Best universities in Malaysia 2027
Discover the Times Higher Education Malaysia University Rankings 2027 and explore which universities in Malaysia rank the highest.
This list of Malaysian universities reveals the best universities and colleges in Malaysa, according to the trusted Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
Universities across Malaysia are scored in areas such as teaching, research and international outlook.
It uses a robust methodology, created by the in-house data team, that is relied upon by students, academics, policymakers, and industry leaders worldwide.
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Best universities in Malaysia 2027
| Malaysia Rank 2027 | World University Rank 2027 | University | Overall | Teaching | Research Environment | Research Quality | Industry | International Outlook |
| 1 | =194 | University of Malaya | 59.5 | 52.7 | 44.8 | 71.6 | 66 | 90.4 |
| 2 | =242 | Universiti Teknologi Petronas | 57.3 | 40.4 | 41.6 | 79 | 95.8 | 77.6 |
| 3 | 283 | Sunway University | 55.7 | 28.4 | 36.8 | 90.3 | 57.4 | 97.1 |
| 4 | 301–325 | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | 53.4–54.8 | 48.1 | 38.3 | 64.4 | 63.5 | 82.9 |
| 5 | 326–350 | Universiti Sains Malaysia | 52.3–53.3 | 46.6 | 35.8 | 66.2 | 75.1 | 80.4 |
| 6 | 401–450 | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | 48.9–50.4 | 46.3 | 33.2 | 61.4 | 72.2 | 74.9 |
| =7 | 451–500 | Universiti Putra Malaysia | 47.4–48.7 | 44.8 | 34.5 | 51.8 | 60.3 | 84.2 |
| =7 | 451–500 | Universiti Utara Malaysia | 47.4–48.7 | 41.5 | 34.5 | 60.1 | 33.4 | 81.3 |
| 9 | 501–550 | Management and Science University | 46.0–47.3 | 39.5 | 17.8 | 70.2 | 33 | 94.3 |
| 10 | 551–600 | Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) | 44.5–45.9 | 30.8 | 20.6 | 73.3 | 81.9 | 68.2 |
| =11 | 601–650 | Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) | 43.4–44.4 | 38.6 | 27.6 | 57.6 | 55.8 | 64.5 |
| =11 | 601–650 | Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris | 43.4–44.4 | 41.6 | 31.4 | 46.5 | 58.8 | 84.5 |
| =13 | 801–1000 | Mahsa University | 36.4–40.1 | 25.2 | 11.9 | 71 | 17.8 | 90.4 |
| =13 | 801–1000 | Multimedia University | 36.4–40.1 | 27.6 | 24.9 | 47.1 | 75.2 | 74 |
| =13 | 801–1000 | Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) | 36.4–40.1 | 24.8 | 23.4 | 56.5 | 44.8 | 65.8 |
| =13 | 801–1000 | Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin | 36.4–40.1 | 28.6 | 16.5 | 61.8 | 21.5 | 52.7 |
| =13 | 801–1000 | Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) | 36.4–40.1 | 26.6 | 23.5 | 53 | 64.9 | 57.2 |
| =18 | 1001–1200 | Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation | 33.3–36.3 | 27.4 | 13.2 | 56 | 18.5 | 85.3 |
| =18 | 1001–1200 | Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) | 33.3–36.3 | 32.1 | 25.6 | 30.9 | 80.6 | 61.6 |
| =20 | 1201–1400 | International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) | 30.5–33.2 | 29.6 | 20.4 | 38.1 | 37 | 60.9 |
| =20 | 1201–1400 | Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) | 30.5–33.2 | 36.5 | 17.5 | 38.2 | 34.8 | 59.1 |
| =22 | 1401–1600 | Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka | 27.3–30.4 | 34.9 | 14.4 | 25.6 | 38 | 49.2 |
| =22 | 1401–1600 | Universiti Teknologi MARA | 27.3–30.4 | 26 | 20.7 | 34.2 | 44.9 | 31.1 |
| =24 | 1601–1800 | Lincoln University College | 24.2–27.1 | 36.2 | 11.1 | 15.5 | 18.7 | 96.8 |
| =24 | 1601–1800 | Universiti Malaysia Kelantan | 24.2–27.1 | 19 | 15 | 37.2 | 35.3 | 51.9 |
| =24 | 1601–1800 | Universiti Malaysia Perlis | 24.2–27.1 | 24.6 | 15.8 | 32.9 | 40.6 | 40.6 |
| =24 | 1601–1800 | Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) | 24.2–27.1 | 24.8 | 15.7 | 29 | 27.7 | 42.2 |
| =28 | 1801–2000 | Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) | 20.4–24.1 | 22 | 12.4 | 24.9 | 17.1 | 41.3 |
| =28 | 1801–2000 | Universiti Kuala Lumpur | 20.4–24.1 | 23.1 | 11.7 | 23.8 | 29.9 | 40.1 |
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Key insights from the Malaysia University Rankings 2027
- The University of Malaya is the top university in Malaysia in this year's Malaysia University Rankings
- There are 29 universites ranked in the top universities in Malysia
- There are two new entries this year including Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation and International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).Â
Choosing a university in Malaysia
Malaysia is a country in South-east Asia known for its natural beauty and diverse population.
Made up of two main land masses, the Malaysian Peninsula and Malaysian Borneo, the country is known equally for its cosmopolitan capital and its wildlife-rich rainforests.Â
By contrast, Kuala Lumpur – the nation’s capital – is a bustling metropolis, often used as a stepping stone to many other major South Asian destinations. Featuring the iconic Petronas Towers, the city’s impressive skyline is just one of KL’s many attractions. ​
Among the cities and the landscapes sit a number of universities that offer a range  of courses and opportunities for students.Â
The table for the best universities in Malaysia was derived from data collected from the THE World University Rankings. The results are calculated using 17 performance indicators underlying five metrics: research environment, teaching (the learning environment), research quality, industry and international outlook. For more insights and a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit our methodology page. Use the Malaysia university ranking table above to explore the right institution for you.
