Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Malaysia’s leading agricultural and research university, UPM is globally recognized for excellence in science, engineering, agriculture, and technology. Ranked among the world’s top universities, it offers strong research opportunities, industry collaboration, and a modern green campus near Kuala Lumpur.
Top 140 globally in QS Rankings
Malaysia’s leading agricultural university
Research University (RU) status
Strong sustainability and innovation focus
High graduate employability
Extensive global research and academic partnerships
About Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Established in 1931, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is one of Malaysia’s top public research universities, located in Serdang, Selangor, near Kuala Lumpur. Originally founded as an agricultural institution, UPM has evolved into a comprehensive university internationally recognized for research, innovation, and sustainability. The university holds Research University (RU) status awarded by the Malaysian government and consistently ranks among the top universities in Asia and globally.
UPM hosts over 25,000 students, including thousands of international students from more than 70 countries. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement across engineering, agriculture, medicine, business, and technology fields.
Students benefit from advanced laboratories, digital learning systems, modern research centers, and extensive industry collaboration. UPM’s spacious green campus provides a balanced academic and student lifestyle environment while maintaining strong international partnerships and exchange opportunities.
Academic Strength
UPM is internationally respected for Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Engineering, Food Science, Forestry, Environmental Science, Business, and Computer Science. The university is recognized for high-impact research, sustainability initiatives, and innovation-driven education. Strong industry collaboration and practical learning opportunities prepare graduates for careers in research, technology, agribusiness, healthcare, and multinational industries across Southeast Asia and globally.
Major Faculties & Schools
- Faculty of Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Faculty of Agriculture
- Faculty of Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences
- Faculty of Faculty of Computer Science & IT
- Faculty of Faculty of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences
- Faculty of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Faculty of Faculty of Business & Economics
- Faculty of Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Faculty of Forestry & Environment
- Faculty of Faculty of Educational Studies
Popular Programs at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Bachelor of Software Engineering
- Duration
- 4
- Budget
- 7,000 USD /year
Strong mathematics background required. Career opportunities include Software Developer, Systems Engineer, and IT Consultant.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Duration
- 2
- Budget
- 10,000 USD /year
Suitable for professionals seeking leadership and management careers in regional and international companies.
PhD in Agricultural Science
- Duration
- 3-5
- Budget
- 5,999 USD /year
Research-focused program ideal for careers in academia, sustainability research, biotechnology, and agricultural innovation industries.
Admissions
Undergraduate Requirements
Applicants must complete recognized secondary qualifications such as A-Levels, IB, STPM, Foundation, or equivalent. Specific programs may require strong results in mathematics, biology, chemistry, or physics depending on the chosen discipline.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 5.5–6.0 for undergraduate programs and 6.0–6.5 for postgraduate programs. English preparatory programs may be available for students who do not meet language requirements.
Postgraduate Requirements
Applicants require a recognized Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs or a Master’s degree for PhD studies. Research programs require a research proposal and relevant academic background.
Intake Periods
February, September
Fees & Cost of Living
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate: USD 4,000–8,000 per year Master’s: USD 4,000–9,000 per year PhD: USD 3,500–7,000 per year
Fees vary by faculty and program structure. Science and engineering programs may include laboratory costs. International students should also budget for insurance, visa processing, and administrative fees.
Living Costs
Estimated monthly living expenses in Serdang/Kuala Lumpur range from USD 350–650 including accommodation, transportation, meals, and personal expenses. On-campus housing is generally affordable and widely available.
Additional Fees
Application Fee: USD 120 Registration Fee: USD 450 Laboratory Fees (if applicable): USD 300 per year
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarship Overview
UPM offers merit-based scholarships, research funding, and government-sponsored financial aid opportunities for international students.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Outstanding students may receive tuition fee reductions based on academic performance and extracurricular achievements.
International Scholarships
Selected international students may qualify for tuition discounts and research support funding opportunities.
Postgraduate Funding
Graduate research assistantships may provide tuition waivers and monthly stipends for eligible Master’s and PhD students.
Campus Life
Facilities & Environment
UPM’s large green campus includes residential colleges, research laboratories, libraries, sports complexes, medical clinics, cafeterias, and student service centers. Modern learning spaces and digital platforms support academic excellence and innovation.
Student life includes cultural societies, entrepreneurship clubs, volunteer organizations, sports teams, and international student communities. The International Office assists students with visas, orientation, accommodation, and adaptation to university life. The campus environment emphasizes sustainability, wellness, and multicultural engagement while remaining connected to Kuala Lumpur’s urban opportunities.
Careers & Employability
Career Outcomes
Graduates are highly employable across research, engineering, agriculture, healthcare, and technology industries.
Career Support Services
Career counseling, internships, employer networking, entrepreneurship programs, and industry collaboration support graduate employability and professional readiness.
Employment Sectors
Career Roles
FAQ
We answer, frequently asked questions about our agency and the process of applying to universities abroad.
Is English the language of instruction?
Yes, many programs are fully taught in English.
Is on-campus accommodation available?
Yes, affordable residential colleges are available for local and international students.
Can international students work part-time?
Yes, international students may work part-time subject to Malaysian regulations.
When are the intakes?
Main intakes are usually in February and September.
Is UPM internationally recognized?
Yes, UPM ranks among the world’s leading universities.
Are research opportunities available for undergraduates?
Yes, selected undergraduate programs include faculty-supervised research opportunities.
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