University of Malaya

University of Malaya (UM) is a public research university located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is the oldest and most prestigious university in Malaysia.

The University of Malaya (UM) was founded in 1949 as the merger of King Edward VII College of Medicine and Raffles College, both located in Singapore. In 1959, UM moved to its current location in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. UM became a fully autonomous university in 1962 and the national university of Malaysia in 1970.

Today, UM is ranked as one of the top universities in Asia and the world. It is a leading center of research and scholarship, with over 17,000 students and 3,000 faculty members. UM offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, law, business, arts, and sciences.

UM has played a significant role in the development of Malaysia. Many of the country's leaders and professionals have graduated from UM. UM has also been at the forefront of research on Malaysian history, culture, and society.

In recent years, UM has expanded its international reach. It has partnered with universities around the world to offer joint degree programs and student exchange programs. UM has also established research centers in collaboration with international partners.

UM is committed to excellence in teaching and research. It is a vibrant and diverse community of scholars and students from all over the world. UM is a proud symbol of Malaysia's academic excellence and its commitment to global collaboration.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, University of Malaya is positioned as the #60 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Malaysia. The university's global rank is improved by 5 points from last year.

University Profile

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Ranking	2026 #58 2025 #1
University Name	University of Malaya
Name in Local Language	Universiti Malaya
Acronym	UM
Year Established	1905
Motto	Ilmu Punca Kemajuan
Motto in English	Knowledge is the Key to Success
Governing Type	Public
Student Body	Co-education
Highest Degree	Doctorate
Campus Type	Urban
Colors	Red, gold and blue

Location

The university is located in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor. Find the address and map of the university below.

Address	Pantai Valley, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia

Contact

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Phone	+60 (3) 7967 7022
Website
Email	Click here to send email
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Admission Info

Admission to UM requires applicants to meet specific academic qualifications, including high school diplomas or equivalent certifications for undergraduate programs and relevant bachelor's degrees for postgraduate studies. International students must demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Applications are typically submitted online with required documents such as transcripts and personal statements.

Accepts International Students	Yes

Scholarship and Financial Aids

UM provides numerous scholarships and financial aid options, including merit-based awards and need-based assistance. International students may apply for the prestigious Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) or other funding opportunities directly from the university to support their studies.

Programs and Courses

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	Bachelor's Degrees	Master's Degrees	Doctorate Degrees	Diplomas
Arts & Humanities				n/a
Business & Social Sciences				n/a
Engineering				n/a
Language & Cultural Studies				n/a
Medicine & Health				n/a
Science & Technology				n/a

Click on the following button to explore a detailed list of programs and courses of this institute.

View Course List

Global Ranking History

The following chart shows how the global ranking of this university has changed over the last 6 years.

Stay informed with the following articles related to the university or higher education in Malaysia.

Malaysia is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and warm and welcoming culture. There are also many scholarships available to international students, making it possible to study in Malaysia without breaking the bank. This article provides a guide to scholarships in Malaysia for international students. It covers government scholarships, university scholarships, and other financial aid options. [Read More]

The University and College Admissions System (UPU) Online program is an initiative introduced by the Malaysian government to simplify the process of applying for higher education institutions in Malaysia. This program provides a centralized platform for students to apply for undergraduate courses in local universities and colleges. Learn how UPU Online helps students and what they need to consider before applying. [Read More]

Irrespective of what you are studying, or the duration of your degree, you will gain lots of facilities in your chosen institution. This includes an extensive library, convenience stores, 24- hour computer access, state-of-the-art laboratories, a sports complex, a fitness center, a café, a bookshop, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a health center, a student Association complex, and so on. [Read More]

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