Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Ranking, international fees, entry rules for Bangladeshi qualifications, intakes, scholarships and living costs, checked against USM’s own pages.
Check my chances at USMLast updated 4 October 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): highlights
Universiti Sains Malaysia is in Penang and ranks joint 128th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. It offers international students more than 60 bachelor’s programmes and quotes its fees per semester in US dollars.
- After HSC: USM asks for at least 12 years of study and a national high school certificate, Grade 12, A levels, the IB or an equivalent. The HSC meets the 12-year requirement; each programme adds its own subjects and grades.
- For a master’s Postgraduate entry requirements and fees are set by programme and listed on USM’s postgraduate admission pages.:
- Tuition: USD 1,562.50 to 2,500 a semester for most bachelor’s programmes; Medicine USD 13,750
- Scholarship: Malaysia International Scholarship for master’s and PhD.
- Intakes: Two intakes: apply 1 January to 1 April, or 1 October to 30 November.
Key facts
Applications are made only through USM’s online application for international students.
USM rankings
| Ranking | Position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | =128 in the world |
Courses and international fees
These are USM’s tuition fees per semester for non-citizens.
| Programme | Tuition a semester |
|---|---|
| Lowest-priced programmes | USD 1,562.50 |
| Bachelor of Science in Education | USD 1,718.75 |
| Engineering programmes | USD 2,250 |
| Bachelor of Communication | USD 2,500 |
| Doctor of Dental Surgery | USD 11,250 |
| Doctor of Medicine | USD 13,750 |
A year has two semesters, so Engineering is USD 4,500 a year in tuition.
Admission requirements for Bangladeshi students
| Your qualification or level | What USM asks for |
|---|---|
| HSC | USM asks for at least 12 years of study and a national high school certificate, Grade 12, A levels, the IB or an equivalent. The HSC meets the 12-year requirement; each programme adds its own subjects and grades. |
| English | IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 40, TOEFL Essentials 7.5 or Cambridge Advanced 154 |
| Other accepted qualifications | Diploma, A levels, IB, Australian Matriculation or equivalents recognised by the Government of Malaysia |
| Master’s Postgraduate entry requirements and fees are set by programme and listed on USM’s postgraduate admission pages. |
English language scores
| Test or course | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Band 5.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 40 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced | 154 |
USM: yearly intakes
USM has two intakes a year, each with its own application window.
| Intake | Classes start | Apply by | Open for |
|---|---|---|---|
| First semester intake | Around October | 1 January to 1 April | All bachelor’s programmes |
| Second semester intake | Around March | 1 October to 30 November | Programmes offered in the second semester |
The Student Pass process through EMGS starts after you accept the offer, so apply at the start of the window.
How to apply
- Apply online
Use USM’s online application for international students within the window.
- Send your documents
Certificates, transcripts and your English result.
- Accept the offer
USM then applies to EMGS for your visa approval letter.
- Complete the Student Pass process
The university applies to EMGS for your visa approval letter. EMGS charges about RM 2,700 to 3,250, plus a refundable RM 1,500 personal bond for most countries.
Scholarships for Bangladeshi students
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia
- Covers
- Tuition
- Allowance
- RM 1,500 a month
- Level
- Master’s and PhD
- Bangladesh
- Eligible (Commonwealth)
USM is one of the institutions in the scheme.
View on official site ↗The Malaysia International Scholarship pays tuition and RM 1,500 a month for master’s and PhD students from Commonwealth countries, including Bangladesh, at participating universities.
Living costs in Penang
Penang is cheaper than Kuala Lumpur for rent and food.
Plan for the year’s tuition plus living costs. Because term-time work is not allowed, budget as if you will have no job income in Malaysia.
What one year costs in total
A year of Engineering comes to USD 4,500 in tuition plus living costs, which are lower in Penang than in Kuala Lumpur.
Work and careers after USM
Reputation
- =128 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
- More than 60 bachelor’s programmes open to international students.
Work while you study
- Term-time work is not allowed on a Student Pass.
- Part-time work is limited to holiday periods and needs approval.
Stay after graduating
- Malaysia’s 12-month Graduate Pass does not currently list Bangladesh as eligible.
- Plan your next step before you graduate.
USM: FAQs
Can I get into USM with HSC?
USM asks for at least 12 years of study and a national high school certificate, Grade 12, A levels, the IB or an equivalent. The HSC meets the 12-year requirement; each programme adds its own subjects and grades.
How much does USM cost for international students?
Tuition for non-citizens runs from USD 1,562.50 to USD 13,750 a semester. Engineering is USD 2,250 a semester and Communication USD 2,500; Medicine is USD 13,750.
What do I need for a master’s at USM?
Postgraduate entry requirements and fees are set by programme and listed on USM’s postgraduate admission pages.
When are the intakes at USM?
Apply from 1 January to 1 April for the first semester intake, and from 1 October to 30 November for the second semester intake.
Are there scholarships for Bangladeshi students at USM?
The Malaysia International Scholarship covers tuition and RM 1,500 a month for master’s and PhD students from Commonwealth countries, including Bangladesh.
What IELTS score does USM need?
IELTS Band 5.0 for bachelor’s entry. USM also accepts TOEFL iBT 40 and Cambridge Advanced 154.
Plan the rest
Official sources
- USM: international undergraduate admission ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- USM: international undergraduate tuition fees ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
- QS World University Rankings 2027 ↗Checked 2026-10-04 · next review 2026-11-03
These are dated editorial checks, not a live data feed. Recheck the original page before applying or paying.
About this guide. Researched by the Student Visa From Bangladesh editorial team from the official sources listed above and last checked on 4 October 2026. We are not a university or a government agency, and admission and visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Read our editorial policy.