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Best Public University in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country with many prestigious public and private universities that consistently rank highly in the QS World University Rankings. These institutions provide a variety of programs and are known for their strong academic performance, research contributions, and global recognition. The list includes renowned universities such as Universiti Malaya (UM), which holds the top position in Malaysia, and other well-regarded names, including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). These universities provide high-quality education and contribute significantly to Malaysia’s educational landscape, shaping the future careers of the students.

Top QS-Ranked Public University in Malaysia 2026

According to the information on the Top Universities website, the World QS Ranking Universiti Malaya (UM) is holding 58th position and also first position in Malaysia. Furthermore, UKM is in the 126th place, and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is in the 134th place in the world QS Ranking.

The list of the top QS world-ranked public universities in Malaysia is as follows:

The Best Public Universities in Malaysia

1. Universiti Malaya (UM)
2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
3. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
5. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
6. Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
7. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
8. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
9. Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
10. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
11. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
12. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
13. Universiti Malaysia Perlis
14. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
15. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
16. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
17. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
18. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)
19. Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin

The list of the Best Public Universities in Malaysia is:

1. Universiti Malaya (UM)

Universiti Malaya is the top No 1 University in Malaysia, located in Kuala Lumpur. It ranks 58th in the QS World University Rankings. Founded in 1949, it is the first university in Malaysia and has consistently ranked among the best in research, education, and innovation. UM has undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, social sciences, humanities, and medicine. UM offered numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, social sciences, humanities, and medicine. The research produced at the university and institutions worldwide is of high quality.

 2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

UKM is located in Bangi, Selangor. This University ranks 126th globally and is one of the top universities in Malaysia. It was established in 1970 with the mission of advancing national development through education and research. UKM offers various programs such as social sciences, humanities, business, engineering, and medical sciences. The university is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and the development of future leaders, focusing heavily on research and innovation.

 3. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Universiti Putra Malaysia, based in Serdang, Selangor, shares the 134th spot globally. Originally known for its agricultural programs, UPM has grown into a comprehensive university with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and technology. The university offers a wide range of programs, particularly in agriculture, biotechnology, engineering, and environmental sciences. UPM has established itself as a leader in agricultural research and development, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s growth in the agriculture sector.

4. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Located in Gelugor, Penang, USM also ranks 134th globally. Founded in 1969, USM is one of Malaysia’s leading research universities, particularly renowned for its work in science and technology. The university is committed to fostering innovation and producing highly skilled graduates in areas such as engineering, health sciences, environmental management, and social sciences. USM has a strong research-oriented approach, encouraging collaboration between academia and industry.

5. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Based in Skudai, Johor, UTM is ranked 153rd globally. It is Malaysia’s leading university for engineering and technology, with a focus on advancing technological innovation and producing highly skilled graduates in fields such as civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, as well as computer science and architecture. UTM is renowned for its high standards in research and development, with extensive collaborations with industries and research institutions worldwide.

6. Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, located in Seri Iskandar, Perak, is ranked 251st globally. Established in 1997 with a focus on the oil and gas industry, UTP is a private university owned by PETRONAS, Malaysia’s national oil company. It offers specialized programs in engineering, technology, and business with a strong emphasis on producing graduates with industry-ready skills. The university has world-class research facilities and plays a vital role in advancing Malaysia’s energy sector.

7. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)

Universiti Utara Malaysia, located in Sintok, Kedah, holds the 491st position in the global rankings. UUM is known for its business and management programs and is recognized as Malaysia’s top university for business education. Established in 1984, UUM is focused on developing leadership skills, management expertise, and ethical practices in students. It offers various programs in management, law, and social sciences, emphasizing practical knowledge and global competitiveness.

8. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)

Based in Shah Alam, Selangor, UiTM ranks 542nd globally. It is one of the largest universities in Malaysia, serving a significant number of students from diverse backgrounds. UiTM offers a wide range of programs, from arts to business, engineering, and healthcare. The university is focused on providing affordable and accessible education, especially for Malay and indigenous students, to foster socio-economic development within Malaysia.

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

Located in Kuantan, Pahang, UMPSA ranks 609th globally. Established in 2002, UMPSA is a growing university that focuses on providing high-quality education in engineering, technology, and business. With strong industry links, it aims to equip students with practical skills needed for careers in various fields, particularly in the engineering and manufacturing industries.

10. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)

Situated in Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, IIUM ranks 613th globally. Known as UIAM (Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia), the university is recognized for its unique blend of Islamic values and modern education. IIUM offers a wide range of programs in Islamic studies, law, social sciences, and health sciences, integrating Islamic principles into its curriculum. It is one of the leading institutions for Islamic education in Southeast Asia.

11. Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

Located in Kuala Terengganu, UMT ranks between 801 and 850 globally. It is known for its focus on marine science, tourism, and environmental management. UMT offers programs that prepare students for careers in environmental conservation, oceanography, and tourism, which are crucial for Malaysia’s coastal regions and economy.

12. Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)

Based in Tanjong Malim, Perak, UPSI holds a ranking between 851 and 900 globally. UPSI is Malaysia’s leading teacher training university, offering a broad range of education-focused programs. It is dedicated to producing high-quality teachers and educators, with programs in early childhood education, primary and secondary education, and educational management.

13. Universiti Malaysia Perlis

Located in Arau, Perlis, it ranks 1001-1200 globally. Universiti Malaysia Perlis offers programs in engineering, technology, and business with a strong emphasis on practical skills and entrepreneurship. The university produces graduates who contribute to Malaysia’s industrial and technological sectors.

14. Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)

Based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, UMS is ranked 1001-1200 globally. It is popular for environmental and biodiversity research, particularly in tropical ecosystems. The university offers programs in marine science, environmental management, and other related fields, contributing to the conservation of Malaysia’s natural resources.

15. Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)

Located in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, UNIMAS ranks 1001-1200 globally. This university offers a range of programs in business, engineering, and social sciences. The university drives regional and global sustainability by researching Borneo’s unique ecosystems and sustainable development.

16. Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

Based in Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, UTHM ranks 1001-1200 globally. Known for its engineering, technology, and education programs, UTHM focuses on practical skills and applied knowledge, particularly in fields like civil engineering, electrical engineering, and education. The university develops professionals ready to meet future challenges.

17. Universiti Malaysia Kelantan

Located in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, it ranks between 1201 and 1400 globally. UMS focuses on offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, particularly in business, social sciences, and arts. The university actively improves regional education quality while driving economic and social growth.

18. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)

Situated in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, UTeM ranks between 1201-1400 globally. UTeM specializes in engineering and technical education, offering programs that focus on developing technical skills in various fields such as mechatronics, electrical engineering, and computer science. The university also emphasizes industry collaboration and innovation.

19. Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin

Based in Terengganu, this university ranks 1401+ globally. Known for its programs in education, health sciences, and social sciences, USZA aims to provide quality education and produce graduates who contribute to the development of Malaysia and the global community. It is a growing institution with an emphasis on local community development and regional research.