USM, PENANG, 8 August 2016 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is expected to enrol about 3,700 students in its full-time first degree programmes for the upcoming 2016/2017 academic year in all its campuses, which will start on 28 August.

Its Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman said 20,300 people had submitted their applications and all successful candidates were selected based on a stringent vetting process.

Omar said the selection was also based on USM’s social responsibility efforts to enable those from lower-income groups, as well as the disabled (OKU) to pursue tertiary education.

“With the same agenda in mind, USM also provides study opportunities for students from Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan to enable them to pursue their courses, and in the process to enhance national integration," he said.

Omar was speaking to the media after visiting preparation works by USM’s Student Admissions section at the university’s Chancellory Building this morning.

He said all applicants who have been offered a place are required to confirm their acceptance or rejection of the offer via the USM website at https://pohon.usm.my within the stipulated period of 8 – 14 August 2016 before 12.00 midnight.

Omar added, “Candidates who have received multiple offers from USM, Universiti Malaya (UM) and other public universities are advised to accept offer from only one University, and to select USM (APEX University) as their number one choice.

“Successful applicants are advised to refer to the acceptance letter and new student guidebooks that can be downloaded and printed from our website (https://pohon.usm.my).

“Meanwhile, applicants who fail to secure a place in the university can appeal through Aplikasi E-Rayuan USM, which is open from 8 August 2016 via the same website," he said.

Only applicants who have applied and failed to receive any offers from USM can appeal (selecting 2 programmes only) within seven days after the results are announced.

The appeal process for the programmes are only applicable to applicants who have attended the interview sessions. The appeal deadline for the E-Rayuan is on 14 August 2016 at midnight.

According to Omar, those who have received an offer from any other public university cannot submit an appeal to USM.

For more information, kindly contact the university’s toll-free hotline at 1 300 888 876, or direct line at 04-6533196. They can also email their queries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the Student Admissions Section Service Centre at Level 2, Chancellory Building from Monday to Friday between 8:10 am and 5.10 pm.