University of Malaya (UM)
The University of Malaya (UM), located in Kuala Lumpur, is Malaysia’s oldest and one of its most prestigious universities, recognized for its strong research output and academic reputation. It features prominently in global rankings — QS puts it at #60 worldwide in 2025 and THE places it among the top 251-300 globally. For international students, tuition costs are relatively moderate compared to many Western institutions: foundation programmes run around RM 35,000, while undergraduate and postgraduate courses vary by field and can run between ~RM 25,000 to RM 40,000+ per year. With over 3,000 international students from 80+ countries, UM offers a multicultural campus in the heart of a major regional hub. The living cost in Kuala Lumpur is also considerably lower than in many Western capitals, making it a more affordable option for many international students.
