Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is one of Malaysia’s most established public research universities and a top choice among Arab students, particularly for agricultural and engineering programs. It is part of our broader coverage of Malaysian universities, and this guide covers programs, tuition fees, world ranking, and how to apply through Future Way Academy.
About Universiti Putra Malaysia
Founded in 1931 as an agricultural school, UPM evolved into a multidisciplinary research university under its current name in 1997. Its main campus is located in Serdang, Selangor, approximately 25km south of the capital Kuala Lumpur.
Key strengths include a strong global ranking placing UPM between #123 and #148 in the QS World University Rankings, and a six-star (Highly Competitive) rating in Malaysia’s official SETARA evaluation. The university has expanded well beyond its agricultural roots to cover more than 256 fields of study spanning engineering, medicine, computer science, business administration, and veterinary and environmental sciences.
Read also: Lincoln University (Malaysia) — Full Arabic Guide
Programs and Tuition Fees
UPM offers relatively low tuition fees compared to other Malaysian universities, particularly private ones. The table below summarizes representative programs and their approximate annual costs:
| Program | Duration | Annual Tuition (approx.) |
| Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Agricultural, Computer) | 4 years | ≈ RM 17,500 (≈ $3,900 USD) |
| Business Administration | 3 years | ≈ RM 12,500 (≈ $2,800 USD) |
| Computer Science | 3-4 years | Comparable to Business Administration, varies by track |
| Agricultural Sciences (university’s founding specialty) | 4 years | Among the most affordable programs at UPM |
Note: Fees are illustrative and subject to change. Contact Future Way Academy for the latest tuition rates and available scholarship offers.
Is UPM Recognized in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, as a public university accredited by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), UPM enjoys broad recognition across several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt.
Because recognition status can vary by program and degree level, we recommend reviewing our guide to recognizing European degrees in Saudi Arabia for the general process, in addition to contacting our team directly to confirm your specific program before finalizing enrollment.
Strengths and Considerations
| Strengths | Things to keep in mind |
| Public university with a strong global ranking (#123-148 in QS) | As a public university, admission procedures can be slower than private institutions |
| Very low tuition fees compared to Western universities and even some private Malaysian universities | Some programs, especially science and engineering, require a strong academic record and good math skills |
| Six-star (Highly Competitive) rating in Malaysia’s official SETARA evaluation | Most programs are in English but may require language proficiency proof (TOEFL/IELTS) |
| Broad academic diversity spanning over 256 fields of study, from agriculture to engineering and medicine | Main campus is in Serdang, 25km from Kuala Lumpur, not directly in the capital |
Admission Requirements and Required Documents
To apply to UPM, prospective students typically need to prepare the following:
- High school diploma from a recognized curriculum (e.g. national high school, A-Levels, or International Baccalaureate)
- English language proficiency certificate (TOEFL or IELTS), or enrollment in a preparatory language program if unavailable
- Valid passport copy
- Recent personal photographs
Some science and engineering programs require a strong academic record with good math and science grades. Once documents are ready, the Future Way Academy team reviews them and manages the application process directly with the university, including support with the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) visa process.
If you are also comparing destinations, our guide to the Saudi External Scholarship Program can help you confirm general eligibility requirements before applying to any university.
Scholarships and Campus Life
UPM offers several scholarships for outstanding international students, including the International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS), the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS), and the Putra Alumni Scholarship Scheme (PASS) for students continuing to postgraduate studies after graduation.
The university provides both on-campus and off-campus housing, along with a dedicated international student center (i-PUTRA) that assists with visa procedures and adjusting to campus life in Malaysia.
How to Apply Through Future Way Academy
You can apply to UPM through Future Way Academy, where our team provides a free consultation to help you select the most suitable program, prepares your required documents, and guides you through the full registration process until you arrive in Malaysia.
You can also browse other Malaysian universities covered on our site to compare programs and tuition before making your final decision.
Read also: Saudi External Scholarship Program — Full Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Universiti Putra Malaysia’s world ranking?
UPM ranks between #123 and #148 in the QS World University Rankings, placing it among the top universities in Malaysia and Asia, particularly strong in agriculture, environmental sciences, and engineering.
Is UPM recognized in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, as a public university accredited by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), UPM is widely recognized in several Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt.
How much does it cost to study at UPM?
UPM tuition is among the lowest of Malaysia’s universities. Engineering programs cost approximately RM 17,500 per year (about $3,900 USD), while Business Administration costs around RM 12,500 per year.
Is UPM only focused on agriculture?
UPM was founded in 1931 as an agricultural school, but has since expanded to cover more than 256 fields of study spanning engineering, medicine, science, business administration, and information technology, while maintaining its historic strength in agricultural, veterinary, and environmental sciences.
How can I apply to UPM through Future Way Academy?
You can book a free consultation with Future Way Academy, where our team helps you choose the right program, prepares your required documents, and manages your application and enrollment process with UPM from start to finish.
Book your free consultation with Future Way Academy today and start your journey to Universiti Putra Malaysia with full support from application to enrollment.
