Study at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a public research university focused on engineering, computing and science. It received university status in 1975, and its main campus is in Johor Bahru, about 300 km south of Kuala Lumpur. UTM has 32,004 students, including 4,852 international students.

UTM suits students with strong math and science grades who want an engineering or computing degree, with tuition quoted as one sum for the whole program. It is a weaker fit if your grades are borderline, since the Bridging Programme has ended, or if you want business or accounting.

Tuition fees at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

UTM quotes undergraduate fees in Malaysian ringgit (RM) for the whole program, not per year. The figures below come from UTM's current fee schedule for international undergraduates. The page does not name an academic year, so we confirm the figure for your program and intake before you apply.

For engineering, this is about RM 18,750 per year. The first semester is higher (RM 14,758 for engineering). By our reading of the schedule, it already includes the RM 6,152 registration fee, so the total should not grow by that amount; we confirm this with UTM.

Costs outside tuition

• Application fee: about RM 450, paid only through the SMARt system (UTM FAQ).
• Conditional Offer and Final Offer: each carries a non-refundable processing fee; UTM does not publish the amounts.
• Personal bond: RM 1,500–2,000, set by immigration according to your nationality and refunded after you graduate.
• Student Pass, insurance and medical check in the first year: roughly RM 2,700–3,300 (our estimate from the EMGS fee schedule).
• Graduation fee: RM 220; an extra semester costs the same as a normal one.
• Housing is not included in tuition (see below).

The registration fee is paid in full, in MYR, through ecommerce.utm.my, telegraphic transfer or CIMB Clicks. For a full budget, see the cost of studying in Malaysia.

Programs and the degree you receive

UTM's current programs for international undergraduates include:

Undergraduate programs for international students

• Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronics, Biomedical, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Naval Architecture, Chemical (including Gas and Bioprocess), Petroleum, Nuclear, Geomatics.
• Computing: Software Engineering; Computer Science (Networks & Security, Graphics & Multimedia).
• Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence.
• Built environment: Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture.
• Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Biotechnology.
• Human Resource Development; Psychology with HRD.
• MJIIT programs, built on the Japanese model of engineering education.

Most programs start only in September. Electrical, Electronic, Mechatronics, Biomedical, Civil and three MJIIT programs also take students in February. Engineering, computing and science degrees last 8 semesters (4 years). Architecture (BSc), AI and HRD take 6 semesters (3 years) plus short semesters.

Most undergraduate programs run in Johor Bahru; MJIIT programs are in Kuala Lumpur. Check the campus for your program.

You receive a UTM bachelor's degree, listed automatically in the Malaysian Qualifications Register (MQR) because UTM is self-accrediting. Programs for international students are delivered in English, according to UTM's admissions pages, plus a basic Malay language course among the general subjects.

If you do not meet direct entry, UTMSPACE runs a one-year Foundation (ASASI UTM) open to international students, with a separate application. For postgraduate study, a coursework Master in Engineering costs RM 31,000 for 3 semesters; see our guide to a master's in Malaysia.

Admission requirements for international students

UTM asks for a senior high school certificate, an English certificate and, for Architecture and Industrial Design, an interview. Engineering grades are checked in math, physics and chemistry or biology; computing in math plus two subjects; science in three subjects.

What to know before you apply

UTM has clear limits. Here is what applicants often learn too late, and how to handle it.

Honest limitations

• No Bridging Programme anymore. Older pages may still mention it. If your grades fall short, look at the UTMSPACE Foundation or a university with a pathway program.
• If your English is below the minimum, UTM lets you take an Intensive English Programme on campus, but you have at most 2 semesters to meet the requirement. It is safer to arrive with IELTS 5.5 or higher.
• No financial aid for international undergraduates. Budget the full tuition plus living costs from your own funds.
• You cannot change your program or university after admission, due to immigration rules. Choose carefully before you apply.
• Accounting, Digital Marketing, Management and Mechanical Engineering (Manufacturing) are not currently offered to new students.
• Part-time work is limited to 20 hours per week, and only during semester breaks or holidays longer than 7 days, with immigration approval.
• After graduation, the 12-month Graduate Pass is open only to citizens of 32 countries. India and the GCC countries are on the list; Pakistan, Nigeria, Egypt and Bangladesh are not.

Rankings and accreditation

Housing and student life

UTM has more than 12,000 hostel places in 10 residential colleges on the Johor Bahru campus. Monthly rates:

UTM estimates living costs at around RM 1,000–1,500 per month if you live on campus, including food and local transport in Johor Bahru. After you arrive, you must complete your medical check at the UTM Health Center within 3 days. Your insurance must be recognized in Malaysia and valid for at least 12 months; EMGS plans cost RM 456–958 per year.

Student visa

You need a Student Pass even if your country is visa-free for tourism. The route runs through EMGS: offer, application, visa approval letter (eVAL), entry visa if required, arrival, medical check and endorsement. EMGS aims for 14 working days on a complete file, but UTM advises planning 3–6 weeks. Do not buy flights before your approval letter and entry visa are issued. Full steps are in our Malaysia student visa guide.

Other options

If you want to study in Kuala Lumpur, compare UTM with Universiti Malaya, another public university. Private universities such as Taylor's University, Asia Pacific University and UCSI University offer more intakes and pathway programs. See all universities in Malaysia or our study in Malaysia overview.

Not sure your documents meet UTM's requirements? Send them for a free check. We compare them with UTM's subject rules, plan your timeline and suggest 2–3 alternatives in Malaysia. Write to us through the contact form, WhatsApp or Telegram.