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Universiti Sains Malaysia: Courses, Admission, Cost
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Last updated on 16 May '25
- About Universiti Sains Malaysia
- USM Popular Courses
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Courses
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission 2025
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Fees
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About Universiti Sains Malaysia
Established in 1969, the Universiti Sains Malaysia is among the best public universities in Penang, Malaysia. The University's main campus is Universiti Sains Malaysia Main Campus.
The university comprises 7 departments offering a diverse array of disciplines and programs. With a portfolio of over 19 courses, it caters to a wide range of academic interests and career goals.
The university provides programs across multiple streams, including Business and Management Studies, Accounting and Commerce, and Medicine and Health Sciences. Students can choose from a variety of specializations, such as Biology, Computer Science Engineering and ENT to tailor their educational experience.
At the undergraduate level, the university offers 17 courses. Some popular options include BBA, B.Sc., and BSN. The standard duration for undergraduate program is 4 years, with annual tuition fees of approximately MYR 3,750 to 22,000.
For graduate studies, the university provides 2 courses, including courses like MD and MS. The duration of graduate courses is 1 to 3 years depending on the discipline. Tuition fees for graduate courses is MYR 4,500 to 27,500, annually.
On-campus accommodation options are available, with cost of MYR 1,260 to 1,350 per year, depending on the type of housing. Admissions to the Universiti Sains Malaysia require standardized test scores along with English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL and IELTS etc.,
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Indian students choose to study at Universiti Sains Malaysia due to several factors. These include USM's strong business links, good reputation, adequate facilities, and availability of programs that suit students' needs. Additionally, factors like service quality, reputation, programs offered, and reliability of the institution play a role in attracting students to universities in Malaysia. Indian students specifically opt for Universiti Sains Malaysia for its academic excellence, affordability, cultural familiarity, and prospects.
Living on-campus at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) offers convenience with facilities like the library, gym, and utilities provided, fostering a strong sense of community among students. However, it comes at a higher cost due to expensive dorm prices and limited cooking options. On the other hand, staying off-campus provides more freedom, cheaper rental options, and independence from university rules, making it a popular choice for non-resident students in Malaysia.
Here are some points highlighting what Universiti Sains Malaysia is famous for:
Academic Excellence: USM is ranked #504 in Best Global Universities.
APEX University: Universiti Sains Malaysia is the only APEX University in Malaysia, a special status granted by the Ministry of Higher Education.
Diverse Fields of Study: USM offers undergraduate and postgraduate education in Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Building Sciences & Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education.
Campuses and Centers of Excellence: The university has 4 campuses with the main campus located in Penang. It also has specialised campuses like the Health Campus focusing on health studies and the Engineering Campus offering engineering courses.
While studying at Universiti Sains Malaysia, it is possible to find part-time jobs to support yourself. International students may have opportunities for part-time employment, allowing them to work alongside their studies. In Malaysia, many students, including international ones, seek part-time jobs to earn money while studying. According to a report by HSBC, 53% of students in Malaysia engage in part-time work to improve their job prospects in a competitive market.
TOEFL iBT Test is accepted across all the colleges across Malaysia. Use coupon code SHIKTOEFL to get an instant discount of up to RS 500.USM Popular Courses
4 yearsUniversiti Sains Malaysia Courses
The Universiti Sains Malaysia has 19 courses available at UG and PG level for international students. Some of the popular UG courses include BBA, B.Sc., and BSN and graduate courses include MD and MS.
Students can study these courses in 9 specializations, namely Biology, Computer Science Engineering and ENT. These courses are known to offer a successful career path. While UG courses can be pursued within the time frame of 4 years, the graduate course duration is 1 to 3 years.
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
The most preferred course by Indian students at Universiti Sains Malaysia is in the field of Science and technology, with well-respected programs. Additionally, pursuing humanities and social Science courses in Malaysia is a popular choice among Indian students. Some of the popular courses offered at the university include Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Doctor of Medicine, and a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Environmental and Occupational Health), among others.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission 2025
Universiti Sains Malaysia admissions are primarily based on meeting the eligibility criteria set for international students. This includes a minimum high school GPA, and scores from standardized tests and English Language Proficiency exams such as TOEFL and IELTS.
The Universiti Sains Malaysia application process is conducted online. Students need to fill the application form available on the official portal of the university. When applying students need to provide the exam scores, submit the documents and also, pay an application fee, which may vary depending on the course of application.
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Yes, an average Indian student can join Universiti Sains Malaysia. The university requires students to maintain a minimum percentage of 60 to have a good chance of admission. Additionally, specific academic qualifications are needed, such as passing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or equivalent with certain grades in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. English language proficiency is also essential, with requirements like a minimum score of 4 in IELTS.
Yes, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has seen a significant increase in the number of international students studying there. The university has recorded more than a twofold rise in international student admissions, with 1,086 students admitted from January to August in the year 2021 compared to 338 students during the same period in 2020. The top countries of origin for international students at USM include China, Jordan, Iraq, Nigeria, and Pakistan, with popular fields of study being Management, Education, Computer Science, English for Professionals, and Arts. The total number of international students at Universiti Sains Malaysia is approximately 8000.
The deadlines for submitting applications for Indian students at Universiti Sains Malaysia vary depending on the semester intake:
For UG students, the application period is: May 19-Aug 29, 2025
For PG October intake, the application deadline is Jun 30, 2025.
Students are required to obtain Student Pass/Visa approval before being allowed to register as a USM student.
To apply for a student visa at Universiti Sains Malaysia in Malaysia, Indian students need to prepare the following documents:
Printout of the online application form duly signed.
Passport valid for a minimum of 180 days with at least two blank pages.
Academic Transcripts and Certificates.
Offer Letter from the educational institution in Malaysia.
Pre-arrival Medical Report.
Support letter issued by the Ministry of Education or Department of Skill Development.
Form Immigration 14.
Two sets of colored photos (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm).
Personal Bond form (stamped).
The original VDR approval letter.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Fees
The Universiti Sains Malaysia fee structure is an important component while planning to take admission to the university. For international students, the first-year UG tuition fee is MYR 3,750 - 22,000. Master students, on the other hand, are expected to pay a fee of MYR 4,500 - 27,500 in tuition.
When moving to a new country, students will also need to rent or buy an apartment, manage other expenses such as food, books, supplies and travel, which won’t come cheap. Students will have to spend MYR 1,260 - 1,350 as Universiti Sains Malaysia cost of living on an annual basis. If these costs are heavy on the pocket, look out for various university and external scholarships and financial aids to ease the burden.
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
B.Sc.(9 courses) | INR 3 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above |
BBA(2 courses) | INR 4 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above |
Others UG(1 course) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above |
B.A.(1 course) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 42 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above |
MS(1 course) | INR 86 KGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above |
BSN(1 course) | INR 3 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS |
B.E. / B.Tech(1 course) | INR 72 KGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above |
B.Pharma(1 course) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS |
BFA(1 course) | INR 2 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above |
MD(1 course) | INR 5 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Here is a breakdown of the expenses at Universiti Sains Malaysia:
On-Campus Accommodation:
For undergraduate international students, on-campus accommodation costs around RM700 per semester, subject to change.
Graduate students may pay between RM10 to RM25 per day for on-campus accommodation if available.
Off-Campus Accommodation:
Off-campus accommodation in Nilai, where USIM is located, ranges from RM500 to RM1500 (USD150-USD500) per month.
Specific Accommodation Costs at USM:
Shared room in a hostel: RM 120 per month
Single room in a hostel: RM 240 per month
Family accommodation at Bakti Permai: RM 350 for one room, and RM 450 for two rooms.
Here are some examples of the first-year tuition fees for different programs at Universiti Sains Malaysia:
B.E. / B.Tech: INR 2 Lacs
B.Sc.: INR 3 Lacs
MS: INR 2 Lacs
BFA: INR 2 Lacs
MD: INR 3 Lacs
BSN: INR 3 Lacs
BBA: INR 4 Lacs
B.Pharma: INR 2 Lacs.
Additionally, living costs in Malaysia are relatively low, with monthly expenses ranging from INR 36,000 to INR 64,000, covering accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to Universiti Sains Malaysia is 61. Additionally, for postgraduate programs, a minimum TOEFL score of 40 is required. The minimum IELTS score required for admission to Universiti Sains Malaysia is a band score of 5.0. Additionally, for specific programs like the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English for Professionals, a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 is necessary.
USM Placements 2025
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Some popular part-time jobs for students in Malaysia include:
Home Tutor: Teaching as a private tutor is a common part-time job, offering flexibility and higher hourly rates compared to other jobs.
Waiter & Waitresses: Working in restaurants allows students to earn while gaining practical experience in customer service and hospitality.
Event Staff: Students can work at events like concerts or product launches, providing short-term employment with decent rewards.
Retail Store Assistant: Jobs in retail involve tasks like packing groceries, organizing items, and assisting customers, offering a good entry-level opportunity.
Freelancer: Students with skills in writing, graphic design, or other areas can work as freelancers, offering services for gigs and projects.
Photographer: Part-time photography jobs include event coverage or selling photos online through stock photo platforms.
After completing a B.Tech from Universiti Sains Malaysia, you can explore various job opportunities in different sectors. Some potential career paths include:
Software Engineer/Developer: In this role, you can work on software development, programming, and application design. Entry-level software engineers in Malaysia earn an average salary ranging from MYR 3,000 to MYR 5,000 per month, with experienced professionals earning between MYR 6,000 to MYR 10,000 or more per month.
Electrical Engineer: Electrical engineers are involved in designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment. Entry-level electrical engineers in Malaysia typically earn around MYR 3,000 to MYR 5,000 per month, with salaries increasing with experience.
Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers focus on designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems and equipment. Entry-level mechanical engineers can expect an average salary of around MYR 3,000 to MYR 5,000 per month in Malaysia, with higher salaries based on experience.
Civil Engineer: Civil engineers work on infrastructure projects like buildings, bridges, and roads. Entry-level civil engineers in Malaysia earn around MYR 3,000 to MYR 5,000 per month, with experienced professionals making between MYR 6,000 to MYR 10,000 or more per month.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Ranking 2025
Universiti Sains Malaysia is frequently recognized for its academics and global reputation. In 2025, the institution achieved a notable ranking of #4 as per the Shiksha Popularity Ranking assessments.
Particularly, its courses such as #3 and #4 have been ranked nationally at rank LL.M. and M.A., respectively. These rankings underscore the university's commitment to providing high-quality education in this domain.
Apart fro the above rankings, the university is also ranked by QS (#146) and QS (#137) in category World University Ranking, respectively.
#428
#4
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Universiti Sains Malaysia holds various rankings in different global university lists:
Times Higher Education 2024 Rank: 401–500
US News Best Global Universities: Ranked #504
QS World University Rankings: Ranked #137
Some of the programme rankings at Universiti Sains Malaysia are as follows:
QS World University Rankings: Ranked 34th in Asia, 142nd globally, and 75th for Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Times Higher Education Subject Rankings:
Agricultural Sciences: #195 (tie)
Biology and Biochemistry: #380 (tie).
USMCollege comparison
Compare USM with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| INR 2.88 L | A | #146 QS, 2025 | |
| INR 30.1 L | -/- | -/- | |
| INR 29.99 L | -/- | -/- | |
| INR 40.95 L | B++ | #136 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 2.84 L - 3.19 L | B++ | #150 QS, 2025 | |
| INR 11.84 L | -/- | -/- |
CompareUSMStudying in Malaysia
Key Facts About Malaysia
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Campus Life
Universiti Sains Malaysia is globally recognized for its vibrant campus life. The university offers a wide range of student clubs and organizations, providing students with opportunities to engage, network, and explore new interests.
The main campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia Main Campus. It equipped with modern facilities, world-class infrastructure, and a dynamic environment that enhances the student experience. Additionally, students can participate in various athletic programs offered by the university.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
People have mixed opinions. It depends on everyone's experience studying there. There are positive as well as negative opinions.
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered a year ago
To take admission to USM MS in Computer Science, international applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (achieved in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework). Other admission requirements are given below:
- Official transcripts and degree certificates or
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
A few names included in the list of Southern Miss notable alumni are given below:
Names | Professions |
|---|---|
Catherine Cora | Chef, TV Personality |
Ray Guy | Football player |
Gary Grubbs | Film and TV actor |
Phil Bryant | Politician |
Ray Guy | Football player |
Robert L. Stewart | Astronaut |
Brian Dozier | Baseball player |
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
USM MS in Computer Science includes advanced topics in Computer Science. Also, this programme offers flexibility for students to select courses in or more areas of interest. The duration of this programme is between 1.5 years – 2 years, including a thesis or research project. While working on thesis
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a year ago
To apply to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as an international student, you need to follow these steps:
Application Process:
All applications must be submitted online at International@USM
Register to create an account or log in if you have applied before
The system will generate a reference number sent
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Contributor-Level 10
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USMLocation
| University City | Penang, Other - Malaysia, Malaysia |
USMCampuses
Universiti Sains Malaysia,11800 USM,Pulau Pinang Malaysia
Visit official siteUSMContact Information
Universiti Sains Malaysia,11800 USM,Pulau Pinang Malaysia
Penang ( Other - Malaysia)
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