health resources.
The University of Malaya has an extensive alumni network, with many distinguished graduates who have reached outstanding success in various fields. Notable alumni of the university include;
- Mahathir Mohamad
- Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
- Muhyiddin Yassin
- Ismail Sabri Yaakob
- Anwar Ibrahim
- Benjamin Sheares
- S. R. Nathan
- Musa Hitam
- Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
- Fadillah Yusof
- Tan Chee Khoon
- Jahara Hamid
among others.
University of Malaya (UM) Frequently Asked Questions
University of Malaya (UM) Location
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
University of Malaya (UM) Contact
University of Malaya (UM)
Take a Closer Look
How to Get Into University of Malaya (UM)
In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.
By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.
The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.
Why University of Malaya (UM)?
Other Universities in Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
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