Top Malaysian Universities in QS Asia Rankings 2026

The QS Asia Rankings 2026 are out, and once again, Malaysian universities have made a strong impression on the regional stage. As one of the most trusted university rankings in the world, the QS Asia Rankings assess institutions across Asia based on academic reputation, employer reputation, international collaboration, and more.

This year, Malaysian universities in QS Asia 2026 have not only maintained their presence but also climbed higher, showing continued growth in quality and global competitiveness.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top Malaysian universities featured in the latest rankings, highlighting who’s leading the way and how they’re performing. 

Whether you're a student or a parent, here's what you need to know.

Top 20 Malaysian Universities in QS Asia Rankings 2026

Here are the top Malaysian universities in QS Asia Rankings 2026. This list reflects the Malaysia QS ranking 2026 performance within Asia.

No.	University Name	QS Asia 2026 Rank
1	Universiti Malaya (UM)	15
2	Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)	22
3	Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)	24
4	Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)	25
5	Taylor's University	27
6	UCSI University	30
7	Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)	34
8	Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)	44
9	Sunway University	55
10	Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM)	65
11	Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)	109
12	Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)	116
13	INTI International University	122
14	Management and Science University (MSU)	125
15	Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)	136
16	International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)	142
17	Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)	147
18	Multimedia University (MMU)	148
19	Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)	159
20	Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI)	165

These results highlight the growing strength of top Malaysian universities in the region. Students can use this as a quick reference to compare Malaysian universities’ ranking in Asia and choose the right institution. 

What are the QS Asia University Rankings?

Now that you’ve seen how Malaysian universities rank in Asia, it’s important to understand what drives these numbers. The QS Asia Rankings methodology goes beyond global metrics to evaluate what matters most within the Asian higher education landscape.

Unlike the global rankings, the Asian university rankings focus more on regional strengths, including:

• Academic reputation
• Employer reputation
• Faculty/student ratio
• International faculty and students
• Research output and citations per paper
• Inbound and outbound exchange

These factors help paint a clearer picture of how universities perform in Asia, where cultural, educational, and economic priorities differ from the global scale.

Understanding the QS Asia 2026 results gives students a smarter way to compare institutions, whether you're looking for world-class research, global exposure, or teaching quality in an Asian context.

How Malaysia Compares Regionally

Wondering how Malaysian universities compare with others in Asia? Here’s a quick look to help you decide.

Malaysia vs Singapore universities: Singapore’s top schools like NUS and NTU rank very high in the QS Asia top 100 universities. They attract many international students because of their strong reputations and close ties to major industries.

Southeast Asia university rankings: Malaysia is making steady progress with seven universities listed in the latest Southeast Asia university rankings. Universiti Malaya leads the way at 60 globally, with many Malaysian universities improving their positions year after year.

Strengths of Malaysian universities: Malaysia benefits from over 30 years of experience in international education and offers tuition fees that are often lower than many neighboring countries. Courses are taught in English, and universities frequently collaborate with global institutions, boosting their research and academic profiles.

In the broader Asian context: While East Asian universities in China, Japan, and South Korea often dominate the Asian university rankings, Malaysia stands out as a rising hub for international students, offering affordable fees, English-taught programs, and collaborations with global institutions.

Choosing where to study isn’t just about rankings. Malaysia offers a welcoming environment, vibrant culture, and a great balance of quality education and cost, making it a smart choice in the QS Asia Rankings 2026.

If you want to explore studying in Malaysia or need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to speak to our advisors today.

How to Use QS Rankings to Choose the Right University

Choosing the right university can feel overwhelming, but the QS Asia Rankings 2026 offer a clear, reliable guide to help you make informed decisions. Here’s how you can use these rankings to find the best fit for your studies and future career:

1. Look Beyond the Overall Rank

While the overall position shows a university’s general standing, dig deeper into specific factors like academic reputation and employer reputation. These indicators reveal how respected the university is among scholars and potential employers, key if you want a degree that opens doors after graduation.

2. Focus on Your Desired Course or Faculty

Some universities may rank highly overall but excel in particular fields. Use the QS rankings to check which Malaysian universities lead in your chosen subject area. This ensures you get quality education tailored to your career goals.

3. Consider Faculty-to-Student Ratio and Research Impact

A better faculty-to-student ratio often means smaller classes and more personalized attention. Research impact shows how active a university is in advancing knowledge, which benefits students interested in innovation and cutting-edge learning.

4. Compare Malaysian Universities Within the Region

The QS Asia Rankings place Malaysian universities alongside peers from Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. See how Malaysia compares regionally to understand your options within Southeast Asia and find the best international student destination for you.

5. Check Employability Prospects

Rankings include employer reputation scores that indicate how well graduates perform in the job market. Choosing a university with strong employer connections can improve your chances of landing a great job after you finish your studies.

By using the QS Asia Rankings to evaluate these key aspects, you can confidently choose one of the best universities in Malaysia 2026 that fits your academic interests and career ambitions. 

Ready to explore your options? Visit our Study in Malaysia page to learn more about university profiles, courses, and how to apply!

Next Steps

Malaysia’s rising spot in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 shows just how competitive its universities have become. With several Malaysian universities making the list, the country offers a great mix of quality education, vibrant culture, and affordable living, ideal if you’re thinking about studying in Asia.

If you’re still deciding, checking out the Malaysian universities ranking in Asia can help you find the best match for what you want to study and your future plans. These universities have solid programs and good job prospects to start your career.

Want to know more? Explore Malaysia’s top universities or chat with our advisors for free advice on picking the right course and university for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the top university in Malaysia in 2026?

The top university in Malaysia in 2026, according to the QS Asia University Rankings, is Universiti Malaya (UM). It consistently ranks among the best universities in Asia and is known for strong academic and research performance.

2. Is Malaysia good for international students?

Yes, Malaysia is a top choice for international students, offering affordable tuition, diverse cultures, and globally ranked universities. Malaysia’s official goal of attracting 250,000 international students by 2025. 

3. Why should I study in Malaysia instead of Singapore or Japan?

Malaysia offers lower tuition fees, English-taught programs, and high-quality universities ranked in Asia, making it a cost-effective alternative to Singapore or Japan. It’s ideal for students seeking quality education in Asia on a budget.

4. Which courses are best to study in Malaysia?

Top courses to study in Malaysia include engineering, business, IT, medicine, and hospitality. These programs are in demand and offered by leading universities ranked in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026.

5. Can I work in Malaysia after graduating?

Yes, international students can apply for a work visa or employment pass after graduating from a Malaysian university. Many graduates find job opportunities in sectors like tech, business, and engineering.