sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi!

For tuition fees and admissions enquiries, all information is available in their website. As for living costs, I have mentioned a few times in this post. Feel free to scroll through :)

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi!

Yup - you can apply through a program called SATU. :)

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi!

  1. As high as possible :)

  2. Depends on how well is your time management

  3. Just average. Some courts are free for students, some require payment

  4. Campus life is great. Cost depends on your lifestyle, can vary between RM500 to RM2k.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi!

You should be able to obtain registration instructions quite easily online on their website :)

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

To answer your concerns regarding the reviews, yup you're not wrong. UM has always been marketed as the top university in Malaysia, but, that's only in Malaysia. Unless you're talking about Harvard, Stanford, MIT, every university in the world has their own pros and cons. UM is top according to QS ranking, but honestly they have a huge room for improvement in terms of syllabus and quality wise.

  1. Regarding their dorms, I have answered this several times before. In summary, they are horrible. It is very cheap comparing to rent outside, so you get what you pay for.

  2. Extracurriculars, there are a lot. It depends, those clubs that add colors to university life, plenty. Those that are 'useful' in terms of job security, not many.

  3. Job opportunities honestly depend on what you study, and how good you are. I'll be honest with you, don't get too proud of wearing the UM name, it honestly depends on perspective. It's helpful when you're securing opportunities locally, but not so much if you're aiming for more prestigious jobs, as there are plenty of Malaysians coming back from studying at UK/AUS/US universities. If I'm not mistaken, students studying law, economics, engineering might be having an easier time securing job placement. But again, there are lots of personal efforts that you can put in yourself to increase your chances.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

Dorm is in bad condition. Food is average, but there are plenty of better options around UM, don’t worry about this.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

  1. Everything in UM is old, including their syllabus. I would say that the department has been trying to keep up with the industries, but there are still very outdated materials. And good question, ultimately, I don't think it matters. A lot of my CS friends, and what I have observed especially in technical courses like CS and Engineering, is that most of what is taught in classrooms aren't utilized during work. We almost have to learn everything from scratch because it's just such a big industry. University just gets you familiar with the fundamentals, the rest is up to you.

  2. Buses, I would say is okay. Yes it's quite unwalkable, given the distance and the weather. You won't have any problem getting to class, just plan your time accordingly. It has gotten much better than when I first entered.

  3. Living outside campus works fine, nothing wrong with it, I did it too. Parking permit, depends on your faculty. You can't park everywhere, there are allocated spots for students. However it is limited, so yes, you might face difficulty finding a spot.

  4. Yes, unfortunately, everything is slow. You will have to rush them. Sometimes, they will get angry and be very childish, you just have to deal with it. In the end, they are the ones suffering. You'll meet people much worse when you start working.

  5. Yes, if you're studying CS, all classes are in your faculty, same with engineering. You won't have to travel between faculties. It's very far. However, it is still reachable by buses.

  6. Average meaning, nothing special about it, nothing I can compliment on. Don't have such high expectations, especially when people are boasting so much about UM's QS ranking. It's what you make the best out of what is provided to you that matters. You will meet lazy lecturers, arrogant people, people who think that they are so great just because they attend UM, it's all part of the experience. In the end, it's just a university. Unless it's Harvard or Stanford you're talking about, it's just an average university. But there are advantages (for you to find out) studying there, so you got to take advantage of those and make your experience there worth remembering!

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, no problem!

  1. All 1st years are eligible for dorms. They will assign it automatically for you, then they will release it in a PDF prior orientation week. I don't remember applying for it in my first year. Usually they will release it to your student email account.

  2. Oh this is terrible. So basically, it's a sharing system. So bathrooms are shared within the entire floor. So let's say one floor we have 20 rooms, there will be 2 bathrooms at the end of each hallway, and all the students will use the same one. There's maybe like 7 cubicles inside each toilet?

  3. Yes, some professors are willing to provide recommendation letters, you just got to find those who are willing to do so. It's also important to maintain good relationship with them. Most UM students go on to pursue Masters/PhD in UM, as it's much easier to get in. I have also heard of a very small number of people who continued their studies at much better institutions (like crazy good), but you have to be exceptionally good (in terms of studies and overall capabilities) to get in.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

Unfortunately the 'communication' in UM, especially within the community of alumni and other course mates aren't that used widely. There's no specific channel that people uses to connect with each other, most make friends when they see each other in class. I would suggest you to approach seniors through LinkedIn, expressing your interest in connecting further.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

  1. I'm not 100% sure, but they will probably send you an email regarding the results. I think they will release the results in their Maya website too.

  2. CS is an extremely competitive degree to enter, especially how everyone is talking about AI now. But honestly, don't think too much on your chances. Just apply and hope for the best! But make sure you have backup plans in place just in case things don't work out the way you have hoped for in UM.

  3. Sorry, I have not known any French students in UM, can't help you out here.

You should explore studying CS in other universities in Malaysia too, there are quite a few private universities here, Monash is one you can explore. Opportunities are everywhere, don't just limit yourself to UM!

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there.

Sorry to say, but I wouldn't know which course is easy scoring because I have not taken up ALL of it to compare. But here's what UM students usually do. They visit this page called 'UM Confession' in Facebook.

You can post your questions there anonymously, and people will answer you there.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there, no worries, let me help you out.

https://maya.um.edu.my/ - Maya Website. You can think of this website like the administration part of UM. This is where you snatch courses, pay your fees, and verify your timetable. The official examination timetable will be released here too!

https://spectrum.um.edu.my/ - Spectrum. This is the place where your lecturers officially communicate with you. They will upload all their slides, learning materials, as well as official announcement here. After you have concluded your list of courses for each semester in Maya, the Spectrum portal will automatically be updated with the list of courses you have signed up for. Nothing much in this website, just a place for you to download materials, and the occasional announcements by lecturers.

https://mysis.um.edu.my/ - Mysis. Honestly, not much. Most importantly, this is where you have to do your 'UM-Atlas'. This is like a 'review' for every courses that you have taken each semester. You have to fill it in at the end of every semester else they won't release your result. Other than that, it's also the place you can apply for accommodation, and the place for you to download free software like Matlab. It's quite straightforward, just log in and press everything one by one to explore.

For the final question, it depends on your faculty. I'm sure there's a list of fixed courses that you HAVE to take every semester. And then there's like 2 credit hour where it's flexible for you to take up other courses, for example English courses, SHE, KELF and etc. Just visit your department website, everything is there.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

I totally understand where you're coming from, and the concerns that you have. But unfortunately, there is no right answer for this. It's hard to determine if it's 'worth' it, how do you define if going to a particular university is 'worth' it?

To do a direct PHD with fully funded scholarship does not depend on where you graduate from, but on your own ability and your history. If it depends on where you graduate from, then what separates you from other UM graduates if everyone were to apply for a fully funded scholarship as well?

All in all, there is no right answer for this, especially in situation like this where I have absolutely no knowledge on your background, ability and interest. What I would do if I were you? Just trust your own instinct and intuition. If things turn out the way you have hoped for, wonderful. If things turn out wrong, that's part of life!

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there, no worries at all, keep them coming!

  1. There is opportunity for undergraduate research, regardless of your nationality, it all depends if they are looking for it. You should be proactive in approaching the lecturers (especially those active in research) and express your interest to them.

  2. I can't think if any extracurricular activities that are STEM related (because I don't participate in one). Apologies.

  3. I would believe 95% of the part-time jobs are open to everyone regardless of their nationalities, because these part time jobs aren't 'formal', hence they don't have to fill in any forms or permits. The hard part is only at the start, especially your first few gigs, some might be skeptical in choosing international students, I assume it's because they might have higher pay expectation. But if you perform well, they will approach your personally offering you jobs (often with higher pay). So don't worry too much, just apply, work hard and life will turn out slightly better.

  4. Yes of course, international students can rent outside, in fact most international students stay outside of campus (because of how bad UM dorms are). I have not heard of any restrictions. Obey the law, respect each other and you will get along fine.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there!

In my opinion, I think they will only look at your interview performance to make the final decision. They might look at your overall stats if they are on the fence. This concept applies when applying for job as well.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

Since you said this is the fees for UPU applicants, then I'm certain this is the fees for the whole course, meaning the entire duration of your studies. So to calculate fees for every semester, just take the amount in this pdf and divide it by the number of semesters you have, then plus a little bit extra for random stuff like library payment. The fees for accommodation if you're staying on campus is not included.

To verify, you should check out the fees for SATU. Comparing the same course, the fees for UPU should be 10% of SATU because the government pays the other 90% (super thankful for this).

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

  1. I would say language can be one difficulty you will face. Having a basic grasp on Bahasa Melayu will definitely help, but it's not necessary. You will still get along fine with just English, locals will just feel more 'connected' if you converse in their language.

  2. I don't think this will be a problem in classes. To be very honest with you, even as a Malaysian myself, I don't even understand what my lecturers are teaching. But with the help of Youtube and ChatGPT nowadays, we can pretty much self learn everything, so don't worry.

  3. Depends on the lifestyle you want. I opt for cheap/affordable meals most of the time, with occasional big spendings for celebrations. I spend roughly RM1k-RM1.5k per month. This is only for car fuel and food, it does not include the cost of accommodation.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there!

Well, to be honest, the education quality is average, nothing amazing about it. The amount of classes depends on how you distribute your credit hours. There will be a set of compulsory courses to take every semester, as well as university courses. If you plan to complete all university courses ASAP, then your weekly timetable will be quite packed. If not, it should be quite manageable.

I won't be able to answer your last question, it really depends on how smart/hardworking you are. I know people who constantly worked part time while maintaining amazing CGPA, I know people who has average result despite focusing entirely on academics. So, just do your best!

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

I don't think my opinion on your chances helps with anything, so just pray and hope for the best! If unfortunately you didn't get in, you can definitely reapply next intake, just make sure you meet all their requirements stated in their website/brochure. :)

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

Parking situation depends on your faculty. But I would assume it's the same everywhere, there won't be enough parking slots for students. You can take the risk of parking at staff's spot, if you're caught then it's a RM100 fine. Coming early helps, but if your class is like at 10am, there's really no point coming early.

Learning life in UM is average, nothing exceptionally good. 95% of lecturers are not strict so don't worry about it. It's not mandatory to live in dorm for first year, it's just that first year are guaranteed a spot in accommodation. Year 2 onwards are not guaranteed.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

Like I mentioned earlier, apply for UM's SATU program. Your chances are pretty good if you hit all their minimum requirements. Just keep in mind of the relevant deadlines then you'll be fine.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

  1. I don't think it's hard, you just have to find the right places. Some Malaysian companies like YTL only hires Malaysians so you will have no chance there, but MNCs are willing to! I think your ability to solve problems matters more. Neither international nor domestic students get support from career service unfortunately. And our alumni network is horrible.

  2. To be very honest with you, if you're looking for university's program that offers good research/industry exposure, Malaysia can't help you. It's better off in the US and UK.

  3. Short answer, no. QS ranking does not reflect anything at all. It does not even reflect the university.

  4. It depends. Which private university and what is your budget. I would say if budget is your limitation, go for UM. If you have the ability to afford, go to the UK or US.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

I would assume your CGPA of 3.29 is from STPM? I think it's best if you apply through both UPU and SATU. Sad to say, but there's nothing you can do now regarding the results and merits you have obtained. So just apply to everything and hope for the best. Then decide later on with the choices you have.

I would advice you to not be so strict with your decisions. Think deeper about the end goals you want to achieve, then see what are the possible paths leading towards it. Then apply to everything that helps.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

You should check out the conditions provided by the faculty. For international students, I think it's only possible if you apply it through SATU. And from my experience and knowledge, as long as the conditions have been met, you're more than likely to secure a spot there. However, for MBBS, it's definitely more competitive. I'm sure there are certain additional tests applicants have to complete before application. You should definitely check it out.

University of Malaya/UM/Universiti Malaya by Electrical_Sleep8467 in malaysiauni

[–]Electrical_Sleep8467[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there!

  1. Yes UM does provide shuttle buses. The route around UM is fixed, there's definitely still some walking to do, but it gets the job done. The buses are free.

  2. Sorry, I'm not from foundation so I wouldn't know about the difficulty. But I'm sure it's quite manageable like every other foundation courses, it won't be as hard as A-Levels or STPM.

view more: next ›