QS #153 Globally (2026)Johor Bahru + KL CampusMalaysia's #1 Engineering University

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)International Student Guide 2026

UTM is Malaysia's premier university for engineering, science, and technology — ranked #153 globally (QS 2026) and #25 in Asia. With 10 specialised faculties, 30,000+ students, and over 248,000 alumni, UTM combines world-class research with some of the most affordable engineering fees among top-200 global universities. Full engineering degrees from just RM 75,000 (≈ USD 18,000) total.

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Why Choose UTM

Key Benefits for International Students

Malaysia's #1 Engineering & Technology University · Public Research University · QS Top 200 Globally

🏆 QS #153 Globally — Malaysia's Premier Engineering University

UTM is ranked #153 globally (QS 2026) — making it Malaysia's highest-ranked engineering specialist university and one of the top 200 universities worldwide. It holds #1 in Malaysia for Computer Science and Architecture (QS Subject Rankings), and is in the top 100 globally for Civil Engineering and Chemical Engineering. A UTM degree is recognised by employers and universities across the GCC, UK, Australia, and beyond.

💰 World-Class Education at Exceptional Value

A complete 4-year engineering degree at UTM costs just RM 75,000 (~USD 18,000 total) for international students — roughly one-third the annual cost of a UK or US engineering degree. Computing degrees start from RM 71,000 total, and science/management programmes from RM 63,000 total. This makes UTM the strongest value-for-money top-200 engineering university available to students.

🏙️ Strategic Location — 30 Minutes from Singapore

UTM's main campus (1,148 hectares — Malaysia's second largest) is located in Iskandar Malaysia, Johor Bahru — a major economic corridor just 30 minutes from Singapore. This proximity to Singapore's world-class economy provides unique internship and career opportunities. The KL campus (38 hectares) offers urban experience at Malaysia's federal capital. Living costs in Johor are among the lowest in Malaysia.

🕌 Halal-Friendly Campus with Islamic Environment

UTM has 50+ dining outlets across campus serving a wide variety of halal food including local Malay, Middle Eastern, and international cuisines. With 11 residential colleges accommodating 17,000+ students (including family housing for postgraduate students), Friday prayers, and an active Muslim Student Association, UTM is one of Malaysia's most comfortable universities for students.

Programmes & Fees

UTM Programmes for International Students 2026

Fees shown are total international fees sourced from UTM's official admission portal (admission.utm.my). Filter by level or field to find your programme.

Study Level

Field of Study

Foundation in Physical Science	Foundation	Engineering	1 year	RM 16,950
Foundation in Life Science	Foundation	Engineering	1 year	RM 16,950
Foundation in Social Science	Foundation	Business	1 year	RM 16,950
Diploma in Accounting	Diploma	Business	2 years	RM 24,960
Diploma in Technology Management	Diploma	Business	2 years	RM 24,960
Diploma in Computer Science	Diploma	Computing	2.5 years	RM 27,082
Diploma in Quantity Surveying	Diploma	Architecture	2.5 years	RM 26,602
Diploma in Architecture	Diploma	Architecture	2.5 years	RM 29,015
Diploma in Civil Engineering	Diploma	Engineering	2.5 years	RM 28,910
Diploma in Electrical Engineering	Diploma	Engineering	2.5 years	RM 28,910
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering	Diploma	Engineering	2.5 years	RM 28,910
Diploma in Chemical Engineering	Diploma	Engineering	2.5 years	RM 28,910
Bachelor of Software Engineering with Honours	Degree	Computing	4 years	RM 15,312
Bachelor of Computer Science (Networks & Security) with Honours	Degree	Computing	4 years	RM 15,312
Bachelor of Computer Science (Graphics & Multimedia) with Honours	Degree	Computing	4 years	RM 15,312
Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence with Honours	Degree	Computing	3 years	RM 14,062
Bachelor of Accounting with Honours	Degree	Business	4 years	RM 12,062
Bachelor of Management (Marketing) with Honours	Degree	Business	4 years	RM 12,062
Bachelor of Management (Technology) with Honours	Degree	Business	4 years	RM 12,062
Bachelor of Science in Property Management with Honours	Degree	Business	4 years	RM 11,062
Bachelor of Real Estate with Honours	Degree	Business	4 years	RM 12,062
Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Electronic Engineering with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Petroleum Engineering with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical — Mechatronics)	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering — Aeronautics with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering — Automotive with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Nuclear Engineering with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Gas) with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Geomatics Engineering with Honours	Degree	Engineering	4 years	RM 15,032
Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours	Degree	Architecture	3 years	RM 13,006
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with Honours	Degree	Architecture	4 years	RM 12,062
Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) with Honours	Degree	Science	4 years	RM 12,062
Bachelor of Science (Physics) with Honours	Degree	Science	4 years	RM 12,062
Bachelor of Education (TESL) with Honours	Degree	Education	4 years	RM 10,062
Master of Computer Science	Postgraduate	Computing	1.5 years	RM 20,000
Master of Cyber Security	Postgraduate	Computing	1.5 years	RM 20,000
Master of Cyber Security (Online)	Postgraduate	Computing	1.5 years	RM 30,000
Master in Data Science	Postgraduate	Computing	1.5 years	RM 20,000
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	Postgraduate	Business	1.5 years	RM 20,000
MBA (Online)	Postgraduate	Business	1.5 years	RM 30,000
Master of Engineering (Civil / Mechanical / Electrical)	Postgraduate	Engineering	1.5 years	RM 20,000
Master of Petroleum Engineering	Postgraduate	Engineering	1.5 years	RM 20,000
Doctor of Philosophy — Computing / IT (PhD)	Postgraduate	Computing	3 years	RM 16,200
Doctor of Philosophy — Engineering (PhD)	Postgraduate	Engineering	3 years	RM 17,200
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)	Postgraduate	Business	3 years	RM 20,051

Showing all programmes. Use filters to narrow results.

Fees & Dates

Fees & Key Dates

Full cost details for international students in Malaysia.

Tuition & Admission Fees

Registration FeeRM 2,450

EMGS Visa Fee~RM 3,500

Approx. Total Upfront~RM 5,950

University Comparison

How UTM Compares to Other Malaysian Public Universities

A direct comparison based on verified 2025–2026 data to help you make the best choice.

Feature	UTM	UM	UPM	USM
QS World Rank 2026	🏆 #153	#56	#201–250	#301–350
Engineering Rank (QS Subjects)	Top 100 Globally	Top 200	Top 200	Top 300
Engineering Fees (total, intl.)	RM 75,000	RM 66,000	RM 60,800	RM 60,000
Computing Fees (total, intl.)	RM 71,000	RM 56,000	RM 54,000	RM 50,000
Location	Johor Bahru (+ KL)	Kuala Lumpur	Serdang, Selangor	Penang
Intl. Students	5,600+	12,000+	4,000+	5,000+
Engineering Specialisation	Primary Focus	Broad range	Agriculture + Eng.	Health + Sci.
Campus Size	1,148 ha (main)	922 ha	1,200 ha	Multiple

Data sources: official university admission portals and QS World University Rankings 2026. Fees are approximate total 4-year figures.

Application Process

How to Apply to UTM as an International Student

We handle steps 3, 4, and 5 on your behalf at no cost. Application to UTM must be submitted at least 3 months before the intake.

1Choose your programme and confirm eligibility

Contact our advisors to confirm your academic qualifications meet UTM's entry requirements. We review your transcripts, English certificate, and recommend the right programme and campus (JB or KL).

1–2 Days

2Prepare your documents

Required: certified academic transcripts, valid passport (minimum 18 months remaining), IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 79 certificate, passport-sized photo, and personal statement. We review everything before submission.

3–7 Days

3Submit application & pay the application fee

We submit your online application through UTM's official portal (admission.utm.my). The international application fee is RM 450 (non-refundable). UTM processes applications within 5 working days of submission.

2–4 Weeks

4Receive your offer letter and process the student visa

Upon receiving your offer letter (sent by email), pay the first-semester tuition deposit. We then initiate your EMGS student visa application (~RM 3,500). The visa process takes approximately 4–8 weeks.

4–8 Weeks

5Arrive in Malaysia and register at UTM

Travel to Johor Bahru or Kuala Lumpur with your Visa Approval Letter (VAL). Collect your student pass, apply for residential college accommodation, and attend UTM's international student orientation — typically held at the start of September.

Welcome to UTM! 🎓

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — UTM International Students

UTM offers two main intakes per year:

• September (Semester 1) — The main and largest intake. Applications open in January and close around May. Apply early as engineering and computing programmes fill quickly.

• February (Semester 2) — A smaller intake available for selected programmes. Applications open in September and close in November.

Applications must be submitted at least 3 months before your target intake to allow time for offer processing and EMGS visa approval. We strongly recommend targeting the September intake for the widest programme selection and the best orientation experience.

Yes. UTM is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC) Malaysia, and its engineering degrees are recognised by major GCC engineering councils including those in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain — typically after passing the respective country's professional engineering registration exam. UTM is also a member of the Washington Accord through Malaysia's Engineering Accreditation Council, which provides mutual recognition with 22 member nations.

UTM requires IELTS 6.0 (Academic) or TOEFL iBT 79 for undergraduate admission. Equivalent accepted qualifications include Cambridge Assessment (176 marks) and PTE Academic. If you don't meet the English requirement, UTM offers an English Preparatory Programme (0–6 levels) on campus so you can improve and then enter your degree programme. Students who graduated from Sudan are also specifically exempted from the English qualification requirement per UTM's current policy.

Yes. UTM has 11 residential colleges on the Johor Bahru main campus, providing approximately 17,000 places for students. Twin-sharing rooms are available from approximately RM 300–600/month. For postgraduate students who are married, family/married quarters housing is also available on campus. Priority for residential college places is typically given to first-year international students. We assist with the residential college application process as part of our free service.

The Johor Bahru (Skudai) campus is UTM's main campus — offering all faculties, the most comprehensive research facilities, residential colleges, and the full international student community. It's also the best choice for living costs. The KL campus (Jalan Semarak, 38 hectares) primarily hosts diploma, part-time undergraduate, and some postgraduate programmes — particularly for working professionals who need an urban base. For most international students pursuing a full-time engineering or computing degree, we recommend the main JB campus.

UTM offers two main scholarships specifically for international students: the UTM Young Scholars Grant and the International Doctoral Fellowship — both available only at master's and PhD level. For undergraduate students, there is currently no full UTM scholarship, however students can explore the Malaysian Government Scholarship (MIS) for international students or their home country government scholarships. Contact us for a full scholarship assessment — we identify all available funding options as part of our free service.

Ready to Study at UTM?

Our advisors are available Monday to Saturday. Application guidance, document review, visa assistance, and university liaison are all completely free.

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