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Universiti Sains Malaysia

Ranked
Penang, Malaysia
401–500th in World University Rankings 2025
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About

Basic information and contact details for Universiti Sains Malaysia

institution

Established as the second university in the country in 1969, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was first known as Universiti Pulau Pinang. In 1971, USM moved from its temporary premises at the Malayan Teachers’ Training College, Bukit Gelugor to the present 416.6 hectare site at Minden, approximately 9.7 km from Georgetown, Pulau Pinang (Penang Island) Malaysia. 

USM offers courses ranging from Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences to Building Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education. These are available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels to approximately 34,000 students at its 17 Academic Schools on the main campus in the island of Penang; 6 Schools at the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal (approximately 50km from the main campus); and 3 at the Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan (approximately 300km from the main campus). This figure includes more than 3,800 international students of diverse nationalities from 26 countries.  

USM also has 17 dedicated research centres for a wide range of specialisations which include archaeology, medicine and dentistry, molecular medicine, science and technology, Islamic development and management studies, and policy research and international studies. It also provides consultancy, testing, and advisory services to the industry under the ambit of USAINS Holdings Sdn Bhd, the University’s commercial arm. 

Since the beginning, USM has adopted the School system rather than the traditional Faculty system to ensure that its students are multi-disciplined from their exposure to other areas of study by other Schools. It also encourages students to be active in extra-curricular activities given the myriad of clubs and societies available. 

As a Research Intensive University recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) in 2007, USM offers educational and research opportunities to students and staff. In 2008, USM also became the first university in the country to be selected by the Malaysian government to participate in the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX), a fast-track programme that helps tertiary institutions achieve world-class status. 

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Rankings

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Impact Rankings

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Key Student Statistics

A breakdown of student statistics at Universiti Sains Malaysia

gender ratio
Student gender ratio
63 F : 37 M (1)
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International student percentage
34% (1)
student per staff
Students per staff
12.3 (1)
student
Student total
25623 (1)

Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2025

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Subjects Taught at Universiti Sains Malaysia

See below for a range of subjects taught at Universiti Sains Malaysia

Life Sciences501–600th

  • Sport Science
  • Biological Sciences

Education151–175th

  • Education

Arts and Humanities301–400th

  • Languages, Literature and Linguistics
  • History, Philosophy and Theology
  • Archaeology
  • Art, Performing Art and Design
  • Architecture

Business and Economics151–175th

  • Economics and Econometrics
  • Business and Management
  • Accounting and Finance

Clinical and Health401–500th

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Other Health

Computer Science251–300th

  • Computer Science

Engineering301–400th

  • General Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Social Sciences301–400th

  • Sociology
  • Politics and International Studies
  • Geography
  • Communication and Media Studies

Physical Sciences501–600th

  • Chemistry
  • Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Mathematics and Statistics

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