The top public universities in Malaysia
University of Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia – there is no shortage of stellar public universities in the Malaysian education space. We delve into the top 10 public tertiary education institutions that are equally rich in history and the variety of courses they offer.
Whether you are a high school graduate on the cusp of higher education or a professional looking to solidify your qualifications, you are sure to find an establishment here that caters to your needs. We’ve come up with a list based on the QS World University Rankings to help you decide.
1. University of Malaya
Ranked #65 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Malaya (UM) has a long, illustrious history dating back to its establishment in 1962. UM is the oldest and highest-ranking Malaysian institution, having scored a #11 ranking in QS Asia University Rankings 2024. The research university boasts 13 faculties, two academies, five institutes and six academic centres that cover a myriad of fields ranging from languages and linguistics to medicine, law, arts and social sciences.
Why study at the University of Malaya?
University of Malaya has a vision to be a global university impacting the world, and it is certainly well on its way with its ranking as the top university in Malaysia. Furthermore, it has had the distinction of producing five Malaysian prime ministers, meaning graduates here are in good company.
2. Universiti Sains Malaysia
The second-oldest university in Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is currently ranked #137 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and positioned at #35 in the Asia University rankings. Its main areas of focus lie in the sciences, such as natural sciences, applied sciences and medical and health sciences. Besides that, it has five campuses, with the main one located on the sunny island of Penang.
Why study at the Universiti Sains Malaysia?
USM is Malaysia’s only APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) university in Malaysia, a special status accorded by the Ministry of Higher Education. If your ambitions lie in the sciences, you’re more than likely to find a course here that fits your desired niche and a reputable, globally recognised course at that.
3. Universiti Putra Malaysia
Currently ranked at #159 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is also placed at #25 in the Asia University rankings and #4 in Southeast Asia. Established in 1971, its primary campus lies in Serdang, Selangor, and it has a branch campus in Bintulu, Sarawak. Today, it has 15 faculties covering agriculture, forestry, veterinary medicine, economics, engineering and more.
Why study at the Universiti Putra Malaysia?
UPM is a solid choice for those with a penchant for agriculture, as it has traditionally focused its tertiary-level research on this particular field. The institution has since expanded its scope to include science and technology as well.
4. National University of Malaysia
The National University of Malaysia (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM) stands proudly in 159th place in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Founded in 1970, it is also ranked #28 in the Asia University rankings and the 5th top university in Southeast Asia. Its main campus is located in Bangi, Selangor, with additional campuses in Cheras and Kuala Lumpur. The Cheras campus is notable for being the home of UKMMC, a teaching hospital that has achieved several milestones in medicine.
Why study at the National University of Malaysia?
Between its dedicated teaching hospital, which has state-of-the-art treatment facilities, and five “living labs” committed to research on the sustainability of ecological systems, UKM is a prime pick for those looking to get a leg up in these fields.
5. University of Technology Malaysia
Coming in at #188 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) has also claimed the 37th spot in the Asia University rankings. Since its inception in 1975, UTM has grown into a technological powerhouse with campuses in Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and Pagoh. Its expansive 1222-hectare main campus stands as one of Malaysia's largest. Furthermore, it has 10 faculties offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in built environment, civil engineering, electrical engineering and more.
Why study at the University of Technology Malaysia?
Having started as a technical school in 1904, UTM has over a century of expertise in shaping technical professionals and being at the forefront of technology in Malaysia.
6. Universiti Utara Malaysia
Positioned at #538 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 is Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), which has also found its way into the top 200 Asian universities with a 101st placement. Founded in 1984, its main campus in Kedah is known as ‘The University in a Green Forest’ due to the lush, natural greenery it is surrounded by. It has three academic colleges: College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Law, Government, and International Studies.
Why study at the Universiti Utara Malaysia?
If you are seeking a singular campus experience, UUM might just be what you’re looking for, thanks to its surroundings of lush tropical forests and mountains. You’ll also find facilities that are more commonly found in a resort, like a deer farm, a nine-hole golf course, a go-kart circuit, and a shooting and archery range.
7. MARA University of Technology
Ranked #555 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, MARA University of Technology (Universiti Teknologi MARA, UiTM) is also recognised as one of the top 100 universities in Asia, coming in at #98. Since its inception in 1999, it has expanded to a sprawling main campus in Shah Alam and 12 branch campuses nationwide. It is known for having an especially wide range of postgraduate offerings, which are categorised into three areas: science and technology, business and management and social sciences and humanities.
Why study at the MARA University of Technology?
Its mature postgraduate department offers potential students a variety of courses to choose from and has a Centre of Excellence that caters to research in areas like accounting, pharmacogenomics, big data and transport.
8. International Islamic University Malaysia
Ranked #711-720 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #131 in the Asia University Rankings, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) has become a premier learning institution for Islamic-based studies since its establishment in 1983. Its main campus in Gombak houses the university’s faculties (otherwise known as Kulliyah), Centre for Language and Pre-University Academic Development and IIUM Academy. It has six other campuses located in Kuantan, Kuala Lumpur, Gambang, and Pagoh.
Why study at the International Islamic University Malaysia?
Islamic values are embedded into all disciplines at IIUM, which includes law, economics and management sciences, Islamic revealed knowledge and human sciences, engineering, education and medicine. As such, it has become a sought-after destination for those seeking a well-rounded yet progressive education integrating Islamic revealed knowledge.
9. University of Malaysia Pahang
The University of Malaysia Pahang (UMPSA) is ranked #781-790 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #153 in the Asia University rankings. It first came to be in 2002 as a technical university and now has a main campus in Pekan along with a branch campus in Gambang. Its courses focus on two major areas: chemical engineering and industrial biotechnology and automotive engineering and manufacturing engineering.
Why study at the University of Malaysia Pahang?
Aside from the fact that its courses are highly specialised, UMPSA enriches its teaching and learning processes by focusing on applied research and industrial projects. In terms of engineering, it boasts a world-class dual degree programme that is in collaboration with Germany’s Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences.
10. Sultan Idris Education University
Having evolved from a teaching institute in 1997, Sultan Idris Education University (Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, UPSI) continues to be a trailblazer in education leadership almost three decades later. Currently ranked #951-1000 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #171 in Asia, it has two campuses in Perak that are committed to creating change in education by spreading knowledge through teaching and learning, research, publication, negotiation and community service.
Why study at the Sultan Idris Education University?
For those keen on bettering the world through education, UPSI is a good place to study as it offers a holistic, progressive education. As one of Malaysia’s oldest institutions of higher learning, you can also rest assured that you will be learning from the best and sufficiently prepared for a fulfilling career in education.
Beyond the top 10: Additional leading public universities in Malaysia
With so many esteemed public universities in Malaysia, these 10 are far from the only institutions that are worthy of consideration. Here are three more public universities that deserve an honourable mention.
11. University of Malaysia Perlis
Standing out regionally as the 66th top university in Southeast Asia according to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) has grown to 30 locations in Perlis since its establishment in 2001. It offers a comprehensive range of courses with a strong emphasis on engineering across five of its six faculties. It is driven by a unique mission to produce holistic human capital that contributes to the national development and industrial competitiveness agenda.
Why study at the University of Malaysia Perlis?
With such a strong emphasis on engineering, you can look forward to a learning environment that fosters workplace-ready engineers and future-proof ones. As a competitive academic and research institution, you will be exposed to a world-class education in engineering and have your finger on the pulse of engineering advancements.
12. University of Malaysia Sabah
At #58 on the QS Asia University Rankings 2024 (Southeast Asia) is the University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The university was established in 1994 and now operates at three campuses across the state. The main campus is in Teluk Sepanggar, while the other two are in the Federal Territory of Labuan and Sandakan. It is home to 14 faculties that have programmes such as data science, engineering, international business, civil engineering, and crop production.
Why study at the University of Malaysia Sabah?
If getting an education in an environment that is rich in heritage sounds like the ideal campus experience for you, UMS may be a good option to consider. It is set against Mount Kinabalu and the South China Sea, putting you in close proximity to Sabah’s flora, fauna and local culture. It also has a comprehensive list of courses that start from the bachelor’s degree level and go up to doctorate degrees.
13. University of Malaysia Sarawak
The University of Malaysia Sarawak is ranked #57 in the world’s top Southeast Asian universities of 2024. The university was established in 1992. Its main campus is based in Kota Samarahan, and its faculties include computer science and information technology, cognitive sciences and human development, economics and business, and applied and creative arts. It has leaned into its identity as a university in the heart of Borneo by spearheading and participating in initiatives that empower local communities.
Why study at the University of Malaysia Sarawak?
Individuals interested in sustainability will be pleased to know that UNIMAS’ research focuses on these three niche areas: biodiversity and environmental conservation, information communication and creative technology, and sustainable community transformation. This is also a place where you get to explore the rich biodiversity and heritage of the Malay Archipelago while giving back through community projects.
- Sources
- QS Top Universities - QS Top University Rankings 2024 Malaysia
Note: The information provided in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Please verify the latest information with the institution.