Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is one of the best public universities in Malaysia, offering innovative programmes, advanced research opportunities, and a culturally rich environment in East Malaysia. Located in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, UNIMAS is known for its strengths in science, technology, social sciences, engineering, and creative arts.

The university is globally recognized, ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2025: Top 1001–1200 globally and the QS Asia University Rankings: Top 197, making it an appealing choice for international students seeking to study in Malaysia at an affordable yet reputable institution.

Facilities at UNIMAS are cutting-edge, blending in with its beautiful and yet unique campus. To cater to its research needs, UNIMAS has established several institutes and Centres of Excellence that embody UNIMAS’s commitment to world-class research.

UNIMAS features a modern, eco-friendly campus surrounded by natural landscapes, lakes, and green spaces. The university provides advanced teaching and learning facilities, including digital libraries, computer laboratories, engineering workshops, medical labs, and science research centers.

Students benefit from on-campus residences, dining halls, sports complexes, student centers, and recreational areas. The international office provides visa support, orientation, and continuous assistance tailored to the needs of international students Malaysia.

Established in 1992, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak was founded to expand higher education opportunities in East Malaysia while promoting regional development and research innovation. UNIMAS focuses on producing graduates who are academically knowledgeable, ethically responsible, and globally competitive.

Over the years, the university has grown rapidly, strengthening its academic reputation and expanding partnerships with industries and global universities. UNIMAS emphasizes community engagement, cultural inclusion, and sustainability as part of its institutional mission.

Campus Highlights

• Modern laboratories, digital libraries, and engineering centers
• On-campus residences with dining and recreational facilities
• Sports centers, stadiums, gyms, and multipurpose halls
• Full international student support including visa, welfare, and academic guidance

UNIMAS offers a broad range of courses at foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels across multiple faculties.

Programme Outline

In marching towards the realization of its Vision and Mission, UNIMAS offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes under its respective areas.

Undergraduate Programmes

Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts

• Fine Arts
• Design Technology
• Cinematography
• Music
• Arts Management
• Drama and Theatre

Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development

• Human Resource Development
• Cognitive Science
• Counselling

Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology

• Information Systems
• Network Computing
• Software Engineering
• Computational Science
• Multimedia Computing

Faculty of Economics and Business

• International Economics
• Industrial Economics
• Marketing
• Finance
• Accounting
• Business Economics
• Corporate Management
• Service Economics

Faculty of Engineering

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Systems
• Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering
• Electronics and Computer Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Medicine
• Nursing

Faculty of Resource Science and Technology

• Resource Biotechnology
• Resource Chemistry
• Aquatic Resource Science and Management
• Plant Resource Science and Management
• Animal Resource Science and Management

Faculty of Social Sciences

• International Studies
• Industrial Relations and Labour Studies
• Social Work Studies
• Communication Studies
• Development Planning and Management
• Politics and Government Studies
• Anthropology and Sociology

Postgraduate Programmes

Postgraduate Degrees by Coursework (Masters)

• Corporate Master of Business Administration (CMBA)
• Master of Advanced Information Technology
• Master of Environmental Management/Master of Environmental Science
• Master of Science in Human Resource Development (HRD)
• Master of Engineering
• Master of Science (Learning Sciences)

Postgraduate Degrees by Research (Doctor of Philosophy and Masters)

UNIMAS offers master and PhD degrees by research in a broad range of areas in all faculties and institutes. Currently, over 150 different areas of studies are undertaken by students in these programmes.

Student life at UNIMAS is diverse and engaging, with cultural festivals, academic seminars, leadership programmes, community projects, and sports events held regularly on campus. The university is home to students from various countries, creating a multicultural and inclusive environment.

The university’s policy is to provide students with comfortable, clean, and safe accommodation. Modelled after an apartment complex, the colleges are built to cater to the students’ needs. There are several apartment blocks for each college with each apartment unit accommodating 8 students. The apartment units are sufficiently furnished and students are responsible for its cleanliness. Each apartment block is equipped with communal facilities such as a common living hall, pantry, computer room, gymnasium, public telephones, washing machine, electric kettle, iron, and privatised laundry service. A privately-run cafeteria is available in each college.

Residential halls provide a comfortable living experience with recreational spaces, study areas, and dining facilities. Student well-being is supported through counseling centers, health clinics, and academic mentorship programmes.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak offers a balanced combination of academic excellence, affordability, research opportunities, and a vibrant campus environment.

Reasons to Choose UNIMAS

• Ranked QS World 1001–1200 and QS Asia 197
• Affordable fees with multiple scholarship options
• Modern campus facilities and safe residential environment
• Strong programmes in engineering, ICT, science, and creative arts
• Culturally rich environment ideal for international student integration

Kota Samarahan is known as the “Town of Knowledge,” offering a peaceful, green, and student-friendly environment. It is located close to Kuching, providing convenient access to shopping malls, entertainment, and public transport.

The cost of living is affordable, and students enjoy a diverse cultural experience with Sarawak’s unique traditions, cuisine, and natural beauty. Safety, comfort, and strong community values make Kota Samarahan an ideal location for international learners.

UNIMAS provides several scholarships specifically for international students, including academic excellence awards, partial fee waivers, and postgraduate research funding. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and encourage high-performing students to pursue advanced studies.

Malaysia’s reasonable cost of living combined with UNIMAS’s affordable fee structure makes it an excellent choice for students seeking high-quality education within a manageable budget.

The Universiti Malaysia Sarawak admission process is straightforward and accessible for international applicants.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet Malaysia university admission requirements, including academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and programme-specific prerequisites.

Required Documents

Academic transcripts, passport copy, English test results, personal statement, passport-sized photographs, and recommendation letters (if required).

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Select your desired UNIMAS programme
2. Apply through the UNIMAS international application portal
3. Upload all required documents
4. Receive your offer letter
5. Pay initial registration fees
6. Apply for your Malaysia student visa
7. Receive the Visa Approval Letter (VAL)
8. Travel to Malaysia and complete on-campus enrollment

UNIMAS offers two primary intakes: February and September.

UNIMAS graduates pursue careers in engineering, ICT, healthcare, biotechnology, research, education, business, environmental management, and creative arts. The university’s career development department provides internship placements, career counseling, industry networking, and job fairs.

Alumni of UNIMAS hold positions in multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, and private sector organizations throughout Malaysia and abroad.