Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is one of Malaysia’s top-ranking public universities, recognized globally for its academic excellence, innovative research, and a strong commitment to producing world-class graduates. Located in Serdang, Selangor, UPM is particularly renowned for its agricultural sciences, veterinary studies, biotechnology, and a broad spectrum of programs across science, technology, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and humanities.

History and Global Recognition

Founded in 1971 as Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, the institution initially focused on agricultural education. In 1997, it was renamed Universiti Putra Malaysia to reflect its broader academic offerings beyond agriculture.

Today, UPM is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) and consistently ranks among the best in Asia and the world.

Global Rankings

• QS World University Rankings 2025: Ranked #148 globally
  
• Top 100 Universities in Asia
  
• Highly ranked in disciplines like:
  
  • Agriculture and Forestry
    
  • Veterinary Science
    
  • Engineering
    
  • Environmental Science
    
  • Social Sciences
    

These achievements reflect UPM’s consistent commitment to excellence in research and education.

Academic Programs at UPM

UPM offers more than 250 academic programs, ranging from undergraduate degrees to doctoral research across 16 faculties and 9 institutes.

🧠 Undergraduate Programs

• Agriculture & Forestry
  
• Biotechnology & Environmental Sciences
  
• Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Aerospace)
  
• Veterinary Medicine
  
• Computer Science & Information Technology
  
• Business & Economics
  
• Food Science & Technology
  
• Human Ecology
  
• Language & Communication
  
• Design & Architecture
  

🔗 View full undergraduate programs:
https://www.upm.edu.my/admission/programmes/undergraduate-75800

Postgraduate Programs

UPM’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) offers a wide range of Master’s and PhD programs, both research and coursework-based.

• Master of Science (MSc)
  
• Master of Engineering
  
• Master in Environmental Management
  
• PhD in Biotechnology, Agriculture, Economics, Social Sciences, and more
  

🔗 Explore postgraduate options:
https://sgs.upm.edu.my/programme_of_study-1872

Faculty & Research

UPM employs highly qualified faculty members, including professors, researchers, and industry experts. The university’s research-intensive approach allows students to contribute to impactful projects in:

• Agricultural Innovation
  
• Sustainability and Climate Change
  
• Advanced Materials
  
• Health Sciences and Biomedicine
  
• Artificial Intelligence & ICT
  

It houses state-of-the-art laboratories, greenhouses, research farms, and innovation hubs to foster research excellence.

Scholarships for International Students

UPM is committed to supporting outstanding international students through various scholarships and financial assistance programs. These are offered for both Master’s and PhD students.

1. International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS)

• For international PhD students with excellent academic records.
  
• Open to students from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
  
• Covers tuition fees and monthly living allowance.
  
• 🔗 IGSS Scholarship Details
  

2. Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)

• Funded by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education.
  
• Offered to talented international students with excellent academic and co-curricular backgrounds.
  
• Available for postgraduate study (Master’s and PhD).
  
• 🔗 MIS Scholarship Info
  

🤝 3. UPM-SEARCA Joint Scholarship

• For graduate studies in agriculture and related fields.
  
• Offers full tuition, research grants, insurance, and travel allowance.
  
• Jointly funded with SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture).
  
• 🔗 UPM-SEARCA Scholarship
  

Campus Life at UPM

The UPM Serdang campus spans over 1,000 hectares, providing a green and vibrant learning environment with cutting-edge infrastructure.

🏠 Facilities Include:

• Modern lecture halls and labs
  
• UPM Teaching Hospital & Veterinary Hospital
  
• Libraries and research centers
  
• Residential colleges (student dormitories)
  
• Cafeterias, convenience stores, and sports facilities
  
• Farm areas and agricultural training centers
  

UPM hosts over 3,500 international students from more than 80 countries, contributing to a culturally rich and diverse campus life.

International Student Services

UPM’s International Centre (i-PUTRA) offers complete assistance to international students:

• Pre-arrival guidance and visa processing
  
• Orientation programs
  
• Counseling and academic advisory
  
• Cultural integration programs and student mobility exchange
  

🔗 International Centre (i-PUTRA)

Address and Contact Information

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
📍 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
📞 +603-9769 1000
📧 Email (General): pspk@upm.edu.my
📧 Email (Graduate Admissions): pg_admission@upm.edu.my

🎓 Postgraduate Info: https://sgs.upm.edu.my

Why Choose UPM?

✔ Top 150 University Worldwide
✔ Globally recognized degrees in agriculture, science, and engineering
✔ Generous scholarships for international students
✔ Advanced research facilities and labs
✔ Lush green campus with modern infrastructure
✔ Friendly, diverse, and vibrant international community

Final Thoughts

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is a prestigious public research university that offers excellent opportunities for international students to thrive in a globally competitive environment. With world-class research, career-relevant programs, and comprehensive scholarship schemes, UPM is a gateway to academic and professional success.