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🇲🇾 Malaysia · head to head

UKM vs USM

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia are close in cost for Indian students. Here's how they compare on fees, living costs, programs and funding.

  • UKM: ₹14 lakh – ₹19 lakh
  • USM: ₹13 lakh – ₹18 lakh
  • USM cheaper by ≈ ₹1 lakh
  • 2 shared programs

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Quick answer

UKM or USM: which is better for Indian students?

USM costs less: about ₹13 lakh – ₹18 lakh in total versus ₹14 lakh – ₹19 lakh for UKM — a difference of roughly ₹1 lakh. UKM is known for national university of Malaysia; USM for research university in Penang. Both offer Computer Science and Electrical & Electronics Engineering, so compare those program pages side by side.

Ask on WhatsAppUpdated · Reviewed by the Visa Edu Loans admissions & finance desk

Official sources: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia — official website · Universiti Sains Malaysia — official website

UKM vs USM

Total cost
UKM: ₹14 lakh – ₹19 lakh · USM: ₹13 lakh – ₹18 lakh
Location
UKM: Bangi · USM: Penang
Type
UKM: Public · USM: Public

Side by side

UKM vs USM: the numbers

UKM vs USM: the numbers
ItemUKMUSM
CityBangiPenang
TypePublicPublic
Known forNational university of MalaysiaResearch university in Penang
TuitionRM 12,000 – RM 25,000 a yearRM 12,000 – RM 25,000 a year
Living costs usedRM 26,500 a yearRM 23,500 a year
Total in ₹₹14 lakh – ₹19 lakh₹13 lakh – ₹18 lakh
Programs we coverComputer Science, Electrical & Electronics EngineeringComputer Science, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Biotechnology
Official websiteukm.myusm.my

How to decide

Choosing between them

Pick UKM if…

You want national university of Malaysia and life in Kuala Lumpur & Klang Valley.

Pick USM if…

You want research university in Penang and life in Penang & Johor Bahru.

Cost

USM saves about ₹1 lakh over the program on our figures.

Your program

Compare the Computer Science curricula, electives and outcomes.

Living costs

Living costs in each city

Living costs in each city
CityRoom a monthYearly budget
Kuala Lumpur & Klang ValleyRM 600 – RM 1,200RM 22,700 – RM 29,900
Penang & Johor BahruRM 450 – RM 900RM 20,900 – RM 26,300

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Still have a question?

Ask a counsellor directly — we reply on WhatsApp during working hours (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST).

USM, by about ₹1 lakh in total on our figures (₹13 lakh – ₹18 lakh vs ₹14 lakh – ₹19 lakh).

Neither is better for everyone. UKM is known for national university of Malaysia; USM for research university in Penang. Compare the specific program, location and cost.

Yes — lenders fund both. Most families borrow 70–90% of the total cost.

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