Top Malaysian Universities for Bangladeshi Students in 2027
Malaysia has become an increasingly popular destination for international students looking for an affordable and internationally oriented higher education experience.
For Bangladeshi students, Malaysian universities offer programmes across a wide range of subjects, including business, engineering, computer science, information technology, medicine, pharmacy, healthcare, accounting, hospitality and social sciences.
But with so many universities and programmes available, one important question remains:
Which are the top universities in Malaysia for Bangladeshi students in 2027?
This guide introduces leading Malaysian universities, their areas of study, university types and factors Bangladeshi students should consider before applying.
Quick answer: Some of the leading Malaysian universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027 include Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Private universities such as Taylor's University and other international institutions in Malaysia also offer a wide range of programmes for international students. Rankings are only one factor, so students should also consider course, entry requirements, tuition fees, location and career plans.
Why Study at a Malaysian University?
Malaysia offers a diverse higher education sector that includes public universities, private universities and international branch campuses.
International students can find programmes at different study levels, including:
Foundation
Diploma
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
PhD
Professional programmes
Some reasons international students consider Malaysia include:
Wide range of programmes: Malaysian universities offer courses across technology, business, engineering, healthcare and many other fields.
International education environment: Malaysian universities attract students from different countries, creating a multicultural campus environment.
English-taught programmes: Many programmes are taught in English, although the language requirement varies by university and course.
Different university options: Students can compare public universities, private universities and international branch campuses.
Regional location: Malaysia provides access to a major Southeast Asian education and business hub.
However, students should compare universities based on their individual academic and career requirements rather than choosing an institution only because it appears in a ranking.
Top Malaysian Universities in 2027
The following universities are among the Malaysian institutions appearing prominently in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
UniversityQS World University Rankings 2027Universiti Malaya (UM)#56Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)=128Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)#130Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)#138Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)=158Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)Check latest QS listingTaylor's University#272UCSI UniversityCheck latest QS listingSunway UniversityCheck latest QS listingINTI International UniversityCheck latest QS listing
QS describes its 2027 rankings as a global comparison covering more than 1,500 universities and using indicators including academic reputation, employer reputation, research-related measures, internationalisation and employment outcomes.
Important: Rankings can change every year. Students should check the latest ranking and the university's current programme information before making an application decision.
1. Universiti Malaya (UM)
Universiti Malaya (UM) is one of Malaysia's best-known public universities and is located in Kuala Lumpur.
In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Universiti Malaya is ranked #56 globally, making it the highest-ranked Malaysian university in that edition.
UM offers programmes across a broad range of disciplines.
Study areas include:
Business and economics
Computer science
Engineering
Medicine
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Education
Social sciences
Arts and humanities
Science
Law
Why consider UM?
Students interested in a research-oriented public university and a broad academic selection may want to explore UM.
However, admission requirements can be competitive and vary by programme.
2. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a public research university with its main campus in Penang.
USM is ranked #=128 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
The university has academic strengths across areas including:
Natural sciences
Applied sciences
Medical sciences
Health sciences
Pharmaceutical sciences
Engineering
Social sciences
Humanities
Education
USM also has campuses focused on areas such as healthcare and engineering.
For students interested in science, engineering, healthcare and research-related fields, USM can be one of the universities worth comparing.
3. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is a public research university located in Bangi, Selangor.
UKM is ranked #130 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
The university offers programmes across multiple disciplines, including:
Engineering
Computer science
Business
Economics
Medicine
Health sciences
Social sciences
Education
Law
Science
International students should check the individual programme requirements before applying because entry criteria vary by course.
4. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is a public university located in Serdang, Selangor.
UPM is ranked #138 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
UPM has historical strengths in agriculture and related fields, while its current academic offering extends across a much wider range of subjects.
Students can explore areas including:
Agriculture
Food science
Engineering
Computer science
Business
Economics
Environmental sciences
Biotechnology
Veterinary medicine
Social sciences
UPM reports a significant international student population, making it an option worth considering for students seeking a diverse university environment.
5. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a public university with a strong focus on engineering, technology and related disciplines.
UTM is ranked #=158 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
Popular study areas include:
Engineering
Computer science
Information technology
Artificial intelligence
Data-related fields
Architecture
Built environment
Science
Business and management
Students planning a career in engineering or technology may want to compare UTM with other Malaysian universities offering similar programmes.
6. Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) is a private university in Malaysia with a strong emphasis on engineering, technology, science and related disciplines.
Potential study areas include:
Engineering
Computer science
Information technology
Data science
Business
Technology-related fields
UTP can be particularly relevant for students interested in technical and industry-oriented education.
Before applying, check the current programme list, academic requirements and tuition fees for international students.
7. Taylor's University
Taylor's University is a private university in Malaysia with a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Taylor's is ranked #272 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
The university offers programmes across areas such as:
Business
Accounting and finance
Computing and IT
Engineering
Architecture
Design
Hospitality
Tourism
Culinary arts
Law
Medicine
Pharmacy
Psychology
Social sciences
Taylor's can therefore be relevant to students looking for a private university with a broad subject portfolio.
8. UCSI University
UCSI University is a private university with campuses in Malaysia and a wide selection of academic programmes.
Students can explore areas including:
Business
Computing
Engineering
Medicine
Pharmacy
Nursing
Architecture
Hospitality
Social sciences
Arts and design
International students should compare the specific programme, tuition fees, entry requirements and campus location before applying.
9. Sunway University
Sunway University is a private university located in Bandar Sunway, Selangor.
It offers programmes across areas such as:
Business
Accounting
Computing
Engineering
Science
Psychology
Communication
Hospitality
Social sciences
Sunway has also recorded significant movement in recent QS rankings. QS reported Sunway University as one of the biggest climbers in its 2026 global rankings.
Students should use the latest available ranking rather than relying on older ranking figures when comparing universities for the 2027 intake.
10. INTI International University
INTI International University is another Malaysian private university option for international students.
It offers programmes in areas such as:
Business
Computing
Engineering
Communication
Design
Hospitality
Health sciences
Social sciences
INTI can be considered by students looking for private university options and international study pathways.
International Branch Campuses in Malaysia
One of the distinctive features of Malaysia's higher education sector is the presence of international university branch campuses.
Students can explore institutions such as:
Monash University Malaysia
University of Nottingham Malaysia
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
University of Southampton Malaysia
Xiamen University Malaysia
These institutions can provide students with access to programmes associated with international university systems while studying in Malaysia.
Programme availability, fees and admission requirements vary by institution.
Best Malaysian Universities for Different Subjects
Instead of asking only “What is the best university in Malaysia?”, students should also ask:
“Which university is suitable for my subject?”
The answer can be different depending on your intended career.
For Computer Science and IT
Consider comparing:
Universiti Malaya
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Asia Pacific University
Monash University Malaysia
Taylor's University
For Engineering
Consider:
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Universiti Malaya
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Monash University Malaysia
For Business and Management
Consider:
Universiti Malaya
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Taylor's University
Sunway University
UCSI University
For Medicine and Healthcare
Students can compare institutions such as:
Universiti Malaya
Universiti Sains Malaysia
MAHSA University
Monash University Malaysia
Taylor's University
Other Malaysian institutions offering recognised healthcare programmes
For regulated healthcare professions, Bangladeshi students should verify professional recognition and registration requirements before choosing a programme.
Public vs Private Universities in Malaysia
One important decision is whether you want to study at a public or private university.
Public Universities
Public universities can offer:
Strong research environments
Broad academic offerings
Established university systems
Competitive admission for some programmes
Examples include:
Universiti Malaya
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Private Universities
Private universities may offer:
Multiple intakes
Flexible programme options
International partnerships
Different programme structures
A wide range of English-medium programmes
Examples include:
Taylor's University
UCSI University
Sunway University
INTI International University
Asia Pacific University
MAHSA University
The right choice depends on your programme, academic profile, budget and preferred study environment.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at a Malaysian University?
There is no single tuition fee for all Malaysian universities.
Your total cost depends on:
University
Programme
Study level
Programme duration
Location
Accommodation
Lifestyle
Your budget should include:
Tuition fees
Compare the current international tuition fee for your exact programme.
Accommodation
Consider:
University accommodation
Private student accommodation
Shared accommodation
Private rental
Living expenses
Budget for:
Food
Transport
Mobile phone
Internet
Personal expenses
Study materials
Other costs
You may also need to budget for:
Student Pass-related costs
Insurance
Medical requirements
Flights
Initial setup costs
Do not choose a university based on tuition fees alone. Calculate the expected total cost of studying and living there.
Admission Requirements for Malaysian Universities
Admission requirements vary between universities and programmes.
Depending on the course, you may need:
SSC certificate
HSC certificate
Diploma
Bachelor's degree
Academic transcripts
Passport
Passport-size photograph
English-language qualification
Statement of Purpose
Portfolio
Recommendation letters
Work experience
Some programmes also have specific subject requirements.
For example, an engineering programme may require mathematics or science subjects, while a healthcare programme may have specific science and grade requirements.
Always check the requirements for your exact programme before applying.
Do You Need IELTS to Study in Malaysia?
Not necessarily.
English-language requirements vary depending on the university and programme.
Some universities accept:
IELTS
TOEFL
PTE Academic
Cambridge English
Other recognised qualifications
Some students may also qualify through previous education conducted in English, depending on the university's rules.
Therefore, do not assume that every Malaysian university has the same IELTS requirement.
How to Apply to Malaysian Universities from Bangladesh
Bangladeshi students can generally follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose your course
Identify the subject you want to study.
Step 2: Shortlist universities
Compare universities based on:
Course
Entry requirements
Tuition fees
Location
University type
Career goals
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Prepare your academic certificates, transcripts, passport and English-language documents.
Step 4: Submit your application
Applications may be submitted directly to universities or through relevant application platforms or authorised representatives.
Malaysia also has MYCAS, a central admissions service operated by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), which allows international students to explore institutions, apply and track applications through a central platform.
Step 5: Receive your offer
Review your offer letter carefully and follow the university's instructions.
Step 6: Complete the Student Pass process
After admission, international students need to complete the applicable Malaysian immigration and Student Pass process.
Step 7: Prepare for departure
Arrange:
Accommodation
Flight
Finances
Important documents
Travel plans
University registration
How NWC Education Can Help Bangladeshi Students
Choosing between Malaysian universities can be difficult because every university has different courses, entry requirements, fees and application procedures.
NWC Education can help Bangladeshi students understand their available options.
Our support can include:
University and Course Selection
We can help you compare universities and courses according to:
Academic background
Preferred subject
Career plans
Budget
Entry requirements
Application Assistance
Support with:
University applications
Document preparation
Application submission
Admission communication
Scholarship Guidance
Understand scholarship opportunities and the eligibility requirements that may apply to your chosen university.
Student Pass Guidance
Get guidance on the documentation and process required after receiving your university offer.
Pre-Departure Support
Prepare for:
Accommodation
Travel
University registration
Arrival in Malaysia
Student life
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the top university in Malaysia in 2027?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2027, Universiti Malaya (UM) is ranked #56 globally and is the highest-ranked Malaysian university in that edition.
What are the top Malaysian universities for international students?
International students can explore universities such as Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Taylor's University, UCSI University, Sunway University and other Malaysian institutions.
The most suitable university depends on the student's course, academic qualifications, budget and career plans.
Which Malaysian university is best for Computer Science?
There is no single university that is suitable for every Computer Science student. Universities such as UM, UTM, USM, UPM, Monash University Malaysia, Asia Pacific University and Taylor's University offer computing or technology-related programmes. Students should compare the exact course curriculum, entry requirements, tuition fees and career opportunities.
Which Malaysian university is best for Engineering?
Students interested in engineering can compare universities including UTM, UM, USM, UPM, UTP and Monash University Malaysia. The most appropriate option depends on the specific engineering discipline and admission requirements.
Which Malaysian universities offer Medicine?
Several Malaysian universities and institutions offer medicine or healthcare-related programmes, including UM, USM, MAHSA University, Monash University Malaysia and Taylor's University. Students intending to practise in Bangladesh should verify the current professional recognition and registration requirements before enrolling.
Can Bangladeshi students study at Malaysian universities?
Yes. Bangladeshi students can apply to Malaysian universities as international students if they meet the admission requirements of their chosen programme and the applicable Malaysian immigration requirements.
How much does it cost to study in Malaysia?
Costs vary significantly by university, programme and lifestyle. Students should consider tuition, accommodation, food, transport, insurance, Student Pass-related costs and other personal expenses when calculating their total budget.
Do Malaysian universities accept IELTS?
Many Malaysian universities accept IELTS, but the required score and accepted English-language qualifications vary by programme. Some universities may also accept other English tests or alternative evidence.
Can international students work while studying in Malaysia?
International students may be allowed to work part-time under specific Malaysian immigration conditions. Students should check the latest official requirements before accepting employment.
How can I apply to Malaysian universities from Bangladesh?
You can research universities, choose a suitable programme, check the admission requirements, prepare your documents and submit an application. You can also receive application guidance from NWC Education.
When should I apply for the 2027 intake?
Start preparing early. The application deadline depends on the university and programme, while Student Pass processing can also require additional time. Preparing documents and shortlisting universities early can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Start Your Malaysian University Application for 2027
Choosing a university is an important decision, and rankings are only one part of the process.
Before applying, compare:
University ranking + Course + Entry requirements + Tuition fees + Location + Accommodation + Career plans
If you are a Bangladeshi student planning to study in Malaysia in 2027, NWC Education can help you understand your university and course options and guide you through the application process.
Take the first step towards studying in Malaysia with NWC Education.
