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Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) logo
Public research universityEstablished 1971QS World #134 (up from #148)

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Established
1971
Students
24k
International
20%
Top ranking
QS World #134 (up from #148)
Established
1971
Students
24k students
International
20%
Campus city
Serdang, Selangor
Type
Public research university

Officially established as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (Agricultural University of Malaysia) on 29 October 1971 through the merger of the College of Agriculture Malaya and the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Malaya. Its roots trace to 1931, when it was founded as the School of Agriculture. Renamed Universiti Putra Malaysia on 3 April 1997 to reflect an academic scope that had expanded well beyond agriculture.

About this university

About Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Universiti Putra Malaysia is one of the country's leading public research universities, set on a sprawling green campus in Serdang, Selangor — over 1,200 hectares, one of the largest in Malaysia, about 30 km south of Kuala Lumpur in the Klang Valley. Founded as the School of Agriculture back in 1931 and formally established as a university in 1971, it was renamed Universiti Putra Malaysia in 1997 to reflect a scope that now reaches far beyond its agricultural roots. Today it's home to roughly 24,000–29,000 students, including around 4,500–4,700 international students from over 80 countries.

UPM has earned a genuinely world-class reputation. It's ranked #22 in Asia by QS (2026) — 4th in Southeast Asia and 2nd in Malaysia — and climbed to #134 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It's especially renowned for agriculture and the life sciences: its Agriculture & Forestry program ranks #56 globally and Veterinary Science #37 globally, with further strengths in engineering, biotechnology, food science, environmental sustainability and the social sciences. As one of only five national research universities in Malaysia, UPM also runs a triple-crown business school — holding AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation, the only such institution in the country.

For international students, the appeal is the combination of global recognition, deep research strength and outstanding career outcomes. UPM reports a 99.4% graduate employability rate in Malaysia's MOHE Tracer Study — well above the public-university average — and 18 of its programs have earned a 6-Star Employer Choice rating from leading Malaysian employers. Official tuition varies by program and by local or international status, and figures change each intake, so we'll confirm the exact current fees for you. Whatever you'd like to study, YS Training & Consultancy can help you choose the right UPM program, confirm the 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

World-renowned for agriculture & veterinary science

UPM's Agriculture & Forestry ranks #56 globally and Veterinary Science #37 globally in the QS 2025 subject rankings — among the very best in the world.

Top 25 in Asia

#22 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 — 4th in Southeast Asia and 2nd in Malaysia.

Rising in the world rankings

Climbed to #134 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, up from #148 the year before.

99.4% graduate employability

UPM reports a 99.4% graduate employability rate in the MOHE Tracer Study — well above the Malaysian public-university average of 92.8%.

Triple-crown business school

The School of Business and Economics holds AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation — the only triple-crown institution in Malaysia.

A national research university

One of only five universities in Malaysia designated a research university (since 2006), with strengths in biotechnology, food science and environmental sustainability.

One of Malaysia's largest campuses

The main Serdang campus spans over 1,200 hectares, about 30 km from Kuala Lumpur, with a branch campus at UPM Bintulu in Sarawak.

Rankings

QS2026
#134 (up from #148)

World

QS2026
#22

Asia (4th in Southeast Asia, 2nd in Malaysia)

QS2025
#56

Agriculture & Forestry (World, by Subject)

QS2025
#37

Veterinary Science (World, by Subject)

QS2025
#177

Engineering & Technology (World, by Subject)

THE2026
501–600 band

World (4th in Malaysia)

THE2024
#24

Impact Rankings (World)

U.S. News2025
Top 100

Agricultural Sciences (World, by Subject)

QS World trajectory

  1. 2025#148
  2. 2026#134

Programs offered

UPM spans foundation and diploma studies through to PhD, with particular depth in agriculture, forestry, veterinary science, engineering, biotechnology and business. YSTC will confirm which programs and specialisations run for your intake.

Explore courses

Tuition & fees

Foundation / Diploma

Fee on request — ask us

Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures

Bachelor's

Fee on request — ask us

Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures

Master's

Fee on request — ask us

Indicative only; YSTC to fill with official figures

PhD

Fee on request — ask us

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: UPM sits in Serdang, about 30 km south of Kuala Lumpur in Selangor's Klang Valley, with on-campus housing and plenty of affordable food and transport options nearby. YSTC will give you a personalised monthly estimate for your shortlist.

Campus & student life

Campus setting

A green, expansive main campus in Serdang, Selangor — over 1,200 hectares (around 1,245 hectares), one of the largest in Malaysia — roughly 30 km south of Kuala Lumpur in the Klang Valley. A branch campus, UPM Bintulu in Sarawak, covers about 700 hectares.

Accommodation

On-campus residential colleges are available, with further housing options around Serdang. YSTC will walk you through the current residence choices, room types and costs for your intake.

Student life

A large, diverse community with students from over 80 countries, plus around 1,300 inbound exchange students each year — so there are clubs, societies and events to match almost any interest. Ask YSTC for the latest on student life that fits you.

Safety & support

UPM is an established public university with a managed campus and on-site student support. YSTC can share current student-support and safety details before you arrive.

Facilities

  • Research centres and specialist laboratories
  • Library and learning commons
  • Veterinary, agricultural and engineering facilities
  • Sports and recreation facilities
  • Student lounges and study spaces

Careers & outcomes

Graduate employability

A 99.4% graduate employability rate (MOHE Tracer Study) — above the Malaysian public-university average of 92.8%

  • 18 programs awarded a 6-Star Employer Choice rating by leading Malaysian employers
  • Strong industry links in agriculture, veterinary science, engineering and business
  • Among 2022 graduates, 13.7% reported premium starting salaries of RM3,000 and above
  • Around 4.5% of graduates go on to pursue entrepreneurship

Specific employer partners, internship details and graduate-destination figures vary by program — YSTC will confirm what applies to your chosen course.

Accreditation & recognition

  • Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) — Self-Accreditation Status (awarded 2010); all PhD and research master's programs MQA-accredited
  • Approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)
  • Recognised as a national research university since 2006 — one of only five in Malaysia
  • AACSB-accredited business school (first in Malaysia, 2012)
  • EQUIS accreditation (2022)
  • AMBA accreditation (2025) — the School of Business and Economics holds the triple crown, the only such institution in Malaysia
  • Professional accounting accreditations incl. ACCA (UK), ICAEW (UK), CPA (Australia) and CIMA (UK)
  • 18 programs awarded a 6-Star Employer Choice rating by Malaysian employers

Admissions

Entry requirements

  • Recognised pre-university qualification (e.g. STPM, A-Levels, foundation, diploma, or equivalent) — requirements vary by program
  • Meet the minimum subject grades for your chosen course
  • Meet the English language requirement (see below)

Intakes

  • Intake dates vary by program and level — confirm the next available intake with YSTC

English requirement

Typically IELTS or TOEFL at the level set by your program, with pathway options if you don't yet meet the requirement — the exact band varies by course. YSTC will confirm what your course needs.

International students are issued a Malaysian Student Pass via EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services). UPM's international office handles the Student Pass application after you accept your offer, and YSTC can manage the 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

Jalan Universiti 1, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

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 Putra Malaysia located?

UPM's main campus is in Serdang, Selangor — about 30 km south of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia's Klang Valley, on one of the country's largest campuses at over 1,200 hectares. There's also a branch campus, UPM Bintulu, in Sarawak.

How much does it cost to study at Universiti Putra Malaysia?

Tuition at UPM varies by program level and by whether you're a local or international student, and official figures change each intake — so we don't want to quote a number that might be out of date. Your free consultation with YSTC includes a clear, up-to-date cost estimate for the exact courses on your shortlist.

Is a Universiti Putra Malaysia degree recognised internationally?

Yes. UPM is MQA accredited (with self-accreditation status) and approved by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education, ranks among the world's universities in QS and THE, and is one of only five national research universities in Malaysia. Its business school holds the AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA triple crown. YSTC will confirm recognition for your specific country and goals.

What is Universiti Putra Malaysia known for?

UPM is best known for agriculture, forestry and veterinary science — its Agriculture & Forestry program ranks

When can I start, and what are the intakes?

UPM's intake dates depend on the program and level you choose. Rather than rely on dates that may have shifted, YSTC will confirm the next available intake and the application deadlines for your specific course.

How do I apply, and can YSTC help?

Yes — and getting started is completely free. We'll help you choose the right course, 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 Universiti Putra Malaysia?

Scholarship and financial-aid availability at public universities changes each intake and depends on your level and program. The best move is a free YSTC consultation, where we'll check which scholarships or awards you may qualify for and help you apply at no cost.

What are the English language requirements for Universiti Putra Malaysia?

Most programs ask for IELTS or TOEFL at a level set by the course, and the exact band varies by program and study level. If you don't yet meet the requirement, there are pathway options. YSTC will confirm exactly what your chosen course needs.

Are courses at Universiti Putra Malaysia taught in English?

UPM runs a wide range of programs in English, especially at postgraduate level and for its many international students from over 80 countries. The exact language of instruction can vary by course, so YSTC will confirm the teaching language for the specific program you're interested in.

What accommodation options are there at Universiti Putra Malaysia?

UPM offers on-campus residential colleges, with further housing options around Serdang. 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 Serdang as a student?

Living costs in the Klang Valley are moderate and generally 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 tuition figures, free of charge.

Can international students work while studying at Universiti Putra Malaysia?

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 at Universiti Putra Malaysia?

UPM reports a 99.4% graduate employability rate in the MOHE Tracer Study — above the Malaysian public-university average of 92.8% — and 18 of its programs have earned a 6-Star Employer Choice rating from leading Malaysian employers. Among 2022 graduates, 13.7% reported premium starting salaries of RM3,000 and above. YSTC can share what this looks like for your chosen field.

Interested in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)? Talk to us free.

Free consultation

Interested in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)? Talk to us free.