Latest Updates on USM Penang
- The application deadline to apply for USM Admissions is July 15, 2025, for the undergraduate and postgraduate programs starting in October 2025.
- The MBA program also has the same application deadline.
- An application fee of 100 MYR (approx. 2,000 INR) is required for undergraduate applications to USM.
- Application fees for postgraduate programs vary from approximately 19,111 to 23,358 INR.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a world-class public university, located on scenic Penang Island, off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. USM was awarded APEX (Accelerated Program for Excellence) status in 2008 for its strong achievements in academics, research, and innovation. Founded in 1969, USM now has three campuses, 26 schools, 13 centers of excellence, 3 national higher education centers, 36 service centers, and 10 hostels - serving around 34,000 students from 80 countries. It offers 60 programs to international students across fields like science, engineering, medicine, arts, business, and literature.
MBA, MS in Aerospace Engineering, Master of Computer Science, MSc Biotechnology, MSc Marine Sciences, MSc/ PhD Dentistry are among the popular USM Penang courses at postgraduate level. Universiti Sains Malaysia fees for these programs range between 5,600 to 63,000 USD* (4.74 to 53.39 lakhs INR). To get into these programs, Indian students need a bachelors degree with at least 2.75 CGPA out of 4.0. Alongside, an IELTS score of 5.0 or TOEFL score of 40 or PTE score of 47 is required.
*Uni Sains Malaysia publishes international tuition fees in USD.
- University Sains Malaysia Courses and Fees 2025
- Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Admissions 2025
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Application Deadline 2025
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Cost of Attendance
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Scholarships
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2025
- FAQs
University Sains Malaysia Courses and Fees 2025
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers 60 programs to international students. Students can choose between online and offline courses. The tuition fees for Universiti Sains Malaysia undergraduate courses are within 1,562 and 13,750 USD (1.32 to 11.65 lakhs INR) per semester. Some of the top courses and fees of USM Penang are tabulated below.
Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA
The Universiti Sains Malaysia MBA is full-time, 2-5 years long postgraduate program, offered by the Graduate School of Business. Students can choose from any of the following specializations:
- International Business
- Service Science Management and Engineering
- Sustainable Development
- Governance and Control
- Business Analytic
- Digital Leadership
USM requirements for the MBA program are as follows:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a university recognized by the USM’s Senate or an equivalent qualification with:
- A minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.00 or equivalent and a minimum of 1 year working experience; or
- A minimum CGPA of 3.50/4.00 or equivalent (without working experience); or
- Pass the interview and/or test to determine the ability of prospective students to undergo the MBA program.
- English Language requirements:
- IELTS: 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: 60
- PTE: 59
- GMAT score is not required
- USM Direct Intake: April and October
- Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
- MBA fees structure:
- Registration Fees: 225 USD
- Personal Bond: 1000 USD
- Tuition Fees: 200 X 48 Units= 9,600 USD
- Convocation Fee: 50 USD
Universiti Sains Malaysia Admissions 2025
Universiti Sans Malaysia offers April and October intakes for international students. Currently, the university is not accepting undergraduate applications until further notice. However, students can apply to postgraduate programs until July 15, 2025, for the courses starting in October 2025. Explore the Universiti Sains Malaysia requirements in the table below.
| Particulars | USM Requirements for UG | USM Requirements for PG |
|---|---|---|
| Application Portal | Universiti Sains Malaysia Portal | Universiti Sains Malaysia Portal |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia Application Fee | 100 MYR (approx. 2,000 INR) | 225 to 275 USD (approx 19,111 to 23,358 INR) |
| Academic Requirements | Must have completed at least 12 years of schooling | A bachelor’s degree |
| GPA or Aggregate |
|
CGPA of at least 2.75/4.00 |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS: 5.0 | TOEFL iBT: 40 | PTE: 47 | IELTS: 5.0 | TOEFL iBT: 40 | PTE: 47 |
Universiti Sains Malaysia Application Deadline 2025
The Universiti Sains Malaysia application deadline of different levels of programs are tabulated below.
| USM Intake Dates | USM Application Deadline for UG and PG |
|---|---|
| Semester I (October Intake) | July 15, 2025 |
| Semester II (March Intake) | January 15, 2026 |
Also Read: Application Deadline to Study in Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia Cost of Attendance
Students at USM can choose between on-campus and off-campus accommodation based on their budget and preferences. On-campus housing is affordable and well-equipped with essential facilities, while off-campus options offer more space and privacy, usually within a short distance from campus.
On-Campus Accommodation:
- Single or twin-sharing rooms
- Shared bathrooms
- Facilities: Cafeteria, laundry, sports centre, study room, pantry, grocery stores
- Rent: USD 30–75/month (excluding meals)
Off-Campus Accommodation:
- Private condos/apartments within 3 km of campus
- Typically 3-bedroom, air-conditioned units
- Facilities: Grocery stores, gym, swimming pool, tennis/badminton courts, laundry
- Rent: USD 75–125/month per room (excluding utilities)
The estimated annual cost of studying at USM varies based on each student's lifestyle and needs. This includes tuition, accommodation, food, books, travel, entertainment, and other miscellaneous expenses.
- Universiti Sains Malaysia tuition fees for international students: From USD 3,125/ year
- On-Campus Accommodation: From USD 340/ year
- Other Expenses (food, books, travel, etc.): From USD 2,500/ year
Must Read: Cost of Living in Malaysia for International Students
Universiti Sains Malaysia Scholarships
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers very limited scholarships to international masters students. There are no scholarships for international undergraduate students. More details on the Universiti Sains Malaysia scholarships for masters programs are available below.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award Details |
|---|---|---|
| USM Graduate Student Financial Assistance (GRA-ASSIST) | International graduate students applying to study at USM Penang | Varies |
| Islamic Development Bank Scholarship (IsDB) | Master’s and PhD candidates from the bank’s member countries and the Muslim communities in non-member countries. | Tuition support, monthly living allowance, medical coverage, travel expenses and research allowances |
| Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) | Bright minds from around the world to pursue postgraduate academic studies in Malaysia | Varies |
Also Read: Scholarships for International Students in Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia Postgraduate Research Attachment (PGRA)
The Postgraduate Research Attachment (PGRA) fund supports USM Master's (research mode) and PhD students with strong research progress for short-term attachments at partner institutions. The program aims to boost research output through international collaboration.
Eligibility & Details:
- Must be a registered USM Master’s (research mode) or PhD student with good research progress
- Attachment must be at a university or research institution with an active MOU/MOA with USM
- Application must include an official invitation letter from the host institution
- Duration: 1 to 3 months
- Maximum funding: RM 4,000 (79,910 INR)
- Students must publish in indexed journals within a year, co-authored by the host scientist
Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2025
The Universiti Sains Malaysia QS ranking places it in #146 position in 2025. In the same QS rankings, USM Penang is ranked #8 in Asian University Rankings (Southeast Asia). Some notable trends of University Sains Malaysia rankings are tabulated below.
| Ranked By | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS | #146 | #137 | #143 |
| THE | #401-500 | #401-500 | #601-800 |
| US News and World Report | - | #401 | #504 |
USM By the Numbers
- 6 Campuses
- 26 Schools
- 14 Centers
- 39,663 Student Enrollment
- 8,960 Students Graduated in 2024
- 1,773 Academic Staff
- 2,410 Active Grants
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a globally ranked, budget-friendly option for international students. With QS rank #146 in 2025, tuition starting at USD 3,125/year, and living costs from USD 340/year, USM offers quality education across 60+ programs.
FAQs
Ques: Is Universiti Sains Malaysia a good university?
Ans: Yes, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a top-ranked public university. It ranks #146 in QS World University Rankings 2025 and holds APEX status for excellence in academics and research. With affordable fees and diverse programs, it’s a great choice for international students.
Ques: What are the requirements to enter the USM?
Ans: The requirements to enter the USM are
Undergraduate (UG) Requirements:
- Completion of 12 years of schooling
- Qualifications like A-Level, IB, AUSMAT, SAM, or equivalent recognized by the Malaysian government
- English Proficiency: IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 40, or PTE 47
Postgraduate (PG) Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree with at least CGPA 2.75/4.00
- English Proficiency: IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 40, or PTE 47
- For MBA:
- CGPA ≥ 2.75 with 1 year of work experience, or
- CGPA ≥ 3.50 (work experience not needed), or
- Pass interview/test if below criteria not met
- GMAT not required
Ques: How many USM campuses are there in Malaysia?
Ans: USM has 6 campuses across Malaysia:
- Main campus in Penang (Health and Science)
- Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal
- Health campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
- IPPT Campus
- USM@KL
- USM-KLE Belgaum
Universiti Sains Malaysia Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees |
|---|---|---|
B.A/B.S Architecture 3 years | USD 4,688 /Yr MYR 18,750 /Yr | |
B.S Forensic Science 4 years | USD 1,063 /Yr MYR 4,250 /Yr | |
B.Acc 4 years | USD 4,500 /Yr MYR 18,000 /Yr | |
B.S Medical Radiation 4 years | USD 4,250 /Yr MYR 17,000 /Yr | |
B.A Music 4 years | USD 781 /Yr MYR 3,125 /Yr | |
| USD 4,250 /Yr MYR 17,000 /Yr | ||
B.S Nutrition 4 years | USD 4,250 /Yr MYR 17,000 /Yr | |
B.S Building Surveying 3 years | USD 3,375 /Yr MYR 13,500 /Yr | |
| USD 3,719 /Yr MYR 14,875 /Yr | ||
B.A Fine Arts 4 years | USD 3,125 /Yr MYR 12,500 /Yr |
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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
Universiti Sains Malaysia Campus Location
Nearby This Campus
- Bus Station
- Book Store
- Shopping Mall
- Hospital
- Airport
Bus Station
Shopping Mall
Airport
Book Store
Hospital
● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary
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.