🌳Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Bangi (Selangor), Malaysia

QS World 2026 · #138

Malaysia's 'National University', historically instrumental in establishing Malay as a medium of higher education.

About UKM

UKM's name translates to 'National University of Malaysia', and it was established in 1970 specifically to pioneer Malay-medium higher education, a historically significant role in the country's post-independence education policy. It remains one of Malaysia's public research-intensive universities, part of the public Big 5.

Why students choose it

  • Historically pioneered Malay-medium higher education in Malaysia
  • One of Malaysia's public Big 5 research universities
  • Strong Medicine and Islamic Studies programmes

🎓 Free application support for UKM

Submit a free enquiry and Tutopiya's admissions team will guide you through your application to UKM — personal statement, interview prep and deadlines — at no cost, no obligation. Application fees are typically waived through our university partnerships.

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Typical entry grades

AAB (A Level)  ·  IB 32

High tier · indicative for the flagship courses below — always verify per-course requirements directly with the university.

Tuition (international, per year)

RM15,000–RM30,000/yr

mid tier for Malaysia — figures are typical ranges, not this specific university's published fee.

Language of instruction

English

Campus

campus campus, Bangi (Selangor)

🏆 Scholarships to look into

Informational only — scholarship amounts, deadlines and even which schemes are running change often (sometimes per intake), so treat this as a starting point, not a guarantee. Always confirm current details directly with the scholarship provider or UKM's financial aid office.

Malaysian government scholarships are almost entirely restricted to Malaysian citizens. For international students, the main route is university-level merit scholarships or fee rebates, especially common at private and branch-campus universities.

  • University merit scholarships / fee rebates: Offered by private and branch-campus universities (e.g. Taylor's, Sunway, Monash Malaysia, Nottingham Malaysia) — typically a percentage tuition rebate for strong IGCSE/A-Level results, often applied automatically or via a simple form.

Public university (UM, USM, UKM, UPM, UTM) scholarship access for international students is much more limited than at private/branch-campus universities — check directly before assuming availability.

Want help figuring out which of these you'd actually qualify for? Talk to a free Tutopiya counsellor.

Popular courses

Medicine

⏱️ Typical duration: 5–6 years where entered straight from school (UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong); typically a 4-year postgraduate MD entered after a Bachelor's (US, Canada)

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Typical entry: Requires Chemistry + Biology

Engineering

⏱️ Typical duration: Often 4 years rather than the country's standard Bachelor's length, especially where the programme includes an integrated Master's (e.g. UK MEng) or an industry placement year

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Typical entry: Requires Mathematics + Physics

Business

⏱️ Typical duration: 3–4 years, depending on the course and university

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Typical entry: Mathematics helps but usually isn't required recommended

Social Sciences

⏱️ Typical duration: 3–4 years, depending on the course and university

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Information Technology

⏱️ Typical duration: 3–4 years, depending on the course and university

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Typical entry: Mathematics recommended

Durations are typical for Malaysia — always confirm the exact length (including any placement or integrated Master's year) on the course's own page before applying.

Not sure which course fits your grades and interests? Run the full shortlist builder →

How to apply

Main intake(s)
February, September
Typical deadline
Rolling — apply 3–6 months ahead of your intended intake

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall

Most universities waive this requirement if you've completed 2+ years of English-medium schooling (e.g. IGCSE / A Level / IB) — always confirm the specific university's waiver policy before booking a test.

See where UKM ranks on your personal shortlist

Enter your grades and budget in the free Malaysia University Shortlist Builder to see whether UKM is a reach, target or safety for you — alongside every other Malaysia university that matches.

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More Malaysia universities

UKM FAQ

Quick answers about grades, tuition, deadlines and applying to UKM as an international IGCSE / A Level / IB student.

What grades do I need to get into UKM?

As a typical benchmark for international entry, UKM expects around AAB at A Level or 32 points on the IB Diploma. This is indicative for UKM's flagship courses — competitive subjects like Medicine and Law usually sit above this baseline, and the exact requirement varies by course, so always confirm the specific figure on UKM's own admissions page before applying.

How much does UKM cost for international students?

International tuition at UKM typically falls in the RM15,000–RM30,000/yr range (mid tier for Malaysia). This is a typical range for the university's tuition tier, not UKM's specific published fee for every course — confirm the exact figure for your intended programme directly with the university.

When is the application deadline for UKM?

UKM follows Malaysia's typical intake calendar: February, September, with applications generally due rolling — apply 3–6 months ahead of your intended intake. Always verify the exact date on UKM's own admissions page, since deadlines can shift year to year.

What IELTS score do I need for UKM?

Malaysia universities, including UKM, typically ask international applicants for 6.0 overall. Most universities waive this requirement if you've completed 2+ years of English-medium schooling (e.g. IGCSE / A Level / IB) — always confirm the specific university's waiver policy before booking a test.

What is UKM known for?

Malaysia's 'National University', historically instrumental in establishing Malay as a medium of higher education. UKM's name translates to 'National University of Malaysia', and it was established in 1970 specifically to pioneer Malay-medium higher education, a historically significant role in the country's post-independence education policy. It remains one of Malaysia's public research-intensive universities, part of the public Big 5.

Can I apply to UKM with IGCSE, A Level or IB qualifications?

Yes — UKM accepts applicants from IGCSE-to-A-Level, IGCSE-to-IB-Diploma, and directly from the IB Diploma. Tutopiya's free Malaysia University Shortlist Builder matches your predicted or actual grades against UKM and every other Malaysia university we track, tagging each as reach, target or safety.

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