Universiti Malaysia Sabah logo

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Kota Kinabalu, MY · Ranking #13

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is a public research university established in 1994 and located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. It is known for its unique location in Borneo, with campuses surrounded by tropical rainforest, Mount Kinabalu, and coastal ecosystems. UMS specializes in biodiversity, marine science, engineering, medicine, business, and social sciences. The university plays a strong role in environmental and tropical research, taking advantage of Sabah’s rich natural resources. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs and emphasizes sustainability, research innovation, and regional development.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah logo Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

About the university

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is a public research university established in 1994 and located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. It is known for its unique location in Borneo, with campuses surrounded by tropical rainforest, Mount Kinabalu, and coastal ecosystems. UMS specializes in biodiversity, marine science, engineering, medicine, business, and social sciences. The university plays a strong role in environmental and tropical research, taking advantage of Sabah’s rich natural resources. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs and emphasizes sustainability, research innovation, and regional development.

Key information

  • Location: Kota Kinabalu, MY
  • Ranking #13
  • QS #1001
  • THE #1501
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Marine Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Environmental Science

Programs (8)

  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Food Technology
  • Medicine
  • Tourism and Hospitality

Student body

  • Total students: 16,000
  • Undergraduate: 13,000
  • Graduate: 3,000
  • International students: 4%

Campus life

UMS offers a nature-integrated campus lifestyle, surrounded by rainforest, coastline, and Mount Kinabalu views. Students experience a balance of academic study and outdoor environment. The university provides sports facilities, student clubs, and research activities, especially in environmental and marine sciences. Life is relatively calm and focused on studies, with opportunities for nature exploration and fieldwork.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $120 - $350 / per month

Housing options

  • On-campus dormitories
  • Student residences
  • Off-campus housing
  • Shared apartments

Student clubs and organizations

  • Marine club
  • Engineering society
  • Entrepreneurship club
  • Cultural clubs
  • Volunteer groups
  • Sports clubs

Sports

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Badminton
  • Athletics
  • Volleyball

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Partner companies

  • Petronas
  • Shell
  • Intel
  • Sarawak Energy
  • Deloitte
  • IBM

Internships: UMS includes industrial training and internships in many programs, especially engineering, IT, marine science, and environmental studies. Students collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners, gaining practical field experience relevant to Sabah’s ecological and industrial sectors.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • TOEFL
  • IELTS

Required documents

  • High school certificate
  • Academic transcripts
  • Passport copy
  • English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Application form

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Tuition costs

  • $2,500 - $7,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 85.00%
  • Scholarships available: UMS provides scholarships through Malaysian government programs, merit-based awards, and external sponsors. Some scholarships cover tuition fees partially or fully, and selected students may receive living allowances. Opportunities are competitive and often prioritise academic excellence and financial need.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1994
  • Teaching languages: english, malay
  • Study formats: offline

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