Xiamen University Malaysia (XMU)

Xiamen University (XMU) in China, founded in 1921, has produced more than 200,000 undergraduates and graduates over its history. It now comprises six academic divisions, 35 schools, and 17 research institutes, with doctoral-level authorization across more than 40 academic disciplines. XMU maintains cooperative ties with 277 overseas institutions and has co-established 14 Confucius Institutes across North America, Europe, and Africa, reflecting its role as one of China's most internationally engaged universities.

Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM)

The establishment of XMUM marked a significant milestone in Malaysia–China educational ties — it was the first overseas campus approved by the Chinese government, bringing Xiamen University's academic standards to Malaysia within an international, multicultural learning environment. XMUM's academic qualifications are fully recognised by the Ministries of Education in both China and Malaysia, giving graduates internationally credible degrees.

English is the primary medium of instruction at XMUM, except for select Chinese Studies and Traditional Chinese Medicine courses. Popular degree programmes include Journalism, International Business, Software Engineering, New Energy Science and Engineering, Accounting, and Finance — preparing students for global careers while maintaining a strong connection to Chinese academic and cultural heritage.

Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) is a branch campus of Xiamen University, China. Xiamen University is ranked #303 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

As a branch campus, XMUM shares Xiamen University's academic system and faculty standards, though the QS ranking reflects the main China campus rather than a separate rating for the Malaysian campus specifically.

Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) provides on-campus accommodation to all active, full-time students, in residential blocks located within walking distance of academic buildings and dining options.

Room options (verified from XMUM, August 2026):

Note: Single rooms are no longer offered at XMUM. All current accommodation is twin-sharing.

Each room includes:

• Bed frame and mattress
• Wardrobe
• Study table and chair
• Air conditioning (electricity billed separately, split among roommates)
• En-suite bathroom with water heater
• Wi-Fi

Shared facilities:

• Common pantry on each floor (microwave, fridge, water dispenser)
• Laundry room
• 24/7 security
• Canteens near the residential blocks
• Five-storey Student Activity Centre (gym, swimming pool, convenience store, prayer rooms, and more)

Costs to budget for beyond rent:

• One-time residence application fee: RM 100 (non-refundable)
• Security deposit: RM 500 (refundable), paid together with one semester's rent at check-in
• Electricity: billed monthly, split among unit occupants
• Rent is paid per semester, due within 7 working days of the semester starting

Good to know:

Room type preference can be requested on the application form but is subject to availability — the university can assign a different available room type
Minimum stay is one semester; leaving early forfeits the deposit and paid rent unless proper written notice is given

School of Information Science and Technology
Technological innovation and international atmosphere – School of Information Science & Engineering and Software School, XMU. As one of the earliest engineering schools in China with a comprehensive range of subjects, School of Information Science and Engineering has an exemplary national teaching center for electronic information and an Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Underwater Acoustic Communication and Marine Information Engineering. It has established extensive ties through academic exchange and cooperation with many world-renowned universities and enterprises. It has appointed over 20 internationally and domestically well-known scholars as part-time, guest or honorary professors including members of the Engineering Academies of the US and Canada. The Software School has won the Exemplary Software School Construction Achievements Prize conferred by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

School of Ocean and Environment
Cradle of China’s education in oceanography – College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, XMU. The college ranks second in marine science in China’s universities. XMU started marine studies in the early 1920s, and became the center for research in marine biology in China in 1930. China’s first marine studies school and department of oceanography were established in XMU in 1946. Accordingly, a China-ASEAN Marine Science School will be established in XMUMC utilizing the China-ASEAN Marine Cooperation Funds to develop talents and conduct technological innovation for ASEAN countries.

School of Chinese Language and Culture
Long history and profound academic heritage – College of Humanities, XMU. XMU Humanities College has grown from the Chinese Department, which was established in 1921, and the China Studies Institute, which was set up in 1926. Renowned Chinese scholars like Lu Xun and Lin Yutang once taught here, and it has the “National Talents Training and Research Base in Basic Disciplines of Humanities”, and “National Quality Courses” conferred by the Chinese Ministry of Education. In this college, students can systematically study Chinese language, culture, history and philosophy.

School of Medicine
Training base for high-level medical personnel – Medical College, XMU. XMU Medical College is academically strong. It has seven grade-three plus affiliated hospitals (China’s highest-grade hospital), over 20 hospitals and bases for teaching and practice. Its teaching faculty is strong as well, with 243 professors and associate professors, including 4 academicians. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of the College was established in 1956 and, in the past 50 years and more, has produced over 20,000 outstanding medical personnel for over 50 countries around the world.

School of Economics and Management
A brand name of excellence in economics and management – School of Economics and School of Management, XMU. XMU is one of the only two universities in China that have three top-layer national key disciplines in economics and management. Therefore, XMU is one of China’s most important bases for teaching and research in these subjects. XMU is the first university in mainland China to offer a doctoral degree in accounting, and has produced nearly one third of all the Doctors of Accounting in China. By recruiting the top teaching faculties of economics and management from all over the world, and actively extending international exchange and cooperation, XMU has been steadily enhancing its academic reputation in these disciplines.

Xiamen University Malaysia Campus is located in the vicinity of Bandar Kota Warisan, Sepang, Selangor, just 15 minutes’ drive from the Government Administrative Center of Putrajaya or 45 km southwest of Kuala Lumpur. 

• World-Class Academic Excellence: Xiamen University is committed to delivering top-quality education and innovative research, recognized globally for its academic standards.
• Global Education Partnerships: The university integrates China's strengths with international education, fostering collaboration and producing globally skilled graduates.
• Contribute to Society and Innovation: Through research and education, Xiamen University supports economic growth, cultural exchange, and technological advancement in Malaysia and beyond.
• Industry-Ready Talent: The university equips students with practical skills and global perspectives, ensuring their success in fields like software engineering, international business, and renewable energy.

Scholarship & Study Grants — Xiamen University Malaysia (Academic Year 2026)

1. Merit Scholarship — Foundation Programmes

• Awarded based on academic results (number of Grade A's in SPM, O-Level, UEC, or STPM/A-Level)
• Tuition fee waiver ranges from 5% up to 100%, scaled to results — the 100% tier requires top academic performance (e.g. 9–10 Grade A's for SPM/O-Level applicants, or 4 Grade A's for STPM/A-Level)
• PTPTN compatibility: to be confirmed with XMUM

2. Merit Scholarship — Undergraduate Programmes

• Applies across STPM/A-Level, SACE/AUSMAT/New HSC, IB Diploma, Monash Foundation Year (MUFY), and other foundation/matriculation/diploma qualifications
• Waiver ranges from 25% to 100%, based on specific grade/CGPA/ATAR/IB-point thresholds (full scale available on request or via the university's official page)
• PTPTN compatibility: to be confirmed with XMUM

3. XMUM Progression Scholarship

• For Malaysian students progressing from XMUM's own Foundation Programme into an undergraduate programme
• Waiver tiers: CGPA ≥3.00 → 25%, ≥3.30 → 50%, ≥3.50 → 100%
• PTPTN compatibility: to be confirmed with XMUM

4. Study Grants 

• Teacher's Children: 10%
• Sibling (student with a sibling currently studying at XMUM): 15%
• Bumiputera & Indian Community: 20%
• PTPTN compatibility: to be confirmed with XMUM

Renewal note: Scholarships and grants aren't guaranteed for the full programme duration — renewal each year depends on the student's CGPA ranking relative to peers in the same programme and intake (e.g. a student on 80–100% scholarship needs to stay in the top 25% of their cohort to keep it).

1. Is Xiamen University Malaysia recognised in Malaysia?

Yes. XMUM holds dual accreditation from Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education and China's Ministry of Education, and is registered with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Its degree programmes are internationally recognised, giving graduates qualifications accepted both in Malaysia and abroad.

2. What is Xiamen University Malaysia known for?

XMUM is known for combining Xiamen University's academic standards with an international, multicultural learning environment. It was the first overseas branch campus established by a Chinese university, and offers programmes across business, engineering, sciences, medicine, and the arts. English is the medium of instruction for all programmes except select Chinese Studies and Traditional Chinese Medicine courses.

3. Is Xiamen University Malaysia public or private?

XMUM is a private university, backed by Xiamen University in China — a public institution. This structure gives XMUM access to Xiamen's academic resources and faculty (around 30% of XMUM's teaching staff come directly from the China campus) while operating independently in Malaysia.

4. What is the acceptance rate of Xiamen University Malaysia?

XMUM does not publish an official acceptance rate. Admission is based on meeting the academic and English-proficiency requirements for your chosen programme — there's no fixed quota disclosed publicly, so the best way to gauge your chances is to check the specific entry requirements for your intended course.

5. When are the intakes for Xiamen University Malaysia?

Intake timing depends on the type of programme:

• Undergraduate programmes: February, April, September
• Foundation programmes: April, August, December
• Postgraduate programmes: please check the current postgraduate intake schedule, as this varies by programme