
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
- Established
- 1970
- Students
- 37k
- International
- 12%
At a glance
Visit official website- Top ranking
- QS World University Rankings Global 126
- Established
- 1970
- Students
- 37k students
- International
- 12%
- Campus city
- Bangi, Selangor
- Type
- Public Research University
Officially founded on 18 May 1970. Originally opened with 192 undergraduate students at a temporary campus in Jalan Pantai Baru, Kuala Lumpur, before relocating to the main Bangi campus. Notable as Malaysia's first university using Malay as its primary medium of instruction.
About this university
About Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, widely known as UKM, is one of Malaysia's leading public research universities, with its main campus set on a green, 1,096-hectare site in Bangi, Selangor — about 30 km from Kuala Lumpur, 20 km from Putrajaya and 45 km from KLIA, and easy to reach by commuter train, bus or ride-sharing. Founded on 18 May 1970, UKM opened with just 192 undergraduates at a temporary campus in Kuala Lumpur before moving to Bangi, and it holds a special place in the country's history as Malaysia's first university to teach primarily in Malay. Its campus carries traditional red brick architecture, a permanent forest reserve, and additional campuses in Kuala Lumpur that house its medical, dentistry, pharmacy and health sciences faculties.
UKM has earned a strong international standing. It is ranked #126 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 — a steady climb from #159 in 2024 — and #24 in Asia in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, and it sits in the 301–350 band of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 as well. A designated research university since 2006, UKM maintains a strong research output and runs 13 research institutes, including the Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), the Solar Energy Research Institute and the Fuel Cell Institute. It's especially well regarded for engineering, health sciences, environmental studies, Islamic studies and the humanities, with distinctive satellite "living labs" at Tasik Chini, Fraser's Hill, Mersing and Langkawi. Today English is increasingly used across its science and technology courses, alongside English-medium programs and language support for international students.
For international students — around 4,900 of them, from 66 countries and making up roughly an eighth of the university's student body of about 40,000 — the appeal is the combination of research strength, global recognition and the affordability of studying in Malaysia. UKM offers programs from foundation right through to PhD, with dedicated international support via UKMShape and internal English Preparatory Courses for those who need to meet the language requirement. Because official fees vary by program and change each intake, we'd rather confirm the exact current figure for your chosen course than quote a guideline here. Whatever you'd like to study, YS Training & Consultancy can help you choose the right UKM program, confirm the current official fees, and apply with confidence — talk to us free to get started.
A note on the numbers: rankings, fees and intake dates on this page are drawn from public sources and are accurate to the best of our knowledge, but they can change. We always confirm the current official figures with the university before you apply.
Why choose this university
Among the world's top universities
Ranked #126 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, up from #159 in 2024, and #24 in Asia in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026.
A designated research university
Recognised as one of Malaysia's research universities since 2006, with a strong, sustained research output across the sciences, engineering and humanities.
13 research institutes
Home to institutes including the Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics (IMEN), the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), the Solar Energy Research Institute and the Fuel Cell Institute.
Strong in health sciences
Dedicated medical, dentistry, pharmacy and health sciences faculties at the UKM Kuala Lumpur campuses, alongside engineering, science and humanities at Bangi.
A green campus with living labs
The main Bangi campus features traditional red brick architecture, a permanent forest reserve, and satellite 'living lab' research centres at Tasik Chini, Fraser's Hill, Mersing and Langkawi.
A pioneer of Malay-medium education
Founded in 1970 as Malaysia's first university to teach primarily in Malay, with English increasingly used today across science and technology courses.
Rankings
Global
Global
Global
Asia
Global
Global
QS World trajectory
- 2024159
- 2025138
- 2026126
Programs offered
UKM offers a wide range of programs from foundation through to PhD across engineering, health sciences, science, business, law, Islamic studies, education and the humanities. Exact program availability and entry requirements vary — YSTC will confirm the latest for your chosen course.
Foundation
3 programs
Diploma
7 programs
Bachelor's
14 programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Emergency Medicine
- Nursing (Hons)
- Science (Marine Science, Food Science, Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry)
- Architecture
- Computer Science & IT
- Software Engineering
- Economics (Hons)
- Business Management
- Law (Hons)
- Islamic Studies
- Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Linguistics, History
- Media Communications
- Education (Sports, TESL, Special Education)
Master's
8 programs
Tuition & fees
Foundation
Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures
Diploma
Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures
Bachelor's
Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures
Master's
Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures
Doctorate (PhD)
Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures
Fees are indicative figures gathered from public sources and can change each intake and by program. We confirm the exact current official fee for your chosen course before you commit — for free.
Living costs: UKM's main campus is in Bangi, Selangor, about 30 km from Kuala Lumpur, 20 km from Putrajaya and 45 km from KLIA, with commuter train, bus and ride-sharing access. Living costs in this part of the Klang Valley are generally moderate. YSTC will give you a personalised monthly estimate for your shortlist.
Campus & student life
Campus setting
A large, green main campus in Bangi, Selangor — about 1,096 hectares with traditional red brick architecture, a permanent forest reserve, and additional campuses in Kuala Lumpur (Raja Muda Abdul Aziz and Cheras) for health sciences, dentistry, pharmacy and medicine. The campus is around 30 km from Kuala Lumpur, 20 km from Putrajaya and 45 km from KLIA, sitting within the Multimedia Super Corridor and accessible by North-South Expressway, commuter train, bus and ride-sharing.
Accommodation
On-campus residential colleges are available at UKM, with options around Bangi as well. YSTC will walk you through the current residence choices, room types and costs for your intake.
Student life
A large, diverse student community of around 40,000, including roughly 4,900 international students from 66 countries, with student support available through UKMShape (the Shaping Advanced & Professional Education Center). Ask YSTC for the latest on clubs and activities that match your interests.
Safety & support
UKM is an established public university with on-campus residential colleges and student support services. YSTC can share current student-support and safety details before you arrive.
Facilities
- Library & learning resources
- Science, engineering & computing labs
- 13 research institutes and satellite living-lab centres
- Medical, dentistry and pharmacy facilities at the KL campuses
- Sports & recreation facilities
Careers & outcomes
Comprehensive, university-wide graduate-employment figures for UKM are not all publicly available. A 2018–2021 study of engineering graduates across 15 Malaysian public universities (not UKM alone) reported a 66.8% employment rate within six months — confirm current UKM-specific outcomes with YSTC
- Designated research university with strong industry links in engineering, architecture and food science
- Dedicated health sciences, medical, dentistry and pharmacy faculties
- A wide alumni base contributing across Malaysian industries
- Active student and professional development support via UKMShape
Comprehensive, current graduate-outcome figures across all disciplines are not all publicly available, and specific employer partners and internship details vary by program — YSTC will confirm what applies to your chosen course.
Accreditation & recognition
- Self-Accrediting Institution (awarded 29 April 2010 by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency)
- MQA accredited — all programs registered in the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR)
- Recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)
- Professional programme accreditations via MQA or relevant professional bodies for discipline-specific programs
- Programmes guided by the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF)
- Designated a research university since 2006
Admissions
Entry requirements
- Recognised pre-university or equivalent qualification (e.g. STPM, A-Levels, foundation, diploma, matriculation, or equivalent) — requirements vary by program
- Meet the minimum subject grades for your chosen course
- Meet the English language requirement (see below)
Intakes
- Intakes vary by program and level — confirm exact dates for your course with YSTC
English requirement
International students typically need TOEFL (around 550), IELTS 6.0, or MUET Band 4, though the exact requirement varies by program. Internal English Preparatory Courses are available if you don't yet meet the requirement. YSTC will confirm what your course needs.
International students are issued a Malaysian Student Pass via EMGS. The university's international office handles the Student Pass application after you accept your offer; YSTC manages the EMGS process with you from start to finish.
How YSTC helps you apply
From shortlisting to your offer letter and student visa, we guide you through every step — and getting started is completely free.
Location
Address
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia. Main Bangi Campus, 1,096.29 hectares. Additional campuses, UKM Kuala Lumpur (Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 22 hectares; Cheras, 22.3 hectares) housing health sciences, dentistry, pharmacy, and medical faculties.
What's nearby
Ask us about accommodation, transport links and student life around the campus — we'll give you the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) located?
UKM's main campus is in Bangi, Selangor, around 30 km from Kuala Lumpur, 20 km from Putrajaya and 45 km from KLIA, with commuter train, bus and ride-sharing access. It also has campuses in Kuala Lumpur (Raja Muda Abdul Aziz and Cheras) that house its health sciences, dentistry, pharmacy and medical faculties.
How much does it cost to study at UKM?
As a public research university, UKM's fees vary by program and level, and official figures can change each intake. We haven't published a guideline figure here because we'd rather give you the exact, current official fee for your specific course — your free consultation with YSTC includes a clear, up-to-date cost estimate for the programs on your shortlist.
Is a UKM degree recognised internationally?
Yes. UKM is MQA accredited with all programs registered in the Malaysian Qualifications Register, is recognised by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education, and has been a self-accrediting institution since 2010. It's also ranked among the world's top universities by QS and Times Higher Education. YSTC will confirm recognition for your specific country and goals.
What is UKM known for?
UKM is known for research excellence across engineering, health sciences, environmental studies, Islamic studies and the humanities. It has been a designated research university since 2006, maintains a strong research output, and runs 13 research institutes including ones for nanoelectronics, environment and development, solar energy and fuel cells. It's also historically significant as Malaysia's first university to teach primarily in Malay.
When can I start, and what are the intakes?
UKM's intakes vary by program and level. Exact dates depend on your course — YSTC will confirm the next available intake and the application deadlines for you.
How do I apply to UKM, and can YSTC help?
Yes — and getting started is completely free. We'll help you choose the right program, prepare and submit your application and documents, confirm the current fees, and manage your Malaysian Student Pass (visa) via EMGS from start to finish.
Are there scholarships for international students at UKM?
Scholarship availability for international students changes each intake and depends on your level of study and results. The best move is a free YSTC consultation, where we'll check which scholarships and funding routes you may qualify for and help you apply at no cost.
What are the English language requirements for UKM?
International students typically need TOEFL (around 550), IELTS 6.0, or MUET Band 4, though the exact requirement varies by program. If you don't yet meet the requirement, UKM offers internal English Preparatory Courses so you can still progress. YSTC will confirm exactly what your chosen course needs.
Are courses at UKM taught in English?
UKM was founded in 1970 as Malaysia's first university teaching primarily in Malay, and today English is increasingly used across its science and technology courses, with English-medium programs and English language support available for international students. Because the medium of instruction varies by program and faculty, YSTC will confirm the exact language of your chosen course before you commit.
What accommodation options are there at UKM?
UKM has on-campus residential colleges, with further housing options around Bangi. Costs depend on the room type and how you like to live — YSTC will walk you through the current options and a realistic monthly budget for your intake.
How much does it cost to live in Bangi as a student?
Living costs in Bangi and the wider Klang Valley are generally moderate and typically far lower than in the UK, US or Australia — covering accommodation, food and transport. Your exact budget depends on your lifestyle and housing choice, so YSTC will give you a personalised monthly estimate alongside your fee figures, free of charge.
Can international students work while studying at UKM?
International students in Malaysia may be allowed to work part-time during semester breaks and holidays under specific conditions set by Immigration, usually with university approval. The rules can change, so we'll explain the current, accurate position for your situation during your free consultation rather than rely on outdated info.
What are graduate outcomes like for UKM students?
UKM is a designated research university with strong links to Malaysian industries in engineering, architecture and food science. Comprehensive, current graduate-outcome figures across every discipline aren't all publicly available, so YSTC will share what's known for your chosen course and connect your questions to real experiences where we can.
Is UKM a good choice for international students?
UKM hosts around 4,900 international students from 66 countries, with dedicated international support through UKMShape, a research-driven reputation, and strong global rankings. YSTC can share current student-support details and help you decide whether UKM is the right fit for your goals.
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