QS World Ranking
#65
Acceptance Rate
23%
Annual Tuition (USD)
$5,000
On-Campus Housing
Available
QS Best Student City
#33
Kuala Lumpur
Application Deadline
March 31
via Direct
Student Body
Total Enrollment
23,000
students
International Students
18%
US % data not publicly reported
Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.
Why This School
Malaysia's top-ranked university in cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur, offering English education at very low cost.
QS Subject Rankings 2025
Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject
Notes for US Students
Malaysia's top university. All programs in English. KL is a very affordable and cosmopolitan Asian city.
Admission Criteria
Key requirements for US students applying to University of Malaya
Acceptance Rate
23%
Selective
Application System
Direct
Deadline
March 31
Instruction Language
English
School Type
Public
Annual Tuition
$5,000
Requirements Checklist for US Applicants
- Apply directly via UM international admissions by March 31
- High school diploma with strong academic record
- IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+
- No SAT/ACT required
- Personal statement for some programs
Class Size
Academic Calendar
Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.
Admission Details
- Language of Instruction
- English
- Estimated Annual Tuition
- ~$5,000 / year
- Application Deadline
- March 31
- Application System
- Direct
- School Type
- Public
- Acceptance Rate
- 23%
- QS Best Student City (Kuala Lumpur)
- #33 globally
Programs Offered
Scholarships to Explore
- ✓Malaysian Government Scholarship
- ✓UM International Scholarship
Cost of Living — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Low CostEstimated monthly total
$750
vs. avg US college student
61% cheaper
US avg ~$1,900/mo
Kuala Lumpur is one of Southeast Asia's most affordable capitals. Mamak food stalls serve full meals for $2. MRT and monorail keep transport costs minimal.
Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
About Studying at University of Malaya as a US Student
University of Malaya is located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and is ranked #65in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Medicine, Engineering, Business, Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and more. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$5,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 23%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of March 31. Scholarships available include the Malaysian Government Scholarship.