Top Universities in Malaysia 2024 

Are you an international student who wishes to further your studies in Malaysia? You’ve come to the right place! EMGA is ready to assist you with anything related to studying in Malaysia. 

See Also: IT University in Malaysia: Top Private Universities for IT in Malaysia (2024)

Curious to know what are the top universities in Malaysia? Read on to find out more! 

Top Public Universities in Malaysia

1. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Key Highlights of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM): 

• Ranked in the Top 100 by QS globally for Engineering Programs
• Rank #188 by QS globally overall
• Specialise in the engineering, science & technology field 
• Awarded for affordable & clean energy by Times Higher Education

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is no stranger to Malaysian education. What makes this university one of the top universities in Malaysia is the outstanding ranking of #188 by Global QS. 

Students who wish to pursue their studies in technology-related courses will find UTM to be a great choice as they specialise in the field of engineering, science & technology. There are also other courses in various fields such as accounting, and Islamic studies, to name a few.  

2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Key Highlights of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): 

• Ranked #159 by QS globally
• Named as the National University of Malaysia
• Famous alumni – Anwar Ibrahim (Prime Minister of Malaysia) & Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (Malaysia’s First Astronaut) 

Deemed as the National University of Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is one of the top universities in Malaysia as it was founded in 1970, after the declaration of Independence Day in Malaysia. 

With popular notable alumni such as the Prime Minister of Malaysia and Malaysia’s First Astronaut, UKM has made a name in Malaysian education. For one, though most of the university programs at UKM are taught in English, the official language within the university is the Malay language. Thus, international students should check the language requirements for each course before enrolling. 

3. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Key Highlights of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): 

• Ranked #158 by QS globally
• Known as the 3rd highest-ranked university in Malaysia
• Highest number of international students 

Ranked 158 globally, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) stands as the third highest-ranked university in Malaysia, boasting an impressive international student population. This makes it one of the top universities in Malaysia for international students, with nearly half of its 16,000 students hailing from around the world. 

Situated in Seri Kembangan, just a short 30-minute drive from the bustling cities of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, UPM provides students with the unique opportunity to experience Malaysia’s modernity while escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Its strategic location near Cyberjaya, Malaysia’s technology hub, makes it an attractive choice for students pursuing technology-related fields, offering access to industry opportunities and resources. 

4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Key Highlights of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): 

• Ranked #137 by QS globally
• Has estimated 5,000 international students from more than 70 countries
• Obtain more than 200 titles in QS Rankings over the years 

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) gained the reputation of being one of the top universities in Malaysia as it’s known as the second oldest and second highest-rated university in Malaysia. Over the recent years, within the QS rankings, USM has gained more than 200 places and has ranked #137 worldwide. 

Great news for international students as well, with 5,000 students from more than 70 countries having decided to study at USM, so it’s definitely a top choice around the world! USM also offers around 300 academic programs for undergraduate and postgraduate under fields such as sciences, humanities, and arts, to name a few.

5. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

Key Highlights of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM):

• Ranked #711-720 by QS globally
• Has several branches around Malaysia (Selangor, Petaling Jaya, Pahang)
• Focuses on advanced-level study & research in Islamic thought and civilization

Since its establishment in 1983, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) gained rankings between #711-720 by QS globally. With the mission of contributing to the renewal of Islam and human civilization through research and various other educational efforts, IIUM is one of the top universities in Malaysia that focuses on Islamic teachings. 

Not to mention they have various campus locations, namely, Petaling Jaya, Selangor and Pahang offering both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. 

See Also: The Best Medical University in Malaysia (2024)

Top Private Universities in Malaysia

1. Taylor’s University 

Key Highlights of Taylor’s University:

• Ranked #284 by QS globally
• Considered under the Top 50 Under 50 worldwide 
• Known as #1 Private University in Southeast Asia and Malaysia
• Received 5-Star Rating

Taylor’s University is known as one of the top universities in Malaysia as they managed to claim a spot among the Top 50 under 50 globally! Taylor’s University also ranks at #284 around the world and received a 5-star rating, which is only given to selected Asian universities. This enabled Taylor’s University to earn the recognition of offering world-class education for all students. 

2. UCSI University 

Key Highlights of UCSI University: 

• Ranked #300 by QS globally
• Has more than 12,000 students coming from 110 countries 
• Several collaborations with various notable foreign universities, companies and institutes

UCSI University takes pride in creating a vibrant yet diverse community among the students! UCSI University is also deemed as one of the top universities in Malaysia that has a community with more than 12,000 students hailing from many different countries, up to 100! 

UCSI University plays a key role in shaping Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality industry with its outstanding leadership in the Malaysian Centre of Tourism and Hospitality Education. Plus, UCSI University’s alumni managed to achieve great success in various fields, showcasing the quality of education this top university offers. 

3. Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

Key Highlights of Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP):

• Ranked #307 by QS globally
• Owned by Malaysia’s national oil and gas company, PETRONAS
• Specialise in engineering, science & technology fields

Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) is fully owned by PETRONAS, which is Malaysia’s top national oil and gas company. Hence, Universiti Teknologi Petronas is one of the top universities in Malaysia for students who wish to study engineering, science and technology courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

Another great aspect of Universiti Teknologi Petronas is that they enrol more than 1,000 foundation students, 4,000 undergraduates and 1,000 postgraduates from all around the world – more than 50 countries! 

Universiti Teknologi Petronas also regularly focuses on providing research and collaborating with PETRONAS as well as other institutions on areas such as hydrocarbon recovery, transport infrastructure, self-sustainable building, and many more. 

4. Sunway University 

Key Highlights of Sunway University: 

• Ranked #586 by QS globally
• Received 5-star rating by QS Star University Ratings
• Specialises in fields such as Business & Management Studies, Art & Design and Hospitality & Leisure Management

Sunway University received an impressive 5-star rating by QS Star University Rankings and managed to rank #586 by QS worldwide. Sunway University is also one of the top universities in Malaysia that’s gained recognition from the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for the Business and Management Studies, Art & Design and Hospitality & Leisure Management fields. 

Sunway University also keeps the students up-to-date with the latest technology, earning them recognition from the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation. 

5. Multimedia University (MMU)

Key Highlights of Multimedia University: 

• Ranked #1001-1200 by QS Global 
• Specialises in fields of multimedia technology
• Heavily focuses on research & innovation in the fields of augmented reality, artificial intelligence, digital entrepreneurship and cybersecurity

Multimedia University is one of the top universities in Malaysia for the state-of-the-art technology used in their courses as they focus on the multimedia technology fields. Besides that, Multimedia University also offers other programs such as creative multimedia, engineering, information technology, law, and business, to name a few. 

Multimedia University has two campuses – in Melaka and Cyberjaya that feature world-class facilities for the students, such as multimedia studios, advanced laboratories and innovation centres. 

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