Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is a public research university in Bangi, Selangor, ranked #130 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The main 1,096-hectare campus sits in Bangi, with a dedicated medical campus at Cheras in Kuala Lumpur.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia offers 290+ masters programmes across engineering, medicine, law, computer science and social sciences. Programme delivery mixes full-time coursework, mixed-mode and research-only tracks across the Bangi and Cheras faculty campuses. Indian applicants shortlisting MS universities in Malaysia often name UKM among the top public options for October and March intakes.
- QS World Rank 2027: #130 (up from #159 in 2024)
- Acceptance Rate: 28% (estimated); selectivity varies by faculty
- Intakes: October (main) and March (postgraduate coursework)
- Postgraduate Tuition: MYR 3,000 to 14,000 per year (INR 0.70 to 3.28 lakh)
- Average Starting Salary (Malaysia): MYR 3,000 to 5,500 per month (INR 8.42 to 15.44 lakh annually)
- Application Fee: MYR 100 (INR 2,340), non-refundable
Also Check: MS Universities in Malaysia for Indian Students
UKM’s public-university fee schedule caps international PG tuition below MYR 15,000 per year for most coursework programmes. Vice-Chancellor’s Gold and Silver merit awards cover tuition plus a monthly living stipend for research masters and PhD scholars. Indian applicants secure the Student Pass through EMGS after admission, following the study in Malaysia visa flow guide.
Exchange rate used: 1 MYR = INR 23.4 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Opens October 2026 (est.) for March 2027 postgraduate coursework intake. Applications for the October 2026 undergraduate intake have already closed. The next PG coursework window is expected to open October 2026 for March 2027 entry and to close early January 2027 (based on prior cycles and UKM’s two-month registration lead). Undergraduate applications for the October 2027 intake are expected to open April 2027.
Table of Contents
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Fees and Popular Courses 2027
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Admission 2027
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Acceptance Rate 2027
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Scholarships 2027
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Rankings 2027
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) vs Peer Universities
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) FAQs
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Fees and Popular Courses 2027
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia charges international PG students on a per-year schedule, with total programme cost driven by duration (1 to 4 years). Coursework masters run 12 to 24 months; research masters run 18 to 36 months; MD and select professional degrees extend to 4 to 5 years. Undergraduate tuition sits higher than PG in most faculties.
Top Postgraduate Programmes at UKM for Indian Students 2027
UKM’s top-fetched PG programmes for Indian applicants sit in law, computer science (AI), engineering, business, public health and social sciences. Fees below reflect published international ranges for the full programme; confirm exact per-programme figures on the official fee schedule.
| Programme | Total Fee (MYR) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Law (LLM) | 18,000 to 20,000 | INR 4.21 to 4.68 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.5/10 or 55% (recommended); IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) | 10,000 to 14,000 | INR 2.34 to 3.28 lakh | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.5/10 or 55% (recommended); IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 28,000 to 40,000 (estimated) | INR 6.55 to 9.36 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 plus 2 years work experience (recommended) |
| Master of Engineering (Coursework) | 12,000 to 16,000 | INR 2.81 to 3.74 lakh | BE/BTech with CGPA 5.5/10 or 55% (recommended); IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Public Health | 15,000 to 20,000 | INR 3.51 to 4.68 lakh | Bachelor’s in health sciences with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Education | 8,000 to 12,000 | INR 1.87 to 2.81 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); IELTS 6.0 |
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) | 60,000 to 90,000 (estimated) | INR 14.04 to 21.06 lakh (estimated) | MBBS or recognised medical degree with 60% (recommended); IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Social Science and Humanities | 8,000 to 12,000 | INR 1.87 to 2.81 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); IELTS 6.0 |
Top Undergraduate Programmes at UKM for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate international fees at UKM range MYR 20,000 to 25,000 per year across engineering, health sciences and computing tracks.
| Programme | Total Fee (MYR) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEng Civil Engineering | 84,010 | INR 19.66 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 85% in PCM (recommended); IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences | 84,010 | INR 19.66 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% in Biology/Chem (recommended); IELTS 5.5 |
| Bachelor of Computer Science | 60,000 to 80,000 (estimated) | INR 14.04 to 18.72 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% in PCM (recommended); IELTS 5.5 |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) | 80,000 to 100,000 (estimated) | INR 18.72 to 23.40 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 80% in PCB (recommended); IELTS 6.5 |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | 40,000 to 60,000 (estimated) | INR 9.36 to 14.04 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% (recommended); IELTS 6.5 |
Insider note: Indian applicants at UKM cluster most heavily in Engineering, MD, Public Health and Islamic Studies, drawn by MYR-denominated fees that undercut UK and Australian equivalents by 60% to 80%.
Read More: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Admission 2027
UKM’s admission cycle runs twice a year: the main October intake for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and a March postgraduate coursework intake for select faculties.
Applications must reach UKM at least 2 months before the semester registration date. Research-mode postgraduate applications remain open year-round. The full step-by-step is covered in the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia admissions silo linked below.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| PG coursework applications (March 2027 intake) | Expected October to November 2026 (based on prior cycle) | Apply at least 2 months before registration; upload attested degree copies |
| UG applications (October 2027 intake) | Expected April to August 2027 (based on prior cycle) | Class 12 equivalence verified by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) |
| Credential verification (WES / MEA attestation) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Apostille from Ministry of External Affairs (India) required for visa |
| March 2027 semester start | March 2027 | Register in-person at Bangi campus |
| October 2027 semester start | October 2027 | Register at Bangi or Cheras campus |
Planning note: Indian applicants should file for EMGS Student Pass approval within 14 days of receiving the UKM offer letter, as visa processing can take 6 to 8 weeks before travel.
Read More: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
UKM sets baseline academic and English thresholds for Indian applicants at both UG and PG levels, with programme-specific overlays for medicine, pharmacy and law.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Postgraduate Requirements 2027
- Academic: Bachelor’s with CGPA 2.75/4 (equivalent to CGPA 5.5/10 or 55% on the Indian scale) from a recognised institution. Faculty-specific cutoffs may apply for Law and Medicine.
- English: IELTS 6.0 overall (Law and clinical programmes require IELTS 6.5); TOEFL iBT 79 or PBT 550; MUET Band 4; PTE Academic 59 accepted. Verify current minimums at the official UKM admissions portal.
- Credentials: WES evaluation OR attested bachelor’s transcript with MEA apostille; passport valid for 18+ months from intake.
- Standout requirement: No GRE/GMAT for most masters; MBA and PhD may require a research proposal or interview.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Undergraduate Requirements 2027
- Academic: Class 12 with 70% to 85% depending on faculty (recommended); PCM/PCB stream required for Engineering, Health Sciences and Pharmacy tracks.
- English: IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 (Medicine/Pharmacy/Law: 6.5); TOEFL iBT 60 to 80; MUET Band 3 to 4 accepted.
- APS/verification: Not applicable; MQA verifies Indian Class 12 equivalence during the UKM review.
Key insight: UKM waives IELTS/TOEFL where the applicant’s prior degree was taught in English; a medium-of-instruction letter from the Indian institution is sufficient for most non-clinical programmes.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Acceptance Rate 2027
UKM does not officially publish an overall international acceptance rate. Third-party estimates place the figure at 28% (estimated), positioning UKM as moderately selective; competitive faculties such as Medicine, Pharmacy and Law admit under 15% (estimated) of international applicants.
Selectivity is faculty-driven at UKM. Engineering, Public Health and Social Sciences see higher acceptance for Indian applicants who meet baseline CGPA and English thresholds. MBA and MD carry additional interview and portfolio filters.
Reality check: The 28% headline masks large faculty gaps; Indian applicants targeting Medicine or Law should treat UKM as a highly competitive shortlist entry, while Engineering and Social Science tracks are comparatively accessible.
Read More: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Acceptance Rate Details
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian PG student at UKM ranges MYR 21,000 to 42,000 (INR 4.91 to 9.83 lakh), combining tuition with a Bangi-area cost of living of MYR 1,500 to 2,500 per month.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Fees for Indian Students 2027
Public-university tuition at UKM keeps most PG coursework programmes under MYR 15,000 per year, with professional degrees (MD, MBA, Pharmacy) sitting higher.
| Level | Annual Tuition (MYR) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (most faculties) | 20,000 to 25,000 | INR 4.68 to 5.85 lakh |
| PG Coursework Masters (standard) | 3,000 to 14,000 | INR 0.70 to 3.28 lakh |
| MBA / Professional Masters | 15,000 to 25,000 (estimated) | INR 3.51 to 5.85 lakh (estimated) |
| MD (Doctor of Medicine) | 15,000 to 22,500 (estimated) | INR 3.51 to 5.27 lakh (estimated) |
| Registration + Bond (one-time) | 2,720 to 4,520 | INR 0.64 to 1.06 lakh |
[Source: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia official fee schedule; MBA and MD figures are indicative estimates pending programme-level fetch]
Monthly Cost of Living in Bangi for Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Indian Students
Bangi sits in Selangor, roughly 35 km south of Kuala Lumpur, and offers lower rent and food costs than KL city. The estimates below reflect a typical Indian student profile.
| Category | Monthly (MYR) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared/on-campus) | 600 to 1,200 (estimated) | INR 14,040 to 28,080 |
| Food and groceries | 400 to 700 (estimated) | INR 9,360 to 16,380 |
| Transportation (bus + occasional Grab) | 100 to 200 (estimated) | INR 2,340 to 4,680 |
| Books and stationery | 50 to 100 (estimated) | INR 1,170 to 2,340 |
| Personal and utilities | 350 to 500 (estimated) | INR 8,190 to 11,700 |
| Total Monthly | 1,500 to 2,700 | INR 35,100 to 63,180 |
| Annual (10 months) | 15,000 to 27,000 | INR 3.51 to 6.32 lakh |
[Source: Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and UKM Faculty of Engineering student cost guidance]
Insider note: On-campus Kolej Ungku Omar and Kolej Rahim Kajai halls cost MYR 480 to 1,200 per semester; off-campus condos in Section 8 Bangi run MYR 800 to 1,400 per month for a shared 3-bedroom unit.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Campus, Facilities and Student Life
UKM’s main Bangi campus spans 1,096 hectares in Selangor, connected to Kuala Lumpur via the KTM Komuter train (Bangi station) and the North-South Expressway.
- Location and transport: Bangi station on the KTM Komuter line links directly to KL Sentral (45 minutes); campus shuttle serves all 14 faculties.
- Housing: 12 residential colleges on the Bangi campus with guaranteed first-year international placement; MYR 480 to 1,200 per semester.
- Facilities: Tun Sri Lanang Library, UKM Medical Centre (Cheras), sports complex with Olympic pool, prayer facilities and dedicated halal dining.
- Indian community: Active Persatuan Pelajar India UKM (Indian Students Association) organises Diwali, Holi and Onam events; approximately 400 Indian students on campus.
What Indian students say: Vegetarian and halal options are well-covered in Bangi. Weekend trips to KL and Genting are easy via KTM. Campus safety is high, and administrative staff support IELTS waiver and visa questions promptly.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Scholarships 2027
UKM funds international postgraduate students through a small set of merit-based awards, with the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold and Silver schemes as the marquee tuition-plus-stipend options.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Award | Merit (research) | Full tuition + MYR 2,200/mo Master or MYR 3,200/mo PhD + MYR 300/mo housing + return economy flight + visa costs | Full-time research Master’s or PhD candidates with strong academic record | Verify at official page |
| Vice-Chancellor’s Silver Award | Merit (research) | Full tuition + MYR 1,500/mo Master or MYR 2,000/mo PhD | Full-time research Master’s or PhD candidates | Verify at official page |
| Zamalah Research Scheme | Research support | Tuition fee assistance (partial to full) | Selected research postgraduate students, faculty-nominated | Verify at official page |
| Graduate Assistantship Scheme | Assistantship | Stipend plus tuition waiver | Postgraduate research students, supervisor-linked | Verify at official page |
Planning note: Indian applicants must apply for the Vice-Chancellor’s awards through the same JoinUKM portal at the point of admission; retrospective applications after enrolment are not accepted. Prepare research statements and reference letters in advance.
Read More: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Scholarships Guide
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Rankings 2027
UKM’s strongest league position is QS World, where it ranks #130 in 2027 after climbing from #159 in 2024. The university sits in the QS global top 10% and among Malaysia’s five top-200 institutions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: #130 | 2026: #126 | 2025: #138 |
| THE World | 2026: #301 to 350 | 2025: NA | 2024: NA |
| US News Global | 2025-2026: #546 | Previous: NA | Two back: NA |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #3 of 13 (Malaysia) | NA | NA |
[Source: QS, Times Higher Education, US News, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
UKM ranks =7th globally in THE Impact Rankings 2026 (Sustainable Development Goals) and 208th in QS Sustainability 2026. On subject rankings, UKM Law ranks =99th globally (THE 2026).
Key insight: UKM’s QS top-200 position keeps it inside eligibility for post-study work streams in most APAC countries, and Indian employers in Big-4 audit and IT services routinely recognise the credential.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
UKM graduate employment is supported by the Alumni and Career Centre, with strong recruiter pipelines into Malaysian conglomerates, government-linked companies and multinational engineering firms.
- Employment rate: Not officially disclosed; Malaysian public-university average for fresh graduates is 65% to 75% within 6 months (market median).
- Median starting salary (Malaysia): MYR 3,000 to 5,500 per month (INR 8.42 to 15.44 lakh annually), varying by field.
- Sector strengths: Engineering, banking and finance, healthcare, IT services, education and public administration.
- Recruiter mix (representative): Petronas, Maybank, CIMB, Sime Darby, Intel Malaysia, Shell, Sunway Group, plus MNCs recruiting on-campus.
- Career support: Alumni Centre runs internships, resume clinics and industry-linked capstone projects across faculties.
Insider note: Indian graduates typically leverage UKM credentials for Malaysia’s 12-month Employment Pass pathway or transition to Singapore, Australia and the Middle-East on skilled-worker visas.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) vs Peer Universities
The Malaysian public-university comparison set below includes the four other MRUN (Malaysian Research Universities Network) members that consistently place inside QS World top 200.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Standout Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | #130 | INR 0.70 to 3.28 lakh | THE Impact =7 global; ESG and law strength |
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | #56 | INR 1.17 to 5.85 lakh (estimated) | Malaysia’s #1; oldest research university |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | #128 | INR 0.94 to 4.21 lakh (estimated) | Health sciences and pharmacy leader |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | #138 | INR 0.94 to 3.74 lakh (estimated) | Agriculture, food science and forestry |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | #158 | INR 1.17 to 4.68 lakh (estimated) | Engineering and built-environment focus |
UKM stands out among Malaysian publics for its Law faculty (THE =99 globally) and its sustainability leadership (THE Impact =7). Fees stay near the bottom of the MRUN peer band, giving Indian applicants the best MYR-per-rank value inside the Malaysian top 5.
Key insight: For Indian budgets, UKM offers a QS top-200 credential at a tuition level 40% to 60% below UM and UTM’s professional-masters bands, while retaining full research-university status.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia suits Indian postgraduate applicants seeking a QS top-200 credential at a public-university fee level, with total 1-year investment of INR 5 to 10 lakh against median starting pay of INR 8 to 15 lakh (Malaysia). The Employment Pass pathway plus strong recognition by Big-4, banks and Southeast Asian conglomerates anchors ROI; the study in Malaysia visa flow supports post-study work up to 12 months.
UKM is not the right fit for applicants seeking prestige-tier global brands, US/UK campus experience or a fast H-1B pipeline. Those goals point instead to universities in Germany, where public tuition is comparable and STEM masters carry an 18-month post-study visa.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) FAQs
Ques. What English-taught postgraduate programmes does UKM offer beyond the ones listed?
Ans. Beyond the flagship Master of Law, MD and Computer Science (AI), UKM delivers English-medium instruction in Master of Business Administration, Master of Environmental Management, Master of Islamic Studies, Master of Public Health and Master of Software Engineering. Coursework, mixed-mode and research variants are available. Bahasa Malaysia proficiency is not required for English-medium tracks.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia?
Ans. International students on Student Pass may work up to 20 hours per week during long semester breaks (over 7 days) at approved outlets such as restaurants, mini-markets, hotels and petrol stations. Term-time work is not permitted. Approval must be secured through UKM’s international office before commencing employment. Verify current work rules at the official EMGS portal.
Ques. How does UKM handle IELTS waivers for Indian applicants?
Ans. UKM waives IELTS or TOEFL where the applicant’s prior undergraduate or postgraduate degree was completed in English. Indian applicants with degrees from CBSE/ICSE English-medium schools plus English-medium university programmes are typically eligible. A medium-of-instruction letter from the previous institution is required at application. Programme-specific exceptions apply for Law and Medicine, which retain IELTS 6.5 minimums.
Ques. Does UKM waive the MYR 100 application fee for Indian applicants?
Ans. The MYR 100 (INR 2,340) application fee is non-refundable and no blanket waiver exists for Indian applicants. Fee waivers may be considered case-by-case for specific scholarships such as Vice-Chancellor awards or exchange-programme applicants. Payment is made online during application via credit card or bank transfer. Retain the payment slip for admission records.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia?
Ans. Major Indian public-sector banks (SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, PNB) and private lenders (HDFC Credila, Avanse, InCred, Auxilo) fund UKM postgraduate programmes. Loans typically cover tuition, living expenses and one return ticket. Public-sector loans require collateral for amounts above INR 7.5 lakh. Documentation includes admission letter, fee schedule and visa endorsement. Verify current rates and eligibility with individual lenders.
Ques. What are the dependent visa rules for spouses of UKM students?
Ans. Postgraduate students at UKM may bring a spouse and children under 18 on a Dependent Pass. Financial proof of MYR 30,000 (INR 7.02 lakh) minimum in the primary applicant’s account is required. Spouses cannot work but may study on a separate Student Pass. Application is filed through EMGS after the primary student receives their Visa Approval Letter. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Ques. What triggers a conditional offer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia?
Ans. UKM issues conditional offers when applicants have pending IELTS/TOEFL results, awaiting final-year transcripts or need to complete a bridging module. The conditional letter specifies exactly what must be submitted and by when. Indian final-year students often receive conditional offers pending Semester 6 to 8 mark sheets. Upon submission of the specified documents, the offer converts to unconditional and enables Visa Approval Letter processing.
Ques. What is UKM’s refund policy if an Indian student withdraws?
Ans. UKM’s non-refundable components include the MYR 100 application fee, MYR 2,520 registration fee and MYR 200 to 2,000 private bond. Tuition refunds follow the semester-by-semester schedule: full refund before semester start, partial (typically 75%) within the first 2 weeks, no refund thereafter. Visa-related fees paid to EMGS are separately governed. Refund requests are processed through the Bursar’s office; timelines run 4 to 8 weeks.
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Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
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