MalaysiaQS #134PenangPublic UniversityTaught in English, MalayFully FundedTuition from $1,563 per semesterUniversiti Sains Malaysia
جامعة العلوم الماليزية
ForsaEduforsaedu.comAbout the scholarship program
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang, one of Malaysia's leading research universities, offers international students — especially at postgraduate level — fellowships, scholarships and research assistantships that usually include a fee waiver or a monthly allowance depending on the program. Conditions vary by school. Admission and scholarship information is on the university's admissions website.
Information last verified: October 13, 2026Official source
Tuition for international students
Per-semester tuition for international undergraduates: US$1,562.50 (arts, music, social sciences, languages) to US$3,125 (architecture, quantity surveying) for bachelor’s programmes; Doctor of Medicine US$13,750 per semester.
Admission for international students
Admission for international students
Available programmes
Each programme has its own requirements, documents and benefits. Open it to see them in full with the application steps:
- View Details
USM Global Fellowship (PhD) – Universiti Sains Malaysia
PhDFully Funded53 majorsDeadline varies by university or programme
Life and living
Penang · Malaysia
Life and living
Penang · Malaysia
Living in Penang
The island state of Penang and its UNESCO-listed capital George Town, home to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Student housing
Universities help students find housing on campus (residential colleges) or in shared flats; EMGS estimates food at about USD 200 a month.
Transport for students
EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) estimates student transport at about USD 15 a month.
Top landmarks
George Town, Penang
HundenvonPenang · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Kek Lok Si
HundenvonPenang · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Penang Hill
HundenvonPenang · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Last verified: October 2026
Sources:DOSM – Population estimates 2025 (preliminary, by state)EMGS – Cost of living in Malaysia
Studying and living in Malaysia
Costs and living
Tuition for international students varies widely by university and programme, and many universities publish it for the whole programme: • Public universities: for example, a bachelor’s at UTM costs about RM 46,000–76,000 in total, and at USM US$1,560–3,125 per semester; medicine costs much more. • Private universities: usually RM 65,000–165,000 for a whole bachelor’s, with international discounts of 10–50%. • A 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST) has applied to international students’ fees at many universities since July 2025. Living costs: about RM 1,500–2,600 a month (around US$320–560): accommodation RM 400–800, food 600–900, transport 100–200, utilities and internet 100–200, personal 200–400. Off-campus housing (2–3-bedroom flat) costs RM 700–1,500 a month plus a three-month deposit.
Working while studying
International students at universities may work part-time up to 20 hours a week with prior Immigration approval; EMGS and universities state this applies during semester breaks. Work is allowed only in approved sectors: restaurants, petrol stations, mini-markets, hotels and on campus. Working as a cashier, singer, musician, masseur, receptionist or student-recruitment agent is not allowed, and breaking the rules can lead to cancellation of the student pass. Credit-bearing internships are permitted. Family: master’s and PhD students can bring a spouse and children on dependant passes; dependants may not work.
Last verified: October 2026· Source
Guide to studying in MalaysiaFaculties and programmes
25 faculties · 60 programmes
Faculties and programmes
25 faculties · 60 programmes
Programmes taught at each faculty, with study levels and teaching language where the university publishes them. Admission and funding differ per programme.
School of Biological Sciences
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Biology
- Environmental Science
School of Chemical Sciences
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Chemistry
School of Physics
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Physics
School of Mathematical Sciences
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Mathematics
- Statistics
Show all faculties (+21)Show less
School of Computer Sciences
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity· Master, PhD
- Data Science & Analytics· Master
- Information Technology (IT)
- Software Engineering
School of Humanities
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglishMSMalay- Geography
- History
- Languages and Literature
- Theology & Religious Studies
School of Languages, Literacies and Translation
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglishMSMalay- Languages and Literature
- Translation
School of Social Sciences
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglishMSMalay- Anthropology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
School of Educational Studies
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglishMSMalay- Curriculum & Instruction
- Educational Psychology
- Special Education· Master, PhD
School of Management
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Accounting
- Business Management
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
Graduate School of Business
MasterPhDENEnglish- Business Management
School of Housing, Building and Planning
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglishMSMalay- Architectural Engineering
- Geography
School of Communication
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglishMSMalay- Digital Media
- Film & Television Production
- Journalism
- Public Relations
School of the Arts
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglishMSMalay- Film & Television Production· Bachelor
- Fine Arts (Painting, Sculpture)
- Graphic Design
- Music
- Theatre & Drama
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Pharmacy
School of Industrial Technology
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Environmental Science
- Nutrition and Dietetics
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Electrical Engineering
School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Materials Science & Engineering
School of Civil Engineering
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Civil Engineering
School of Mechanical Engineering
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
School of Chemical Engineering
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Chemical Engineering
School of Aerospace Engineering
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Aerospace Engineering
School of Medical Sciences
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- General Medicine
- Public Health· Master, PhD
School of Dental Sciences
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Dentistry
School of Health Sciences
BachelorMasterPhDENEnglish- Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Nursing
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Sports Science
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps.
Funding type: Fully Funded. Announced benefits: Full tuition and exam fees, RM3,000 monthly allowance, Return flight.
Deadline varies by university or programme. Follow the official website for updates.
Required documents: USM Global Fellowship application form, Transcripts and degree certificates, English test result.
Apply directly on the official website: https://www.usm.my. ForsaEdu does not receive applications or charge any fee.
QS World University Rankings 2026
Rank#134
Track your academic readiness
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