Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) was established in response to Malaysia’s growing need for higher education. The announcement of a new university in Kedah by Tun Daim Zainuddin in July 1983 further highlighted this need. At that time, Malaysia had only five public universities, which were insufficient to meet the country’s educational demands. In response, Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad directed the Ministry of Education to develop “The Sixth University Project” to address these needs and transform the Sintok Valley. UUM was therefore designed with a focus on management education, aiming to produce skilled graduates in various management fields.

UUM history

UUM’s journey began on 1 October 1983, when a task force led by Mr. Abdul Hamid Ayob took charge of the project. The Cabinet approved it on 16 October, and official sanction followed on 19 October 1983.

His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong signed the official orders on 11 January 1984, marking a key milestone in the establishment of Universiti Utara Malaysia.

On 16 February 1984, the government officially founded UUM and appointed Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Awang Had Salleh as its first Vice-Chancellor. Later, on 7 April 1984, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah became Chancellor, strengthening the university’s leadership.

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UUM campus

UUM began in the Kubang Pasu UMNO Building before moving to a temporary campus in Darul Aman in 1984. Its permanent campus in Sintok, near the Malaysia–Thailand border, opened in September 1990. Surrounded by tropical forest, the campus features academic colleges, a library, mosque, halls, sports complex, Varsity Mall, and a convention center. It also includes 15 residential halls for 20,000 students, plus the University Inn and EDC-UUM for guests and staff.

Academic Structure

In January 2008, UUM restructured its academic framework, merging 13 faculties into three main colleges: the UUM College of Business (COB), the UUM College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), and the UUM College of Law, Government and International Studies (COLGIS). By doing so, the university adopted a more streamlined approach that supports its mission to deliver comprehensive and specialized education in various fields.

Vision and Mission

UUM’s vision is to become an Eminent Management University, dedicated to educating leaders with holistic characteristics to serve the global community. To support this, its mission focuses on providing quality education and fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and development.

Client Charter

UUM actively provides quality education, facilities, and management systems to its students. The university supports staff development and ensures equality in opportunities. Additionally, UUM contributes to national needs through training, research, and consultancy services. The university’s philosophy emphasizes planning, management, monitoring, re-evaluation, and adherence to knowledge, science, and technology. UUM aims to nurture graduates with leadership qualities, focusing on managing resources scientifically and creatively for societal benefit. The institution is guided by the motto “SCHOLARSHIP, VIRTUE, SERVICE.”

English Language Requirements for International Students

To study at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), international students need to meet one of the following English language requirements:

• Score at least:
  • 550 on the TOEFL Paper-Based Test (PBT), or
  • 80 on the TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT), or
  • 6.0 on the IELTS.
• Have a degree from an English-speaking country such as:
  • Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, New Zealand, Ireland, and others listed by UUM.
• Have a degree from a Public University in Malaysia where English is the language of instruction.
• Have a degree from a Private University or College in Malaysia listed in the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR).

If you don’t meet these requirements, you must take the Intensive English Language Course for International Students for at least one semester and pass it before starting your postgraduate program.

English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT)

If you do not meet the English language requirements, you must take the English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT). Students must pass the ELPT and the Intensive English Language Course to graduate.

ELPT Exemptions

You are exempt from the ELPT if you:

• Graduated from UUM and want to continue your studies there;
• Were previously terminated from UUM but have a valid ELPT passing grade (valid for two years);
• Are doing postgraduate research (Master or PhD) and writing your thesis in Malay. You must declare this intention by filling out a form.

Results and Fees

The School of Languages, Civilization, and Philosophy (SLCP) will announce the ELPT and Intensive English Language Course results through the UUM Portal. Regarding the fees, they are as follows:

• English Language Proficiency Placement Test: RM 1000.00 per student
• Intensive English Language Course: RM 2880.00 per student per semester

Awards and Recognitions

UUM has received numerous awards and recognitions, including autonomous status, the title of Top Business School, various Islamic Finance Awards, and ASEAN-QA accreditation. It has also achieved a Setara Tier 5 ranking, among other national and international accolades.

Rankings and Ratings

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) is one of the top universities in Sintok, Malaysia. It is ranked #=554 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. UUM also ranks #151-200 in QS WUR Ranking by Subject, #821-840 in QS Sustainability Ranking, and #20 in Asian University Rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)