Xiamen University (XMU) was established in the Fujian province of China in 1921 by Tan Kah Kee, a Malaysian of Chinese descent. It was the first university in China to be founded by an overseas Chinese person. After 93 years, in 2014, XMU became the first Chinese university to set up a campus in Malaysia. The foundation of Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) marked a significant milestone in international cooperation and education exchange between China and Malaysia.

With a state-of-the-art campus covering an area of 150 acres, XMUM is one of the largest private universities in Malaysia. Located in Sepang in the state of Selangor, it is a stone’s throw away from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Putrajaya, a federal territory and the government administrative centre of Malaysia.

XMUM prides itself on being a globally oriented institute that provides students with a competitive edge in economic, cultural and technological exchanges between ASEAN countries and China. Having a parent university that has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, students of XMUM also have the opportunity to study abroad or intern in China and other countries. They also offer a curriculum that is imbued with distinctive Chinese elements as well as a contemporary learning environment that fosters conversation around a variety of disciplines.

XMUM has a vision to be recognised as an institution with a universal perspective that offers top-notch education and research facilities while promoting multiculturalism. The university also aims to develop wise and distinguished graduates who can become responsible citizens and contribute towards the growth and progress of Malaysia, China and the Southeast Asian region.

Xiamen University rankings and achievements

XMU has gained recognition as a distinguished university through global rankings, notable research and multiple awards.

QS World University Rankings

• In the QS World University Rankings 2024, Xiamen University is ranked #392
• The university also placed #49 in the QS World University Rankings: Eastern Asia 2024 and #75 in the whole of Asia as shown in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2024
• As for the 2023 QS WUR Ranking by Subject, XMU ranked at #151-200 in Accounting and Finance and #301-350 in Business and Management Studies

Times Higher Education (THE)

• XMU placed #301-350 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
• The university ranks #81 in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2023
• In terms of Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 by subject, XMU ranked #201-250 for business and economics

In matters of research, an XMUM academic from the School of Economics and Management managed to secure a research grant totalling RM96,780 from the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme 2023 (FRGS) by the Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia (MoHE). An undergraduate finance student from XMUM also won the Outstanding Paper Award in the 2023 Undergraduate Public Management Innovation Forum by Zhejiang University for their research on the impact of environmental regulations on green innovation. In that same year, the Research in International Business and Finance (RIBAF) journal featured a research paper by an XMUM researcher and XMUM graduate titled “Performance of ESG-Integrated Smart Beta Strategies in Asia-Pacific Stock Markets”.

Students from XMUM’s School of Economics and Management have won many awards locally and internationally. They have several wins in the business case study competitions scene, most recently a third place in the HSBC Malaysia Business Case Competition 2023. Other outstanding achievements include a Bronze Award at the China-ASEAN College Students Cross-border E-commerce Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition and a total of seven awards, which consist of two Silver Prizes and five Bronze Prizes from the 8th China International College Students’ Internet+ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition in 2022.

Business programmes at Xiamen University Malaysia

Business programmes are available in XMUM’s School of Economics and Management at an undergraduate level and MBA Centre at a postgraduate level.

School of Economics and Management (SEM)

Since its inception, the School of Economics and Management has been dedicated to promoting research at both the national and global level. Through engaging research workshops and academic forums, SEM has nurtured a vibrant research culture while having a faculty actively involved in journal publications and academic conferences.

SEM has over 2,000 students, including a significant international student population. With more than 40 faculty members, the school is continuously expanding. SEM attracts academic talents from around the world and fosters international exchange and cooperation to heighten its reputation in the academic fields of finance, management and economics.

SEM offers four undergraduate courses, which are:

• Bachelor of Management in Accounting (Honours)
• Bachelor of Management in E-Commerce (Honours)
• Bachelor of Economics in Finance (Honours)
• Bachelor of Management in International Business (Honours)

MBA Centre

XMUM’s MBA Centre revolves around its sole programme, the Master of Business Administration (MBA). 

In the 1980s, XMU was one of the first universities to introduce an MBA programme in China. The MBA programme was then also introduced in XMUM in 2019. This MBA is a one-of-a-kind programme that emphasises both Eastern and Western perspectives and serves as a window to China while providing a global business outlook.

XMUM’s MBA course is tailored to provide a comprehensive learning approach for its students. The curriculum follows the ‘5Cs+L’ training philosophy, which helps to foster advantageous traits such as competitiveness, confidence, cooperativeness, creativity and credibility, developing competent leaders. 

The programme consists of 12 core subjects that are designed to give students a solid theoretical foundation. Students will also be able to choose two electives from a range of courses. To offer insightful knowledge on both ancient and modern China, XMU incorporated Chinese cultural elements into the programme by offering the following subjects – ‘Selected Topics on China' and 'Elementary Chinese'. Depending on the chosen study mode, this MBA can be completed within four to six semesters.

The MBA Centre is dedicated to providing its students with a well-rounded educational experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. In addition to its rigorous MBA curriculum, the centre offers a variety of activities, from a study tour in China to programmes involving industrial lectures and business mentors.

Xiamen University Malaysia requirements for admission and application process

Admission requirements

Undergraduate programmes

• Bachelor of Management in Accounting (Honours)
  • STPM with at least a Grade C+ (GP 2.33) in any two subjects
  • A-Level with at least a Grade C in any two subjects
  • UEC with at least a Grade B in five subjects
  • Foundation or matriculation with at least a CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0
  • Diploma with at least a CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0
  • AND
    • Mathematics - A credit in SPM or a Grade B6 in UEC or the equivalent
    • MUET - At least Band 2 or the equivalent
• Bachelor of Management in E-Commerce (Honours)
  • A pass in STPM with at least a Grade C (GP 2.0) in any two subjects
  • A pass in A-Level with at least a Grade D in any two subjects
  • A pass in UEC with at least a Grade B in five subjects
  • A pass in foundation or matriculation with at least a CGPA of 2.0 out of 4.0
  • A pass in diploma with at least a CGPA of 2.0 out of 4.0
  • AND
    • Mathematics and English language - A pass in SPM or a Grade C7 in UEC or the equivalent
• Bachelor of Economics in Finance (Honours)
  • STPM with at least a Grade C+ (GP 2.33) in any two subjects
  • A-Level with at least a Grade C in any two subjects
  • UEC with at least a Grade B in five subjects
  • Foundation or matriculation with at least a CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0
  • Diploma with at least a CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0
  • AND
    • Mathematics - A credit in SPM or a Grade B6 in UEC or the equivalent
    • English Language - A pass in SPM or a Grade C7 in UEC or the equivalent
• Bachelor of Management in International Business (Honours)
  • STPM with at least a Grade C (GP 2.0) in any two subjects
  • A-Level with at least a Grade D in any two subjects
  • UEC with at least a Grade B in five subjects
  • Foundation or matriculation with at least a CGPA of 2.0 out of 4.0
  • Diploma with at least a CGPA of 2.0 out of 4.0
  • AND
    • Mathematics and English language - A pass in SPM or a Grade C7 in UEC or the equivalent

Postgraduate programme

• Master of Business Administration
  • A recognised bachelor’s degree in related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 or its equivalent; OR
  • A recognised bachelor’s degree in related fields with a CGPA below 2.75 but not lower than CGPA of 2.00 may be accepted, subject to a rigorous internal assessment; OR
  • A recognised bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 with relevant working experience may be accepted, subject to a rigorous internal assessment; OR
  • A recognised bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00, without relevant working experience may be accepted, subject to passing bridging courses; OR
  • Other equivalent or related qualifications to a bachelor's degree recognised by the Malaysian Government
  • International applicants are required to fulfil English competency requirements equivalent to CEFR (Mid B2)
     

The application process for local students

• Step 1: Choose your course
  • Explore the range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by XMUM.
• Step 2: Application methods
  • There are three ways to submit your application to XMUM. You can submit an online application, an email application or a paper application.
• Step 3: Compile your supporting documents
  • Before submitting your application, ensure you have the following supporting documents.
    • A copy of your NRIC (for Malaysian students)
    • A copy of your passport (for international students)
    • A certified true copy of transcripts of previous studies
    • A certified true copy of diploma/certificate or equivalent
    • Completed Scholarship and/or Study Grant Application Form (if applicable)
    • Proof of payment of the application fee and registration fee
• Step 4: Submit your application
  • Online application
    1. Complete the application form online.
    2. Upload the electronic copy of supporting documents.
    3. Submit the online application.
  • Email application
    1. Download the application form on the university site or contact admissions to obtain the form. 
    2. Complete the form.
    3. Send the completed application form and an electronic copy of supporting documents through email to admissions@xmu.edu.my.
  • Paper application
    1. Download the application form on the university site or contact admissions at admissions@xmu.edu.my to obtain the form. Complete the form and print it out.
    2. Submit your printed application form to the following address by post or by hand:
       Admissions Office, Xiamen University Malaysia
       Jalan Sunsuria,
       Bandar Sunsuria,
       43900 Sepang,
       Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
• Step 5: Letter of acceptance
  • The university will review your application. 
  • If your application is successful, you will receive a letter of acceptance.
  • You will need to sign the Student Acceptance Slip and email the scanned copy or return the original copy to the Admissions Office.

The application process for international students

• Step 1: Choose your course
  • Explore the range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by XMUM.
• Step 2: Application methods
  • There are three ways to submit your application to XMUM. You can choose to submit an online application, an email application or a paper application.
• Step 3: Compile your supporting documents
  • Before submitting your application, ensure you have the following supporting documents.
    • Three sets of certified true copies of your passport (all pages including the blank pages). The passport must have more than 18 months of validity from the date you submit your application.
    • Three certified true copies of your academic qualification, transcript or certificate in English. Translated copies from a foreign language to English must also be certified. The translation company or translator is required to provide a certification letter to confirm that the translation is accurate with the date of translation, and the full name, seal and signature of the translator must be indicated clearly.
    • Eight passport-sized photos (3.5cm x 5.0cm) of a frontal facial shot of you with a white background taken within a period of six months.
    • Reports of your health examination and medical check-up. The health examination report form can be downloaded from the XMUM website.
    • Your release letter, academic transcripts or certificates and an attendance report from your previous institution if you are planning to transfer from another institution in Malaysia.
    • Details of your tuition fee settlement.
    • Proof of payment of the application fee, registration fee, international student fees and accommodation booking fee, which totals RM2,900. If the security deposit is included, the total will come up to RM3,900.
• Step 4: Submit your application
  • Online application
    1. Complete the application form online.
    2. Upload the electronic copy of supporting documents.
    3. Submit the online application.
  • Email application
    1. Download the application form on the university site or contact admissions to obtain the form.
    2. Complete the form.
    3. Send the completed application form and an electronic copy of supporting documents through email to admissions@xmu.edu.my.
  • Paper application
    1. Download the application form on the university site or contact admissions at admissions@xmu.edu.my to obtain the form. Complete the form and print it out.
    2. Submit your printed application form to the following address by post or by hand:
       Admissions Office, Xiamen University Malaysia
       Jalan Sunsuria,
       Bandar Sunsuria,
       43900 Sepang,
       Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
• Step 5: Application review
  • The university will review your application. 
  • If your application is successful and the university has accepted your fee payment, you will receive an offer letter.
  • You will need to sign the Student Acceptance Slip and email the scanned copy or return the original copy to the Admissions Office.
• Step 6: Student visa or student pass application
  • The university will submit an application for your student visa or student pass to the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
  • The process will take about six to eight weeks.
• Step 7: Visa Approval Letter (VAL)
  • A notification letter will be sent to the address stated in the application form.
  • If a visa application is successful, a VAL will be sent to you after receiving the Telegraphic Transfer (TT) slip as proof of advance fee payment. 
  • You will then be required to apply for a single entry visa (SEV) at the Malaysian Embassy or Malaysian High Commission in your home country. 
  • Note: Successful applicants can enter Malaysia two weeks before the semester starts as long as they have the Visa Approval Letter (VAL).
• Step 8: Local immigration office check
  • After a VAL has been issued, you are advised to check with your local immigration office or the Malaysian Embassy or Malaysian High Commission whether a visa is required to enter Malaysia.
• Step 9: Arrival details
  • It is mandatory for you to provide your details of arrival and accommodation requirements to XMUM at least one week before the arrival date.

Application fees

The application fee is RM100 and the registration fee is RM200. Both of these fees are the same for Malaysian students and international students. There will be no refunds for the payment of the application fee and registration fee.

Xiamen University Malaysia intake dates

XMUM’s intake dates for 2024 are February, April and September for undergraduate programmes and January, May and September for the MBA course.

Xiamen University Malaysia scholarships and study grants

Scholarships

XMUM offers Merit and Progression Scholarships to exceptional students based on their academic achievements. These scholarships will be available for every intake period, allowing future students to have the opportunity to benefit from them.

Students who receive the Merit Scholarship will have their tuition fees waived for their first year of undergraduate studies. If a student is pursuing an undergraduate programme, their scholarship can be renewed for the following academic years if they maintain good academic standing. The Progression Scholarship is only for XMUM foundation programme students furthering their studies in XMUM’s degree programmes.

To qualify for scholarships at XMUM, you must fulfil the entry requirements for an undergraduate or postgraduate programme. You must also accept an unconditional offer to start your full-time studies at XMUM in 2024 and achieve the required results in one of the entry-qualifying examinations such as UEC, STPM and A-Levels for degree programmes. Alternatively, you may also be eligible for a scholarship if you have a favourable academic result in your previous studies.

In 2024, all new students who enrol in XMUM's foundation or undergraduate programmes will be automatically considered for scholarships. The scholarship scheme includes tuition fee waivers which will be granted based on the results in one of the entry-qualifying examinations or academic performance during foundation or diploma programmes.

Study grants

XMUM also offers three types of study grants that are available to students who meet certain criteria. These include being the child of a teacher, a sibling of an XMUM student or being from the Bumiputera or Indian community. However, the study grant available for teachers' children only applies to teachers from Malaysian government schools and Chinese independent secondary schools. Aside from that, you can only apply for one form of financial aid – a scholarship or a study grant.

To apply for either an XMUM scholarship or study grant, you can download the Scholarship and Study Grant Application Form on the university website or get the form from the university’s admissions office.