Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is a leading public university in Malaysia, established in 1931 and located in Serdang, Selangor. Known for its strong academic and research profile, UPM offers a wide range of programs in agriculture, science, engineering, medicine, and other fields, attracting students from Malaysia and around the world.

About Universiti Putra Malaysia

• Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is a Malaysian public university with its main campus located in Serdang, Selangor. Established in 1931 as the "School of Agriculture," it evolved over time into a comprehensive university offering programs across diverse academic fields; today, it is known for its strong focus on education, scientific research, and innovation.

• For studying in Malaysia, UPM is recognized under Malaysia’s national higher education system and has self-accreditation status from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Its accredited programs are listed in the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR), making MQA an important reference for students checking the accreditation status of specific UPM programs.

Where Is Universiti Putra Malaysia Located?

UPM is located in Serdang, Selangor, just outside Kuala Lumpur and next to Putrajaya, Malaysia’s administrative capital. The main campus is around 22–25 km from central Kuala Lumpur and approximately 45 km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The university combines a green, spacious campus environment with convenient access to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. Students can reach the campus by public transport, including the MRT Putrajaya Line, while Serdang also provides access to commuter rail services. The location offers a quieter setting for university student life without being far from the major business, entertainment, and cultural attractions of the Klang Valley.

Universiti Putra Malaysia Campus and Facilities

UPM has a large campus in Serdang that combines academic facilities, research centres, and student services in one environment, including the following:

• Student accommodation: UPM has several residential colleges on campus, with facilities and support services that provide students with a comfortable living and study environment.

• Library: The Sultan Abdul Samad Library provides Wi-Fi, discussion rooms, electronic reference facilities, training rooms, study areas, and access to electronic databases and online journals.

• Laboratories and research facilities: UPM has specialized laboratories, research institutes, and academic facilities supporting areas such as biotechnology, agriculture, engineering, food science, medicine, and environmental studies.

• Student activities: Campus life includes opportunities for students to take part in university activities, clubs, societies, and student-led programs through UPM's student affairs and campus community services.

• Campus services: Other facilities include dining and cafeterias, ICT services, transportation, well-being services, safety and security, banking and postal services, and halls for university activities.

Universiti Putra Malaysia Ranking: Global and National

UPM is ranked among the top 1% of 1,526 universities in Asia.

According to the latest rankings for 2026, the university was ranked as follows:

Advantages of Studying at Universiti Putra Malaysia

Studying at UPM comes with several advantages, including the following:

• Strong research environment: UPM is a research-focused university with academic and research activities across a wide range of disciplines, giving students opportunities to gain practical and research experience.

• International scholarships: UPM offers financial assistance and scholarships for international students. For the 2026/2027 intake, the International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS) provides eligible PhD students with a 30–50% tuition fee waiver.

• International partnerships: UPM has collaborations with universities and institutions worldwide through MoUs and MoAs, supporting student exchange, research collaboration, and other international activities.

• Student exchange opportunities: UPM offers inbound and outbound mobility programs, including semester exchanges, short-term programs, internships, research attachments, and summer programs.

• English language support: International students have access to English-language support through UPM's on-campus language initiatives, helping them meet the language requirements and adapt to studying in Malaysia.

• Multicultural campus environment: UPM welcomes students from different social, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, creating an international student community and opportunities for cross-cultural experiences.

Most Popular Study Fields at Universiti Putra Malaysia

UPM offers a wide range of majors across health sciences, engineering, business, computing, science, and other fields. Some of the most popular choices include:

• Medicine and health sciences: Medicine, biomedical sciences, nutrition, and dietetics.

• Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical and electronic, chemical, aerospace, and computer and communication engineering.

• Business and economics: Business administration, economics, and accounting.

• Computer science and IT: Computer science, software engineering, multimedia, and computer networking.

• Biotechnology and life sciences: Biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell and molecular biology.

• Agriculture: Agricultural science, agribusiness, plant science, and related fields.

• Veterinary medicine: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Faculties and Programs at Universiti Putra Malaysia

UPM offers undergraduate programs across its main faculties and schools, covering agriculture, engineering, medicine, business, computing, sciences, education, and other fields. For international students, English is the medium of instruction at the university.

Study Costs at Universiti Putra Malaysia

Tuition fees at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) vary by program and are calculated according to the program's credit requirements. UPM also applied a 6% SST on tuition fees for international students from 1 June 2026.

Additional fees:

Besides tuition, international undergraduate students should budget for the following official charges:

• Registration fee: RM800 for first semester only

• Medical check-up: RM400

• Insurance: RM500–RM800

• Visa Approval Letter (eVAL): RM1,400–RM2,000

UPM specifically states that tuition fees don’t include accommodation, medical check-up, insurance or visa processing fees.

Contact StudyFans on WhatsApp and start your application today.

Student Exchange at Universiti Putra Malaysia

UPM offers inbound and outbound student mobility programs, allowing students to spend part of their studies at partner universities abroad or study at UPM as exchange students. 

UPM currently has more than 190 exchange partnerships across 40 countries, giving students access to universities and institutions across Asia, Europe, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas.

Main Student Mobility Options

• Semester Exchange: Students can study abroad for one or two semesters, with eligible courses potentially transferred toward their degree.

• Short-Term Mobility: Academic and cultural programs lasting around 14–30 days, depending on the host program.

• Internships: International internship opportunities are available through UPM's mobility network.

• Research Attachments: Students can join research or academic activities at overseas institutions.

• Study Visits: Short international visits designed to provide academic and cultural exposure.

International Partners

UPM's international network includes universities such as the following:

• The University of Western Australia

• Macquarie University

• University of Queensland

• University of Surrey

• University of Sheffield

• University of Reading

• University of Wollongong 

• Massey University

For undergraduate students, the exact exchange destinations and available programs can depend on the student's faculty, field of study, and active partnership agreements.

Documents Required for Admission to Universiti Putra Malaysia

Before admission to UPM, international students need to prepare a set of academic and personal documents, which may vary depending on the program and applicant’s qualifications.

Documents required include the following:

1. A copy of the passport.

2. A recent passport-size photo.

3. A certified copy of the secondary school certificate or an equivalent qualification, along with the academic transcript.

4. Proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another qualification accepted by UPM, if required for the chosen program. Students may also apply without an English test certificate and receive a provisional offer if they meet the other admission requirements.

5. Additional supporting documents, such as original academic certificates and transcripts, the admission offer letter, and sponsorship or financial documents when applicable.

How StudyFans Helps You Apply to Universiti Putra Malaysia

Applying to a university abroad involves several steps, from choosing the right program to preparing documents and completing the application. StudyFans helps make the process clearer and easier for international students, as it offers:

• Guidance in choosing the right program at UPM.

• Checking your academic qualifications and admission requirements.

• Reviewing and preparing the required documents.

• Support with completing and submitting the university application.

• Guidance throughout the admission process.

• Assistance with the next steps after receiving the offer.

Ready to start your application? Contact StudyFans on WhatsApp or fill out the application form to get started.

Conclusion

Universiti Putra Malaysia offers international students a strong choice for studying in Malaysia, with a wide range of programs and recognized academic qualifications. Before applying, compare tuition fees, admission requirements, and available programs to choose what fits your goals. With StudyFans, you can get support throughout the application process and take the next step toward studying at UPM.

If you wanted to know more or have any questions, we are here to help you and you can always contact us:

Phone: 00905437394024

Or via WhatsApp through this link.