Why Study in Malaysia?
Malaysia is home to over 590 higher education institutions and more than 1.27 million students. With a diverse range of top universities and colleges, Malaysia offers world-class education at affordable costs, making it an excellent choice for both local and international students.
Finding the right university can be overwhelming, given the numerous options available. This guide will provide a comprehensive ranking of Malaysia’s top universities, helping you make an informed decision.
Summary of Malaysia’s University Rankings
Malaysia’s higher education institutions have gained global recognition, ranking highly in the QS World University Rankings. Additionally, the SETARA rating system, developed under the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015-2025, assesses universities based on teaching, research, and service quality. This guide presents the best universities in Malaysia according to both ranking systems.
Top Universities & Colleges in Malaysia (QS World University Rankings)
The QS World University Rankings evaluate universities based on academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, and research impact. Below is a list of the top-ranked universities in Malaysia:
| Rank | University | QS World Ranking 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Universiti Malaya (UM) | 65 |
| 2 | Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | 137 |
| 3 | Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | 158 |
| 4 | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | 159 |
| 5 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | 188 |
| 6 | Taylor’s University | 284 |
| 7 | UCSI University | 300 |
| 8 | Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) | 307 |
| 9 | Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) | 538 |
| 10 | Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) | 555 |
Other notable universities include Sunway University, Asia Pacific University (APU), INTI International University, and Management and Science University (MSU), ranked between 550–1200 globally.
For the complete list, refer to our Malaysia University Rankings page.
Understanding Malaysia’s University Ranking System
Apart from QS Rankings, the SETARA rating system is another credible framework for assessing universities in Malaysia.
What is SETARA?
SETARA is an evaluation framework developed by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. It assesses institutions based on teaching, research, and service quality. The universities are classified into three categories:
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Mature Universities: Established for over 15 years
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Emerging Universities: Established within the last 15 years
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University Colleges: Institutions with university college status
The ranking is further categorised into six tiers, as shown below:
| SETARA Rating | Category |
|---|---|
| Tier 6 | Outstanding |
| Tier 5 | Excellent |
| Tier 4 | Very Good |
| Tier 3 | Good |
| Tier 2 | Satisfactory |
| Tier 1 | Weak |
Best Universities in Malaysia (SETARA Ranking 2024)
The top-rated universities in Malaysia under the SETARA rankings are:
| Rank | University | SETARA Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Universiti Malaya (UM) | Outstanding (6) |
| 2 | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | Outstanding (6) |
| 3 | Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | Outstanding (6) |
| 4 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | Outstanding (6) |
| 5 | Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | Outstanding (6) |
| 6 | Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) | Outstanding (6) |
| 7 | International Medical University (IMU) | Outstanding (6) |
| 8 | Monash University Malaysia | Outstanding (6) |
| 9 | Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) | Excellent (5) |
| 10 | Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) | Excellent (5) |
Other universities rated Excellent (5) include International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), and The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNM).
Why Are University Rankings Important?
Choosing the right university is crucial for your academic and career success. Here’s why university rankings matter:
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Quality Assurance: Rankings ensure institutions meet academic excellence standards.
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Better Career Opportunities: Employers prioritise graduates from top-ranked universities.
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Enhanced Learning Experience: Highly ranked universities offer better faculty, facilities, and research opportunities.
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Scholarships & Financial Aid: Many top universities provide scholarships and grants to attract talented students.
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Subject-Specific Excellence: Rankings help students identify universities excelling in their chosen academic discipline.
However, rankings should not be the only factor in choosing a university. Consider other aspects such as course structure, tuition fees, location, and career opportunities.
Find the Right University in Malaysia
At vsmalaysia, we help students find the best university and degree programs that match their career goals. Explore our guides, resources, and expert consultations to make an informed decision.
Check out our latest university rankings and study guides!
