#137
QS World Rank
NextStep partner university
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Penang, MalaysiaPublic
28,000
Students
3,200
International
1969
Founded
About USM
Based on the island of Penang, Universiti Sains Malaysia is the country's designated APEX university for research excellence — a status given to only one institution. It is especially strong in pharmacy, engineering, the health sciences and the arts. Penang itself is a UNESCO heritage city with a lower cost of living than Kuala Lumpur, making USM a compelling option for students who want a top public research degree in a calmer, more affordable setting.
01Available programmes
Available programmes
Search the degrees we place students into — grouped by field. Counts show how many programmes we actively support.
PharmacyMedicineHealth Sciences
Mechanical EngineeringElectronic EngineeringMaterials Engineering
Fine ArtsTranslationLiterature
PhysicsMathematicsMarine Biology
TESOLEducational Management
02Admission
Admission
Typical entry requirements. We confirm exact cut-offs per programme on your free call.
BachelorUndergraduate
SAT1300+
IELTS6.0+
TOEFL80+
Duolingo105+
MasterPostgraduate
GMAT560+
IELTS6.5+
TOEFL90+
English not enough yet? Not a problem
Study English right at the university
If your English doesn't meet the entry requirement yet, you don't need to spend a year improving it at home first. This university teaches English on campus — you study the language here, then move straight into your degree.
01
Apply without IELTS
No test score needed to begin — you join the English course at your current level.
02
English course on campus
Intensive English at the university itself, while you're already living student life here.
03
Straight into your degree
Once your English is ready, you pass IELTS or an equivalent exam (IELTS 6.0+) — and enter your degree.
03Students & Staff
Students & Staff
28,000
Total students
3,200
International students
13:1
Student–faculty ratio
2,500
Academic staff
26
Faculties
75+
Nationalities
04Cost of living
Cost of living
A realistic yearly budget for a Central Asian student, in USD. Outside Kuala Lumpur, expect to spend less.
Total per year · excl. tuition
$4,560Approx. / year · USD
Accommodation$2,100
Food$1,500
Transport$420
Utilities$540
Ready to apply to Universiti Sains Malaysia?
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