20 public universities in Malaysia in 2026
The public universities in Malaysia offer accessible education to as many students as possible, with recognised programs and a strong tradition of academic research.
20 public universities
Malaysia has public institutions offering a wide range of programs, often with government-regulated fees and a strong tradition of academic research.
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)
Malaysia's first education-dedicated university, training the nation's teachers and education researchers.
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM)
Public university in Kem Sungai Besi, dedicated to military science, defence and engineering.
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
Public university in Kelantan devoted to entrepreneurship, heritage and agri-food sciences.
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)
Public engineering university in Arau, specialising in microelectronics and high technology.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
Public university in Kota Kinabalu, a reference for marine science and Borneo biodiversity studies.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
Sarawak's first public university, committed to Borneo-focused research and East Asian engagement.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
Public coastal university in Kuala Terengganu, specialising in marine and fisheries sciences.
Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
Public technical university in Pahang, renowned for engineering excellence and strong industry partnerships.
Universiti Malaya (UM)
Malaysia's oldest and most prestigious university, a comprehensive research institution in Kuala Lumpur.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Public research university in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, a leader in engineering and technology.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Malaysia's largest university, committed to indigenous community development and human capital growth.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Research-intensive public university in Penang, championing excellence and sustainability.
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
Université publique de Nilai intégrant les sciences islamiques et les disciplines professionnelles modernes.
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)
Public management university in Sintok, Malaysia's specialist in business and management sciences.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Islam-based public university blending modern knowledge and Islamic sciences, based in Gombak.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
National public university in Bangi, dedicated to the Malay language, scholarship and research.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Public research university in Serdang, Malaysia's leader in agriculture, agrosciences and veterinary science.
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)
Public university in Kuala Terengganu combining health, education and Islamic sciences.
Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM)
Public engineering university in Malacca, a pioneer of applied technical education in Malaysia.
Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
Public technical university in Batu Pahat, focused on engineering and technical teacher education.