Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) — For International Students 2026
USM, founded in 1969 in Penang, is Malaysia's second-oldest university and one of five apex Research Universities. Ranked #301–350 globally (QS 2026), USM is Malaysia's leading institution for health sciences, pharmacy, and biomedical sciences — operating USM Hospital (HUSM) in Kelantan as a full-service teaching hospital. Penang's cosmopolitan island setting offers an exceptional international student experience.
Free Visa Assistance · No Hidden Fees · Full Support
Key Benefits for International Students
Public Research University · Penang (+ Kelantan & Nibong Tebal campuses) · 1969 · 29,000+ Students · #301–350 QS 2026
Malaysia's Premier Health Sciences & Pharmacy University
USM is consistently ranked as Malaysia's top institution for health sciences, pharmacy, and biomedical research — providing a research-led environment with direct clinical exposure through HUSM teaching hospital.
Island Campus in UNESCO Heritage City of Penang
The main campus is located on Penang island — a UNESCO World Heritage City known for its multicultural heritage, vibrant food scene, and exceptional quality of life. One of Malaysia's most sought-after student locations.
Apex Research University with 100+ Academic Programmes
USM holds elite 'Apex' status among Malaysia's research universities, with 100+ programmes spanning health sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities — all underpinned by world-class research output.
Strong International Community & English-Medium Programmes
USM welcomes over 5,000 international students and has developed a strong selection of English-medium programmes, particularly at postgraduate level in health sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
Programmes & Fees
Fees are calculated from USM's official per-semester international rates (admission.usm.my) — converted to total programme cost. Campus shown next to each programme: Main (Penang), Nibong Tebal (Engineering), Kubang Kerian (Health Sciences). Doctor of Medicine totals USD 137,500 (~RM 646,250) across 10 semesters.
| Bachelor of Science in Education (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Education | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Education — TESOL (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Education | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Music (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Arts | 4 years | RM 58,750 |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts — Acting & Directing (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Arts | 4 years | RM 58,750 |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphics Communication (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Arts | 4 years | RM 58,750 |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts in Product Design (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Arts | 4 years | RM 58,750 |
| Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Architecture | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Architecture | 4 years | RM 117,500 |
| Bachelor of Science in Architecture (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Architecture | 5 years | RM 146,875 |
| Bachelor of Urban & Regional Planning (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Architecture | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor in Building Surveying (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Architecture | 4 years | RM 72,512 |
| Bachelor of Science in Construction Project Management (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Architecture | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Building Engineering Technology (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Architecture | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Translation & Interpretation (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Arts | 3.5 years | RM 51,406 |
| Bachelor of Arts — Malay Linguistics (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Arts | 3.5 years | RM 51,406 |
| Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature Studies (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Arts | 3.5 years | RM 51,406 |
| Bachelor of Arts in English for Professionals (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Arts | 3 years | RM 59,925 |
| Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Arts | 3 years | RM 44,062 |
| Bachelor of Economics (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Business | 3 years | RM 52,875 |
| Bachelor of Communication (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Arts | 4 years | RM 94,000 |
| Bachelor of Accounting (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Business | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Management (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Business | 3.5 years | RM 75,200 |
| Bachelor of Applied Science — Applied Biology (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Science — Biology (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Environmental Technology (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 70,500 |
| Bachelor of Food Technology (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 70,500 |
| Bachelor of Bioresource Technology (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 70,500 |
| Bachelor of Bioprocess Engineering Technology (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 70,500 |
| Bachelor of Science in Physics (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Applied Science in Geophysics (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Applied Science in Medical Physics (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Applied Science in Analytical Chemistry (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Chemistry (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Applied Science — Mathematics & Economics (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Science — Mathematics (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Applied Science — Applied Statistics (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Science | 4 years | RM 64,625 |
| Bachelor of Computer Science — Intelligent Computing / Infrastructure (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Computing | 4 years | RM 70,500 |
| Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Main (Penang) | Degree | Computing | 4 years | RM 70,500 |
| Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering with Management (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Electronic Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 105,750 |
| Bachelor of Mineral Resources Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Polymer Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Materials Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 103,400 |
| Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons.) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Degree | Engineering | 4 years | RM 84,600 |
| Bachelor in Biomedical Science (Hons.) 📍 Kubang Kerian | Degree | Medicine | 4 years | RM 79,900 |
| Bachelor in Medical Radiation (Hons.) 📍 Kubang Kerian | Degree | Medicine | 4 years | RM 79,900 |
| Bachelor in Nutrition (Hons.) 📍 Kubang Kerian | Degree | Medicine | 4 years | RM 79,900 |
| Bachelor of Health Science — Exercise & Sport Science (Hons.) 📍 Kubang Kerian | Degree | Medicine | 4 years | RM 79,900 |
| Bachelor in Environmental & Occupational Health (Hons.) 📍 Kubang Kerian | Degree | Medicine | 4 years | RM 79,900 |
| Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science (Hons.) 📍 Kubang Kerian | Degree | Medicine | 4 years | RM 79,900 |
| Doctor of Medicine (MD) 📍 Kubang Kerian | Degree | Medicine | 5 years | RM 646,250 |
| Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) 📍 Kubang Kerian | Degree | Medicine | 5 years | RM 528,750 |
| Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) 📍 Multiple | Postgraduate | Business | 3.5–5 years | RM 76,140 |
| Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) 📍 Multiple | Postgraduate | Medicine | 3–5 years | RM 169,200 |
| Doctor of Neuroscience 📍 Kubang Kerian | Postgraduate | Medicine | 3–5 years | RM 169,200 |
| Master of Computer Science 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Computing | 2 years | RM 37,600 |
| Master of Communication 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Arts | 2 years | RM 40,420 |
| Master of Arts (Education) — Multiple Specialisations 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Education | 2 years | RM 31,960 |
| Master in Biomedical Science 📍 Kubang Kerian | Postgraduate | Medicine | 2 years | RM 42,300 |
| Master of Science in Materials Engineering 📍 Nibong Tebal | Postgraduate | Engineering | 2 years | RM 30,080 |
| Master of Science in Electronic Systems Design Engineering 📍 Nibong Tebal | Postgraduate | Engineering | 2 years | RM 40,420 |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Business | 1.5–2 years | RM 45,120 |
| Master of Business Administration (Online) 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Business | 2 years | RM 56,400 |
| Master of Data Science 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Computing | 2 years | RM 37,600 |
| Master of Science in Cyber Security 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Computing | 2 years | RM 44,415 |
| Master of Architecture 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Architecture | 2 years | RM 42,300 |
| Master of Public Health 📍 Kubang Kerian | Postgraduate | Medicine | 2 years | RM 42,300 |
| Master of Pharmacy in Clinical Pharmacy 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Science | 2 years | RM 34,780 |
| Master of Medicine — Multiple Clinical Specialisations 📍 Kubang Kerian | Postgraduate | Medicine | 4 years | RM 282,000 |
| Master of Pathology — Multiple Specialisations 📍 Kubang Kerian | Postgraduate | Medicine | 4 years | RM 282,000 |
| Master of Surgery — Neurosurgery / Plastic Surgery 📍 Kubang Kerian | Postgraduate | Medicine | 4 years | RM 282,000 |
| PhD / MSc — Biological Sciences (Research) 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Science | 2–5 years | RM 8,460 |
| PhD / MSc — Chemical Engineering (Research) 📍 Nibong Tebal | Postgraduate | Engineering | 2–5 years | RM 8,695 |
| PhD / MSc — Advanced Medical & Dental Sciences (Research) 📍 Kubang Kerian | Postgraduate | Medicine | 2–5 years | RM 11,750 |
| PhD / MSc — Business (Research) 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Business | 2–5 years | RM 7,520 |
| PhD / MA — Fine Arts / Music / Drama (Research) 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Arts | 2–5 years | RM 6,580 |
| PhD — Marine Sciences (Research) 📍 Main (Penang) | Postgraduate | Science | 2–5 years | RM 8,695 |
USM also offers twinning and offshore programmes including Bachelor of Computer Science (USM-UOWM KDU Penang) and the International Medical Programme (USM-KLE, India). Contact us for details on these special pathways.
Fees & Key Dates
Full cost details for international students in Malaysia.
Tuition & Admission Fees
Contact us for an accurate fee breakdown for your specific programme. Consultation is completely free.
Intake Dates & Support
We support you at every step — from programme selection to visa approval. Our service is completely free.
Application Steps
We handle steps 3 and 4 on your behalf at no extra cost.
1Enquire and confirm your programme
We match you with the right USM programme based on your background and goals.
1–2 Days2Prepare and submit documents
Certified transcripts, passport, IELTS result, and photo. We handle the submission.
3–7 Days3Receive USM Offer Letter
USM processes international applications in approximately 3–5 weeks.
2–4 Weeks4Pay registration and apply for visa
Pay to trigger EMGS visa application. We monitor progress.
4–8 Weeks5Fly to Penang and enrol
Arrive, collect student pass, attend international orientation in Penang.
DoneFrequently Asked Questions — Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Ready to Study at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)?
Our advisors are available Monday to Saturday. Consultation and application support are completely free.