Overview
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), established in 1969, is Malaysia’s second oldest university and the only institution granted Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX) status. Located primarily in Penang with additional campuses in Nibong Tebal (Engineering) and Kubang Kerian (Health), USM is known for research-led education, innovation, and long-term sustainability initiatives that support both local and international students.
2. General Information
| Name | Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) |
| Established | 1969 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | Penang, Malaysia |
| Student Population | Approximately 30,000 |
| Website | www.usm.my/en/ |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | Tuition Fee (USD per semester) |
| Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) | 2,500 |
| Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | 11,250 |
| International Medical Programme (USM-KLE) | 10,000 |
Note: Fees are approximate and can change by intake year, currency, and program structure. For the latest official figures, check the current USM fee schedule on the official USM website or confirm with the admissions office before you apply.
4. Academic Programs
USM is organized into schools that cover computing, health, science, engineering, business, and social sciences. If you are comparing options across Malaysia, you may also want to review similar public research university programs like the universiti putra malaysia and universiti kebangsaan malaysia guides.
- School of Computer Sciences
- School of Medical Sciences
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- School of Social Sciences
- School of Humanities
- School of Industrial Technology
- School of Civil Engineering
- School of Management
- Graduate School of Business
- School of Educational Studies
5. Facilities
Beyond classrooms, USM supports student learning through research-focused infrastructure and campus-wide services. Many students value the combination of laboratories, ICT support, and academic resources when choosing a university—especially in technology and health-related fields.
- Modern laboratories and research centers
- Comprehensive library system
- Sports and recreational facilities including basketball courts, outdoor gym, jogging tracks, gymnasium, and athletic track
- Student lounges and cafeterias
- Health and wellness centers
- ICT services and support
6. Accommodation
USM offers on-campus housing options that can be useful for students who prefer shorter commute times and a more campus-centered routine. Availability and room types can vary by intake and program.
- On-campus hostels with shared rooms at RM 120 per month and single rooms at RM 240 per month
- Family accommodations available at Bakti Permai: one-room units at RM 350 and two-room units at RM 450 per month
- Additional options include campus hostels (DM5 & DM6) at RM 60 per day
If you are comparing living arrangements, it can help to look at other Malaysian campuses such as Universiti Teknologi MARA or UCSI University, which may offer different student accommodation and campus services depending on location.
7. Contact Information
- Address: Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia
- Phone: +604-653 2994
- Email: admission_ips@usm.my
- Website: www.usm.my/en/
More Universities in Malaysia
- University of Malaya
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi MARA
- International Islamic University Malaysia
- UCSI University
- Monash University Malaysia
- Taylors University
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