Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
About the University
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a leading public research university founded in 1969, located in Gelugor, Penang. It is one of Malaysia's apex universities and is ranked #149 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. USM is known for its strong research culture, engineering, sciences, health sciences, and humanities. It has over 28,000 students including approximately 5,500 international students from 60+ countries.
Detailed Information
About Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was established in 1969 as Malaysia's second university. It holds the coveted APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) status, designating it as one of Malaysia's premier research universities. USM operates three campuses: the main campus in Penang, the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal, and the Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
Rankings & Achievements
- QS World University Rankings 2026: #149 globally
- QS Asia University Rankings 2025: Top 40
- Malaysia's APEX Research University: Designated by the Ministry of Higher Education
- Top 100 globally for Chemistry, Materials Science, and Environmental Sciences
- Top 200 globally for Engineering & Technology
Campuses
Main Campus – Penang (Minden)
The main campus in Gelugor, Penang spans 350 hectares. It houses most of the arts, sciences, and social sciences faculties along with the main administration.
Engineering Campus – Nibong Tebal, Penang
Dedicated to engineering programmes, located in Nibong Tebal, 45 km from the main campus.
Health Campus – Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
Home to the School of Medical Sciences and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), a 985-bed teaching hospital providing medical and dental training.
Schools & Faculties
- School of Medical Sciences
- School of Dental Sciences
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Engineering
- School of Computer Sciences
- School of Chemical Sciences
- School of Physics
- School of Biological Sciences
- School of Mathematical Sciences
- School of Housing, Building and Planning
- School of Communication
- School of Humanities
- School of Social Sciences
- School of Languages, Literacies and Translation
- Graduate School of Business
Research Excellence
USM is renowned for its research output in Chemistry, Materials Science, and Health Sciences. It has produced numerous Nobel Prize-nominated researchers and is a hub for cutting-edge research in Southeast Asia. The university maintains strong collaborative research partnerships with MIT, Oxford, NUS, and other leading institutions.
International Student Support
- International Students Society (ISS)
- Dedicated international hostel accommodation
- Airport pick-up and orientation programmes
- USM International Office for visa and welfare support
- English-medium instruction across most programmes
Academic Programs6 programs
Bachelor's Degree(4)
Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons)
Computer Science
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Chemical
Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Biomedical & Health Sciences
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)
Biomedical & Health Sciences
Master's Degree(1)
Doctoral Degree (PhD)(1)
Facilities & Services
Accreditations
Annual Tuition Fees
Undergraduate
MYR 4,500 - 30,000
Postgraduate
MYR 5,400 - 39,000
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University Info
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