Malaysian Universities are considered young at age, as the first university in Malaysia was established in 1962 which is Universiti Malaya. 

Nonetheless, some of those young universities proved to be capable of being part of the best universities in the world!

On this page you will see a list of how many universities are in Malaysia and some of the universities world rankings, as well as some fun facts. 

How Many Universities are in Malaysia?

Did you know that Malaysia hosts 20 public universities, and 47 private universities as of the year 2024? 

Did you also know that many universities in Malaysia rank high in the World University Ranking index? 

How Many Public Universities are in Malaysia?

Although malaysia hosts a number of 20 public universities, here is a list of the most sought after public universities in Malaysia, as they hold the highest world ranking compared to other public universities:

How Many Private Universities are in Malaysia?

As of the year 2025, there are 47 private universities in Malaysia. Each private university offers expertise in difference courses which suit different students’ career goals.

Here is a list of the most sought after private universities in Malaysia:

Get to know more about the top private universities in Malaysia on this page

The Development of The Higher Education Sector in Malaysia

Higher education in Malaysia goes back to the colonial era when institutions were established to serve the British Empire.

After Malaysia gained independence in 1957, there was a push to develop Malaysian universities in order to not rely only on foreign education.

The establishment of the University of Malaya in 1962 was a significant moment, leading to the country’s first steps to developing higher education.

This was followed by the establishment of other huge public universities, such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in 1970, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) in 1972, and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 1969.

Foreign Universities in Malaysia

Today, Malaysia’s higher education sector celebrates a diverse mix of Malaysian and foreign institutions, offering a wide range of programs that cater to both local and international students. See a complete list of foreign universities in Malaysia in this blog article!

How Many Universities are in Malaysia Compared to Other South-East Asian Countries?

As of the year 2024, Malaysia became home to a significant number of universities compared to some other Southeast Asian countries:

1- Malaysia

• Total Universities: 67 universities

2- Cambodia

• Total Universities: 45 universities

3- Singapore

• Total Universities: 34 universities

4- Laos

• Total Universities: 5 main universities

5- Brunei

• Total Universities: 5 universities

What Makes Many Universities in Malaysia Special

In recent years, Malaysia has become a hot attraction for international students looking to pursue their education overseas. These are some of the reasons why:

• University Tuition fees are relatively low compared to other countries in the South-East Asia region and also internationally.

• Many Malaysian universities are globally recognized and renowned due to their high ranking status.

• English is the main medium of instruction (except for some programmes that require the national language). 

• Admission for international students is really hassle-free.

Looking for Your Next Best Study Destination?

YourUni educational consultancy makes searching and applying for universities in Malaysia easier for you. Check out some of the best universities in Malaysia on our website and do not hesitate to reach out for any assistance regarding your university application.