USM PENANG, 23 September 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continues to uphold its mission as a public institution dedicated to national talent development, welcoming 4,236 new undergraduate students for the October 2025/2026 academic intake.

This marks a steady increase from 4,046 in 2024/2025 and 4,025 in 2023/2024.

Reflecting USM’s firm commitment to equitable access, over 90 percent of these undergraduate places have been allocated to Malaysian students.

The increase affirms the university’s focus on strengthening local talent development while navigating a dynamic higher education landscape shaped by increasing international interest.

“As we continue to welcome students from across the globe, our top priority remains ensuring opportunity and access for Malaysians,” said USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed.

“Internationalisation enhances our academic ecosystem through diversity, collaboration, and new perspectives but it must always complement, not compete with, our core national mission,” he said further.

The announcement comes amid national discussions about foreign student enrolment in Malaysian public universities.

While global interest, especially at the postgraduate level, has grown significantly, USM’s undergraduate intake remains predominantly Malaysian, aligned with Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) policies and public expectations.

Recent data show that over 91 percent of undergraduate places in top public universities are occupied by Malaysian students, with international students mainly contributing to postgraduate research and academic exchange.

This balance ensures that global engagement supports, rather than limits, local educational opportunities.

USM upholds this principle through structured admissions and responsible enrolment, reinforcing its identity as a Malaysian institution with a global outlook.

As part of Malaysia’s transformation into a regional education hub, universities are exploring new modes of engagement, including direct and commercial admission pathways.

These avenues support institutional sustainability and economic flexibility, particularly for under-enrolled programmes.

USM emphasises that such mechanisms should be implemented with full transparency and aligned with the university’s values and strategic priorities.

Abdul Rahman emphasised, “Our approach to growth is guided by the principles of integrity, fairness, and accountability. We are committed to safeguarding the merit-based system and ensuring that all Malaysians, regardless of background, have equitable access to quality higher education.”

USM has actively embraced internationalisation not as a goal in itself, but as a strategic enabler that enriches the university’s teaching, research, and innovation ecosystems.

Collaborations with global institutions, postgraduate research partnerships, and multicultural exchange on campus contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s academic advancement and international standing.

Such initiatives are carefully managed to support national priorities, including the development of skilled human capital, enhancement of local research capacities, and the preservation of public education as a common good.

“The presence of international students and scholars at USM fosters mutual learning and global understanding,” added the Vice-Chancellor.

“It strengthens our capacity to innovate and to prepare our students, Malaysian and international alike, for a more interconnected world.”

Looking ahead, USM remains committed to delivering world-class education accessible to Malaysians while enhancing Malaysia’s reputation as a top destination for quality higher education.

As an APEX university strategically located near the industrial hubs of Penang and Kulim High-Tech Park, USM drives innovation and collaboration in line with its motto, “We Lead.”

The university will continue partnering with the MoHE and stakeholders to safeguard university integrity, promote responsible internationalisation, and support sustainable growth.

USM affirms that strong local enrolment and global engagement are complementary pillars of a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready higher education system and a leading educational innovation hub.

Text: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail