USM Profile
Discover Universiti Sains Malaysia — a leading institution advancing knowledge, research and sustainable development.
A University Driven by Knowledge, Innovation and Excellence
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was established as Malaysia's second university in 1969, initially known as Universiti Pulau Pinang. In 1971, the University moved to its present 416.6-hectare campus at Minden, approximately 9.7 km from George Town, Penang.
Today, USM offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes spanning Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Building Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education.
With approximately 30,000 students, the University operates across three campuses: the Main Campus in Penang, the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal and the Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan.
USM is also home to 17 dedicated research centres covering diverse specialisations, including archaeology, medicine and dentistry, molecular medicine, science and technology, Islamic development and management studies, and policy research and international studies.
Academic Programme Overview
USM provides multidisciplinary academic opportunities through its School-based system, offering programmes across a broad spectrum of knowledge and professional disciplines.
Academic Facilities & Resources
A comprehensive range of facilities supports academic excellence, research activities and the overall university experience.
Library & Knowledge Resources
A research library with more than one million items, electronic databases and extensive learning resources.
Campus Accommodation
Student residences providing convenient on-campus living and learning environments.
Research & Learning Spaces
Lecture theatres, halls, museums and an art gallery supporting teaching, discovery and creative exploration.
Campus Amenities
Banks, bookshops, pharmacies, post offices, retail outlets, cafeterias and campus pavilions.
Sports & Recreation
Indoor and outdoor sporting facilities supporting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Student Development
Clubs, societies and extracurricular opportunities that encourage leadership, creativity and personal growth.
Student Support & Campus Life
Beyond academic development, USM provides
accommodation, counselling, motivational
guidance and recreational opportunities.
Students can enjoy facilities including
football fields, an eight-lane synthetic
running track, an Astroturf hockey stadium
and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
A vibrant campus culture is further enriched
through cultural events, student societies
and a wide range of activities that encourage
meaningful connections and personal development.
USM actively advances national research and knowledge creation through strategic research priorities, external funding, intellectual property development and commercialisation. Through its commercial arm, USAINS Holdings Sdn. Bhd., the University also provides consultancy, testing and advisory services to industry.
USM's School-Based Academic System
USM adopts a distinctive school-based academic system rather than the traditional faculty-based structure. This approach enables students to explore multidisciplinary knowledge across different academic areas while pursuing specialised programmes.
By encouraging interaction between disciplines,
the system aims to develop versatile graduates
equipped with broad knowledge, adaptable skills
and the ability to address complex challenges.
USM was the first university in Malaysia
to adopt this system.
Why Choose USM?
An institution where academic excellence, research innovation and a vibrant campus experience come together to shape future leaders.
Malaysia's First APEX University
Selected for the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX), a national initiative to advance world-class higher education.
Research-Intensive University
Recognised for its strong commitment to research, scholarly activities and the advancement of knowledge.
International Research Achievements
USM researchers continue to gain international recognition through research achievements and awards.
University in a Garden
A harmonious campus environment inspired by sustainability, environmental care and a conducive learning atmosphere.
Broad Academic Opportunities
Multidisciplinary programmes that encourage intellectual exploration and internationally recognised learning.
Experienced Academic Community
Supported by highly qualified academic and administrative staff committed to excellence.
Strong Industry Connections
Active engagement between Academic Schools, industry professionals and corporate organisations to connect learning with real-world developments.
History & Milestones
A brief history of the establishment and development of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
The Penang State Legislative Assembly approved a resolution to establish a university college.
The foundation stone was laid by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.
The institution was established as a full-fledged university under the name Universiti Pulau Pinang.
The University moved from its temporary campus in Sungai Ara to Minden, covering approximately 500 acres. Following the enforcement of the Universities Act on 4 October 1971, Universiti Pulau Pinang became known as Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Universiti Sains Malaysia was recognised as a Research University.
USM became the first university in Malaysia selected by the government to participate in the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX).
Institutional Education Goals
The USM Institutional Education Goals (IEG) are based on the HEBAT Agenda, which aims to produce holistic, entrepreneurial-minded, balanced, articulate and thinking graduates. These graduates are expected to contribute to societal well-being while meeting national and global needs.
The five USM Institutional Education Goals aim to produce graduates who are able to:
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Demonstrate knowledge, skills and integrity, particularly in their professional disciplines, with a global mindset and the ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Demonstrate balanced attributes, including altruistic values and attitudes, ethics and professionalism, scientific thinking, and an appreciation of the arts and humanities, to support of responsible citizenship and nation-building.
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Demonstrate resilience, leadership, teamwork and a commitment to lifelong learning, particularly within their professional disciplines.
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Communicate effectively and confidently across transdisciplinary fields, industry, society and technology.
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Demonstrate socio-entrepreneurial skills and a mindset that contributes to societal well-being, reduces inequalities and advances sustainability.
Mission & Vision
Vision
Transforming Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow.
Mission
USM is a pioneering, transdisciplinary, research-intensive university that empowers future talent and enables the bottom billion to transform their socio-economic well-being.
Values
Thrust
The following principles reflect USM's institutional aspirations and its commitment to knowledge, humanity and sustainability.
Clients Charter
We are committed to achieving USM's mission and vision by fulfilling the following commitments:
- Empowering students with the values and attributes required to succeed in local and global markets.
- Developing future leaders with holistic capabilities who are responsive to social issues and global changes and capable of contributing to nation-building.
- Empowering researchers to conduct impactful research and innovation that gain recognition, create meaningful societal impact and contribute to a sustainable world.
- Strengthening academic excellence through continuous professional development and keeping pace with technological advancements.
- Promoting education and strengthening efforts to advance the University's sustainability agenda.
- Strengthening the University's collaborations through strategic local and global networks.
- Strengthening University governance through quality improvement and continuous professional development.