Universiti Malaysia Sarawak
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 66.3%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (27,656 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:19
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 67.0%
- Retention Rate
- 77.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $3,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $5,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at UNIMAS unfolds across a sprawling campus that requires transportation to navigate efficiently. Buses connect different areas of the thousand-acre grounds, and students often develop routines based on where their faculties are located. Student housing is available in residential colleges that group students into communities. These colleges provide not just accommodation but also activities and programming that create smaller communities within the large university. Many students live on campus, though some commute from Kuching, the state capital. Cultural organizations reflect Sarawak's ethnic diversity, with clubs representing the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, and other indigenous groups alongside Chinese, Malay, and Indian associations. Cultural festivals and performances showcase these traditions throughout the academic year. Recreational facilities include sports complexes, swimming pools, and outdoor areas. The surrounding environment invites exploration, with national parks and natural areas accessible for weekend trips. Water activities on nearby rivers add to recreational options. Student organizations cover academic interests, hobbies, and community service. The campus includes mosques, prayer rooms, and spaces for students of various faiths. Food options range from campus cafeterias to surrounding areas where students can find affordable meals.
Location & Surroundings
Kota Samarahan sits about 25 kilometers from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak state. The campus is accessible by road from the capital, though the area immediately surrounding UNIMAS remains less developed than central Kuching. Shuttle services and personal vehicles provide transportation to and from the city. Kuching itself offers urban amenities including shopping malls, restaurants, cultural institutions, and entertainment venues. The waterfront along the Sarawak River has been developed into an attractive promenade lined with historic buildings and modern additions. The city mixes Malay, Chinese, and indigenous influences in its architecture and cuisine. Sarawak's natural environment is the region's most distinctive feature. Rainforests containing orangutans, hornbills, and countless other species exist within reasonable distance. National parks like Bako and Kubah provide opportunities to experience Borneo's legendary biodiversity. Caves, mountains, and coastal areas offer additional exploration possibilities. The tropical climate brings warm temperatures year-round with significant rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season. Students adjust to the humidity and learn to carry umbrellas for sudden afternoon storms. Air travel connects Kuching to peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and other destinations, though the separation from the peninsula creates some sense of distance from national centers.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at UNIMAS is subsidized for Malaysian students, making it highly affordable compared to private institutions. Public university fees in Malaysia are kept low as a matter of government policy, with costs typically running a few thousand ringgit per semester for most programs. International students pay higher fees but still find UNIMAS affordable compared to universities in Western countries or Singapore. Living costs in Sarawak are generally lower than in peninsular Malaysian cities, with accommodation, food, and transportation all reasonably priced. Scholarships and financial aid exist through government programs like PTPTN loans for Malaysian students. Some students qualify for merit-based scholarships or need-based assistance. Work-study opportunities provide additional income for students who need to support themselves. Career outcomes connect to Sarawak's economy and broader Malaysian and regional opportunities. Graduates enter fields including resource industries, government service, healthcare, education, and technology. The university's connections to Sarawak's development mean graduates often find roles contributing to the state's continued growth. Alumni networks span Malaysia and extend internationally, particularly in fields connected to the university's research strengths. Those who studied environmental sciences or indigenous studies may find opportunities with conservation organizations, research institutions, or government agencies throughout the region.
Campus Location
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