UCSI University
UCSI University is a private university in Malaysia, with its main campus in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, teaching in English. This page summarises only what we saw on official sources; anything not verified is stated plainly.
Fees, deadlines and requirements can change; confirm them on the university's official pages before applying. Information last reviewed: 3 October 2026
About
Founded in 1986; it describes itself as one of Malaysia's first private universities. Its site cites over 15,000 students from 120 countries and over 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, across faculties including Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering, Architecture, Music, Multimedia, Education, Liberal Arts and Hospitality. It is listed in the MQA's Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR) and says it is ISO certified. The number of international students alone was not verified.
Location
The main campus is in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (20 acres per the official site). Others: Bandar Springhill (40 acres next to UCSI Hospital, focused on medicine and health sciences), Sarawak campus in Kuching (hospitality, tourism, events, business) and a branch campus in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
World rankings
| Ranking body | Overall rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 282 (QS WUR 2027) | Link |
| Times Higher Education (THE) | Not verified at source | — |
| U.S. News Best Global Universities | Not verified at source | — |
| ARWU / Shanghai Ranking | Not verified at source | — |
Figures are overall institutional ranks, not subject rankings, and change every year; check each ranking body for the latest edition.
Programmes
- Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering and Architecture
- Music, performing arts, design and multimedia
- Business, hospitality, education and liberal arts
- Example: Master in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 1 year, January/May/September intakes (MQA/A6982)
- Example: BA (Hons) English Language & Communication, 3 years (MQA A5783)
Admission requirements
Bachelor's
Requirements vary by programme. Example from the BA English Language & Communication page: STPM with 2 principals, A-Levels with 2 principals, IB minimum 26/42, or diploma/foundation CGPA 2.0/4.0, with discretion for borderline cases. Other programmes (e.g. medicine) were not reviewed; check each programme page.
Postgraduate
Example from the Master in Logistics page: a bachelor's degree with CGPA 2.5 in a related field, or 2.0 subject to rigorous internal assessment; prerequisite courses may apply for unrelated backgrounds. Doctoral requirements were not verified.
English language requirements
On the two programme pages we read: IELTS Academic 6.0, TOEFL iBT 60, MUET Band 4, PTE 59 (bachelor page), or Cambridge English score 169. Applicants whose diploma, A-Level or O-Level was taught fully in English may be exempt. Scores may differ for other programmes (especially medicine and health), so check the programme page.
Fees and cost of living
Fees are published per programme and differ. Examples from official pages for international students: BA English Language & Communication about RM75,800 for the three years; Master in Logistics and SCM RM73,599 to RM77,288 for the programme. The pages note a 6% service tax for non-Malaysians as of July 2025. The fee year is not clearly stated on either page, so confirm current figures with the university. Other programmes, living costs and visa costs were not verified.
Application deadlines
The site lists January, May and September intakes for the two programmes we read. Application deadlines were not published on the pages we saw; apply early and confirm with the university.
Scholarships and financial aid
The university says it offers scholarships to deserving international students, that they are limited, competitive and often merit-based, and that shortlisted applicants are interviewed before an award. Names, percentages and criteria are on the UCSI University Trust portal (ucsiuniversitytrust.com/scholarship), which we did not review.
International students
There is an international student section covering admission procedure, pre-arrival, arrival, student visa guidance and insurance, with an online application system. Check the official pages for visa (EMGS) details.
Campus life and housing
KL housing: on-campus halls (Blocks D and E), mostly twin-sharing with a few single en-suite rooms in Block E, with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, laundry, 24-hour security and a prayer room; and off-campus condominium-style units managed by UCSI Peterson Properties. Prices were not stated on the page.
Why students choose it
- Founded 1986 and listed in Malaysia's MQR
- QS World University Rankings 2027: 282
- Main campus in Kuala Lumpur plus two other Malaysian campuses
- English-medium; three yearly intakes per programme pages
How to apply
- Choose the programme and level (bachelor's / master's / PhD) that fits your academic background.
- Check admission, language and deadline details on the university's official page (links under Sources).
- Prepare documents: transcripts, certificates, passport, English test result, and any essays or references required.
- Submit through the university portal, Common App or UCAS depending on the institution, and pay any fee.
- After admission: obtain the admission document (e.g. I-20 or CAS), then visa and housing.
Almorad helps prepare and follow up your application but cannot guarantee admission; the decision belongs to the university. Contact us or browse the universities list.
FAQ
Is UCSI University accredited in Malaysia?
It is listed in the MQA's Malaysian Qualifications Register, and the programmes we read carry MQA numbers. Check the accreditation of the specific programme before applying.
What IELTS score is needed?
6.0 on the two programmes we read (or TOEFL iBT 60 or MUET Band 4). It may differ for other programmes, so check the programme page.
How much are fees for international students?
They vary by programme. For example about RM75,800 for the 3-year BA English Language & Communication per its official page, plus 6% service tax. Confirm current figures with the university.
Are scholarships available to international students?
The university says limited, competitive scholarships exist; details are on the UCSI University Trust portal and were not verified here.
Will Almorad get me admitted?
Almorad prepares and follows up your application; the admission decision rests with the university alone.
Sources
- Official website — https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/
- UCSI - The University — https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/about-us/the-university
- UCSI - Campuses — https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/campuses
- UCSI - International admission — https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/admission-procedure/international/
- UCSI - International scholarships — https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/scholarships-international-students
- UCSI - KL accommodation — https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/accommodation/Kuala-Lumpur
- UCSI - BA English Language & Communication — https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/programmes/ba-hons-english-language-communication
- UCSI - Master in Logistics & SCM — https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/programmes/master-logistics-and-supply-chain-management
- MQA MQR - UCSI — https://www2.mqa.gov.my/mqr/english/eakrKPList.cfm?IDAkrIPTS=136
- Ranking QS — https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/ucsi-university
Cover photo: *angys*, CC BY-SA 4.0 — via Wikimedia Commons.
