SharifStudy Best way to Study in Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), established in 1969 as Malaysia’s second university, was formerly known as Universiti Pulau Pinang. USM relocated from its locations at the Malayan Teachers’ Training College in Bukit Gelugor to its current 416.6-hectare site at Minden in 1971 and is known as one of the biggest universities in Malaysia.
USM offers a great range of courses across various disciplines including social sciences, humanities, education, natural sciences, applied sciences, medical and health sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and building science and technology. With a capacity to enroll around 30,000 students, USM provides undergraduate and graduate programs through its 17 Academic Schools on the main campus in Penang, 6 Schools at the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal (about 50 km away), and 3 Schools at the Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan (approximately 300 km from the main campus).
USM Rankings 2026
According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, USM is ranked 134th globally which means 12 steps upgrade from last year’s ranking.
Based on QS Asian university ranking 2026 it is ranked 34th in Asia which is 1 step better than 2025.
These rank upgrades show that USM is still improving efficiently even after over 50 years of it’s establishment on 1969.
Mission and Vision
In 2007, the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia (MOHE) designated USM as a Research Intensive University, providing both staff and students with opportunities for education and research. In 2008, USM became the first university in Malaysia to participate in the Accelerated Program for Excellence (APEX), a fast-track program that helps tertiary institutions become world-class.
With over 28,300 postgraduate and undergraduate students and approximately 1,479 professors, USM boasts a student-to-lecturer ratio of about 19:1.
Vision: Enhancing Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow.
Mission: To enhance the socioeconomic well-being of the bottom billion people through empowering future talent and advancing transdisciplinary research.
Information about Malaysia University (USM)
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| Name | University sans Malaysia |
| QS Global World Ranking | #134 |
| Asian Ranking | #34 |
| Motto | We Lead |
| University | public |
| Total Students | 28,300+ |
| Academic Faculty Staff | 2,333 |
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very high |
| Established | 1969 |
| Location | Malaysia, Penang |
| Website | www.usm.my |
Why USM ?
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is renowned for its comprehensive educational approach and commitment to producing well-rounded graduates. Here are the five key Institutional Educational Goals (IEG) that USM targets for its students:
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Balanced Qualities for Citizenship:
- Socio-Entrepreneurial Abilities
- Effective Communication
- Leadership and Lifelong Learning
USM also hosts 17 specialized research centers covering a wide range of fields such as molecular medicine, science and technology, Islamic development and management studies, policy research, and international studies. Through USAINS Holdings Sdn Bhd, the commercial arm of the university, USM offers consulting, testing, and advisory services to various industries.
Faculties and Centers at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Main Campus
- School of the Arts
- School of Biological Sciences
- School of Communication
- School of Chemical Sciences
- School of Computer Sciences
- School of Distance Education
- School of Educational Studies
- School of Housing, Building, and Planning
- School of Humanities
- School of Industrial Technology
- School of Management
- School of Mathematical Sciences
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Physics
- School of Social Sciences
- School of Language, Literacies, and Translation
- Institute of Postgraduates Studies
- Graduate School of Business (GSB)
Engineering Campus
- School of Civil Engineering
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- School of Aerospace Engineering
- School of Chemical Engineering
- School of Mechanical Engineering
- School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering
Health Campus
- School of Dental Sciences
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Medical Sciences
Research Centers
- Advanced Management Center
- Advanced Medical and Dental Institute
- Biomedical and Health Sciences Research Platform
- Center for Archaeological Research Malaysia
- Center for Drug Research
- Center for Education, Training, and Research in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
- Center for International Studies
- Center for Islamic Development Management Studies
- Center for Marine and Coastal Studies
- Center for Policy Research and International Studies
- Collaborative Microelectronic Design Excellence Center
- Doping Control Center
- Engineering and Technology Research Platform
- Fundamental Sciences Platform
- Human Genome Center
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine
- Malaysia Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals
- National Advances IPv6 Center
- National Higher Education Research Institute
- National Poison Center
- The Platform for Clinical Sciences Research
- The Platform for Information and Communication Technology Research
- The Platform for Life Sciences Research
- The Platform for Social Transformation Drainage Research Center
- River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Center
- Women’s Development Research Center
Service Centers
- Center for Instructional Technology and Multimedia
- Center for Knowledge, Communication and Technology
- Cultural Center
- Hamdan Tahir Library
- Hamzah Sendut Library
- Islamic Center
- Museum and Gallery Tuanku Fauziah
- USM Press
- Technical Facilities Center
- Center for Language and Translation
Units
- Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Research Unit
- Basic Education Research Unit
- Computer-Aided Translation Unit
- Engineering Innovation and Technology Development Unit
- Laboratory Animal Research Unit
- Research and Education for Peace Unit
- Student Development and Advisory Unit
- Vector Control Research Unit
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) QS Ranking 2025
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), located in Gelugor, is one of the best public universities in Malaysia. According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, USM was ranked 146th globally and 35th in Asia.
Top Subjects at USM
The QS WUR Ranking by Subject has recognized 16 programs at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Leading the pack, Polymer Science is ranked 51st in 2024. Other notable subjects include Food Science and Technology (ranked 130th) and Chemical Engineering (ranked 140th). Additional fields such as Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Agricultural Sciences are also placed among the top 200 worldwide.
Minimum English Language Requirements for USM
All applicants from countries other than the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and some Caribbean Islands must submit scores from the following English proficiency tests:
For Undergraduate Students
- IELTS Band 5.0
- TOEFL score of 40 (IBT)
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) score of 154
- Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) score of 154
- Cambridge English (Linguaskill Online) score of 154
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic Score of 47
For Postgraduate Students
- TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 40
- IELTS minimum Band 5
- PTE minimum score of 47
- Cambridge English (CAE/CPE) minimum score of 154
- Linguaskill Online minimum score of 154
- MUET minimum Band 3.5
Academic Facilities and Resources at USM
USM provides a range of facilities and resources to support students’ academic and extracurricular activities:
- A magnificent museum with top-notch exhibits and a cutting-edge art gallery showcasing fine art.
- Classroom learning and teaching are facilitated by modern lecture halls.
- Convenience for students with on-campus banks, bookstores, pharmacies, post offices, and retail establishments.
- A large network of electronic databases, a superb research library with over a million items, and internet access.
- Residence halls that allow students to stay on campus.
- A sports center supporting both indoor and outdoor sporting events and competitions.
- Inviting cafeterias and beautifully constructed pavilions for student relaxation and socialization.
USM Campuses
Main Campus (Minden, Penang)
The USM Main Campus in Minden, Penang, is the largest of the five campuses and is considered the “soul” of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Founded in 1969 as Universiti Pulau Pinang and renamed in 1971, this campus spans 416.6 hectares on Penang Island. The main campus offers a wide range of courses in the arts and sciences, making it a premier destination for excellent educational experiences.
USM Health Campus (Kubang Kerian, Kelantan)
The USM Health Campus is located in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, on Malaysia’s east coast. This campus is renowned for providing a variety of health courses and training for future medical professionals. Opened in June 1983, the Health Campus is home to the Hospital University Science Malaysia (HUSM), offering top-tier medical education and healthcare services.
USM Engineering Campus (Transkrian, Nibong Tebal, Penang)
The USM Engineering Campus is situated in Transkrian, Nibong Tebal, on the mainland of Penang. This campus offers a serene and natural setting for a range of engineering courses. Known for its modern architecture and tranquil environment, the USM Engineering Campus is the sole higher education facility in this rural region, providing a unique educational experience.
Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI) Campus (Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang)
The Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI) Campus, located in Bertam, Kepala Batas, Penang, is a core wing of USM. This campus is dedicated to advanced medical and dental education and research, leading in innovative discoveries aimed at sustainable and comprehensive healthcare. With the motto “We Build and Lead Excellence,” AMDI is a standout institution in the region.
USM SAINS@KL Campus (Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur)
The USM SAINS@KL Campus, formerly known as IPS USM@KL, was established in 2014 to enhance USM’s presence in the Klang Valley. Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s business district, this campus offers cutting-edge postgraduate courses and is equipped with modern facilities, including classrooms, offices, a computer lab with video conferencing, a resource center, and more.
KLE Campus (Belgaum, India)
The KLE Campus in Belgaum, India, is part of the Karnataka Lingayat Education (KLE) initiative. This campus commemorates the establishment of an Anglo-Vernacular school by “Seven Dedicated Teachers – The Saptarishis” and has grown into an international program offering education in nearly every field of human knowledge. USM proudly collaborates with KLE, marking a significant educational partnership.
International Partners Collaborations 2025
Through IMCC, USM connects globally through partnerships and collaboration with institutions of higher learning all around the world, with a focus on student mobility participation.
There are already over 150 active partner universities for the exchange program with USM from all around the world!
USM collaborates with institutions through a variety of networks, including ASEAN Mobility for Students (AIMS), ASEAN University Network (AUN), Asia Pacific University Community Engagement Network (APUCEN), Erasmus, and others.
Through network agreements, all universities in the same network are considered partners, and students can choose to execute their exchange or study abroad program at the relevant institutions.
Bilateral agreements also extend USM partnerships. USM students can choose to study abroad at these colleges that have exchange agreements.
| Country | Universities |
|---|---|
| Australia | Australian Council of Education Research, La Trobe University, The University of Western Australia (UWA), Griffith University, Murdoch University |
| Austria | FH Kufstein Tirol, The University of British Columbia |
| Bangladesh | Southern University Bangladesh |
| Belgium | Universite Saint-louis-bruxelles |
| Brunei | University Brunei Darussalam |
| China | Xi’an Jiaotong University, National Chung Hsing University, Yangtze Normal University, Hainan College of Foreign Studies, Central China Normal University, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Zhejiang Police College, Chengdu University, Hunan Normal University, Minjiang University |
| Cyprus | Cyprus Science University |
| Egypt | Al Fanar University |
| England | University of Hull |
| Finland | Tampere University, Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences |
| France | Institut National Des Sciences Appliquées de Toulouse, SUP’ Biotech, University of South Brittany |
| Germany | FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Hochschule Rheinmain University of Applied Sciences, Hochschule Konstanz, Technische Hochschule Nuerberg, Clausthal University of Technology, Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences |
| Hong Kong | The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, City University of Hong Kong |
| Hungary | Obuda University |
| Indonesia | Universitas Mercu Buana, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Syiah Kuala University, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bogor Agricultural University, Universitas Sriwijaya, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Lampung, Universitas Harapan Medan |
| Iran | Tehran University of Medical Science, Kharazmi University, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology |
| Japan | Hokkaido University, Nanzan University, Chubu University, Kumamoto University, Kansai University, Nagasaki University, Ritsumeikan University, Yokohama City University, Chuo University, Kyushu University, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Tokyo Institute of Technology |
| Kazakhstan | Satbayev University, Al-farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakh British Technical University |
| Korea | Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Hannam University, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Kangwon University, Jeonbuk National University, Sun Moon University, Gyeongsang National University |
| Lithuania | Mykolas Romeris University |
| Nigeria | Federal University of Technology Akure |
| Norway | The University of Agder |
| Pakistan | University of Chitral |
| Philippine | Mindanao State University, University of the Philippines |
| Poland | Lublin University of Technology |
| Russia | Tomsk State University, Moscow State University |
| Spain | Universidad San Jorge, Universidad Politécnica De Madrid, The Alliance of 4 Universities (A-4U) |
| Taiwan | National Taiwan University, National Chiao Tung University, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, National Tsing Hua University, National Taiwan Normal University, Wenzao Ursuline University |
| Thailand | Kasetsart University, Thaksin University, Chiang Mai University, Mahidol University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Silpakorn University, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivajaya |
| Netherlands | IUA Islamic Faculty Amsterdam |
| Turkey | Manisa Celal Bayar University, Kocaeli University, Istanbul Medeniyet University |
| United Arab Emirates | University of Sharjah, Emirates College of Technology |
| UK | King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, University of Southampton, Nottingham Trent University, University of Roehampton |
| USA | University of South Alabama, Western Michigan University, Arizona State University, St Cloud State University, Pacific Northwest College of Art |
| Vietnam | Hanoi National University of Education, Nong Lam University, FPT University |
University and Subject Rankings
In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is ranked 134th worldwide and 34th in Asia.
USM excels in several subject areas, with the following notable rankings:
- Polymer Science – ranked 51st
- Food Science and Technology – ranked 130th
- Chemical Engineering – ranked 140th
- Other subjects such as Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Agricultural Sciences are ranked among the top 200 globally.
Minimum English Requirements
Undergraduate students from countries other than the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and certain Caribbean Islands must meet one of the following English language requirements:
- IELTS – minimum Band 5.0
- TOEFL – minimum score of 40 (IBT)
- Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) – minimum score of 154
- Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) – minimum score of 154
- Cambridge English (Linguaskill Online) – minimum score of 154
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – minimum score of 47
Postgraduate students must meet one of the following English language requirements:
- TOEFL (Internet-based) – minimum score of 40
- IELTS – minimum Band 5
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) – minimum score of 47
- Cambridge English (CAE/CPE) – minimum score of 154
- Linguaskill Online – minimum score of 154
- MUET – minimum Band 3.5
Transportation Accessibility to USM
Arrival by Air
Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia offer direct flights from Penang to destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok, Haadyai, Phuket, Medan, Xiamen, and Madras. Most international flights transit through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) before continuing to Penang International Airport, which is about 10 kilometers from the USM Minden Campus. Taxi fares from the airport to the USM campus range from USD8 (day) to USD10 (night).
Arrival by Road
By Ferry
You can board a ferry from the mainland’s Butterworth jetty. Only the return trip requires tickets, costing USD0.30 for adults and USD0.15 for children. The cost for cars varies by engine size. From the island jetty, a taxi to the USM Minden campus costs about USD10.
By Penang Bridge
The Penang Bridge connects Perai (the mainland) and the USM campus. You can take a bus or drive. The levy is USD2 per car. Travel from Penang Island to the mainland is free of charge. The bus fare includes the bridge fee. You can alight at Gelugor and take a taxi to the campus.
Excellent learning environment, fun place to study and hang out with friends, but lacking in essential amenities
Outstanding customer service and a useful lecture session.
I had a wonderful overall experience and would most definitely return to USM!
Interested in pursuing in Msc in Project Management ( Part Time )