University of Malaya

About University

About University of Malaya

The University of Malaya is a public research-based university  (commonly referred to as UM). It is considered to be the oldest and most reputable University in Malaysia. The University was established in Singapore in 1949, with the merger of the Raffles College and King Edward VII College of Medicine. The fast-paced growth of the University during the foremost decade of its inception resulted in the establishment of two autonomous divisions one in Singapore and another in Kuala Lumpur. Later, after the independence of Singapore from Malaysia, the branch located in Singapore became the National University of Singapore. The other branch campus is located in Kuala Lumpur, preserving the same name as the University of Malaya. The Ministry of Higher Education granted autonomous status to the University of Malaya in 2012. The University got ranking between 301 to 350 in the world university rankings by Times Higher Education.

Spotlight at University of Malaya

The University of Malaya has been constantly ranked as the No. 1 university in Malaysia. It is among the top three universities in Southeast Asia, as well as among the top 400 universities in the world according to a reputed ranking publisher such as QS, ARWU, US News & World Report in the past few years. It is the highest-ranked learning institution in Malaysia. Moreover, the University has been persistently voted by consumers as the University of Choice by the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Award since 2007. The business school of this University has achieved two international accreditations, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and Association of MBAs (AMBA). Notably, the University of Malaya has a broad and outstanding alumni base, which includes two Prime Ministers of Malaysia, who have considerably contributed to the development of the country. 

As Malaysia’s premium research university, UM conduct extensive research activities, collaboration, partnerships, and engagements with the other universities and industry locally. Its partner institutions are the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Antwerp, École Polytechnique, University of Paris-Sud, University of Rennes 2, Kyoto University, Osaka University, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, National Cheng Kung University, University of Liverpool, University of Nottingham.

Course Programs offered by the University of Malaya

The various disciplines in which the UM offers its programs are:

Medicine & Health - 31 courses

Education & Training - 22 courses

Social Sciences - 16 courses

Humanities - 13 courses

Business & Management - 10 courses

Natural Sciences & Mathematics - 10 courses

Arts, Design & Architecture - 8 courses

Computer Science & IT - 8 courses

Engineering & Technology - 5 courses

Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences - 4 courses

Applied Sciences & Professions - 3 courses

Law - 3 courses

Agriculture & Forestry - 2 courses

Hospitality, Leisure & Sports - 2 courses

Journalism & Media - 2 courses

 University and Accommodation of University of Malaya

Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the University of Malaya is categorized into thirteen faculties, three centers, and two academies. The University houses 13 residential colleges, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, the Rimba Ilmu Botanical Gardens, the UM Arena that boasts a full-course running track, several museums of different fields alongside numerous sports facilities (Gyms, courts, and grounds) on the campus. The University's teaching hospital, the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) is situated at the extremities of UM near the Petaling Jaya gate. The University of Malaya Library embraces a network of libraries. This library network provides extensive services and facilities using the field-based methodology.

Further, the University of Malaya boasts 13 residential colleges that can accommodate over 11,000 students. Every individual residential hall is administered by a principal and assisted by several fellows. Along with providing accommodation to the students, the Residential halls also facilities, such as game courts, reading rooms, cyber cafes, computer labs, and grocery shops. Most halls offer meals, while some have cafeteria services.

Student life at the University of Malaya

At Universiti Malaya, there is a well-established network of support staff and a range of services to advise and assist students with any issues they may face related to their studies, health issues, career, or any other personal issue. The services offered to the students at the campus are University Hospital with surgical and emergency room facilities, Student Health Clinic, Vaccinations, Individual Counselling, Group Counselling, Referral Letters to Government & University Hospitals, Student Insurance, and more.

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