Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a public research university headquartered in Penang, with two specialist campuses at Nibong Tebal (engineering) and Kubang Kerian (health sciences). It is ranked #128 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing USM among Malaysia’s top two public universities and 34th across Asia.
The university operates 26 schools spanning pharmacy, engineering, computer science, medicine, and social sciences, with all postgraduate programmes delivered in English. Indian students typically enrol into pharmacy, engineering, and computing tracks, drawn by structured pathways for CBSE and ISC leavers. USM runs a main September intake and a smaller February intake, and holds the #1 THE Impact 2025 rank for SDG 1, SDG 16, and SDG 17.
- QS World Ranking 2027: #128 globally, #2 in Malaysia
- Acceptance rate: 40% (estimated)
- Intakes: September (main) and February (secondary)
- Total PG tuition: USD 3,630 to 9,600 (INR 3.2 to 8.4 lakh)
- Total UG tuition: USD 8,570 to 18,750 (INR 7.5 to 16.4 lakh)
- Average PG starting salary (Malaysia): MYR 4,500/month (INR 89,000/month)
Also Check: MS in Malaysia for Indian Students
USM offers fee waivers for high-scoring international applicants and hosts partial funding under the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS). Student pass processing through EMGS takes 6 to 8 weeks, and living costs in Penang remain among the lowest for a globally ranked Asian city. Indian graduates use the Malaysian post-study visa route (up to 12 months) to enter pharma, semiconductor, and IT roles across Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 87.5 and 1 MYR = INR 19.85 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (February 2027 intake). Applications for the February 2027 intake close in September 2026 for most postgraduate programmes; verify each programme’s cutoff on the Institute of Postgraduate Studies portal. The main September 2027 intake is expected to open in November 2026 and close in March 2027, based on prior cycles. Indian applicants should start EMGS student pass documentation 8 weeks before travel.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Universiti Sains Malaysia 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission 2027
- USM Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Acceptance Rate 2027
- USM Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- USM Scholarships 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2027
- USM Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Universiti Sains Malaysia vs Peer Universities
- Universiti Sains Malaysia FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Universiti Sains Malaysia 2027
USM structures fees per academic session, and most master’s programmes at USM run for two academic years while bachelor’s programmes run for three to five years depending on the school. Total tuition for Indian applicants ranges from USD 3,630 to USD 18,750 across postgraduate and undergraduate levels, with Health Campus programmes at the higher end.
USM Popular PG Courses and Fees 2027
Postgraduate programmes at USM are English-medium and priced per full programme. Indian students most commonly enrol into MBA, MSc Computer Science, and MSc Pharmacy tracks.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (Graduate School of Business) | 9,600 | 8.4 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended), 2 years work experience |
| MSc Computer Science | 4,800 | 4.2 lakh | Bachelor’s in Computing with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MSc Pharmacy | 5,400 | 4.7 lakh | BPharm with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MSc Civil Engineering | 4,500 | 3.9 lakh | BE Civil with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MSc Chemical Engineering | 4,500 | 3.9 lakh | BE Chemical with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MSc Mechanical Engineering | 4,500 | 3.9 lakh | BE Mechanical with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MA Social Sciences | 3,630 | 3.2 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MEd Education | 3,800 | 3.3 lakh | Bachelor’s in Education with 55% (recommended) |
| MSc Public Health | 5,200 | 4.6 lakh | Bachelor’s in health sciences with 55% (recommended) |
| MA Arts and Humanities | 3,630 | 3.2 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
USM Popular UG Courses and Fees 2027
Undergraduate programmes at USM run three to five years, with Health Campus tracks at the upper duration. Fees below are total programme costs.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) | 18,750 | 16.4 lakh | Class 12 with 80% in PCB (recommended) |
| BE Civil Engineering | 12,500 | 10.9 lakh | Class 12 with 70% in PCM (recommended) |
| BE Chemical Engineering | 12,500 | 10.9 lakh | Class 12 with 70% in PCM (recommended) |
| BSc Computer Science | 9,800 | 8.6 lakh | Class 12 with 70% including Mathematics (recommended) |
| MBBS Medical Sciences | 18,750 | 16.4 lakh | Class 12 with 85% in PCB (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants disproportionately cluster into BPharm and BE Chemical tracks because the Malaysian Pharmacy Board recognition transfers directly to GCC pharma roles, and Penang’s chemical belt hosts BASF and Lam Research plants that hire USM graduates.
Read More: USM Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Universiti Sains Malaysia Admission 2027
USM admission for Indian applicants runs through the Institute of Postgraduate Studies portal for master’s tracks and the online undergraduate portal for bachelor’s tracks. February and September intakes both accept Indian applications.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| February 2027 intake deadline | Expected September 2026 (based on prior cycle) | Closing soon; confirm at the IPS portal |
| September 2027 intake opens | Expected November 2026 on a rolling basis, close March 2027 | Primary intake with the widest programme choice |
| EMGS student pass application | Start 8 weeks before travel | USM lodges the visa through Education Malaysia Global Services |
| Programme start (September intake) | September 2027 | Orientation runs in the week before classes |
Planning note: Indian applicants should book WES or IQAS credential verification 10 weeks before the deadline because the Malaysian Qualifications Agency reviews the assessment before USM issues an offer letter.
Read More: USM Admissions Guide for Indian Students
USM Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
USM sets Indian-scale thresholds for both academic and English criteria, with credential verification through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
PG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); MBA requires 2 years work experience
- English: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT 60, or MUET Band 4 — verify at usm.my
- Credential verification: WES or IQAS report submitted with the application
- Programme-specific: MSc Pharmacy requires a BPharm from a recognised institution; MSc Computer Science accepts BCA, BSc IT, or BE CSE
UG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Class 12 CBSE or ISC with 70% overall for engineering and computing; 80% in PCB for BPharm; 85% in PCB for MBBS (recommended)
- English: IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 46 — verify at usm.my
- Standardised tests: Not required for most programmes; MBBS applicants sit an internal interview
Key insight: Indian applicants with an English-medium Class 12 transcript can request an IELTS waiver by submitting a Medium of Instruction letter from their school, but the waiver is granted case-by-case for BPharm and MBBS.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Acceptance Rate 2027
USM does not publish an official acceptance rate. Third-party observations place the international acceptance rate at 40% (estimated), with high selectivity for MBBS, BPharm, and MBA and higher intake volume for engineering and social sciences.
Acceptance depends heavily on programme demand and the strength of the Indian applicant’s academic profile. Bachelor of Pharmacy and MBBS remain the tightest gates.
Reality check: Indian applicants with Class 12 above 85% and IELTS 6.5 report strong success rates for engineering and computing; MBBS admits typically show 90%+ in PCB.
Read More: Top Universities in Malaysia
USM Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual outlay for an Indian student at USM sits between USD 5,000 and USD 10,500 per year (INR 4.4 to 9.2 lakh), combining tuition and living costs in Penang.
USM Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
USM charges per programme, and tuition below is the total programme cost split by level.
| Level | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (3-5 years) | 8,570 to 18,750 | 7.5 to 16.4 lakh |
| Postgraduate (1.5-2 years) | 3,630 to 9,600 | 3.2 to 8.4 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in Penang for Indian Students
Penang is one of Malaysia’s most affordable large cities. Figures below are city averages for a single postgraduate student sharing accommodation.
| Expense | Monthly (MYR) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared, off-campus) | 700 to 1,200 | 13,900 to 23,800 |
| Food and groceries | 500 to 800 | 9,900 to 15,900 |
| Transportation (Rapid Penang bus) | 100 to 150 | 1,985 to 2,978 |
| Books and study materials | 100 | 1,985 |
| Personal and utilities | 200 to 300 | 3,970 to 5,955 |
| Total monthly | 1,600 to 2,550 | 31,760 to 50,618 |
| Total annual | 19,200 to 30,600 | 3.8 to 6.1 lakh |
[Source: Numbeo Penang cost estimate 2026]
Insider note: On-campus USM hostels at Minden charge only MYR 250 to MYR 400 per month (INR 4,960 to INR 7,940), cutting the accommodation line by more than half for students who secure a room in the first-year lottery.
Read More: Study in Malaysia Guide for Indian Students
Universiti Sains Malaysia Campus, Facilities and Student Life
USM operates three campuses: the flagship Minden campus in George Town, the Engineering Campus at Nibong Tebal, and the Health Campus at Kubang Kerian in Kelantan.
- Location and transport: Minden sits 10 km from George Town centre, connected by Rapid Penang bus routes 302 and 304
- Housing: 12 residential colleges on Minden; first-year international undergraduates guaranteed on-campus placement
- Notable facility: Hamzah Sendut Library holds over 1.4 million volumes and 24-hour study zones
- Indian community: Active USM Indian Students Association, Deepavali celebrations, and dedicated vegetarian food outlets at Cafeteria Aman Damai
- Research strength: Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, National Poison Centre, and USM Fabrication Facility
What Indian students say: Indian students note that Penang’s street food scene keeps monthly food spend low and that the on-campus health clinic covers routine care without added cost. Bengaluru and Chennai applicants highlight the direct AirAsia flight into Penang International as a decisive factor.
USM Scholarships 2027
USM channels international student funding through Malaysian government schemes rather than one central university scholarship page. Two named programmes are consistently available for Indian applicants.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) | Government-funded | Full tuition + MYR 1,500/month (INR 29,800) | Master’s and PhD applicants with CGPA 3.5/4.0 | Verify at mohe.gov.my |
| USM Fellowship Scheme | Research-linked | Partial tuition waiver + monthly stipend | PhD applicants with a confirmed supervisor | Rolling |
Planning note: The MIS scholarship is nationally competitive with under 200 awards each year across all Malaysian public universities, so Indian applicants should treat it as a bonus rather than a primary funding plan.
Read More: Study in Malaysia Scholarships Overview
Universiti Sains Malaysia Rankings 2027
USM’s strongest ranking is its QS World Rank of #128 in 2027, a rise of 6 places over 2026 and 19 places over the past five editions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: #128 | 2026: #134 | 2025: #146 |
| THE World | 2026: #401-500 | NA | NA |
| US News Global | 2025-2026: #378 | NA | NA |
| ARWU Shanghai | 2025: #701-800 | 2024: #601-700 | 2023: #601-700 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad | #362 | NA | NA |
USM ranks #87 for Pharmacy in QS Subject 2025 and holds THE World Impact 2025 rank #14 overall, with #1 finishes on SDG 1, SDG 16, and SDG 17. Collegedunia Study Abroad ranks USM #116 for Computer Science and #139 for Engineering.
[Source: QS, THE, US News, ARWU, Collegedunia Study Abroad]
Key insight: USM’s QS World rank under #150 keeps it inside the World Grade tier used by Australian and UK employers for degree recognition, and it clears the QS 200 threshold that many Indian public sector recruiters apply.
Read More: USM Rankings Analysis
USM Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
USM reports an overall graduate employment rate of 82% within six months of graduation across all schools, with the Health Campus and Engineering Campus posting the strongest outcomes.
- Employment within 6 months: 82% overall (USM Graduate Tracer Study)
- Median starting salary (Malaysia): MYR 3,500 to MYR 5,000/month (INR 69,500 to INR 99,300/month) — market median
- MBA median post-degree salary: MYR 6,500/month (INR 1.3 lakh/month) — market median
- Representative sectors: Pharmaceuticals, semiconductor manufacturing, IT services, public health, and academic research
- Careers support: USM Career Centre runs annual on-campus recruitment fairs, industry mentoring, and internship placement in Penang’s Free Industrial Zone
- Post-study work: Indian graduates qualify for the Malaysian Employment Pass tied to a job offer of MYR 5,000/month or higher
Insider note: Indian BPharm graduates from USM are eligible to write the Malaysian Pharmacy Board exam and, with 12 months of supervised practice, gain a licence recognised across ASEAN — a pathway that funnels several dozen Indian graduates each year into Singapore and UAE roles.
Universiti Sains Malaysia vs Peer Universities
USM sits in the second tier of Malaysian public universities, behind Universiti Malaya, and benchmarks well against comparable public research universities in Asia.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Collegedunia Study Abroad 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD/INR) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universiti Sains Malaysia | #128 | #362 | 2,300 / INR 2.0 lakh | Pharmacy and sustainability strength |
| Universiti Malaya | #56 | NA | 3,500 / INR 3.1 lakh | Malaysia’s flagship, oldest public university |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | #138 (estimated) | NA | 2,400 / INR 2.1 lakh | Bahasa-medium heritage, Klang Valley base |
| IIT Delhi (India) | #118 | NA | 3,000 / INR 2.6 lakh | Domestic option with stronger placement salary |
USM stands out for its Pharmacy programme, its top-15 THE Impact ranking, and Penang living costs at half the level of Kuala Lumpur or Delhi metro rates. Its QS trajectory has climbed 19 places in five years while ARWU has held steady in the top 800 globally.
Universiti Sains Malaysia fits Indian students who want a globally ranked English-medium degree in pharmacy, engineering, or sustainability sciences without the fee load of Australia or the UK. Total two-year investment sits near INR 8 lakh against a median Malaysian starting salary of INR 89,000 per month, an ROI window most Indian applicants recover within four years. The Malaysian post-study work visa extends to ASEAN mobility.
USM is not the right fit for applicants targeting Silicon Valley recruitment pipelines or premium MBA branding, where Universiti Malaya or Nanyang carry stronger employer recognition. Applicants with that goal should compare against MBA universities in Malaysia with tier-one global rankings.
Universiti Sains Malaysia FAQs
Ques. Does Universiti Sains Malaysia offer any joint or twinning degrees?
Ans. Yes, USM operates twinning arrangements with universities in Australia, the UK, and Japan, primarily at the engineering and business schools. Students spend two years at USM and complete the final year at the partner institution. Indian applicants should confirm partner recognition with AICTE before enrolling, and note that twinning fees run higher than the standard USM tuition band.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at USM?
Ans. Yes, international students holding a valid student pass may work up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks and long holidays at approved outlets such as restaurants, petrol stations, and hotels. Work during teaching weeks is not permitted. Students must apply for a work endorsement through EMGS before starting any employment, and the pay usually sits between MYR 8 and MYR 15 per hour.
Ques. How does USM handle IELTS waivers for Indian applicants?
Ans. USM grants IELTS waivers case-by-case for applicants who studied Class 12 in an English-medium school. Applicants must submit a Medium of Instruction letter from the principal along with the academic transcript. BPharm and MBBS routes rarely receive waivers because the Malaysian Pharmacy Board and Medical Council require test evidence. Applicants targeting these programmes should sit IELTS regardless.
Ques. What is the application fee for USM postgraduate programmes?
Ans. The application fee is MYR 250 (INR 4,960) for international postgraduate applicants and MYR 200 (INR 3,970) for undergraduate applicants, paid online at the USM portal. The fee is non-refundable and not waived even if the application is declined. Applicants can pay by international debit or credit card, and the receipt must be uploaded with the application form.
Ques. Which Indian banks fund education loans for USM students?
Ans. State Bank of India, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, and Avanse recognise USM under their approved overseas institution list, offering education loans up to INR 40 lakh without collateral for postgraduate programmes. UG programmes typically require collateral above INR 7.5 lakh. Applicants should submit the offer letter, fee structure, and I-20 equivalent (offer + EMGS approval) with the loan file.
Ques. Are dependent visas available for USM international students?
Ans. Yes, USM postgraduate students may bring a spouse and children on a Dependent Pass linked to the student pass. Applicants must show financial proof of at least MYR 30,000 (INR 5.95 lakh) per year per dependent through EMGS. Undergraduate students are not permitted to sponsor dependants. Processing runs in parallel with the student pass and takes 8 to 10 weeks.
Ques. How does credential verification work for USM Indian applicants?
Ans. USM requires transcripts to be verified by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, which accepts WES or IQAS assessments from Indian applicants. Documents must be issued by the university and sent directly to the assessment agency. Applicants should also arrange apostille through the Ministry of External Affairs for the mark sheet and provisional certificate. Verification runs 6 to 10 weeks and must complete before offer issuance.
Ques. What is the refund policy at USM if I withdraw before starting?
Ans. USM refunds the tuition deposit minus a MYR 500 (INR 9,925) administrative fee if the withdrawal request is filed at least 30 days before the intake start date. The EMGS visa processing fee of MYR 2,000 (INR 39,700) is non-refundable once the student pass is issued. Refund requests filed after classes begin receive no refund, and applicants should factor this into deposit timing.
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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 |
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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.