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Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)

Malaysia Malaysia

2 Reviews

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THE World Ranking: 1501

Overview

Overview

The University of Malaysia Kelantan (shortened to UMK) is a well-respected higher education institution with strong graduate outcomes and high teaching standards. Located in the beautiful state capital of Kota Bharu, it’s well-placed to offer students a great learning and living experience at university. At UMK, students can make the most of their studies and their social lives.

 

Kota Bharu is an exciting city to live in, full of diversity and community. The Homestay initiative is available to overseas students who want to experience and adapt to Malaysian culture right away, allowing them to learn all about it from a local family.

 

UMK is a small, welcoming institution with just under 8,000 students currently enrolled (126 are international). This means that every student can get a great education and a great level of focus and attention from tutors and lecturers. There are around 400 faculty members, class sizes are never too big and learning spaces are always comfortable, friendly and collaborative.

 

All the courses and programmes on offer at UMK are designed to help students start successful careers when they graduate. Academic staff have lots of knowledge and professional experience, and many are pursuing PhDs or doing important research themselves, still learning as they go and growing their knowledge base each academic year. The professional, practical skills students learn alongside theoretical knowledge at UMK make them popular with employers in Malaysia and across the globe.

 

UMK’s teaching focuses on entrepreneurial education and lifelong learning, as well as uniqueness and relevancy to the modern working world. It’s home to some of the best research centres in Malaysia, including the Malaysian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship and Business. Many graduates of the university have become entrepreneurs, and most, across all programmes, have found employment quickly in large Asian or international firms.

 

Overall, this is the perfect university for forward-thinking students who want a great learning experience that always lets them feel heard and supported. Plus, studying at UMK equals studying in beautiful Malaysia.

 

Teaching Quality

 

UMK isn’t the largest university in the world, but in many ways, this is a benefit to its students. The teaching quality is amazing, and the class sizes are never so large that students can’t get enough attention and help from their teachers.

 

The university was set up by the government as part of the Ninth Malaysia Plan, so all UMK academics are trusted and experienced. UMK is currently ranked in the top 600 universities in Asia by the QS World University Rankings, and this position is expected to rise with each new academic year. Graduate employment rates are high and rising, too.

 

Students can study either part-time or full-time at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business has some of the most popular courses, but students can also study disciplines from architecture to earth sciences, and they can be certain they’ll receive high-quality teaching no matter what they’re learning at UMK.

 

With an emphasis on professional skills and preparing for work, the quality teaching at this university combines theory and knowledge with practical application. It increases student employability in and out of the classroom, keeping up high standards and offering a range of career services. Students can also develop their skills with UMK’s amazing research resources.

 

At UMK, there’s a big focus on social impact, learning that is unique and relevant to the modern world, and learning that is enhanced by technology and digital resources. UMK is not the kind of university that will ever be left behind by technological developments, and it will continue to give its students industry-relevant knowledge even as industry standards change.

 

Entry Requirements

 

There are general university entry requirements that all international students must meet when applying to UMK, as well as some course-specific entry requirements, which can be explored on individual programme pages.

 

In terms of general university requirements for undergraduate international students, UMK recognises several qualifications, including the International Baccalaureate. If students cannot apply with either of these, they will be considered for other education backgrounds recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. Applicants must have successfully completed at least 12 years of school education and must have a minimum of three A-Level results/an IB result/their equivalent.

 

Postgraduate applicants for master’s and doctoral courses all need certain previous university qualifications and GPAs. For coursework master’s students, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3 is needed. For coursework doctoral students, a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3 is needed.

 

For research master’s students, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 is needed. For research doctoral students, a master’s degree is needed, or, in some cases, a first-class bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.7.

 

English Score Required

 

As well as the minimum requirements listed above, all applicants to UMK will need to meet certain English language requirements to prove their proficiency. There are general requirements, but there are some course-specific requirements that differ from these, so applicants should take the time to do their research.

 

The university accepts a number of proficiency test methods, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Malaysian University English Test (MUET). Undergraduates can also use the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and the Cambridge English Qualification, but these methods aren’t accepted for postgraduates.

 

At the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, students will usually need a minimum IELTS overall band score of 4.5 to be eligible for admission. Alternatively, students will need a minimum TOEFL online score of 35 to be eligible for admission.

 

As an example of a course with its own requirements, students who want to apply for an undergraduate degree in veterinary studies must achieve an IELTS overall band score of at least 6.5 or a TOEFL online score of at least 79.

 

Admission

 

UMK wants to make the student admission journey for international students as easy as possible. The steps involved are different for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants, but whichever course a person is applying for, the UMK international centre is always available to support them, answering any questions or concerns.

 

Students will begin their university admission process when they download and complete their relevant application form. For postgraduates, there are several different application forms. They must download the correct one whether they’re studying in research mode, coursework mode or for an MBA or DBA. For undergraduates, there’s one form.

 

Once the form is downloaded, an applicant should fill it in, pay an admission fee of RM 80 for undergraduates/RM 50 for postgraduates, scan the form and send it to the university by email. Also attached in this email should be all the required supporting documents for a student’s admission application, including:

 

  • Original academic certificates and transcripts
  • Translated copies of important documents (if they aren’t in Malay or English)
  • A bank statement or sponsorship letter
  • A copy of their passport (all pages at A4 size)
  • A copy of their passport photo on a white background
  • For master’s and doctoral research applicants, a project proposal and an academic referee
  • For master’s applicants, proof they can support themselves financially up to RM 30,000
  • For doctoral applicants, proof they can support themselves financially up to RM 48,000
  • Proof of English language ability

 

Tuition fees are lower at UMK than they are at many other Malaysian universities. For undergraduate students, they can be between RM 26,285 and 89,275 in total. For postgraduate courses, they can be between RM 12,770 and 35,000 in total.

 

Scholarships & Funding

 

UMK doesn’t provide any university scholarships itself, either to domestic or international students. But there are some scholarships that international students in Malaysia can apply for. Students attending or planning to attend UMK should consider applying if they meet the requirements.

 

The MTCP Scholarship 2022–23 is a great option for master’s students at UMK. It’s provided by the government and aims to help students from developing countries carry out their studies in Malaysia, bringing important skills back to their home countries. It covers tuition fees of up to RM 3,500 monthly, and international master’s students under 45 can apply if they have a minimum GPA of 3.5 from their bachelor’s and an overall IELTS band score of at least 6. Priority is given to students who are studying:

 

  • Science, technology and engineering (not including nursing, medicine or clinical pharmacy)
  • Economics, finance, management and banking
  • Social science and humanities
  • Information and communication technology
  • International relations and political science
  • Agriculture and aquaculture
  • Education

 

Another option is the Malaysia International Scholarship. This funding award recognises talented students with brilliant academic results and hopes to bring more of the world’s most intelligent students to Malaysia. It’s available to master’s and doctoral students who meet the criteria, and it covers tuition fees and living costs of up to RM 1,500 monthly.

 

Master’s applicants for the scholarship must have an upper second-class bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Doctoral students must have a very good master’s grade or minimum GPA score of 3.5 in a field related to their course. They must also provide an IELTS overall band score of at least 6.5 and submit a 1,000-word proposal explaining why they should be awarded the scholarship based on their studies.

 

University Structure

 

UMK has three campuses spread across Kelantan: the City Campus, Bachok Campus and Jeli Campus. Surrounded by an exciting city and lots of beautiful nature, each of the campuses is located perfectly to give students quick access to learning resources and facilities and social opportunities. Each of the campuses is home to a number of courses and programmes, and they’re all organised into nine faculties:

 

  • The Faculty of Agro-Based Industry (Jeli Campus)
  • The Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics (Bachok Campus)
  • The Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology (Jeli Campus)
  • The Faculty of Creative Technology and Heritage (Bachok Campus)
  • The Faculty of Earth Science (Jeli Campus)
  • The Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business (City Campus)
  • The Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness (City Campus)
  • The Faculty of Language Studies and Human Development (Bachok Campus)
  • The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (City Campus)

 

UMK also has four main research centres, all designed to be used by students and academics on projects and during their studies. These are the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, the Malaysian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship and Business, the UMK Centre for External Education and the Department of Data Science.

 

Facilities

 

UMK has gained a great reputation in a short amount of time. This is partly due to its excellent academic facilities and talented tutors, but it’s also to do with the many facilities and student life centres on its three Kelantan campuses. Students can enjoy a great work-life balance while studying at UMK, and there are plenty of options, no matter what their extracurricular and educational interests are.

 

As one of the best young universities in Malaysia, each lecture theatre and study room at UMK is equipped with modern technology. The library is a student activity centre for studying and research that allows students to have access to any books, online journals or other resources they might need. Lockers and photocopying services are also available and there are also plenty of computer laboratories open to students when needed.

 

The student health centre is well-staffed and offers effective medical solutions to students. The student recreation centres help sport-lovers stay active during their studies, from gyms complete with weight sets to courts and pitches for basketball, netball and football.

 

The area’s capital city, Kota Bharu (the site of the City Campus), is filled with great food, nice bars and friendly people. International students settle in quickly and can try everything from the Creative Techno Park to the Elysian Spa. There are also some great student accommodation options available on and off the campuses, and many of these are in the exciting city of Kota Bharu.

 

Accommodation

 

University accommodation is offered to first-year students at all three of UMK’s campuses. They are given rooms in residential colleges, close to basic amenities and study areas. After year one, students will usually need to find their own accommodation.

 

Because the student population in Kota Bharu is large, there are several types of student houses available in the city. These can include things like house shares, hostels and specific student accommodation halls. Students can find housing based on their living preferences, deciding where to choose based on things like how close it is to campus, nightlife, city landmarks or shopping.

 

Students can choose to rent a private room or live in a shared room in most accommodation types offered. They will usually have access to shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, though some places offer ensuite rooms with private bathrooms. If they choose to live in a student accommodation building, students will also have support teams onsite to help with any issues that occur.

 

Homestay is another great opportunity for international students. As part of a Homestay programme, they’ll move in with a local host family, connecting directly with Malaysian culture. They’ll have their own room and study space but will otherwise share all the house’s facilities. Rental costs in Kota Bharu can range from RM 700 to 3,000 monthly, depending on where the accommodation is, what amenities it offers, and how many people are living there (to share the cost of rent with).

 

Student Support

 

Student services at UMK mostly involve events and experiences. The university hosts lots of events to improve students’ learning and cultural skills. There are academic student support services when it comes to studies and employment, including plenty of group exercises and workshop events for students.

 

One example of a recent successful student support event is the China Mandarin Language Enhancement Programme. This was a workshop that UMK took part in, along with two Chinese universities, to help its students learn one of the world’s most popular languages. Other student support events include the International Summer course, where individuals take instruction from student guides across a range of activities.

 

There’s also a full student support programme available in terms of resources and services, from international student support with the application process to disability support and career counselling. UMK wants every student to feel heard and cared for, and its many student support options help to make this a reality.

 

Graduate Outcomes

 

The graduate outcomes and career options available to people studying at UMK are improving all the time. In 2020, 89 per cent of UMK graduates found employment after finishing their studies. 9.85 per cent of those graduates became entrepreneurs, starting their own businesses and launching their own products.

 

UMK is proud of its ability to give students skills that will make them stand out to employers. Whatever a student’s subject area, employers and businesses are likely to have an interest in UMK graduates. Graduates from UMK can also expect a good salary. Former students are now working in jobs in Malaysia where they’re earning RM 20,000 to 30,000 monthly. It’s clear that the employment services students have access to and the skills students learn are paying off.

 

As mentioned, there are many great career services at UMK. Some of the best include internship and apprenticeship programmes like the Social Enterprise and Economic Development (SEED) Programme and the Student in Enterprise Programme (SIEP).

 

Career guides are also available to give students insights into the working world and help them explore their options. Plus, the university organises career talks and higher education summits where students can learn about which skills and abilities will impress employers the most.

 

UMK is a university with a very bright future. With a growing community of international students and an ever-expanding network of successful alumni, applicants from all over the world could become part of that future. For any overseas applicant searching for a high-quality education that leads to excellent job prospects, it will be hard to beat the great outcomes and award-winning lecturers available at UMK’s three beautiful, well-designed campus locations.

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Subjects you can study at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)

  • Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
  • Applied and Pure Sciences Applied and Pure Sciences
  • Business and Management Business and Management
  • Computer Science and IT Computer Science and IT
  • Creative Arts and Design Creative Arts and Design
  • Education and Training Education and Training
  • Engineering Engineering
  • Health and Medicine Health and Medicine
  • Humanities Humanities
  • MBA MBA
  • Social Studies and Media Social Studies and Media
  • Travel and Hospitality Travel and Hospitality
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Key facts and figures at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)

Rankings

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Source: THE

1501

OVERALL SCORE

9.7%

TEACHING

16.1%

INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK

41.9%

INDUSTRY INCOME

16.2%

RESEARCH

13%

CITATIONS

32.6%

Student life in numbers

COSTS PER YEAR
LIVING COSTS

RM13,840

AVERAGE PRIVATE RENT

RM5,375

AVERAGE TUITION FEE PER YEAR

UNDERGRADUATE

RM4,800

POSTGRADUATE

RM15,520

Student reviews

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image MUHAMMAD HAFIZ BIN A, Malaysia

the place was beautiful

The place that I studied in was very interesting because the area was surrounded by forest and hills. It was a very good sight. The accommodation was very good and the lecturers were very helpful. Although the campus  located in a rural area,  it will surely become one of the most developed campus in Ma read full review

The place that I studied in was very interesting because the area was surrounded by forest and hills. It was a very good sight. The accommodation was very good and the lecturers were very helpful. Although the campus located in a rural area, it will surely become one of the most developed campus in Malaysia in the future. show less

image Anonymous, Malaysia

Bachelor of applied science (sustainability)

The campus is located in Jeli which is has transquility environment. Surrounded with beautiful hilly area. The lecturer is supportive in many ways especially in career development. The university is still new but the facilities provided is outstanding.

The campus is located in Jeli which is has transquility environment. Surrounded with beautiful hilly area. The lecturer is supportive in many ways especially in career development. The university is still new but the facilities provided is outstanding.

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