Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), formally known as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia is one of the leading research universities in Malaysia. Founded in 1931 as School of agriculture, the university offers undergraduate, postgraduate courses with a primary focus on agricultural sciences and its related fields. UPM offers semester-wise programs and accepts applications in the month of June, September, and February (depending on the program).

  • Around 4,524 international students get enrolled in UPM for undergraduate and graduate programs, which has 85% graduate employability.
  • Putra Business school has received accreditation from Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB), only 5% of business programs in the world enjoy the association.
  • University Putra is one of the seven universities selected for the Melbourne-Malaysia split Ph.D. partnership, sponsored by the Malaysian government
  • Students have to pay an average tuition fee of 24,550 RM to 2,00,000 RM for the entire program.
  • Students willing to take admission in Universiti Putra Malaysia can avail international collaborative program UPM-ICP to get a dual degree at masters and doctorate level.

All the information related to admission, requirement, scholarship, accommodation is shared in the article, so keep reading.

Universiti Putra Malaysia Rankings 2023

There has been a constant rise in the rankings of Malaysian Universities over the past few years. UPM rankings have seen a considerable rise as well indicating the shift of the global knowledge economy to the Asian countries. This will add in a significant surge of international students enrolling the university as the COVID-19 pandemic heralds a challenge to western universities. Following are the rankings of University Putra Malaysia as per different agencies:

  • Ranked #132 globally by QS world ranking 2023
  • Ranked #28 best in Asia by Asian QS ranking 2022
  • Ranked #1 in Malaysia and #10 in the world in QS 50 under 50
  • Ranked #42 in agricultural science by US news world report
  • Ranked #78 in Times higher education emerging economics
  • Ranked #80 globally in agriculture & forestry by QS ranking 2022

Highlights 

College Type Government
College Campus Sub-Urban
No. of Campus 2
Campus Location Serdang, and Bintulu (Serawak)
Application mode Online
Application portal Portal
Intake Sessions 2 intakes a year
Campus accommodation Yes
Enrollment fee RM280 (non-refundable)
Basic Tuition Fee for International Students RM 24,810 to RM 429,500
Mode of Programs Full time, Part-time, Online
Types of Programs Foundation, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate
Admission help marketing@upm.edu.my
Official Website https://www.upm.edu.my/

Universiti Putra Malaysia Accommodation

UPM offers great on-campus accommodation facilities to students, accommodation facilities for international students are separate and in the international resident complex. The international resident is located inside and outside the campus.

  • Institute offers a single room and sharing room accommodation facility to international students. Institute has two in-campus residents i.e. International Residential College and Ibnu Battuta House (IBH) / International Transit House (ITH) and one outside campus resident named Taman Desaminium Apartment
  • International residential campus facility includes kitchen, pantry, study rooms, meeting rooms, activity room, prayer room, ICT room, cafeteria and laundry, and TV room.

International Residential College Cost of Accommodation 

Room type Charges in RM per month
Single room (with conditioner) 600
Single room (without conditioner) 540
Sharing room (with conditioner) 300
Sharing room (without conditioner) 270

International Transit House and Taman Desaminium Apartment Cost of Accommodation 

These housing facilities complete with furniture and home appliances. ITH is located on the campus and TDA is located 15 min far from the campus.

Resident Charges per month
International Transit House (ITH) RM 1000
Taman Desaminium Apartment RM 650 (with equipment)
RM 500 (without equipment) -

Explore Travel and Stay Guide for International Students in Malaysia

Top Programs at Universiti Putra Malaysia

UPM offers a plethora of undergraduate and post-graduate programs in the various fields of agriculture, forestry, Medicine and Health Sciences, Economics and Management, Engineering, Educational Studies, Science, Biotechnology, computer science, and information technology, etc.

Admission Requirements at UPM 

  • Master’s programs - Bachelor’s degree in related field with at least CGPA of 2.75 or bachelor’s degree with 3 years work experience (if CGPA is CGPA is between 2.50 to 2.75) or bachelor’s degree with 5 years of work experience in related field (if CGPA is < 2.50)
  • Ph.D. programs - Masters degree in related field or an outstanding bachelors degree with at least CGPA of 3.75 or equivalent
  • Bachelors programs – Completed national higher school certificate or equivalent to 12-year education with 80% grade or diploma with minimum CGPA of 3.0 or fulfilled special requirement mentioned in the table
  • Some programs need to pass an interview to get admission
  • Students are advised to must visit the official website to confirm the requirements and fees as they may change in the future.
Program Total Fees in RM
Master in Land Resource Management 36,450
Master of Computer Science 24,450
Master of Business Administration 44050
Master of Economics 35,450
Master of Architecture 31,200
Master of Engineering Management 24,450
Master of Electrical Power Engineering 26,450
Master of Food Technology 28,950
Master of Public Health 29,200
Bachelor of Accountancy 50,000
Bachelor of Business Administration 50,000
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 200,000
Bachelor of Agricultural Science 65,000
Bachelor of forestry science 65,000.
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronics) 70,000

Check Application Deadlines and Requirements to Study in Malaysia

Universiti Putra Malaysia Application Procedure

The application procedure of University Putra Malaysia for international students is online and complete in multiple steps. Due to its award-winning education institute has students from more than 80 countries worldwide. Applicants are advised to first figure out the eligibility criteria, intake dates, and fees and fill the form accurately. Here is the application procedure

Application mode - Online
Application portal Click here
Application fees – RM 280 (non-refundable)
Application deadlines – 17 June 2023 (program by research), October 22, 2023 first semester, April 1, 2023 second semester.

Application Requirement 

  • Applicants are required to meet the entry requirement as per the program
  • Applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirement
  • Applicants need to submit proof of work experience as per the program
  • Applicants required to meet other specific programs wise requirements and visa requirement

Application Procedure at UPM 

  • First, open the official website portal and register yourself
  • Open the application portal and read the application guideline
  • Choose your program and start filling the form
  • Fill the application form carefully and submit the application
  • Download the form and attach the required documents
  • Send the form with documents to the given address
  • Pay the application fee and get a confirmation in your email
  • The application will be processed under the admission guideline after receiving the required supporting documents
  • You will be notified once your application will be approved to complete further steps

Documents Required

  • Completed online application form
  • Transcripts of HSC/GCA level A/diploma certificate (certified copy)
  • Transcripts of previously attended qualification
  • Bachelor’s degree certificate
  • Masters degree certificate
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • Passport and photographs
  • Certified copy of financial stability
  • Proof of relevant work experience
  • Student visa
  • Translated certificate (if documents are other than English)
  • Health certificate (at the time of arrival)
  • Additional documents if required

English Language Proficiency Test Scores

International applicants are required to fulfill the English language requirement for the respective program. Institute accepts most of the English language test scores for the proof of English proficiency like IELTS, TOEFL IBT/CBT/PBT, MUET, CIEP at ELS.

  • Candidates who don’t meet the direct admission language requirements and meet the provisional admission requirement are required to submit proof of English language proficiency within 6 months after enrolling in the programs.
  • Applicants who don’t meet the language proficiency are required to enroll in the intensive English program (IEP) for enhancement of language proficiency.
Tests Direct admission Requirement Provisional admission requirement
IELTS Band 6.0 5.5
TOEFL PBT 550 549
TOEFL CBT 218 217
TOEFL IBT 79-80 78
MUET Band 3 3
CIEP Level 109 Level 109

Universiti Putra Malaysia Cost of Attendance 

According to the university's official website, the tuition fee will cost you around for the entire program is RM 24,550 to RM 2,00,000, and the estimated living cost is RM 1250 – RM 1660 per month depending upon the individual's need and lifestyle (accommodation isn’t included).

Universiti Putra Malaysia Financial Aid

UPM offers various scholarships to international students like graduate research assistantship, Putra alumni scholarship pass, International Graduate Student Scholarship, Special graduate research allowance scheme, etc. Here are the details of top scholarships with amounts and requirements.

Scholarship Amount Eligibility
Graduate research assistantship RM 1,125 to RM 1,500 per week enrolled in a Masters (by research) or Ph.D. program and obtain approval from the Advisor/ Chairman
Putra Alumni Scholarship Scheme (PASS) – International 30 % of the tuition fees for alumni children(10% tuition fee waiver for alumni) Bachelor degree or Master's degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.50 and studying in the program by research
International Graduate Student Scholarship Cover up 30% of tuition fee for 6 semesters Master’s degree with CGPA of 3.50 and must have a research proposal
Special Graduate Research Allowance Scheme RM 1,800 per month (masters) RM 2,300 per month (Ph.D.) -

Universiti Putra Malaysia Alumni Benefits

Universiti Putra Malaysia Alumni Association (PAUPM) establishes close relationships with members with the aim of enhancing their academic intellectual, self-esteem and mutual benefits. With extensive Alumni / Member knowledge contributes to the community and national development. Moreover, for the upliftment of welfare activities of the members, the following benefits can be available by University Putra Malaysia alumni:

  • Get a discount on expenses for PAUPM-supported projects/exercises.
  • 20% discount on 'Green Fee' at UPM Golf Club.
  • 20% off admission to EduPark UPM.
  • Unique installment for the UPM library membership fee every year.
  • 10% off study enrollment charge at Putra Business School (enlistment through PAUPM only).
  • Discount on selected PAUPM sales items.
  • Eligible to get money related help through the Tabung Alumni Prihatin.
  • Rebate for horse riding class expenses at Equine Center, UPM.
  • Chance to get membership of the Koperasi Alumni UPM Serdang Berhad (KOASER).
  • May be selected as the Committee of UPM Alumni Association (PAUPM) at the Annual General Meeting like clockwork (Lifetime Members as it were).

Universiti Putra Malaysia Placement

Institute has great collaborations and partnerships with multiple industries and companies and regularly conducts placements fairs, placement preparation and also helps students to get the required information about the jobs and industries in Malaysia.

Here is the data about the average annual income of UPM graduates:

Industry/program Average Salary in RM
Logistics, Operations & Purchasing 3,40,751
Human Resources 1,49,598
Financial Services 99,732
Engineering 1,86,997
IT & Software Development 95,576
Bachelor of Science 2,28,552
Master 1,78,686
Bachelor of Arts 78,954

Institute is taking care of and implementing all the Covid-19 guidelines and announced that international students who are visiting the campus must take RT-PCR Covid-19 test 3 days before leaving for Malaysia to enter the country. The Malaysian government has banned the entry of students of India and other countries due to the huge spread of coronavirus. Students need to pay the fixed amount of fees of quarantine and test during visiting Malaysia. Students need to follow step by step process of entry requirements in Malaysia. Visit the official website for more information regarding the covid-19 update.

FAQs 

Ques. When is the next intake session of Universiti Putra Malaysia?

Ans. Institute offers semester-wise programs and open portals to accept applications in the month of April and October. The next intake deadline is 17 June 2023 (program by research), October 22, 2023 for first semester, April 1, 2022 for second semester.

Ques. Does Universiti Putra Malaysia offer any accommodation facility?

Ans. Yes, the institute offers multiple on-campus accommodation facilities to international students. Institute offers single and double resident shared rooms in the residence hall as well as in separate furnished houses.

Ques. In UPM provides any financial aid to international students?

Ans. Yes, the institute offers multiple scholarships in the form of financial aid to best-performing international students. Institute offers scholarships like graduate research assistantship, Putra alumni scholarship pass, International Graduate Student Scholarship, Special graduate research allowance scheme, etc.

Ques. What is the procedure to avail of the scholarship at UPM?

Ans. Applicants must enroll in the relevant program and meet the eligibility requirements of the scholarship. Applicants are not availing any other scholarship. Applicants need to apply for scholarship before the deadline with completely filled form to avail of the scholarship.

Ques. What are the other entry requirements UPM needs?

Ans. Applicants need to meet the specific program-wise requirements and for some programs, applicants need to pass the interview. Students also need to provide the financial statement for the program.

Ques. What are the campus facilities available at UPM Malaysia?

Ans. Institute has two fully-fledged campuses equipped with all the facilities like lecture rooms, seminar halls, library facilities, health center, transportation facility, auditorium, sports court and clubs, gym and swimming pool, cafeteria, baking facility, etc.

Ques. What if I’ll unable to prove my English language proficiency at UPM?

Ans. Institute has multiple English language requirements on the basis of level. If a candidate doesn’t meet the regular requirement but meets the provisional one then-candidate is required to submit the language proficiency within 6 months after enrolment. If a candidate doesn’t meet any of the top requirement then he/she need to enroll in intensive English program (IEP) to enhance the language proficiency.

Ques. What are the rules for international students to enter UPM?

Ans. Students are required to first submit the RT-PCR test of Covid. The candidate also needs to pay the quarantine and test fees at the time of visiting the campus. The candidate must check his country in the banned countries list of Malaysia.

Ques. How much it cost me to study at UPM Malaysia?

Ans. It depends upon your need and expenses. However, living at UPM will cost you around RM 1250 – RM 1660 per month (excluded accommodation) and tuition fees will range from RM 24,000 to RM 2,00,00 for the entire program.