Universiti Sains Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia — www.usm.my

QS Ranking
#318
Founded
1969
Type
Public Research University
Students
28,000+
Acceptance Rate
~35%
Founded
1969
QS Rank
#318 (2025)
APEX
Malaysia's first APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) university
Georgetown
UNESCO World Heritage city — world's best hawker food

Overview

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), founded in 1969 in Georgetown, Penang, is Malaysia's second-oldest public university, one of only five Malaysian Research Universities, and ranked #318 in QS 2025. USM is one of Malaysia's most distinguished research institutions, celebrated for its sciences (USM's School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine are globally cited), health sciences (the School of Medical Sciences in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan is nationally leading), and engineering. USM has a unique distinction: it was the first Malaysian university designated as an APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) university — receiving special funding and autonomy from the Malaysian government for world-class transformation. It is also located in one of Southeast Asia's most culturally and gastronomically remarkable cities: Georgetown, Penang (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Admission Process

Apply via USM's online portal (admissions.usm.my). International: International Office portal. IELTS 6.0+/TOEFL 79+. Medical Sciences extremely competitive (national quota + merit). Main intakes: July and January.

Programs at Universiti Sains Malaysia

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