Top 10 Public Universities in Malaysia 2024

Education is a priority in Malaysia, leading to a wide range of educational options.

Among these options are top public universities in Malaysia. 

All public universities receive significant government support to help students continue their education.

Let's take a closer look at these universities.

Public Universities in Malaysia 

Public universities in Malaysia have an international reputation. Prestigious educational organisations accredit it. Making sure that the world recognises and values their degrees.

According to The Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia has 20 public universities located across various cities.

These universities focus on research and innovation, making them leaders in this field.

This article will highlight the top public universities in Malaysia.

Shall we begin?

List of Top 10 Public Universities in Malaysia 2024 

To help you choose the best university, we have ranked the top public universities in Malaysia.

We used the 2024 QS World University Rankings.

#1 Universiti Malaya (UM) 

UM is the first public university in Malaysia. It has a rich history of achievements. It offers excellent academic programmes and world-class facilities. UM has over 600 international collaborative partners. 

#2 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 

USM is one of the top ranking public universities in Malaysia. It is the second oldest university. USM is the only APEX University in Malaysia, a special status granted by the Ministry of Higher Education.

#3 Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

UPM is a multi-disciplinary university in Malaysia. It has 88 years of excellence. Its academic programmes are known worldwide. 

UPM is also known for its contributions to knowledge and skill development. 

#4 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) 

UKM is one of the top public uni in Malaysia. Academics established it in 1971. It aims to lead the development of a knowledgeable, dynamic, and moral society.

#5 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Founded in 1972, UTM is one of the leading universities in Malaysia. It is a center for education and research in the fields of engineering and technology. UTM stands out for its modern and advanced facilities.

#6 Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

Fly high with UUM. It is one of the best public universities in Malaysia. Established in 1984. UUM offers a wide range of programmes from foundation to postgraduate levels.

#7 Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

UiTM is one of the best uni in Malaysia. It provides over 500 academic programmes at different levels. There are Foundation, Pre-Diploma, Diploma, Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programmes. There are also Professional Programmes.

#8 International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

IIUM is a leading university in Malaysia specialised in Islamic education and studies. It plays a role in promoting comprehensive understanding of Islam and Islamic knowledge. 

#9 Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah(UMPSA)

UMPSA ranked well in research and innovation. It ranked among the top in these areas in the Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN). 

It also ranked high in the Non-Research University (Non-RU). UMPSA commits to creating unique academic programmes through international collaborations. 

#10 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)

UPSI is one of the major public universities in Malaysia. It supports a vibrant student learning community.

UPSI provides innovative programmes and lifelong learning. 

đź’ˇBonus tip: if you notice that "university" translated to "universiti" in Malay.

QS vs Times World University Ranking for Malaysian Public Universities

University rankings (QS and Times) give important information to compare the quality of different universities.

Now let's take a look at how the top public universities in Malaysia measure up.

We'll use the 2024 rankings to do this.

What Makes Public Universities in Malaysia Stand Out?

1. Globally Recognised

These universities hold international accreditation and recognition.

2. Diverse Academic Programmes

Public universities offer a wide range of academic disciplines. That meets diverse interests.

3. Large Campuses and Facilities

Their campuses are well-equipped with modern facilities.

4. Thriving Research Culture

Emphasise the universities' research focus and innovation efforts.

đź”´Important Note:

Public universities prioritise Malaysian students. So, admission is very competitive for international students.

Begin Your Education Journey in Malaysia Today

Exploring universities is fantastic. But, don't forget that Malaysia has many possibilities for you.

While the top public universities are amazing, there are many other incredible universities out there. That might be a perfect fit for your goals and budget.

Remember

YourUni is here to guide you on your Malaysian journey every step of the way. 

Reach out and let's find the perfect university for your unique dreams!