Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (马来西亚国立大学) | International Student Guide: 2026 Programs, Entry Requirements, Costs and Application Support — Ranking, Fees, Admission
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If you are an international student researching study options in Southeast Asia, this Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia international student guide brings together what you need to know about programmes, entry paths, and the application process. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (马来西亚国立大学) is a public research university established on 18 May 1970, with its main campus located in Bangi and additional campuses in Kuala Lumpur and Cheras. The institution operates across 14 faculties, 13 research institutes, and two teaching hospitals, offering undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in fields ranging from medicine and law to engineering and information science. UNILINK is suitable for providing application information and support based on your background, and this guide explains how to approach the admission requirements, fee structures, and programme choices that matter for your decision.
UNILINK provides application information and support based on the applicant’s background, drawing on publicly available official sources. This does not constitute an admission or visa promise. If you submit an enquiry, the team aims to contact you within one business day to discuss your options.
Institution Profile and Campus Setting
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia was founded with an initial structure of three faculties: Science, Arts, and Islamic Studies. The first graduating cohort numbered 192 students. Today the university has expanded considerably, operating 14 faculties and 13 research institutes alongside two teaching hospitals. As of its 49th anniversary, UKM had produced 204,857 graduates.
The main campus in Bangi covers 1,096.29 hectares and has been in operation since 1977. The campus is characterised by green surroundings and red-brick architecture. A second campus on Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz in Kuala Lumpur occupies 22 hectares, while the Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), and the UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI) are situated on a 22.3-hectare site in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
UKM was selected as one of Malaysia’s research universities in 2006. The university also operates a commercial entity, UKM Holdings Sdn. Bhd., which supports its broader institutional activities.
Programmes and Fields of Study
Undergraduate programmes at UKM are offered across a broad set of faculties. These include the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, and Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment. The Citra University Learning Centre additionally provides a Bachelor of Liberal Studies.
At the postgraduate level, UKM offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Judiciary and Legal Practice. Further postgraduate qualifications are available across the university’s faculties and institutes, though specific programme titles, durations, and entry criteria should be confirmed on the current official UKM pages or through direct enquiry with the university’s academic management centre.
Technology and Industry-Linked Initiatives
UKM has developed several industry partnerships that may be relevant for students interested in cybersecurity and embedded systems. In June 2026, the university announced it had become the first institution in ASEAN to integrate the QNX Everywhere programme. QNX Everywhere will be offered as an elective course starting from late 2026, and UKM students can access the QNX Software Development Platform 8.0 at no cost.
Earlier, in May 2026, UKM and BlackBerry jointly launched the Cyber Pathways professional cybersecurity certification programme. These initiatives sit alongside the MySISWA Job on Campus project, which provides on-campus work opportunities for students.
For international applicants considering programmes in computing, engineering, or information security, these developments indicate active links between UKM’s curriculum and industry tools. Whether specific courses carry prerequisites or enrolment limits for international students is a matter to verify with the relevant faculty.
Entry Requirements and Application Considerations
Entry requirements for international students at UKM vary by programme and level of study. The university’s undergraduate faculties set their own criteria, and applicants should consult the latest official admission pages for the specific faculty they are targeting. General expectations typically include recognised secondary school qualifications equivalent to the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) or equivalent pre-university certifications recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
For postgraduate programmes, applicants generally need a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. The Postgraduate Diploma in Islamic Judiciary and Legal Practice, for example, has its own entry pathway that prospective students should confirm directly with UKM’s academic management centre.
English language proficiency requirements are common for international applicants, though the exact scores, accepted tests, and any exemptions depend on the programme. Because requirements can change between intake periods, the safest approach is to check the faculty page for your chosen programme or contact UKM International (UKMShape) for current guidance.
UNILINK can help you understand the general framework of UKM’s requirements and prepare your application documents. For a more detailed look at how different study pathways compare, see our pathway comparison. If you are ready to start assembling your materials, the application guide walks through the typical steps.
Fees, Costs, and Financial Planning
Tuition fees at UKM differ by programme, level of study, and nationality status. The university does not publish a single consolidated fee table that applies uniformly to all international students across all faculties. Instead, fees are set per programme and are subject to periodic revision.
Prospective international students should budget for tuition fees, living expenses in Bangi or Kuala Lumpur, health insurance, and administrative charges such as visa processing and personal bond fees. The cost of living in the Bangi area is generally lower than in central Kuala Lumpur, though students based at the Cheras or Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz campuses should account for urban living costs.
Since fee structures and payment schedules can be updated without notice, the most reliable figures will come from the official UKM website or the UKMShape international office. UNILINK does not set or guarantee fee amounts, but we can point you to the official sources and help you understand the cost breakdown as part of your planning.
Application Support and Next Steps
Putting together an international application involves more than filling out a form. You will typically need certified academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, a copy of your passport, and sometimes a statement of purpose or references. Document requirements and submission deadlines vary by faculty and intake.
If you need help preparing certified translations or organising your supporting documents, our document service guide explains what to expect. Once your application is submitted, tracking follow-up communications and responding to requests from the university is important; our follow-up commitment page outlines how UNILINK supports you through that stage.
For background on who we are and how we work with international applicants, visit the about page.
FAQ
Q1: What is the medium of instruction at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia?
The medium of instruction varies by programme. Many programmes, particularly in science, technology, and medicine, are conducted in English. Some programmes in Islamic studies, law, and social sciences may use Malay as the primary language of instruction. International applicants should confirm the language of instruction for their specific programme on the relevant faculty page before applying.
Q2: Does UKM offer on-campus accommodation for international students?
UKM provides residential colleges on or near the Bangi campus. Availability for international students depends on the intake period and demand. Students based at the Kuala Lumpur or Cheras campuses may need to explore private accommodation nearby. It is advisable to contact UKM’s housing office or UKMShape early to understand the options and application process for your intake.
Q3: Can international students work while studying at UKM?
UKM operates the MySISWA Job on Campus programme, which provides on-campus work opportunities for students. International students should also be aware of Malaysian immigration regulations regarding student employment, which typically permit limited part-time work during semester breaks or under specific conditions. Always check the current terms of your student pass before accepting any employment.
Q4: How do I apply for the Cyber Pathways cybersecurity certification as an international student?
The Cyber Pathways programme was launched by UKM and BlackBerry in May 2026 as a professional certification. Whether it is open to international applicants, and what prerequisites apply, should be confirmed directly with UKM or the faculty administering the programme. The same applies to the QNX Everywhere elective course, which begins from late 2026.
Q5: What support does UKMShape provide for international applicants?
UKMShape, the university’s international arm, handles enquiries from international students regarding admissions, visas, and pre-arrival information. The office is located at Bangunan Wawasan and can be reached by telephone. UKMShape is the primary point of contact for prospective international students seeking official guidance on application procedures and entry requirements.
信息来源
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – Welcome page (核验日期: 2026-07-20)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – About UKM page (核验日期: 2026-07-20)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – Undergraduate page (核验日期: 2026-07-20)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – Postgraduate-Diploma page (核验日期: 2026-07-20)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – Berita UKM: QNX Everywhere and BlackBerry announcement (核验日期: 2026-07-20)
Last updated: July 2026. Programmes, fees and entry requirements are subject to the institution’s current official pages and offer documentation.