🇲🇾 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) · Cost & Aid
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Cost & Financial Aid for International Students 2026
What it actually costs to attend Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as an international student — tuition, living costs, hidden fees, financial aid pathways.
Total annual cost at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for international students is approximately International students: roughly USD 6,000-14,000/year all-in (tuition plus living), varying mainly by programme; non-medical programmes sit at the lower end. (tuition International undergraduates roughly MYR 12,000-35,000/year (~USD 2,600-7,600) depending on programme, with medicine/dentistry at the top of the range; Malaysian students pay substantially less. Among the lowest fees for a top-150 world university., living costs Penang is affordable: roughly MYR 1,500-2,800/month (~USD 320-600) including accommodation, food and transport - cheaper than Kuala Lumpur or major Western cities.).
Cost breakdown
| Item | Range |
|---|
| Tuition (international) | International undergraduates roughly MYR 12,000-35,000/year (~USD 2,600-7,600) depending on programme, with medicine/dentistry at the top of the range; Malaysian students pay substantially less. Among the lowest fees for a top-150 world university. |
| Living costs (housing + lifestyle) | Penang is affordable: roughly MYR 1,500-2,800/month (~USD 320-600) including accommodation, food and transport - cheaper than Kuala Lumpur or major Western cities. |
| Total annual | International students: roughly USD 6,000-14,000/year all-in (tuition plus living), varying mainly by programme; non-medical programmes sit at the lower end. |
For comparison, the average international tuition across Malaysia is around Public universities (Universiti Malaya) charge low international tuition (~USD 3,200–7,500/year, clinical higher); heavily subsidised for Malaysians.
Estimates based on publicly disclosed tuition and typical city living costs. Exchange rates, personal spending, and scholarship aid can shift actual costs materially. How we source data.
Need guidance on Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)?
Book a free 30-minute consultation with Priscilla.
Book a consultation