Universiti Malaya (University of Malaya) Best Programs & Majors 2026

Universiti Malaya (University of Malaya) Best Programs & Majors for International Students 2026

Universiti Malaya (University of Malaya)'s strongest programs and what each is genuinely known for — beyond marketing copy. With BrightKey's view on which serves international students best.

The best and most popular majors at Universiti Malaya (University of Malaya) include Medicine (Faculty of Medicine), Dentistry, Law (Faculty of Law) — below, what each is genuinely known for, its career outcomes, and which international students it suits best.

Best & most popular majors

Medicine (Faculty of Medicine)

Malaysia's oldest medical school, tracing to the 1905 King Edward VII College of Medicine; the university's flagship professional school and a national leader in clinical training and research.

Dentistry

Malaysia's oldest and most established dental school, with a full teaching hospital and strong national reputation.

Law (Faculty of Law)

One of Malaysia's most influential law schools — alma mater of PM and lawyer Ismail Sabri Yaakob — feeding the country's judiciary, bar and government.

Engineering

Broad, well-ranked engineering faculty (UM's by-subject strengths sit around QS #34 overall), with research in materials, energy and ICT and strong domestic recruiter demand.

Economics & Business (AACSB/AMBA-accredited)

Long-standing economics and business programmes; the business school holds AACSB and AMBA accreditation. Multiple PMs (Abdullah Badawi, Muhyiddin Yassin) studied economics/social science here.

Asian & Chinese Studies / Languages & Linguistics

Distinctive regional strength in Chinese Studies, languages and linguistics, reflecting UM's role as Malaysia's premier humanities and area-studies centre.

Compare in the same discipline

Medicine & Health Sciences in Malaysia →Law in Malaysia →Computer Science & Engineering in Malaysia →Business & Management in Malaysia →Economics & Finance in Malaysia →Humanities & Liberal Arts in Malaysia →

Common questions

What are the best and most popular majors at Universiti Malaya (University of Malaya)?

Medicine (Faculty of Medicine): Malaysia's oldest medical school, tracing to the 1905 King Edward VII College of Medicine; the university's flagship professional school and a national leader in clinical training and research. Dentistry: Malaysia's oldest and most established dental school, with a full teaching hospital and strong national reputation. Law (Faculty of Law): One of Malaysia's most influential law schools — alma mater of PM and lawyer Ismail Sabri Yaakob — feeding the country's judiciary, bar and government. Engineering: Broad, well-ranked engineering faculty (UM's by-subject strengths sit around QS #34 overall), with research in materials, energy and ICT and strong domestic recruiter demand. Economics & Business (AACSB/AMBA-accredited): Long-standing economics and business programmes; the business school holds AACSB and AMBA accreditation. Multiple PMs (Abdullah Badawi, Muhyiddin Yassin) studied economics/social science here.

What kind of student fits Universiti Malaya (University of Malaya)?

Malaysian and ASEAN students wanting the country's #1 university and its dominant domestic elite/professional network Aspiring doctors, dentists, lawyers and engineers seeking UM's strongest, longest-established professional schools International students wanting an English-medium, top-ranked Asian research university at low cost