University of Malaya (UM)

Overview

The University of Malaya is a public research-based institution which is commonly referred to as UM. It is said to be the oldest and most esteemed university in the country of Malaysia. It was founded in 1949 in Singapore with the merger of the Raffles College and King Edward VII College of Medicine. The rapid growth of the university during its first decade of foundation resulted in the establishment of two autonomous divisions in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, respectively. The university was ranked between 301 and 350 in the world university rankings given by Times Higher Education.

In 1959, the University of Malaya was segregated into two divisions. In 1960, the government of the two territories indicated their desire to change the status of the Divisions into that of a national university. The legislation was passed in 1961 and the University of Malaya was established on 1st January 1962. On the other side, the Singapore campus turned into the University of Singapore. In 2012, the Ministry of Higher Education granted autonomous status to the University of Malaya.

The University of Malaya has a wide and remarkable alumni network which includes two Prime Ministers of Malaysia, who have significantly contributed to the development of the country. Mahathir Mohamad, fourth and seventh Malaysia's Prime Minister; Seventh Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim; Opposition's former Leader Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Fifth Malaysia's Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Seventh Governor of Malaysia's Central Bank Zeti Akhtar Aziz are some of the distinguished alumni of the university.

University Of Malaya Ranking

Ranking of University of Malaya as per different agencies globally is taulated below:

University of Malaya Accommodation

Situated in Kuala Lumpur, Universiti Malaya is the capital city’s only public university. Amongst many eye-catching gardens and infrastructures across the campus, it's main differentiating aspect is the UM’s focus on sustainability. In 2018, the university began its eco-campus initiative and by 2020 has turned its 75% campus area eco-friendly. 

In terms of housing, the university has 13 residential colleges to accommodate around 11,000 students at a time. With more than 65% housing facilities offered to first-year students, the University of Malaya tries to ensure that freshmen do not have to struggle. 

Of the 13 on-campus accommodation options, international students are welcome to apply for housing in four residential colleges. The details of which are tabulated below:

Students, both domestic and international, are required to apply separately for the University of Malaya accommodation facilities. It is recommended that the students apply for the housing as early as possible, otherwise they will have to rely on off-campus accommodation. Compared to on-campus, off-campus housing facilities are expensive, ranging between 800 RM to 3000 RM/month.

University Of Malaya Admission Process

The application process at Universiti Malaysia is thoroughly systemized with two intake sessions: September and February. International students are welcome to apply for admission at UM in both sessions. The application process for UG & PG students is common and as follows:

The application processing fee for both UG & PG applicants is 300 RM.

Academic Requirements

Documents required while applying for admission at the University of Malaya are:

• Academic Transcripts, National High School Certificate with grades being 80% and above
• Diploma with CGPA more than 3.00
• Financial Statement for self-financing or letter of guarantee from the sponsor
• Interview in selective programs
• Malaysian student Visa Approval Letter (VAL)
• Minimum English Language Requirements