Applying to the University of Malaya? See UM's QS 2027 ranking, entry and English requirements, official international fees, September and February deadlines, and application steps for Bangladeshi students.
The University of Malaya (Universiti Malaya, or UM) is Malaysia's highest-ranked university and a popular goal for Bangladeshi students who want a respected public university degree in Kuala Lumpur. UM rose to 56th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, its best-ever position, and admits international undergraduates twice a year for its September and February intakes.
When assessing the University of Malaya for Bangladeshi students, the key points are clear entry rules (at least 12 years of schooling, such as HSC, plus English proof like IELTS 5.0 or above), competitive admission, and fees that vary widely by programme. This guide explains UM's programmes, admission requirements, official fees, application steps, deadlines and practical tips for Bangladeshi applicants, using UM's own published information.
Key Takeaways
UM ranked 56th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, according to the university.
International undergraduate intakes are September (Semester I) and February (Semester II), with application deadlines of 17 June and 11 November respectively.
Applicants need at least 12 years of schooling (such as HSC, A Level or equivalent) or a recognised diploma with a CGPA of 3.00 or above.
General English requirement: IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 60, MUET Band 3, PTE 41 or Cambridge O/A Level English grade C, with higher scores for some programmes.
One RM 300 application fee covers up to three programme choices.
Official fee examples include RM 77,100 for Business Administration and RM 673,200 for MBBS, based on UM's minimum study period.
Why Consider the University of Malaya?
Malaysia's top-ranked university: UM announced that it rose from 58th to 56th in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
Long academic history: UM is widely recognised as Malaysia's oldest university, with roots going back to the early 20th century.
Wide choice of programmes: Faculties cover engineering, computer science, business and economics, science, medicine and health sciences, law, social sciences, education and more.
Location in Kuala Lumpur: Access to the capital's jobs, internships, transport and international community.
English-taught study: Most programmes are taught in English.
To compare UM with other leading research universities, see our guide to public universities in Malaysia.
Popular Programmes for Bangladeshi Students
Computer Science and IT: Including specialisations such as artificial intelligence
Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical and other disciplines
Business, Accounting and Economics
Science: Mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology
Medicine and Dentistry: Highly competitive and expensive for international students
Postgraduate research: Master's and PhD programmes across faculties
UM Admission Requirements for International Undergraduates
According to UM's undergraduate international admission FAQ:
Academic qualifications
Completion of at least 12 years of study, with qualifications such as STPM, A Level, IB, high school, Grade 12 or equivalent, or
A diploma recognised by the university with a CGPA of at least 3.00
For Bangladeshi students, the HSC (12 years of schooling) is the usual route, and A Level students may also apply. Programme-specific subject and grade requirements apply, and entry is competitive, so strong results matter.
English requirements
UM's general English requirement can be met with one of the following:
IELTS (Academic) 5.0 or above
TOEFL iBT 60 or above
MUET Band 3 or above
PTE Academic 41 or above
Grade C or above in Cambridge O Level or A Level English
Grade C or above in Cambridge First (FCE)
Some faculties, including medicine, science, engineering, business and accountancy, education, dentistry, and languages and linguistics, require higher scores. If you do not have IELTS, read our guide to studying in Malaysia without IELTS.
Intakes and Application Deadlines
UM's FAQ lists two intakes for international undergraduates:
Semester I (September intake): application deadline 17 June
Semester II (February intake): application deadline 11 November
UM says applications are processed by the relevant faculties within 4–8 weeks. Dates can change each year, so check the official UM admissions pages before applying.
University of Malaya Fees for International Students
UM's international undergraduate fee structure (2025/2026, updated October 2025) states that fees are based on the minimum or common period of study. Examples:
Bachelor of Business Administration: RM 77,100
Bachelor of Economics: RM 77,100
Bachelor of Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence): RM 89,200
Bachelor of Accounting: RM 99,100
Bachelor of Civil Engineering: RM 132,100
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): RM 673,200
Bachelor of Dentistry: RM 655,000
UM notes that fees are charged subject to registration each semester. Confirm with UM whether a quoted figure is the full-programme total and what other fees apply for your intake.
Also budget for the RM 300 application fee, EMGS visa costs, insurance, accommodation and living expenses. Our guides to the cost of studying in Malaysia and student accommodation in Malaysia can help you plan.
How to Apply to the University of Malaya: Step by Step
Choose up to three programmes: UM allows up to three programme choices for a single RM 300 application fee.
Check programme requirements: Review subject, grade and English requirements for each programme.
Prepare documents: Passport, SSC and HSC (or A Level) certificates and transcripts, English test results and any programme-specific documents.
Apply online: Submit your application through UM's official e-application system and pay the application fee (UM lists FPX, credit or debit card and Flywire as payment options).
Wait for faculty review: Faculties process applications within about 4–8 weeks.
Accept your offer: Review conditions, fees and registration dates.
Student Pass through EMGS: UM applies for your Student Pass. Education Malaysia states a client charter of 14 working days for a complete application. See our Malaysia student visa guide.
Travel and register: Arrive after visa approval, complete post-arrival medical screening and register at UM.
For more on the HSC route, read our guide to a bachelor in Malaysia from Bangladesh after HSC.
Postgraduate Study at UM
UM also offers master's and PhD programmes. Postgraduate applicants usually need a relevant degree, English proof and, for research degrees, a proposal and supervisor. Postgraduate students at public universities such as UM may be eligible to apply for the Malaysia International Scholarship. See our guides to a PhD in Malaysia and Malaysia scholarships for Bangladeshi students.
Is UM the Right Choice for You?
UM may suit you if you:
Have strong HSC or A Level results
Want a highly ranked public university in Kuala Lumpur
Can meet programme-specific English requirements
Can plan for the full programme cost, especially for medicine or dentistry
Consider alternatives if you:
Need more flexible entry or more intakes
Want a lower-cost programme in a specific field
Prefer a smaller campus environment
For a broader comparison, see our guide to the top universities in Malaysia for Bangladeshi students.
Student Life at UM
Campus: A large campus in Kuala Lumpur with libraries, sports facilities and residential colleges.
Housing: Ask UM about residential college availability for international students early.
Food and culture: Halal food is widely available, and Kuala Lumpur has a diverse international community.
Part-time work: Limited to 20 hours a week and requires Immigration Department approval through your university. Rules on when you can work are worded differently in official sources, so check with UM.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the 17 June or 11 November application deadlines.
Applying without checking programme-specific English and subject requirements.
Comparing UM fees without checking whether they cover the full programme.
Using all three programme choices on programmes you do not qualify for.
Travelling before your EMGS visa approval.
Paying agents who promise guaranteed UM admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bangladeshi students apply to the University of Malaya?
Yes. UM accepts international undergraduates with at least 12 years of schooling, such as HSC or A Level, who meet programme and English requirements.
What is the University of Malaya ranking?
UM ranked 56th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, its highest-ever position, according to the university.
What IELTS score do I need for UM?
The general requirement is IELTS 5.0, but some faculties, such as medicine, engineering and business, require higher scores.
What are the UM application deadlines?
For international undergraduates, UM lists 17 June for the September intake and 11 November for the February intake.
How much does it cost to study at UM?
It depends on the programme. UM's fee structure lists, for example, RM 77,100 for Business Administration, RM 89,200 for Computer Science (AI) and RM 673,200 for MBBS, based on the minimum study period.
What is the UM application fee?
RM 300, which covers up to three programme choices.
Does UM offer scholarships for international students?
Undergraduate scholarships for international students are limited. Postgraduate students may apply for the Malaysia International Scholarship. Check UM's official scholarship information.
Apply to UM with Southern Trip Limited
Getting into the University of Malaya requires strong results, careful programme choices and on-time applications. Southern Trip Limited helps Bangladeshi students check eligibility, prepare documents, apply before deadlines and manage EMGS visa steps. Explore our guide to studying in Malaysia from Bangladesh.
Admission and visa decisions are made by UM and Malaysian authorities, so no consultancy can guarantee them. Book a free counselling session to plan your University of Malaya application.
Rankings, fees, deadlines and requirements in this article were checked against official University of Malaya sources in September 2026 and may change. Always confirm current details with UM.
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