Universiti Sains Malaysia

Official Website
Email: international@usm.my

Overview

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), established in 1969, is one of Malaysia’s leading public research universities, located primarily in Penang. It is widely recognized for its strong focus on science, technology, and innovation, and is the only Malaysian university granted APEX (Accelerated Programme for Excellence) status.

USM has over 34,000 students from more than 80 countries, offering a highly diverse and international academic environment. The university operates multiple campuses, including the Main Campus (Penang), Engineering Campus, and Health Campus.

It is also known globally for its sustainability initiatives and multidisciplinary education, consistently ranked among top universities in Asia and worldwide. USM emphasizes research-driven learning, innovation, and community engagement to prepare students for global challenges.

Key Strengths:

- Recognized as Malaysia’s only APEX university (focus on excellence and innovation)

- Strong emphasis on research, science, and technology fields

- Multiple specialized campuses (Main, Engineering, Health) supporting focused learning

- Extensive international collaborations and exchange programs through its International Office

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester

- Nomination Deadline: Around Mid-May

- Application Deadline: Around Early-Mid June

- Semester Start: Around Early September

- Lecture Start: Around Mid-Late September

- End of Lectures: Around Early February

- End of Semester: Around Late February

Spring Semester

- Nomination Deadline: Around Mid-November

- Application Deadline: Around Early-Mid December

- Semester Start: Around Early March

- Lecture Start: Around Mid-Late March

- End of Lectures: Around Mid July

- End of Semester: Around Late August

Exact dates may vary each academic year. Students are advised to refer to the partner university’s official website for the most updated information.

Orientation programs are held 1-2 weeks before the semester begins. Students are encouraged to arrive early.

General Info Sheets

Language Requirements:

- English Programs: B2

- German Programs: B2

Required Documents:

- Application Form

- Accommodation Form

- Transcript of Records

- Learning Agreement

- Language Certificate

- Passport Copy

- Passport-sized Photo

Requirements for Enrolment:

- Semester Fee Payment

- Health Insurance

- Student Visa

Support and Information:

- Student Accommodation

- Introduction Week

- Student Life

- Living Costs

Courses in English

USM offers a wide range of programs in English, especially in science and technical fields.

- Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, etc.)

- omputer Science & Information Technology

- Health Sciences & Medicine

- Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

- Some Business, Management, and Social Sciences programs

Most science and technical courses are taught in English, while some social science or humanities programs may use Bahasa Malaysia depending on the programme.