SharifStudy Best way to Study in Malaysia
The top UK universities in Malaysia include branches of the University of Southampton, University of Reading, University of Nottingham, Heriot-Watt University, and Newcastle University Medicine (NUMed), all offering UK-accredited degrees at significantly lower tuition costs than studying in the UK.
Data on this page is updated several times each year and is last updated on August 2026 ✓
The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s oldest universities, with global campuses that offer unique opportunities. If you aspire to study in the UK but encounter obstacles, you can consider applying to these UK university campuses worldwide.
This way, you can still acquire an international education and broaden your horizons, even if you can’t make it to the UK itself. Here, we explore Top UK Universities in Malaysia.
Some of the best UK colleges with affordable programs are located in Malaysia, where living expenses are equally reasonable. Browse this article to discover the top UK institutions in Malaysia that you really must visit. For a broader view of all ranked institutions, see our Malaysia university ranking guide.
- University of Southampton, Malaysia
- University of Reading, Malaysia
- University of Nottingham, Malaysia
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Newcastle University Medicine, Malaysia (NUMed)
University of Southampton, Malaysia
The university is ranked 20th in the UK according to the Guardian University Guide 2026 and 15th according to the Complete University Guide 2027. Southampton University is known for its strong research programs and its commitment to providing a high-quality education.
Ranked 17th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, Southampton University stands out particularly in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, where it is ranked 1st.
Globally, it ranks =111th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, with Electrical and Electronic Engineering at 83rd and Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering at 93rd in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
University of Reading, Malaysia
Ranked 65th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2026, Reading University is well-regarded for its innovative teaching methods and diverse range of courses. Globally, it ranks =196th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, maintaining its top 200 position.
Known for its expertise in environmental science, agriculture, and real estate & planning. Reading University’s programs in these areas are often recognized for their academic rigor and innovative research.
University of Nottingham, Malaysia
The Guardian University Guide 2026 ranks the University of Nottingham as the 51st best university in the UK, and the Complete University Guide 2026 places it at 26th. People celebrate the University of Nottingham for its vibrant campus life and wide array of academic disciplines, and it is well-known for its strong programs in pharmacy, education, and engineering.
Globally, the University of Nottingham ranks 97th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The University of Nottingham’s research output in these areas contributes significantly to its high subject rankings.
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
The Guardian University Guide 2026 ranks Heriot-Watt University 31st in the UK, and the Complete University Guide 2027 also places it at 31st. Known for its strong business and engineering programs, Heriot-Watt University excels in offering an industry-aligned curriculum, especially in petroleum engineering and business management. Globally, it ranks 325th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and ranks 3rd globally for employability (QS 2026).
Newcastle University Medicine, Malaysia (NUMed)
Newcastle University is ranked 149th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 34th in the UK according to The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. It has a long history of academic excellence and a large alumni community, with a well-deserved reputation for providing excellent opportunities for student research as well as teaching and learning.
The establishment of NUMed Malaysia was only in 2009. However, Newcastle University’s founding was not until 1834. In the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, a School of Medicine and Surgery was originally created at this time.
The degree-granting study programs are the same as those offered in the UK. Students will graduate from a university that has earned international acclaim with a UK degree. Compared to studying for the same degrees in the UK, it will be less expensive.
