In recent years, Malaysia is steadily improving its tertiary education sector. This rapid progression has allowed the country to prove itself as one of the premier study destinations in Southeast Asia. Malaysia’s capital even ranked 31st in this year’s QS Best Student Cities ranking, with five universities listed in the QS World University Rankings 2022.
At the heart of this is Kuala Lumpur, a city of wondrous skyscrapers such as the impressive Petronas Twin Towers. The vibrant city is undoubtedly popular with university students as it offers a rich mix of cultural diversity and a thrilling student lifestyle like no other.
If you’ve been searching for your dream university, let us ease your burden. We’re here to take a closer look at some of the foremost universities in KL with you!
University of Malaya (UM)
UM has a rich history of attaining myriads of accolades and is notable for being Malaysia’s oldest and highest-ranking university. The public research university is highly acknowledged internationally as one of the top universities in the world. Currently, its placing is 65th in QS World University Rankings.
Moreover, UM prides itself in providing the best academic experience, equipped with world-class educational facilities. Its educational programmes are internationally recognised and accredited. More than 200 programmes are available, spanning the whole spectrum of learning, from Arts and Humanities to Sciences.
UM has more than 60 research centres and six research clusters that have been self-accredited since 2009. The campus, which spans 920 acres and includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a lake with kayaks, is located 12 kilometres from the city centre of Kuala Lumpur.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
UKM, otherwise known as the National University of Malaysia, is one of the country’s six research universities. Since its establishment in 1970, UKM continues to receive recognition nationally and internationally for its quality tertiary education programmes.
The aspirations of nationalists to preserve the Malay language as a language of knowledge paved the way for UKM. Today, UKM is a university with a global vision that successfully holds and appreciates national cultures and values.
Moreover, UKM students have a wide selection of activities to choose from for leisure activities. Within a 5-kilometre radius, you’ll find everything from sports facilities to hipster eateries. Bangi Sentral, Bangi Gateway, and IOI City Mall are some locations to go for those interested in fashion and the latest trends.
UCSI University
Having attained the complete status as a full-fledged university in 2008, USCI University became Malaysia’s second private university. Once known as Sedaya, the university is located in the centre of Cheras.
The ever-pertinent issue of connectivity and transportation is not a problem here as students can drive or take public transport. On its campus, affordable and ample parking spaces are provided. Moreover, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, connected to the nearby Bandar Tasik Selatan rail interchange station, is a convenient 5 minutes away from the university.
Tired of having the same campus meals? Fret not! Due to its strategic location, students have a variety of choices in food: plenty of good restaurants within walking distance, Malaysia’s famous Connaught Pasar Malam every Wednesday night, and numerous malls such as Leisure Mall, Sunway Velocity and MyTown.
University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)
Established in August 2002, UniKL is Malaysia’s leading technical university. The MARA-owned university aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to contribute to and play critical roles in a worldwide, knowledge-based economy.
The 14 branch institutes of UniKL offer a wide range of foundation, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes. Its branch institutions have strategic positioning throughout Peninsular Malaysia and provide a wide range of programmes in their respective niche areas of specialisation.
All in all, you can expect a quality tertiary education and an exhilarating student lifestyle if you were to study in any of these universities in KL. Those already enrolled in a KL uni can utilise Rumah-i’s Digital Tenancy app—available on Google Play and the App Store—to discover places for rent.
