Here's A List Of Malaysia's Top 10 Public Universities, According To World Rankings
In case you're thinking of where to apply to.
By Kamini Muniandy — 27 May 2025, 04:33 PM
Malaysia's public universities have long been pillars of academic excellence in Southeast Asia
Whether you're aiming for engineering, medicine, or the arts, these institutions offer diverse programmes at affordable rates. Choosing the right university is a big decision, and understanding the entry requirements can help you set realistic goals.
Here's a breakdown of the top 10 public universities in Malaysia for 2025 based on QS World University Rankings, along with their general entry requirements.
Keep in mind that specific courses may have additional requirements.
1. Universiti Malaya (UM)
As Malaysia's oldest university, UM continues to lead in academic and research excellence. It is ranked 60th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
General Entry Requirements:
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu and Mathematics
- STPM: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with at least Grade C in three subjects
- Matriculation/Foundation: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
UKM, or the National University of Malaysia, is a research-intensive institution located in Bangi, Selangor. It is ranked 138th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
General Entry Requirements:
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu
- STPM: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with at least Grade C in three subjects
- Matriculation/Foundation: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
3. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
USM, located in Penang, is renowned for its focus on science and research. It's Malaysia's only APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) university. It is ranked 146th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
General Entry Requirements:
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu
- STPM: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with at least Grade C in three subjects
- Matriculation/Foundation: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
4. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Originally established as an agricultural college, UPM has expanded into various fields including engineering and medicine. It's located in Serdang, Selangor. It is ranked 148th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
General Entry Requirements:
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu
- STPM: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with at least Grade C in three subjects
- Matriculation/Foundation: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
5. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
UTM is a leading innovation-driven university specialising in engineering and technology, with campuses in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. It is ranked 181st globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
General Entry Requirements:
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu and Mathematics
- STPM: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with at least Grade C in three subjects
- Matriculation/Foundation: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
Note: Engineering programmes often require credits in Physics and Mathematics.
6. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
UUM, located in Sintok, Kedah, is known for its focus on management education. It is ranked 554th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
General Entry Requirements:
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu
- STPM: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with at least Grade C in three subjects
- Matriculation/Foundation: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
Note: UUM specialises in management and business programmes.
7. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
UiTM is Malaysia's largest institution of higher learning in terms of student enrolment and offers a wide range of programmes across its campuses nationwide. It is ranked 587th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
General Entry Requirements:
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu
- STPM: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with at least Grade C in three subjects
- Matriculation/Foundation: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
Note: UiTM is exclusive to Bumiputera students.
8. Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM/IIUM)
IIUM offers Islamic and international-focused programmes.
General Entry Requirements:
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits including Bahasa Melayu and English
- STPM: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with at least Grade C in three subjects
- Matriculation/Foundation: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
Note: Proficiency in Arabic may be required for certain Islamic studies programmes.
9. Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
UMPSA has improved its position from the previous year, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.
General Entry Requirements:
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits, including Bahasa Melayu and Mathematics
- STPM: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with at least Grade C in relevant subjects such as Mathematics T, Chemistry, and Physics or Biology
- Matriculation/Foundation: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with passes in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics or Biology
Note: Specific programmes, especially in engineering and technology, may have additional requirements, such as a credit in Physics at the SPM level if not taken during STPM or Matriculation.
10. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
UPSI is renowned for its focus on education and teacher training programmes.
General Entry Requirements:
- SPM: Pass with credit in Bahasa Melayu or Bahasa Malaysia
- STPM: Minimum CGPA of 2.00 with at least Grade C in three subjects
- Matriculation/Foundation: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
Note: Certain programmes, such as the Bachelor of Education (Teaching of English as a Second Language), may require higher qualifications, including a minimum CGPA of 3.00, a Grade A in SPM English, and a minimum Band 4.0 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET).
