Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah
A public technical university on Malaysia's east coast focused on engineering, engineering technology and computing.
- Students
- 7,584
- International
- 10%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 12.4:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- MYR 19,449
- From · 2025-26 intake onwards
- Founded
- 2002
About UMPSA
Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) was established by the Malaysian government on 16 February 2002 as the University College of Engineering and Technology Malaysia (UTEC/KUKTEM), became Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) in 2007 and took its current name on 14 April 2023 in honour of Sultan Abdullah of Pahang. It gained autonomous status in 2015.
UMPSA is a technical university: its programmes span engineering, engineering technology, applied science, computer science and technology management, with foundation and diploma routes as well as bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees. It teaches on two main campuses in Pahang, the original campus at Gambang and the main campus at Pekan (opened in 2009, built for up to 10,000 students), with additional sites in Kuala Lumpur and at The Ship campus in Penang. Dual degrees are run with Hochschule Karlsruhe and Mannheim University of Applied Sciences in Germany.
The university describes itself as a leading member of the Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN) for research and innovation. It suits students who want applied, industry-oriented engineering or computing degrees at relatively low cost in a quiet coastal state.
Why students choose UMPSA
Dual-degree engineering programmes with German partners: Automotive, Electronics and Mechatronics Engineering with Hochschule Karlsruhe, and Business Engineering with Mannheim University of Applied Sciences.
A long list of engineering technology degrees, from Oil and Gas and Petroleum to Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Robotics.
Standard international bachelor's fees are about RM19,400-21,000 a year (German dual degrees about RM38,700) before the tuition discounts the university says all registered students receive at Pekan and Gambang.
Two intakes a year for undergraduates, in September and February.
Admissions
2026-27 and 2027 intakes (September and February)
Selectivity
UMPSA does not publish an acceptance rate. Malaysian students apply through the national UPU system (with MUET and STPM, matriculation or foundation results); international students apply directly and are assessed on qualification equivalence set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and subject grades.
Typical entry requirements
| A-Level / High School Certificate (bachelor's, international) | At least three subjects passed with grade C or better, including Mathematics and two science/technology subjects (minimum C, 50% or CGPA 2.00) for engineering, engineering technology and applied science |
|---|---|
| Dual-degree programmes | At least 10 points at A-level or 32 points in the IB, with C or better in Mathematics and two related subjects |
| STPM / Matriculation / Foundation (Malaysian) | Programme-specific grades in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry or Biology, plus MUET Band 2 or above |
| English language | IELTS 4 · TOEFL iBT 30 UMPSA's 2026 international admission guide sets one minimum for foundation, diploma and bachelor's study: IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 30-31, TOEFL PBT 500, MUET Band 3, PTE 36 or 140 in Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency. The Bachelor of Financial Technology is the exception and needs IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 60, MUET Band 4, PTE 59 or Cambridge 169. Applicants below the minimum take the Preparatory Intensive English (PIE) programme and must reach MUET Band 3 (Band 4 for FinTech) before starting. Students from countries where English is the official language, or from English-medium institutions, are exempt. |
Deadlines
- February intake (undergraduate) Non-bindingFebruary 2027 intake
Contact intake@umpsa.edu.my for the application closing date.
- September intake (undergraduate) Non-bindingSeptember 2027 intake
Main intake for most programmes.
UMPSA's 2026 international admission guide lists undergraduate intakes in September and February (postgraduate in March and October) but no fixed application deadlines; apply several months ahead to allow for the student visa process.
How to apply
International students apply online through the UMPSA admission portal (admission.umpsa.edu.my, international applicant section) with academic transcripts, English test results and a passport copy. Offer holders then apply for a student visa (Visa Approval Letter) through Education Malaysia, complete the UMPSA health examination form and pay a refundable personal bond of RM1,500. Malaysian students apply through UPU.
What admissions looks for
- An upper-secondary or pre-university qualification recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
- Grade C or better in Mathematics and relevant science or technology subjects for engineering and science programmes.
- English proficiency at the required level, or willingness to take the Preparatory Intensive English programme.
- Good health, certified through the university's health examination form.
Tips for applying to UMPSA
- 1 If your English score is below the requirement, expect to add the Preparatory Intensive English (PIE) programme before your degree starts.
- 2 Check which campus your programme is on: tuition discounts apply at Pekan and Gambang, but not at UMPSA Kuala Lumpur.
- 3 Budget for the one-time RM1,155 entrance fee, RM330 per semester in miscellaneous fees, hostel costs and the RM1,500 refundable personal bond on top of tuition.
- 4 For the German dual degrees you need stronger results (10 A-level points or 32 IB points).
Costs & financial aid
2025-26 intake onwards · figures in MYR
UMPSA states that all registered international students at the Pekan and Gambang campuses are entitled to tuition fee discounts, with the exact discount and final fee given in the offer letter. Fees are charged per credit hour registered each semester, plus a one-time entrance fee and semester miscellaneous fees.
- RM1,155
- One-time entrance fee (international)
- RM330 per semester
- Miscellaneous fees
- RM1,500
- Refundable personal bond (international)
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (8 semesters for a 4-year degree)
Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honours (dual degree with Hochschule Karlsruhe)
One of UMPSA's German dual-degree programmes, alongside Automotive and Electronics Engineering.
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours
A 4-year, 8-semester programme accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia.
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Technology (Oil and Gas) with Honours
One of several applied engineering technology degrees tied to Pahang's industrial base.
Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) with Honours
A four-year, project-based programme; international fee RM77,795 for the whole degree before discounts.
Bachelor of Business Engineering with Honours (dual degree with Mannheim)
Combines engineering and business with Mannheim University of Applied Sciences in Germany.
Research
- UMPSA describes itself as one of the best in research and innovation within the Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN).
- Research-mode master's and PhD programmes are offered across the engineering and technology cluster.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology
- Faculty of Manufacturing and Mechatronic Engineering Technology
- Faculty of Computing
- Centre for Modern Languages
Student life
Student life centres on the Pekan and Gambang campuses in Pahang, both residential with student hostels. International students are supported by the Centre for International Studies, which handles visas and student passes, and the university runs events such as an International Night. Pahang is Peninsular Malaysia's largest state, with rainforest, beaches and highlands within reach.
- Two main campuses in Pahang: Pekan and Gambang.
- International Night and other events for international students.
- Outbound mobility and the ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS) programme.
- Nearby Teluk Cempedak beach, Tioman Island and Cameron Highlands for weekends.
Housing. Hostels are available on campus; international students pay hostel fees separately from tuition.
Location
UMPSA's campuses are near Kuantan on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia: Gambang is about 20 minutes from Kuantan Airport and Pekan about 40 minutes. Kuala Lumpur is roughly 3.5-4 hours away by bus. The area is quieter and cheaper than the Klang Valley, with beaches and national parks close by.
Nearest airport: Kuantan Airport (KUA); Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) for international flights
Notable alumni
- YS Yana SamsudinMalaysian actress
- MH Mohd Hairi Mad ShahMember of the Johor State Executive Council
- KA Khairul Azhari SautMalaysian politician
Frequently asked questions
How much are UMPSA's fees for international students?
The published total fee for a 4-year bachelor's degree is RM77,795 (computer science, applied science, management) to RM83,795 (engineering), about RM19,400-21,000 a year, before the tuition discounts UMPSA says registered students receive at Pekan and Gambang. The German dual degrees cost RM174,000 over 4.5 years.
When are UMPSA's intakes?
Undergraduate intakes are in September and February; postgraduate intakes are in March and October.
What English score does UMPSA require?
For foundation, diploma and most bachelor's programmes the minimum is IELTS 4.0, TOEFL iBT 30-31 or MUET Band 3; the Bachelor of Financial Technology needs IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 60 or MUET Band 4. Students below the requirement take the Preparatory Intensive English programme first.
Does UMPSA offer dual degrees?
Yes. Automotive, Electronics and Mechatronics Engineering are offered with Hochschule Karlsruhe, and Business Engineering with Mannheim University of Applied Sciences. They require at least 10 A-level points or 32 IB points.
Where is UMPSA located?
In Pahang on Malaysia's east coast, with campuses at Pekan and Gambang near Kuantan, plus sites in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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