Universiti Sains Malaysia
university
Universiti Sains Malaysia

Universiti Sains Malaysia

HBP: Housing Ideas, Building Lives, Planning Future.

Jalan Universiti, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

About Universiti Sains Malaysia

Location of sciences & humanities schools of major Malaysian university, established in 1969. The School of Housing, Building & Planning (HBP) at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is a beacon of innovation and passion in built environment studies. It champions a broad-based, interdisciplinary approach, integrating diverse fields from architecture, building engineering, and surveying to construction project management, interior architecture, quantity surveying, and urban & regional planning. Guided by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, HBP is dedicated to nurturing a sustainable built environment through holistic higher education. The programs emphasize producing knowledgeable, skillful, and responsive graduates competent in design processes and critical thinking, with a strong focus on contemporary issues like sustainability, special technologies, conservation, and socio-cultural aspects. Driven by academic vigor, research, and consultancy, HBP aims to converge the entire spectrum of built environment studies.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours
Bachelor

This program produces knowledgeable, skillful, and responsive architecture graduates. It offers a broad interdisciplinary approach and trains students in design processes and skills vital for professional architects.

3 Years / 6 Semesters
English (Bilingual examination option: Bahasa Malaysia & English)
Refer to the official admission page at admission.usm.my
Deadline: 07/03 last date for application 31/01. 03/10 last date for application 31/07
Master of Architecture
Master

This program is equivalent to LAM Part II accreditation and is a continuation of a Bachelor of Science HBP (Architecture) or similar with LAM Part I accreditation. It trains future architects to be competent in design and provides opportunities for special studies in areas like sustainability.

2 Years
English
Master of Landscape Architecture
Master

This program aims to produce professional graduates who are knowledgeable and environmentally sensitive in landscape architecture. It is offered to candidates from different backgrounds, including those with design and non-design backgrounds.

Minimum 2 years (4 semesters), up to 5 years depending on study track
English
Malaysian: Registration Fee : 330.00 MYR, Tuition Fee : TBC, Convocation Fee : 200.00 MYR. International: Registration Fees : 225.00 USD, Personal Bond : 1000.00 USD, Tuition Fees : TBC, Convocation Fee : 50.00 USD
Master of Science in Interior Design
Master

This research-based program is offered full-time and part-time to qualified students. It allows for independent research supervised by lecturers in various specializations within interior design.

Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters (Full-time). Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters (Part-time)
English
Malaysian (Full Time): Registration Fee : 330.00 MYR, Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,550.00 MYR, Thesis Evaluation Fee : 800.00 MYR, Convocation Fee : 200.00 MYR, Research Methodology : 320.00 MYR. International (Full Time): Registration Fee : 225.00 USD, Personal Bond : 1000.00 USD, Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,850.00 USD, Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00 USD, Convocation Fee : 50.00 USD, Research Methodology : 80.00 USD
Bachelor of Interior Architecture with Honours
Bachelor

This program combines design elements, technology, and creativity to ensure that interior spaces are functional, aesthetic, and comfortable. It encompasses understanding structural elements, space optimization, and modern technology integration.

4 Years / 8 Semesters (Minimum), 7 Years / 14 Semesters (Maximum)
English (Bilingual examination option: Bahasa Malaysia & English)
Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning Honours
Bachelor

This program aims to produce skilled and trained graduates who meet industry requirements and is accredited by the Board of Town Planners Malaysia. Subjects cover theories, technical and practical aspects related to physical, social, economic, and environmental planning.

PhD (Architecture)
PhD

This research program is offered full-time and part-time to qualified students, focusing on independent research in various specializations within architecture. It explores areas like energy, urban issues, crime, and landscape.

Malaysian (Full Time): Registration Fee : 330.00 MYR, Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,550.00 MYR, Thesis Evaluation Fee : 800.00 MYR, Convocation Fee : 200.00 MYR, Research Methodology : 320.00 MYR. Malaysian (Part Time): Registration Fee : 330.00 MYR, Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,975.00 MYR, Thesis Evaluation Fee: 800.00 MYR, Convocation Fee : 200.00 MYR, Research Methodology : 320.00 MYR
MSc (Architecture)
Master

This research-based program is offered throughout the year, both full-time and part-time. It focuses on independent research in various specializations within the field of Architecture, addressing sustainability issues in the built environment.

Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
English
Total Cost: RM 14,506.00. Tuition Fee ( per Semester): MYR 6,318.00. Registration Fee: MY 6,118.00, Student Visa: MY 2,070.00
Deadline: April, October

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
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Students
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Faculty
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Alumni
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Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours is accredited by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) Part 1. The Master of Architecture Programme is accredited by LAM Part II. The School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) is an academic partner to the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), aiming to have all its Part I and II architectural degrees accredited with CABE.
Admissions
Estimated 45-50% for international students (general USM admission, not specific to Architecture).
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
Postgraduate (Research)
Year-round application; USM generally processes applications within 5 working days.
Undergraduate (International)
Semester II (March Intake): January 15, 2026
Semester I (October Intake): July 15, 2025
Master of Architecture (Coursework)
October intake. No specific application deadline found; USM generally processes applications within 5 working days.
Requirements
Master of Architecture Programme: {"Academic":"Fulfill general USM Graduate School requirements. Hold a good first degree in Bachelor of Science HBP (Architecture), USM, or Bachelor of Architecture (equivalent to LAM Part I) from other LAM accredited universities. CGPA minimum of 2.75 with at least 6 months of relevant working experience after graduation. If CGPA is 2.5-2.74, one year minimum of working experience is required. If CGPA is 2.0-2.49, five years minimum of working experience is required (LAM requirements).","Interview":"Successful in the interview process.","English Proficiency (International Applicants Only)":"IELTS minimum Band 6 OR TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 60 OR TOEFL Essentials (Online) minimum score of 8.5 OR Cambridge English: Advance/Proficiency/Preliminary/First/Linguaskill Online min. score 169/Occupational English Test (OET) min. score 250 OR Pearson Test of English (PTE) minimum score of 59 OR CIEP Level (ELS) minimum Band 109 OR Malaysian University English Test (MUET) minimum Band 4."}
Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours: {"Academic":"Completed 12 years of primary and high school education (e.g., A-Level, IB, Diploma in related field) with minimum entry qualification of CGPA 3.00. Minimum grade B in any 2 subjects from: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geography, History, Economics, Visual Arts, Business Studies, Accounting. Diploma holders require a minimum CGPA of 3.00 and the course duration must be not less than 5 semesters or 2.5 years in an accredited institution, along with high school certificate requirements.","Interview":"Candidates must undergo an interview session.","English Proficiency":"IELTS/IELTS Online minimum Band 5.0 OR TOEFL iBT minimum score of 40 OR TOEFL Essentials Online minimum score of 5 OR Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE)/Linguaskill Online minimum score of 154 OR PTE Academic minimum score of 47 OR ELS Certified Intensive English Programme Level (CIEP Level) 107 OR Malaysian University English Test (MUET) minimum Band 3.5. Candidates from English medium institutions are exempted. Conditional offers may be issued for those without proficiency certificates."}

Universiti Sains Malaysia Academic FAQ

Universiti Sains Malaysia is HBP: Housing Ideas, Building Lives, Planning Future.

The acceptance rate for Universiti Sains Malaysia is Estimated 45-50% for international students (general USM admission, not specific to Architecture)., reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: [object Object].

Universiti Sains Malaysia provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours, Master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Science in Interior Design, Bachelor of Interior Architecture with Honours.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of Approximately 15:1 (based on 13 academic staff in Architecture and an outdated student count of 194 from January 2016)., ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

Universiti Sains Malaysia is situated in Gelugor, Malaysia, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, Universiti Sains Malaysia holds accreditations from: The Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honours is accredited by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) Part 1. The Master of Architecture Programme is accredited by LAM Part II. The School of Housing, Building and Planning (HBP) is an academic partner to the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), aiming to have all its Part I and II architectural degrees accredited with CABE..