Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a public research university headquartered in Penang, Malaysia. USM operates three campuses: Minden in Penang, the Engineering Campus at Nibong Tebal, and the Health Campus at Kubang Kerian. USM ranks #128 globally among Malaysian universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
The university offers over 60 undergraduate programmes and hundreds of postgraduate degrees taught in English. Strong disciplines include pharmacy, engineering, computer science, medical sciences and business through the Graduate School of Business. Two annual intakes, September and February, plus a rolling research window give Indian applicants year-round admission access.
- QS World Ranking 2027: #128
- Acceptance rate: 55-65% (estimated)
- Intakes: September (Semester I) and February (Semester II)
- International PG tuition: USD 3,630 to 9,600 total (INR 3.05 to 9.13 lakh)
- Post-study path: Malaysia Employment Pass with a sponsoring employer
Also Check: MS Universities in Malaysia Guide
USM publishes international fees per semester in USD with waivers through the Malaysia International Scholarship for postgraduate candidates. Indian applicants secure a Student Pass via a Visa Approval Letter that covers the full study duration.
USM’s postgraduate fees sit a quarter below many peer MBA universities in Malaysia. Penang keeps monthly living costs among the country’s lowest for public research universities.
Exchange rate used: 1 MYR = INR 23.6 and 1 USD = INR 84 as of July 2026
Admission Status: Open (Semester II 2026/27 intake for February 2027 start). Postgraduate coursework applications close 15 October 2026 and undergraduate international applications close 30 December 2026. Research programme applications for MSc and PhD remain open on a rolling basis year-round. The next cycle, for Semester I 2027/28 (September 2027 start), is expected to open in March 2027 based on the prior cycle, with the application deadline in June 2027.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Universiti Sains Malaysia 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Acceptance Rate 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Scholarships 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia FAQs
Universiti Sains Malaysia USM Fees and Popular Courses 2027
Universiti Sains Malaysia bills international students in USD per semester and revises the schedule each academic year. Undergraduate programmes run four years across eight semesters, and postgraduate coursework typically runs three to four semesters. Total programme fees for Indian applicants stay well below UK, US and Australian peers at similar rank tiers.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Postgraduate Fees for Indian Students 2027
The postgraduate table below covers the ten most-searched USM programmes for Indian applicants. Total programme fees fall between USD 3,630 and USD 9,600 depending on the school, with MBA at the upper bound and MSc research at the lower bound.
| Course Name | Typical Course Duration | Total Tuition Fees in USD | Tuition Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 2 years | USD 9,600 | INR 9.13 lakh |
| MS Project Management | 2 years | USD 3,630 | INR 3.45 lakh |
| MS Building Technology | 1 - 1.5 years | USD 3,630 | INR 3.45 lakh |
| MS Data Science and Analytics | 1.5 - 2 years | USD 8,800 | INR 8.37 lakh |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | 2 years | Per Semester: USD 1,850 | INR 1.76 lakh |
USM usually publishes a minimum and maximum study period, not one fixed duration.
For example: Minimum duration: Fastest possible completion time if you study continuously full-time.
- Maximum duration: Longest allowed time before you must complete the program.
- So when you see something like: 1–2 years: means students can finish in as little as 1 year, but the university allows up to 2 years in that mode.
- 1–3 years: usually research programs where thesis work creates more flexibility.
- 2–2.5 years: common when programs offer flexible pacing or part-time options.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Undergraduate Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate programs at Universiti Sains Malaysia ask for:
- Recurrent fees: Payable every semester, and the amount varies according to the course.
- Non-Recurrent fees: Payable upon registration, and the amount varies.
| Course Name | Course Duration | Total Fees in USD | Total Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Forensic Science | 4 years | USD 17,000 | INR 16.1 lakh |
| Bachelor of Accounting | 4 years | USD 8,570 | INR 8.15 lakh |
| Bachelor Architecture | 4 years | USD 18,750 | INR 17.8 lakh |
| BS Medical Radiation | 4 years | USD 17,000 | INR 16.1 lakh |
| BS Nutrition | 4 years | USD 17,000 | INR 16.1 lakh |
Read More: Universiti Sains Malaysia Programs and Fees Guide
Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission 2027
Universiti Sains Malaysia runs two annual intakes for Indian applicants: Semester I in September and Semester II in February, with research programmes open year-round. The February 2027 intake is the immediate next cycle after the September 2026 window closed on 30 June 2026.
Universiti Sains Malaysia UG Admission Dates 2027
As per USM’s official international admissions calendar, undergraduate international applicants for the Semester II 2026/27 cycle must submit through the POHON@USM portal by December 2026.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| UG international application deadline (Sem II 2026/27) | 30 December 2026 | For February 2027 programme start; submit via POHON@USM |
| Credential verification (apostille or WES) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Apostille from MEA India takes 3 to 5 weeks |
| Programme start (Sem II 2026/27) | February 2027 | Orientation in first week; report to Minden campus |
Universiti Sains Malaysia PG Admission Dates 2027
Postgraduate coursework deadlines close earlier than undergraduate for the same February start. Research-mode MSc and PhD accept applications on a rolling basis year-round.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| PG coursework application deadline (Sem II 2026/27) | 15 October 2026 | For February 2027 programme start; submit via IPS portal |
| PG research application (MSc, PhD) | Rolling year-round | No fixed deadline; earliest submission encouraged |
| Credential verification (apostille or WES) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Allow time for Indian document verification |
| Programme start (Sem II 2026/27) | February 2027 | Orientation in the first week |
Planning note: USM issues offer letters and Visa Approval Letters in batches, so applicants submitting six to eight weeks before the published deadline receive Student Pass paperwork with time to spare for the Delhi VFS Malaysia appointment.
Read More: Universiti Sains Malaysia Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
For Indian students, USM usually does not publish a single “minimum percentage” that applies to every program, because requirements vary by faculty and program competitiveness. But based on official equivalencies and admission guidelines, here’s the practical interpretation:
| Particulars | Undergraduate Requirements | Postgraduate Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Application Portal | International@USM Online Admission Portal | USM Postgraduate Admission Portal (IPS / Admission Portal) |
| Application Enrollment Fee | RM 100 | INR 9,531 per application (non-refundable) | USD 225-275 | INR 21,538-26,325 (varies) |
| Academic Requirement (recommended) | Indian students should generally target 60–75%+ in Class 12 for undergraduate admission, while competitive programs may require substantially higher scores depending on faculty requirements. | For postgraduate admission, Indian students should generally target at least 60–70% equivalent performance, although competitive programmes may expect stronger academic profiles. |
| Documents Required | Academic transcripts | Passport copy | Passport-sized photo | Personal statement | Recommendation or referral letters | |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS: 5.0 TOEFL: 40 PTE: 47 |
IELTS: 6.0 |
Universiti Sains Malaysia Acceptance Rate 2027
Universiti Sains Malaysia does not publish an official acceptance rate for international applicants. Third-party derived estimates place the overall admission probability at 55-65% (estimated) across programmes, with Pharmacy, Medicine and MBA at Graduate School of Business tracking noticeably lower than the average and MSc research streams higher.
The estimate reflects Malaysian public university admission patterns, USM’s programme capacity and reported cohort sizes. It is not a substitute for programme-level selectivity, which fluctuates each intake based on quota releases from the Ministry of Higher Education.
Reality check: A 55-65% headline hides significant variance by programme. Bachelor of Pharmacy admits under 30% of Indian applicants each cycle, while MSc engineering and public health streams often admit above 70%.
Read More: Universiti Sains Malaysia Overview and Programme Data
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual outlay for an Indian student at USM combines international tuition (USD 3,630 to 9,600 for postgraduate, USD 8,570 to 18,750 for undergraduate total programme) plus Penang living costs of MYR 18,000 to 40,800 per year (INR 4.25 lakh to 9.63 lakh). Pharmacy and Medicine sit at the upper bound of undergraduate outlay.
Penang is one of Malaysia’s more affordable university cities. Off-campus rentals near Minden run below Kuala Lumpur equivalents and USM hostels stay cheaper still.
| Item | Monthly (MYR) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus or off-campus) | 600 to 1,500 | 14,160 to 35,400 |
| Food and groceries | 400 to 800 | 9,440 to 18,880 |
| Transportation (Rapid Penang bus, ride-share) | 100 to 200 | 2,360 to 4,720 |
| Books, supplies and health | 100 to 200 | 2,360 to 4,720 |
| Personal and leisure | 200 to 500 | 4,720 to 11,800 |
| Total monthly | 1,400 to 3,200 | 33,040 to 75,520 |
[Source: Education Malaysia (Ministry of Higher Education) budget guidance]
As per Education Malaysia (Ministry of Higher Education) guidance, the annual living cost totals MYR 16,800 to 38,400 (INR 3.96 lakh to 9.06 lakh) depending on lifestyle. A modest budget of MYR 1,500 per month (INR 35,400) covers on-campus hostel, cafeteria meals and campus shuttle without discretionary spending.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Campus, Facilities and Student Life
USM runs three campuses across Peninsular Malaysia, with the flagship Minden campus in Penang hosting most undergraduate teaching, the Engineering Campus at Nibong Tebal (about 45 km south of Penang) and the Health Campus at Kubang Kerian in Kelantan.
- Location and transport: Minden campus sits 8 km from George Town; the Rapid Penang 304 bus links it to Bayan Baru and Georgetown for about MYR 1.50 per trip
- Housing: On-campus Desasiswa hostels prioritise first-year international students at MYR 300 to 500 per month; off-campus one-bedroom rentals cost MYR 800 to 1,500
- Facilities: USM libraries hold 1.4 million volumes, and the Minden campus includes an Olympic-size pool, badminton halls and a student health clinic
- Indian community: Indian and Malaysian-Indian students form a visible cohort with an active Indian Cultural Society running Diwali and Onam events each semester
What Indian students say: Indian students at USM commonly flag two upsides: George Town’s affordable Indian restaurants make Tamil and North Indian food easy to source, and the Minden campus green cover keeps daily commute stress low compared with Kuala Lumpur peers.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Scholarships 2027
Universiti Sains Malaysia offers limited university-led scholarships for international students, with most funding opportunities concentrated at the postgraduate level.
Indian students applying for Master’s or PhD programs have access to scholarships covering tuition fees, living allowances, or research support, while undergraduate applicants may need to rely more on external funding sources.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility (Who is it for?) | Award Amount RM |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) | Master’s & PhD international students (including eligible Indian applicants); requires full-time postgraduate study and academic merit | Full tuition fee + RM 1,500/INR 1.42 lakh monthly living allowance |
| USM Graduate Student Financial Assistance (GRA-ASSIST) | Research-based Master’s & PhD students at USM; open to international candidates, including Indians | Variable funding amount (not publicly fixed by USM) |
| Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship | UG, Master’s & PhD students from eligible countries/communities; relevant for some Indian applicants, depending on eligibility criteria | Varies by scholarship category; funding package differs by programme |
Also read: Popular Scholarship to Study in Malaysia for Indian Students
Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2027
USM ranks #128 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and #2 among Malaysian universities. That is a rise from #134 in QS 2026 and #146 in QS 2025.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: #128 | 2026: #134 | 2025: #146 |
| Times Higher Education World | 2026: #401-500 | 2025: #401-500 | 2024: #401-500 |
| ARWU Shanghai | 2025: #701-800 | 2024: #601-700 | 2023: #601-700 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | 2026: #362 | NA | NA |
Read More: Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings Analysis
Universiti Sains Malaysia Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Universiti Sains Malaysia does not publish a single central placement rate. Career outcomes for international graduates rely on the Malaysia Employment Pass pathway, sector-specific graduate schemes and cross-border MS mobility.
- Post-study pathway: International graduates hired by Malaysian employers receive an Employment Pass with a minimum monthly salary threshold; the pass is renewable annually
- Median starting salary (indicative, Malaysia market): MYR 3,500 to 5,500 per month (INR 82,600 to 1.30 lakh) for fresh Bachelor’s graduates in engineering and computer science, not disclosed centrally by USM
- MBA outcomes: Graduate School of Business median post-MBA salaries not disclosed centrally by USM; Malaysia MBA market median sits at MYR 8,000 to 12,000 per month (INR 1.89 lakh to 2.83 lakh)
- Top hiring sectors: Pharmaceutical manufacturers, engineering consultancies, banking, oil and gas, and public health agencies across ASEAN
- Careers support: USM Alumni Career Centre coordinates campus recruitment drives, internship placement and industry mentoring for final-year students
Universiti Sains Malaysia fits Indian applicants who value a QS top-150 degree at a total programme cost of INR 7 to 16 lakh for undergraduate or INR 3 to 8 lakh for postgraduate. It matches applicants targeting Pharmacy, Medicine, Engineering or MBA at Graduate School of Business who also want post-study mobility to Australia, Canada or the UK through the QS visa-eligibility band.
USM is a weaker fit for applicants set on top-50 global rankings, US-style research funding at the master’s stage, or MBA graduate salaries above INR 25 lakh per year immediately after graduation. Indian Institute of Science and IIM Bangalore remain more competitive for applicants prioritising domestic salary uplift over international brand.
Universiti Sains Malaysia FAQs
Ques. Is a USM medical degree recognised for practice in India?
Ans. The USM Doctor of Medicine (MD) appears on the National Medical Commission of India’s approved list of foreign medical schools. Indian graduates must clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the National Exit Test (NExT) before registering to practise in India. Most USM Indian graduates prepare for FMGE during the final clinical year and clear the licensure route within 6 months of returning to India.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Universiti Sains Malaysia?
Ans. International students at Universiti Sains Malaysia may work part-time up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks longer than 7 days, subject to Immigration Department approval. Permitted sectors include restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini-markets and hotels. Full-time work during semester is prohibited under the Student Pass. Students apply for a work endorsement through the USM International Office before starting any employment.
Ques. What is the Universiti Sains Malaysia English placement test option?
Ans. Universiti Sains Malaysia offers an English placement test on arrival for international students who lack a valid IELTS or TOEFL certificate. Applicants who pass the placement test satisfy the university English proficiency requirement. Those who fail must complete a compulsory English language course at USM before progressing to the main programme. The test runs during orientation week and is included in first-semester fees.
Ques. Which Indian banks approve education loans for Universiti Sains Malaysia?
Ans. Major Indian banks including SBI (Global Ed-Vantage), Bank of Baroda (Baroda Scholar), Punjab National Bank, HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Avanse extend education loans for Universiti Sains Malaysia programmes. Malaysia sits on the approved-country list of most Indian nationalised banks. Applicants need the USM offer letter, Visa Approval Letter, cost-of-attendance breakdown and standard KYC. Loans up to INR 40 lakh are typically sanctioned for postgraduate applicants with property collateral.
Ques. What is the application fee for international applicants at USM?
Ans. The USM international application processing fee is payable online via the POHON@USM undergraduate portal or the Institute of Postgraduate Studies system for postgraduate applicants. The exact amount, billed in Malaysian Ringgit, is displayed at the payment stage before submission. USM does not offer application fee waivers for Indian applicants and the fee is non-refundable regardless of the admission outcome.
Ques. Does Universiti Sains Malaysia offer conditional offers before English test results?
Ans. Universiti Sains Malaysia issues conditional offer letters to applicants who meet academic requirements but have not yet submitted final English test scores. Applicants must fulfil the pending IELTS, TOEFL or PTE condition before the semester begins, or take the USM English placement test on arrival. Conditional offers are valid for the specific intake stated on the letter and cannot be deferred without a fresh application review.
Ques. How do Indian applicants get their transcripts verified for USM admission?
Ans. Indian applicants to USM must submit board mark-sheets, university transcripts and degree certificates with legal apostille from the Ministry of External Affairs in India. Certified English translations are required for non-English documents. World Education Services (WES) evaluation is optional at the USM admission stage but recommended for onward mobility to third countries. Original documents are verified during physical registration at the Minden campus.
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
Overall 128 out of 1504 in Global Ranking
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
Universiti Sains Malaysia Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Comments
Found 6 Comments
The total program tuition fee for international undergraduate students ranges between 54,587-74,862 RM. International graduate tuition fees range between 9,680-15,480 RM per year. You can check Universiti Sains Malaysia Programs and tuition fees for more information.
May I have a chance to walk into this university? Because I felt very interested in studying at this university. Thank you!!!
For certain postgraduate research programs, there might be a possibility of contacting the supervisor directly to discuss potential research opportunities. However, You can explore the USM courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.
How long does it take for my application to finish processing? I submitted my application about a week ago, but its current status is just "in review".
Each program has its own application deadline and processing timeframe. However, you can explore the USM courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.