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18 June 2026: QS World University Rankings 2027 has been released on 18 June 2026. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is ranked #128 among 1,500+ universities. Check out QS World University Rankings 2027 trend analysis
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a public research university located in Penang, Malaysia, with additional campuses in Nibong Tebal and Kubang Kerian. The university is ranked #134 in QS World University Rankings 2026.
For international students, USM is moderately competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate of around 40%–55%, depending on the program and faculty.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Fees 2026:
- UG Tuition Fee: USD 8,570 – USD 18,750 (INR 8.15 lakh – INR 17.8 lakh)
- PG Tuition Fee: USD 3,630 – USD 9,600+ (INR 3.45 lakh – INR 9.13 lakh+)
USM offers a few merit-based and research-focused scholarships, including the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) and Graduate Research Assistance schemes, which may cover full or partial tuition along with monthly living allowances for eligible postgraduate students.
Academic requirements at USM vary by program, but undergraduate applicants need around 60%–75% in Class 12. Postgraduate applicants are expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of around 2.7/4.0 or equivalent. Applicants are also required to submit English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent), along with standard academic documents and program-specific materials where applicable.
Current currency conversion: 1 RM = 24.01 (as of June 1, 2026).
Explore: Malaysia Study Guide for Indian Students
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission Deadlines for International Students
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Course and Fees for Indian Students
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission Requirements
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Campus
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Cost of Living for International Students
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Scholarships for International Students
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Acceptance Rate
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2026
- FAQs
Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission Deadlines for International Students
International student intake timelines at Universiti Sains Malaysia vary by study level and program type. USM mainly offers two major intakes for international students, although intake availability depends on the program and faculty.
Undergraduate (UG):
- Main intake: September / October
- Most bachelor’s programs primarily admit students once per year.
Postgraduate (PG):
- Coursework / Mixed Mode Programs: February and September intakes
- Research Programs: Open throughout the year with rolling admissions
Important Note: While postgraduate applications generally remain open year-round, deadline restrictions mainly apply to coursework and mixed-mode programs. Research-based programs typically accept applications throughout the year. Students are advised to apply early because visa processing, document verification, and offer issuance may take several weeks.
| Program | Semester | Intake Period | Application Deadline | Intake Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | Semester 1 | September / October Intake | 30 June 2026 | 2026 |
| Undergraduate (UG) | Semester 2 | February / March Intake | 30 December 2026 | 2027 |
| Postgraduate (Coursework / Mixed Mode) | Semester 1 | September Intake | 15 June 2026 | 2026 |
| Postgraduate (Coursework / Mixed Mode) | Semester 2 | February Intake | 15 October 2026 | 2027 |
| Postgraduate (Research Mode) | Rolling Intake | Throughout the Year | Applications accepted throughout the year | N/A |
Universiti Sains Malaysia Course and Fees for Indian Students
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and over 200 postgraduate programs across disciplines such as engineering, medical sciences, business, social sciences, computing, arts, and health sciences.
- UG tuition fee ranges from USD 8,570 to USD 18,750 (INR 8.15 lakh – INR 17.8 lakh).
- PG tuition fee ranges from: USD 3,630 to USD 9,600+ (INR 3.45 lakh – INR 9.13 lakh).
| Course Name | Typical Course Duration | Total Tuition Fees in USD | Tuition Fees in INR | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 2 years | USD 9,600 | INR 9.13 lakh | Best suited for students with prior work experience; check specialisation options carefully because MBA ROI depends heavily on industry background and networking opportunities. |
| MS Project Management | 2 years | USD 3,630 | INR 3.45 lakh | Useful for engineering, construction, and business graduates, but students should check whether the program is research-based or coursework-based before applying. |
| MS Building Technology | 1 - 1.5 years | USD 3,630 | INR 3.45 lakh | Good fit for architecture and civil engineering graduates; verify software and technical skill components if planning construction careers outside Malaysia. |
| MS Data Science and Analytics | 1.5 - 2 years | USD 8,800 | INR 8.37 lakh | Strong option for tech-focused students; prior coding, statistics, or mathematics background improves academic success and employability. |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | 2 years | Per Semester: USD 1,850 | INR 1.76 lakh | Research-focused students should confirm supervisor availability before applying, as research projects can significantly affect completion timelines. |
| BS Forensic Science | 4 years | USD 17,000 | INR 16.1 lakh | Students planning careers in India should verify recognition requirements because forensic recruitment pathways vary across countries. |
| Bachelor of Accounting | 4 years | USD 8,570 | INR 8.15 lakh | Consider professional accreditation pathways (ACCA/CPA/CIMA) because they can significantly improve international job prospects after graduation. |
| Bachelor Architecture | 4 years | USD 18,750 | INR 17.8 lakh | Architecture licensing requirements differ by country, so students planning to work in India should check recognition and registration pathways early. |
| BS Medical Radiation | 4 years | USD 17,000 | INR 16.1 lakh | Healthcare licensing rules vary across countries; students should confirm whether additional certification or registration is needed after graduation. |
| BS Nutrition | 4 years | USD 17,000 | INR 16.1 lakh | Students aiming for clinical practice should verify professional registration requirements in India and other target countries before enrollment. |
Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission Requirements
USM does not usually publish a single minimum percentage requirement for Indian students, as admission criteria vary across faculties and program competitiveness. However, based on official eligibility guidelines and academic equivalencies, the following provides a practical overview of the expected admission requirements.
| Particulars | Undergraduate Requirements | Postgraduate Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Application Portal | International@USM Online Admission Portal | USM Postgraduate Admission Portal (IPS / Admission Portal) |
| Application Enrollment Fee | RM 100 | INR 9,531 per application (non-refundable) | USD 225-275 | INR 21,538-26,325 (varies) |
| Academic Requirement (recommended) | Indian students should generally target 60–75%+ in Class 12 for undergraduate admission, while competitive programs may require substantially higher scores depending on faculty requirements. | For postgraduate admission, Indian students should generally target at least 60–70% equivalent performance, although competitive programmes may expect stronger academic profiles. |
| Documents Required | Academic transcripts, Passport copy, Passport-sized photo, Personal statement, Recommendation or referral letters | |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS: 5.0 TOEFL: 40PTE: 47 | IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL: 80 PTE: 59 |
Universiti Sains Malaysia Campus
Universiti Sains Malaysia operates across multiple campuses, with campus allocation depending on the chosen program and faculty. For Indian students, campus location is important because accommodation costs, travel requirements, and student life vary across locations.
Main Campus (Penang): Located in Minden, Penang, the Main Campus is the university’s largest campus and hosts most undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including business, sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Engineering Campus (Nibong Tebal, Penang): The Engineering Campus is dedicated primarily to engineering programs and research facilities and is located in Nibong Tebal, Penang.
Health Campus (Kubang Kerian, Kelantan): Students enrolled in medicine, dentistry, and health sciences are generally based at the Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
What Indian Students Should Know:
- Program location matters: Campus allocation depends on the course selected.
- Living costs vary by campus: Expenses differ across Penang, Nibong Tebal, and Kelantan.
- Accommodation planning is important: Students should confirm campus location before arranging housing and travel plans.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Cost of Living for International Students
According to the Universiti Sains Malaysia student life page, the monthly estimated cost of living for international students would be around INR 4.75 lakh.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost USD | Estimated Monthly Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Annual Living Cost (Excluding Tuition) | USD 5,000/year | INR 4.75 Lakh |
| Food Expenses | USD 150/month | INR 14,260 |
| Academic Expenses | USD 100/month | INR 9,507 |
| Personal Expenses | USD 100–150/month | INR 9,507 - 14,260 |
USM primarily presents international student cost-of-living estimates in USD on its international/student life pages, although certain accommodation pages use Malaysian Ringgit (RM) for housing charges.
Also check: Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students
Universiti Sains Malaysia Scholarships for International Students
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers limited university-led scholarships for international students, with most funding opportunities concentrated at the postgraduate level.
Indian students applying for Master’s or PhD programs have access to scholarships covering tuition fees, living allowances, or research support, while undergraduate applicants may need to rely more on external funding sources.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award Amount RM |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) | Master’s & PhD international students (including eligible Indian applicants); requires full-time postgraduate study and academic merit | Full tuition fee + RM 1,500/INR 1.42 lakh monthly living allowance |
| USM Graduate Student Financial Assistance (GRA-ASSIST) | Research-based Master’s & PhD students at USM; open to international candidates, including Indians | Variable funding amount (not publicly fixed by USM) |
| Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship | UG, Master’s & PhD students from eligible countries/communities; relevant for some Indian applicants, depending on eligibility criteria | Varies by scholarship category; funding package differs by programme |
Also read: Popular Scholarship to Study in Malaysia for Indian Students
Universiti Sains Malaysia Acceptance Rate
Taylor’s University does not officially publish an acceptance rate, so available figures are primarily based on estimates from third-party education platforms and admission sources. Most estimates place the university’s acceptance rate between 60%–75%.
Admissions at Taylor’s University are generally influenced more by academic performance, English language proficiency, program-specific eligibility criteria, and document completion than acceptance rate estimates alone. More competitive fields, including medicine, health sciences, and selected postgraduate programs, may have stricter admission requirements than other courses.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2026
Universiti Sains Malaysia has shown improvement in global rankings over recent years and remains among the top-ranked universities in Malaysia, particularly within public research institutions.
| Ranking Body | Rank 2026 | Rank 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #134 | #146 |
| Times Higher Education | #401-500 | #401-500 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad Rankings | Global: #362 out of 824 |
- |
| National: #3 |
Also read: USM Global and Subject Rankings
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers a combination of affordable tuition, strong research opportunities, and global recognition, making it a popular choice for Indian students. The university offers 60+ undergraduate programs and 200+ postgraduate programs, with an estimated acceptance rate of 40–55%.
Tuition fees range from around USD 3,630 (INR 3.45 lakh) for selected postgraduate programs to USD 18,750 (INR 17.8 lakh) for some undergraduate courses, while estimated annual living expenses are approximately USD 5,000 (INR 4.75 lakh) excluding tuition.
Students targeting the September 2026 intake should apply early, as deadlines fall on 15 June 2026 (PG) and 30 June 2026 (UG), while also planning for visa processing, accommodation, and additional costs beyond tuition.
FAQs
Ques. How can applicants check their admission application status at USM?
Ans. Applicants can track their application status through the same official USM online application portal used during submission. Updates such as document verification, offer status, and decision notifications are typically posted directly in the applicant dashboard.
Ques. What happens after receiving an offer letter from Universiti Sains Malaysia?
Ans. After receiving an offer letter, international students are required to formally accept the offer through the official system and proceed with the next steps, which usually include tuition fee payment confirmation and application for a Malaysian Student Pass.
Ques. Is a Student Pass required for international students at USM?
Ans. Yes. International students must obtain a Malaysian Student Pass issued by the Immigration Department of Malaysia. USM generally facilitates the application process after students accept their offer and complete the required documentation.
Ques. Does USM provide airport pickup or orientation for international students?
Ans. USM typically conducts orientation programs for new international students at the start of each intake to help them adjust to academic life, campus facilities, and administrative requirements. Some faculties or student bodies may also assist with arrival guidance.
Ques. How are tuition fees paid at Universiti Sains Malaysia?
Ans. Tuition fees are usually paid through official university-approved payment methods, which may include bank transfer or online payment systems specified in the student’s offer or registration instructions. Payment details are provided after admission confirmation.
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Universiti Sains 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
Comments
Found 6 Comments
The total program tuition fee for international undergraduate students ranges between 54,587-74,862 RM. International graduate tuition fees range between 9,680-15,480 RM per year. You can check Universiti Sains Malaysia Programs and tuition fees for more information.
May I have a chance to walk into this university? Because I felt very interested in studying at this university. Thank you!!!
For certain postgraduate research programs, there might be a possibility of contacting the supervisor directly to discuss potential research opportunities. However, You can explore the USM courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.
How long does it take for my application to finish processing? I submitted my application about a week ago, but its current status is just "in review".
Each program has its own application deadline and processing timeframe. However, you can explore the USM courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.