Putra University Malaysia

Putra University Malaysia

طموحك الدراسة في أفضل جامعات العالم؟ دليلك لجامعة بوترا ماليزيا (UPM) المصنفة 134 عالمياً . اكتشف التخصصات، الرسوم الحكومية المخفضة، وشروط القبول

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When the goal is to study at a globally recognized research university with advanced programs in Medicine, Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence, Putra University Malaysia stands out as one of the leading options.

This comprehensive guide is designed for students considering Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), covering its programs, tuition fees, international recognition, scholarships, admission requirements, campuses, research facilities, and registration process in detail.

About Putra University Malaysia

Putra University Malaysia, officially known as Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), was established in 1972 as a public research university under the name Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, or Agricultural University of Malaysia.

As its academic fields expanded, the institution changed its name to Universiti Putra Malaysia to reflect its development beyond Agriculture and Environmental Studies.

Today, UPM is considered one of Malaysia’s leading universities in:

  • Medicine
  • Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence

It is also a major academic reference for research related to Agriculture and Food Security in Malaysia.

Vision, Mission, and Goals of Putra University Malaysia

UPM aims to become a university with a strong international reputation.

It directs its academic and research resources toward becoming a model institution in:

  • Knowledge development
  • Community prosperity
  • National development

University Goals

UPM aims to:

  • Graduate highly qualified professionals with strong capabilities and professional flexibility.
  • Develop an integrated research infrastructure producing valuable research in Environmental Sustainability, Agriculture, and Food Security.
  • Promote sustainable practices and develop an ecosystem connecting industry with society.

Where Is Putra University Malaysia Located?

Putra University Malaysia is one of the public universities located relatively close to Kuala Lumpur.

Its main campus is located in Serdang, Selangor, approximately:

20 minutes by car from southern central Kuala Lumpur.

The university’s location also places students close to:

  • Shopping centers
  • Railway stations
  • Metro transportation
  • Daily services

making commuting and accessing essential services easier.

Why Study at Putra University Malaysia?

UPM combines several academic advantages that have helped it achieve the status of a globally recognized university.

Advanced Global Ranking

Putra University Malaysia is ranked among the top 150 universities worldwide.

This gives its qualifications considerable academic value in the international employment market.

Advanced Research Infrastructure

UPM is a first-tier research university and one of only 5 recognized research universities in Malaysia.

Its extensive research environment makes it particularly suitable for students interested in research-intensive fields, especially:

  • Food Sciences
  • Agriculture
  • Technology

Wide Range of Academic Programs

The university has a comprehensive academic structure.

It includes 15 faculties offering undergraduate programs and also provides a wide range of Master’s and Ph.D. programs across different disciplines.

International Accreditation

Many UPM programs hold international professional accreditation, particularly in:

  • Engineering
  • Business Administration

These accreditations strengthen the international academic standing of its qualifications.

Affordable Tuition for High Academic Quality

Despite being ranked among the world’s leading universities, UPM is considered one of Malaysia’s more affordable public universities.

This reflects its goal of making high-quality education accessible to qualified students.

Putra University Malaysia Ranking 2026

UPM achieved the highest category among Malaysian universities in the SETARA assessment system.

It received:

6 Stars – Highly Competitive University

under the national assessment recognized by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education.

Putra University Malaysia World Ranking 2026

According to the QS World University Rankings stated for 2026, UPM achieved:

134th place worldwide

This places it among the world’s leading universities and supports its position as one of Malaysia’s top higher education institutions.

Putra University Malaysia Recognition and Accreditations

According to the article information, Putra University Malaysia qualifications can be considered 1000% internationally recognized because of the university’s strong global ranking and academic reputation.

The university also holds several major professional accreditations.

Triple Accreditation: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA

The university’s Business school holds the prestigious triple accreditation:

  • AACSB
  • EQUIS
  • AMBA

This places it among approximately 1% of Business schools worldwide holding this combination of international accreditations.

These accreditations are recognized across:

  • United States
  • Europe
  • Other international markets

Washington Accord

UPM Engineering programs are recognized through the professional framework connected with the Washington Accord.

This supports recognition of accredited Engineering qualifications in member countries including:

  • United States
  • United Kingdom
  • Australia
  • Other Washington Accord member countries

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Veterinary Medicine programs are recognized through the British Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), subject to passing the required statutory membership examination.

According to the article information, UPM is also listed among recognized universities in:

  • Saudi Arabia
  • Jordan

Students should always check the latest official recognition lists because recognition requirements may change periodically.

Faculties and Programs at Putra University Malaysia

UPM offers programs across most major academic fields.

One major field not offered, according to the article, is Dentistry.

The university includes 15 faculties:

  1. Faculty of Agriculture
  2. Faculty of Engineering
  3. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
  4. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
  5. Faculty of Food Science and Technology
  6. Faculty of Educational Studies
  7. Faculty of Science
  8. Faculty of Design and Architecture
  9. Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication
  10. Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
  11. Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences
  12. Faculty of Environmental Studies and Forestry
  13. Faculty of Human Ecology
  14. Faculty of Economics and Management
  15. Faculty of Humanities, Management and Scientific Studies

Popular Programs at Putra University Malaysia

Major academic programs include:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Aeronautical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Medicine
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Nursing
  • English Language
  • Arts
  • Media and Communication
  • Biotechnology
  • Agricultural Sciences

Postgraduate Programs at Putra University Malaysia

UPM offers Master’s programs through both:

  • Research pathways
  • Coursework pathways

The university covers most undergraduate disciplines while also offering more specialized postgraduate programs such as:

  • Master’s in Food Security
  • Master’s in Nanotechnology
  • Master’s in Development Studies

Master’s and Ph.D. Fields

UPM offers both Master’s and Ph.D. programs in areas including:

  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Food Technology and Safety
  • Chemical and Environmental Engineering
  • Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
  • Economics and Business Administration
  • Computer Science and Information Technology
  • Biotechnology
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • English Language and Communication Studies
  • Environmental Studies and Forestry

Diploma Programs at Putra University Malaysia

UPM offers selected agricultural and technical diploma programs at its Bintulu Campus in Sarawak.

These include:

  • Diploma in Agriculture
  • Diploma in Fisheries
  • Diploma in Forestry
  • Diploma in Animal Health and Production
  • Diploma in Food Farm Management
  • Diploma in Agribusiness
  • Diploma in Agricultural Engineering
  • Diploma in Computer Science
  • Diploma in Human Development
  • Diploma in Business Administration

Putra University Malaysia Fees 2026

As a public university, UPM generally offers lower tuition fees than many private universities and several other public universities in Malaysia.

Tuition fees range approximately between:

$2,200 and $18,000

depending on the academic level and field of study.

Study Level

Average Annual Tuition Fees

Notes

Diploma

2,200–3,000

—

Bachelor’s Degree, excluding Medicine

3,000–4,500

Humanities programs are generally cheaper; Engineering and Science programs cost more

Medicine

16,500–18,000

Most expensive program, with a 5-year study duration

Master’s Degree

2,000–4,000

Research Master’s programs are cheaper annually than coursework programs or MBA

Ph.D.

2,200–3,500

Depends on number of semesters and laboratory research costs

Putra University Malaysia Scholarships for International Students

Scholarship opportunities at UPM are relatively limited and generally competitive.

The university provides different forms of financial support for outstanding students.

Graduate Research Assistant Scholarship

Students may receive:

  • Tuition fee exemption
  • Monthly salary

in exchange for working with an academic supervisor on funded research.

Applicants need:

  • Strong academic performance
  • Approval from a research supervisor

Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF)

The GRF may provide:

  • Partial tuition coverage
  • Full tuition coverage

for students demonstrating strong research performance.

Putra Alumni Scholarship

The university provides partial scholarships ranging approximately between:

10% and 30%

for:

  • Children of former UPM graduates
  • UPM graduates returning for postgraduate study

Scholarship Requirements

Students generally need to maintain a cumulative GPA of approximately:

3.50 or 3.75

depending on the scholarship.

They must also complete their studies within the required period.

Putra University Malaysia Campuses

UPM operates 2 university campuses.

The main campus is located in Serdang and is therefore known as the:

Serdang Campus

It covers approximately:

1,100 hectares

making it one of Malaysia’s largest university campuses.

The main campus provides extensive academic and professional facilities.

These include:

  • Large classrooms equipped with modern presentation and sound systems.
  • One of Malaysia’s largest university libraries, with capacity for approximately 2,000 students at one time.
  • Access to thousands of printed books and international academic databases.

Training Facilities and Hospitals at UPM

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Hospital

This is a large teaching hospital used for training students in:

  • Medicine
  • Nursing

It also provides medical services to patients.

University Veterinary Hospital

The university veterinary hospital is described as the first of its kind in Malaysia.

Facilities include:

  • Animal operating rooms
  • Anatomy laboratories
  • Radiology facilities

Engineering Laboratories

Engineering facilities include:

  • Large Mechanical Engineering workshops
  • Wind tunnels for Aeronautical Engineering students
  • Robotics laboratories

Educational Farms

The university campus includes working educational farms for Agriculture students.

These include:

  • Fruit fields
  • Cattle farms
  • Sheep farms
  • Poultry farms

Research Institutes at Putra University Malaysia

UPM has more than 11 international-level research institutes.

Major examples include:

Institute of Bioscience (IBS)

Focuses on:

  • Biological research
  • Cancer research

Halal Products Research Institute (IPPH)

A major research reference in:

  • Halal food standards
  • Halal products

Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS)

Focuses on:

  • Food sustainability
  • Tropical agriculture
  • Food security

Institute of Advanced Technology (ITMA)

Specializes in:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Advanced materials

UPM Bintulu Campus

The university’s second campus is located in Bintulu, Sarawak.

It is approximately:

2 hours by plane from the main campus.

The campus is surrounded by tropical forests and natural landscapes.

It primarily focuses on:

  • Agricultural studies
  • Forestry
  • Diploma programs

The campus includes facilities specifically designed for these fields.

Forestry Laboratories

The forest surrounding the campus serves as a major practical laboratory for Forestry students.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Farms

Because of Sarawak’s coastal location, the campus provides facilities for Fisheries students.

Soil and Plant Laboratories

These facilities support research into the biodiversity of Borneo.

Borneo Ecosystem Science Research Institute

The institute focuses on:

  • Rare plants
  • Rare animals
  • Traditional medicine
  • Ethnic agriculture in Borneo

University Library

The campus library provides academic resources related to the programs offered there.

Student Life at Putra University Malaysia

UPM aims to create a supportive educational environment that develops students academically, professionally, and personally through both academic and extracurricular opportunities.

1. Student Exchange

Students may spend:

1 or 2 semesters

at a partner university outside Malaysia.

Completed subjects may be transferred back to UPM.

Partner universities are located across countries and regions including:

  • Europe
  • Turkey
  • France
  • Germany
  • Japan
  • Indonesia

2. Career Opportunities and Graduate Development

UPM organizes several programs designed to improve graduate employment opportunities.

Annual Career Fairs

Hundreds of major companies attend university career fairs.

Examples include:

  • Petronas
  • Maybank
  • Nestle

These companies recruit:

  • Graduates
  • Interns

Finishing School Programme

Students can participate in workshops covering:

  • Professional CV writing
  • Interview skills
  • Workplace etiquette
  • Professional protocols in Malaysian and international companies

Start-Up Support

As a research-oriented university, UPM supports students with entrepreneurial ideas, particularly in:

  • Agriculture
  • Technology

The university provides access to a business incubator offering:

  • Guidance
  • Initial funding support

3. Student Clubs and Societies

UPM places strong emphasis on student social life and multicultural interaction.

The university has more than:

130 registered clubs and societies

including:

  • Academic clubs
  • Cultural clubs
  • International student societies
  • Arts clubs
  • Sports clubs

Additional Student Services

UPM provides several services focusing on students’ health, daily life, and professional development.

These include:

  • Integrated Health Clinic: Provides general medical examinations, Dental services, laboratory testing, and radiology at little or no additional cost to students because services are included in insurance fees.
  • Student Buses: Transport students between faculties, accommodation, and the railway station free of charge.
  • Cafeterias: Every faculty and residential complex has a cafeteria offering Malaysian, Indian, and Western food at affordable prices.
  • Modern Cafés: Available in the library and selected faculties.
  • Psychological Counseling: Confidential support from qualified specialists for academic stress, homesickness, and personal difficulties.
  • Internship Support Office: Helps students access practical training opportunities and connects them with industry.
  • Internet Access: Available throughout libraries, faculties, and most residential units, with particularly strong coverage in academic areas.

Putra University Malaysia Accommodation

UPM provides students with accommodation options both:

  • On campus
  • Outside the campus

The university operates residential complexes designed to provide comfortable student housing and essential services.

Male and female students stay in separate residential buildings.

Room options include:

  • Shared rooms
  • Single rooms, usually allocated to postgraduate students

Room Facilities

Each room generally includes:

  • Bed
  • Study desk
  • Wardrobe
  • Fan
  • Wi-Fi

Bathrooms are usually shared on each floor.

Shared Accommodation Facilities

Residential facilities include:

  • Dining hall
  • Laundry facilities
  • Prayer rooms
  • Sports courts

Putra University Malaysia Admission Requirements

UPM admission is primarily based on the applicant’s previous academic performance.

Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements

Applicants generally need:

  • Secondary school certificate.
  • Minimum average of 80%.

Applicants to scientific programs should also have strong grades in:

  • Mathematics
  • Physics / Chemistry

Master’s Degree Admission Requirements

Applicants generally need:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, or 3.00 for certain programs, out of 4.00.

Applicants with lower academic results may still be considered if they have more than:

5 years of professional experience

Ph.D. Admission Requirements

Applicants need:

  • Master’s Degree in a related field.
  • Initial Research Proposal.

It is preferable for the proposal to focus on one of UPM’s major research areas, such as:

  • Agriculture
  • Food
  • Technology

Documents Required for Putra University Malaysia

International applicants generally need:

  • Academic certificates and transcripts translated and certified.
  • Passport-size photograph with a white background meeting immigration specifications.
  • Passport valid for at least 18 months.
  • IELTS or TOEFL certificate.
  • Research Proposal for research-based postgraduate programs.
  • 2 recommendation letters for postgraduate applications.

How to Apply to Putra University Malaysia as an International Student

The UPM registration process is relatively straightforward but requires careful attention to documentation and application procedures.

1. Submit the Online Application

Students begin by visiting the university’s official admission portal.

They need to:

  • Create an account.
  • Enter personal information.
  • Enter academic information.
  • Upload the required documents.
  • Pay the non-refundable application processing fee.

2. Accept the Offer and Begin Visa Procedures

The application review takes at least:

2 weeks

Once the university issues an admission letter, the student must accept the offer electronically.

The student then proceeds to EMGS, the Malaysian government organization responsible for international student visa procedures, to apply for the:

Visa Approval Letter (VAL)

and pay the required fees.

3. Obtain the Entry Visa

After Malaysian immigration issues the VAL, the student prints the document and visits the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate to obtain the:

Single Entry Visa (SEV)

This visa allows the student to enter Malaysia and complete the remaining registration procedures.

4. Arrive in Malaysia and Complete the Medical Examination

After arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the student travels to the university and completes a mandatory medical examination at the university health center.

The examination confirms that the student is free from infectious diseases such as:

  • Hepatitis
  • Tuberculosis

Final registration cannot be completed without this examination.

5. Complete Final Registration and Begin Studying

After passing the medical examination, the student visits the admission department to:

  • Submit the passport for the Student Pass endorsement.
  • Pay first-semester tuition fees.
  • Register academic courses.
  • Receive the university student card.

After completing these procedures, the student becomes officially registered at UPM.

If you are hesitant about completing the registration process independently, New Horizons can assist with the university application.

With more than 10 years of experience in educational services, the team can guide you through the application and registration procedures after you contact an educational consultant.

This concludes our comprehensive guide to Putra University Malaysia, which is considered one of the world’s leading universities for studying Medicine, Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence.

However, competition for available places is very high, so students are advised to apply early once applications officially open.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and answers about studying in Turkey

After many years of working on registering thousands of students in Turkish universities, and answering an unlimited number of questions about studying in Turkey, these are the most important questions that concern students

University Putra Malaysia is known for its strong and comprehensive academic programs, including agriculture, veterinary medicine, various engineering disciplines, computer science, artificial intelligence, business administration, economics, education, and modern languages.

For admission to undergraduate programs, a minimum high school GPA of 80% or 3.00 out of 4.00 is required, while postgraduate programs require a minimum GPA of 2.75 to 3.00, which varies depending on the chosen field of study.

The university offers limited and highly competitive funding opportunities for outstanding international research students, most notably the Graduate Research Associate (GRA) scholarship and the Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF), which cover tuition fees and part of living expenses.

University of Putra Malaysia is ranked 134th globally and is the second best university in Malaysia according to the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Yes, admission to Universiti Putra Malaysia is considered difficult, as the university selects its students according to strict academic standards compared to private universities, given its status as a prestigious public research university with a global reputation.

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