What are the best universities in Malaysia according to QS ranking? Malaysia has become a leading destination for international students seeking high-quality education at affordable costs. According to the QS World University Rankings, several Malaysian universities are ranked among the top institutions globally, reflecting strong academic performance, research output, and international reputation.
From prestigious public universities to globally recognized private and branch campuses, Malaysia offers diverse options for students across various fields. In this guide, we highlight the best universities in Malaysia according to QS rankings, helping you choose the right institution for your academic and career goals.
What is the QS World University Rankings?
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is one of the largest and most trusted global rankings of higher education. Universities are ranked based on several criteria, including academic excellence, university reputation, graduate employability, research output, international diversity, and other relevant standards.
The Importance of the QS World University Rankings
Students, parents, and researchers can use it as a useful tool to compare educational institutions and choose the right university based on their educational and research goals.
The QS ranking also helps promote transparency and facilitate decision-making by providing comprehensive and up-to-date information about universities in Malaysia.
The most important criteria for universities ranking in Malaysia
Before we know the best universities in Malaysia according to QS ranking, let's know the most important criteria for universities ranking in Malaysia.
The most important criteria used to rank and evaluate universities in Malaysia include:
Evaluating the quality of teaching and academic programs offered by the university.
Evaluating the university's scientific research activity and publications, including the quality, impact, and quantity of research.
Universities are also evaluated based on their reputation and standing within the academic community through international and national rankings.
The university's resources, such as libraries, laboratories, technological equipment, and infrastructure that support research and teaching, are evaluated.
The university's level of international engagement and interaction is also assessed through academic partnerships, student exchange programs, and joint research with international universities and institutions.
Furthermore, the university's functional performance, graduate employability, and reputation among employers are taken into consideration.
Top 10 Universities in Malaysia According to QS Rankings
The number of the best universities in Malaysia according to QS ranking has increased significantly, reflecting their ongoing efforts to improve the quality of education and scientific research. The top universities in Malaysia according to the QS rankings are:
1. University of Malaya (UM)
University of Malaya (UM) is one of the oldest public universities in Malaysia and enjoys increasing popularity each year. It ranked 60th in the QS rankings. UM also achieved the following ranking in the Webometrics Ranking for the 2026-2025 academic year:
University of Malaya (UM) ranking among Asian universities: 53
University of Malaya (UM) QS ranking among world universities: 338
2- The National University of Malaysia (UKM)
The National University of Malaysia (UKM) was established with the aim of developing society by providing it with competent graduates who possess a comprehensive vision, initiative, and creative thinking. UKM was ranked 138th among the best universities in Malaysia according to QS ranking (World University Rankings) for the 2026-2025 academic year.
UKM also achieved the following rankings in the Webometrics Ranking for the 2026-2025 academic year:
UKM's ranking among Asian universities: 134
UKM's ranking among global universities: 648
3. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
USM offers courses spanning natural and applied sciences, medical and health sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, construction technology, social sciences, and humanities.
USM also boasts 17 research centers dedicated to a wide range of disciplines. The university was ranked 146th among the best universities in Malaysia according to QS ranking the 2026-2025 academic year.
USM also achieved the following rankings in the Webometrics Ranking for the 2026-2025 academic year:
University of Science Malaysia's ranking among Asian universities: 80
University of Science Malaysia's ranking among global universities: 479
4- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
UPM is one of the leading universities in Malaysia, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in most fields, including science, engineering, medicine, business, social sciences, and other disciplines.
It was ranked 134th in the QS World University Rankings for the 2026-2025 academic year, and achieved the following rankings in the Webometrics Ranking for the same academic year:
Putra University's ranking among Asian universities: 22
Putra University's ranking among world universities: 134
5- University of Technology Malaysia (UTM)
UTM is one of the largest universities in Malaysia with more than 27,000 students, and it contains many different faculties, such as engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, management, arts and medicine, in addition to many other study programs.
UTM strives to be a leader in developing human capital and innovative technologies that will contribute to wealth creation in the country. It was ranked 181st globally among the best universities in Malaysia according to QS ranking, World University Rankings for the 2026-2025 academic year.
UTM also achieved the following rankings in the Webometrics Ranking for the 2026-2025 academic year:
UTM Asia Ranking: 86
UTM QS Ranking World Ranking: 488
6. Taylor's University
Taylor's University is among the top universities globally, ranking 251st among the best universities in Malaysia according to QS ranking for the 2026-2025 academic year.
It is also one of the leading universities in Malaysia with an outstanding reputation in higher education. It strives to provide high-quality education and develop leaders and innovators in various fields, and is renowned for its achievements and excellence in teaching and scientific research.
Taylor's University also achieved the following rankings in the 2026-2025 Webometrics Ranking:
Taylor's University Asia Ranking: 2011
Taylor's University World Ranking: 7105
7- UCSI University
UCSI University is one of the leading private universities in Malaysia, renowned for its academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and student-centered learning environment, supported by a faculty specializing in all fields of study.
According to global rankings, UCSI University was ranked 265th globally for the 2026-2025 academic year. Its Webometrics ranking is as follows:
UCSI University's ranking among Asian universities: 701
UCSI University's ranking among global universities:2007
8. Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) is one of Malaysia's leading private universities, offering a wide range of engineering, science, and technology programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The university aims to graduate students with strong leadership and communication skills for the workplace. It was ranked 269th globally by QS World University Rankings for the 2026-2025 academic year.
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) Asia University Ranking: 325
UTP World University Ranking: 1191
9- INTI International University
INTI International University is one of Malaysia's leading universities, ranked 516th in the QS World University Rankings. It boasts academic excellence and a distinguished faculty of highly experienced professors.
The university offers a diverse range of activities, leadership development programs, and support services to foster the personal and intellectual growth of its students.
INTI International University also has a broad network of industry partnerships and internship opportunities during their studies, contributing to student success and guiding them toward successful career paths.
INTE International University also achieved the following rankings in the Webometrics Ranking for the 2026-2025 academic year:
INTE International University's ranking among Asian universities: 1157
INTE International University's ranking among global universities: 3022
10. Sunway University
Sunway University is one of the best universities in Malaysia according to QS ranking as it offers comprehensive academic programs across various fields, boasting a distinguished faculty of highly experienced members and state-of-the-art facilities that support student learning.
The university is a hub for innovation and scientific research, providing students with opportunities to participate in diverse cultural, social, and athletic activities. According to the QS World University Rankings, the university was ranked 539th for the 2026-2025 academic year.
Sunway University also achieved the following rankings in the Webometrics Ranking for the 2026-2025 academic year:
Sunway University's ranking among Asian universities: 1066
Sunway University's ranking among global universities: 2804
In conclusion, this article has highlighted some of the best universities in Malaysia according to QS ranking, which consistently rank among the top universities worldwide. At StudyFans, we can assist you in choosing the university that best suits your needs in terms of field of study and tuition fees, and then you can apply directly.
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