Reading Time: 5 minutesUCSI University is one of Malaysia’s top private universities, consistently ranked among the best in the world. Located in Kuala Lumpur, UCSI University offers a broad range of foundation, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes across disciplines including business, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, architecture, and the applied sciences.
UCSI operates a flexible intake system with three main intakes per year for most programmes — typically in January, May, and September. Some specialised programmes such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, and Architecture follow different intake schedules. Below is the full UCSI intake schedule for the 2026 academic year, including orientation and class commencement dates.
UCSI Foundation Programmes Intake 2026
Foundation programmes at UCSI serve as a direct pathway to undergraduate studies. They are designed to equip students with the academic knowledge and skills required for entry into degree-level programmes. 3 intakes are available each year:
Foundation Programmes (All)
|
| Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| First Intake |
2 January 2026 |
3 January 2026 |
| Second Intake |
30 April 2026 |
6 May 2026 |
| Third Intake |
5 September 2026 |
9 September 2026 |
UCSI Undergraduate Intakes 2026
UCSI offers diploma and bachelor’s degree programmes across multiple faculties. Most undergraduate programmes follow a standard three-intake calendar, while certain professional programmes such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, and Architecture have separate intake schedules as detailed below.
All Diploma Programmes (unless listed below)
|
| Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| First Intake |
2 January 2026 |
3 January 2026 |
| Second Intake |
30 April 2026 |
6 May 2026 |
| Third Intake |
5 September 2026 |
9 September 2026 |
Diploma in Nursing
|
| Programme |
Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| Diploma in Nursing |
First Intake |
2–3 January 2026 |
4 January 2026 |
| Diploma in Nursing |
Second Intake |
1–2 July 2026 |
3 July 2026 |
Diploma in Architectural Studies & Diploma in Interior Architecture
|
| Programme |
Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| Diploma in Architectural Studies / Interior Architecture |
First Intake |
2 January 2026 |
3 January 2026 |
| Diploma in Architectural Studies / Interior Architecture |
Second Intake |
30 April 2026 |
6 May 2026 |
| Diploma in Architectural Studies / Interior Architecture |
Third Intake |
30 September 2026 |
1 October 2026 |
Diploma in Pharmacy
|
| Programme |
Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| Diploma in Pharmacy |
First Intake |
2 February 2026 |
5 February 2026 |
| Diploma in Pharmacy |
Second Intake |
2 September 2026 |
2 September 2026 |
All Bachelor’s Degree Programmes (unless listed below)
|
| Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| First Intake |
2 January 2026 |
3 January 2026 |
| Second Intake |
30 April 2026 |
6 May 2026 |
| Third Intake |
5 September 2026 |
9 September 2026 |
Bachelor of Optometry (Hons)
|
| Programme |
Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| Bachelor of Optometry (Hons) |
First Intake |
15 February 2026 |
19 February 2026 |
| Bachelor of Optometry (Hons) |
Second Intake |
8 August 2026 |
12 August 2026 |
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)
|
| Programme |
Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) |
Main Intake |
2 September 2026 |
2 September 2026 |
Bachelor of Nursing (Hons)
|
| Programme |
Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) |
First Intake |
2–3 January 2026 |
4 January 2026 |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) |
Second Intake |
1–2 July 2026 |
3 July 2026 |
Bachelor of Formulation Science (Hons)
|
| Programme |
Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| Bachelor of Formulation Science (Hons) |
First Intake |
2 February 2026 |
2 February 2026 |
| Bachelor of Formulation Science (Hons) |
Second Intake |
2 September 2026 |
2 September 2026 |
B.A. (Hons) Interior Architecture, B.Sc. (Hons) Architecture & Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Hons)
|
| Programme |
Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| Interior Architecture / Architecture / Quantity Surveying |
First Intake |
2 January 2026 |
3 January 2026 |
| Interior Architecture / Architecture / Quantity Surveying |
Second Intake |
27 June 2026 |
1 July 2026 |
UCSI Postgraduate Intakes 2026
UCSI offers postgraduate programmes by coursework and by research. Coursework-based programmes typically follow the standard three-intake calendar, while research-based programmes may offer more flexible intake dates. Some specialised postgraduate programmes have their own distinct intake schedules as listed below.
Postgraduate Programmes — Non Research Based (unless listed below)
|
| Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| First Intake |
2 January 2026 |
3 January 2026 |
| Second Intake |
30 April 2026 |
6 May 2026 |
| Third Intake |
5 September 2026 |
9 September 2026 |
M.Sc. Healthy Aging, Medical Aesthetic & Regenerative Medicine
|
| Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| First Intake |
11 January 2026 |
TBA |
| Second Intake |
9 May 2026 |
TBA |
| Third Intake |
5 September 2026 |
TBA |
Master of Architecture
|
| Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| First Intake |
2 January 2026 |
3 January 2026 |
| Second Intake |
27 June 2026 |
1 July 2026 |
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
|
| Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| Main Intake |
TBA |
TBA |
Pharmaceutical Postgraduate Programmes
|
| Intake |
Orientation |
Class Commencement |
| First Intake |
8 February 2026 |
10 February 2026 |
| Second Intake |
6 September 2026 |
8 September 2026 |
The pharmaceutical postgraduate intake schedule applies to the following programmes: M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Technology, Master of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
For postgraduate research-based programmes, UCSI offers flexible intake dates throughout the year. Prospective research candidates are advised to contact the relevant faculty directly or refer to the official UCSI academic calendar for updated information.
Important Note: The university reserves the right to make changes to the intake schedule without prior notification. Applicants should confirm dates with UCSI or an authorised representative before making travel or visa arrangements.
Why Study at UCSI University?
UCSI University is ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide by QS World University Rankings, making it one of Malaysia’s most internationally recognised private institutions. Its main campus in Kuala Lumpur offers over 100 programmes across business, medicine, pharmacy, engineering, architecture, and hospitality, with modern facilities and a multicultural community of students from more than 80 countries. UCSI is also known for its strong industry connections, offering internships and co-operative placements that give graduates a practical edge in the job market.
FAQs
1. Are there special programs or pathways for international students?
UCSI offers foundation and pathway programmes to help international students meet entry requirements for undergraduate studies.
2. Can I work part-time while studying at UCSI University?
Yes, international students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks, subject to Malaysian immigration regulations.
3. How many intakes does UCSI University have per year?
Most programmes have three intakes per year — January, May, and September. Some professional programmes have different schedules.
4. Does UCSI University provide accommodation for students?
Yes, UCSI offers on-campus and off-campus accommodation options. International students are advised to apply early through the Student Affairs Office.
5. What English language proficiency is required for admission?
Most programmes require IELTS (typically 5.0–6.0) or TOEFL equivalent. Exact requirements vary by programme — check the specific course details.
6. Can I defer my intake to a later date?
Yes, deferral requests can be submitted to the Admissions Office. Approval is subject to programme availability and faculty review.
7. Are UCSI degrees recognised internationally?
Yes, UCSI degrees are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognised by professional bodies and institutions worldwide.