
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a public research university located in Penang, Malaysia. 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.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Fees 2026:
USM estimates monthly international student living expenses at around USD 5,000/year (INR 4.75 lakh), excluding tuition, although costs vary depending on accommodation type and lifestyle.
Scholarship opportunities for international students are primarily concentrated at the postgraduate level, with funding available through government-backed scholarships, research assistance programs, and external sponsorship schemes.
International students in Malaysia can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during approved semester breaks, with wages ranging from RM 7–15/hour (INR 140–300/hour). Students can pay tuition fees through the university’s official USM ePayment portal, which supports selected online payment methods and international card payments.
Current currency conversion: 1 USD = 95.20 (as of June 1, 2026).

Also read: Malaysia Study Guide for Indian Students
At the Universiti Sains Malaysia, students need to pay the sum of the following:
| Course Name | Typical Course Duration | Total Tuition Fees in USD | Tuition Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 2 years | USD 9,600 | INR 9.13 lakh |
| MS Project Management | 2 years | USD 3,630 | INR 3.45 lakh |
| MS Building Technology | 1 - 1.5 years | USD 3,630 | INR 3.45 lakh |
| MS Data Science and Analytics | 1.5 - 2 years | USD 8,800 | INR 8.37 lakh |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | 2 years | Per Semester: USD 1,850 | INR 1.76 lakh |
USM usually publishes a minimum and maximum study period, not one fixed duration.
For example: Minimum duration: Fastest possible completion time if you study continuously full-time.
Also read: Admission Requirements for Indian Students at Universiti Sains Malaysia
For international students, the fee structure for the MBA at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is primarily in USD, and the cost is based on a 48-credit program. Here is the breakdown:
| Fee Component | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | USD 225 | INR 21,414 |
| Tuition Fee | USD 200 × 48 units = USD 9,600 | INR 9.13 lakh |
| Personal Bond | USD 1,000 | INR 95,177 |
| Convocation Fee | USD 50 | INR 4,758 |
| Estimated Total Cost | USD 10,875 | INR 10 lakh |
This means the estimated total MBA cost for an international student is around USD 10,875 (excluding living costs, insurance, visa, accommodation, and miscellaneous expenses).
A few important things to note:
Undergraduate programs at Universiti Sains Malaysia ask for:
| Course Name | Course Duration | Total Fees in USD | Total Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Forensic Science | 4 years | USD 17,000 | INR 16.1 lakh |
| Bachelor of Accounting | 4 years | USD 8,570 | INR 8.15 lakh |
| Bachelor Architecture | 4 years | USD 18,750 | INR 17.8 lakh |
| BS Medical Radiation | 4 years | USD 17,000 | INR 16.1 lakh |
| BS Nutrition | 4 years | USD 17,000 | INR 16.1 lakh |
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) provides international students, including Indian students, with an official digital payment system for tuition and university-related charges through its USM ePayment portal.
Students can generally pay using international credit/debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and selected online banking options supported by the system.
International applicants must pay a non-refundable application processing fee of RM 100 | INR 9,517 during the admission process.
After payment, students should download and save payment receipts and transaction confirmations, as these may be required for visa processing, registration, student pass applications, and hostel allocation.
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 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 (Who is it for?) | 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
International students at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) can access part-time work opportunities, but employment rules in Malaysia are significantly stricter compared to many Western study destinations. International students are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, but only under specific conditions and with approval requirements.
At Universiti Sains Malaysia, undergraduate tuition ranges from INR 8.15 lakh to 17.8 lakh and postgraduate tuition starts from around INR 3.45 lakh for selected programs. International students should additionally budget approximately INR 4.75 lakh annually for living expenses, while also accounting for registration charges, personal bonds, visa costs, and accommodation expenses. Although scholarship opportunities are more concentrated at the postgraduate level and part-time work options remain restricted, USM provides comparatively lower tuition costs than many private Malaysian universities, making it a practical option for Indian students seeking research-focused and professionally oriented programs in Malaysia.
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