Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, commonly known as UniSHAMS, is a distinguished Islamic higher education institution in Malaysia that integrates academic excellence with Islamic values. UniSHAMS is committed to producing graduates who are knowledgeable, ethical, and socially responsible, making it an attractive option for both local and international students.

What makes UniSHAMS Malaysia unique for international students is its strong foundation in Islamic studies combined with modern academic disciplines. The university emphasizes balanced education that nurtures intellectual, spiritual, and moral development. Students benefit from an environment that respects cultural diversity while promoting global Islamic scholarship.

UniSHAMS is a public university located in Kedah, Malaysia, with a campus designed to support holistic learning in a peaceful setting. The academic focus includes Islamic studies, education, business, and contemporary sciences. UniSHAMS primarily targets students planning to study in Malaysia who seek quality education grounded in Islamic principles.

The institution was established in 1994 as an initiative of the Kedah state government and began its early academic development through Islamic studies. It subsequently developed into Kolej Universiti INSANIAH (KUIN), before officially adopting the name Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (UniSHAMS) in 2018.

The transition from KUIN to UniSHAMS marked an important stage in the institution’s development as an international Islamic university. Its official identity reflects an emphasis on integrating knowledge and wisdom, while its motto, “Melestarikan Ilmu Melalui Kebijaksanaan,” translates to “Preserving Knowledge through Wisdom.”

Over the years, UniSHAMS has expanded its academic and research activities beyond its original Islamic studies focus. Its official academic records include postgraduate research in areas such as Quranic and Hadith studies, Shariah and law, and other Islamic disciplines, reflecting the university’s continuing role in Islamic higher education and scholarship.

UniSHAMS's present institutional identity is supported by its commitment to quality education. The university currently highlights its SIRIM ISO 21001:2018 certification for its Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS), which it describes as reflecting its commitment to quality education, a student-centred approach and continuous improvement.

Since its founding, UniSHAMS has experienced steady growth in academic offerings, infrastructure, and student enrollment. The university continues to expand its programmes and research initiatives to meet the evolving needs of both national and international communities.

UniSHAMS is located in Kuala Ketil, Kedah, and provides a range of academic, student-support, recreational, and campus facilities for its students. The university’s official website highlights facilities designed to support learning, student services, daily campus life, sports, and recreation.

Academic & Learning Facilities

The UniSHAMS campus includes facilities that support teaching, learning, academic activities, and student collaboration, including:

• Student discussion rooms
• Main meeting rooms
• Experimental halls
• Library
• Web OPAC for library resources
• Green screen studio
• Drawing studio
• Culinary kitchen
• Anatomy Museum

 Student Support & Campus Services

UniSHAMS provides dedicated facilities and services to support students throughout their university experience. These include:

• Student One-Stop Service Centre
• Student residential college
• Laundry facilities
• UniMart
• ATM and CDM facilities
• Chancellor’s Lobby
• Tuanku Chancellor Gallery

 Sports & Recreation

The university campus also includes facilities for sports, physical activities, and recreation. These include:

• Sports Centre
• Football field
• Petanque court
• Exercise clinic
• Recreational lake

Religious & Campus Facilities

As an Islamic university, UniSHAMS also provides prayer facilities on campus, including Surau al-Insaniyyah and other surau facilities.

The range of facilities reflects the university’s provision for academic learning, student services, residential needs, recreation, and campus activities within its Kuala Ketil campus.

UniSHAMS offers academic programmes across Islamic studies, Shariah and law, medicine and health sciences, Islamic finance, management, hospitality, counselling, education, and social sciences. The university organises its academic offerings through several Kulliyyah and academic centres, with programmes available at foundation, diploma, bachelor’s, postgraduate diploma, master’s, and PhD levels.

Kulliyyah of Usuluddin, Quranic Sciences and Arabic Language

This Kulliyyah covers academic areas related to Usuluddin, Quranic studies, and Arabic language. UniSHAMS lists programmes such as:

• Bachelor of Arabic Language with Honours
• Bachelor of Usuluddin with Honours
• Bachelor of Tahfiz al-Quran and Qiraat Studies with Honours
• Diploma in Tahfiz al-Quran and Qiraat Studies
• Diploma in Islamic Studies

The university also offers postgraduate study in related Islamic academic fields.

Kulliyyah of Syariah and Laws

The Kulliyyah of Syariah and Laws focuses on Shariah and legal studies. Its academic offerings include:

• Bachelor of Shariah with Honours
• Postgraduate programmes in Syariah and related fields
• Postgraduate Diploma in Syarie Judiciary and Legal Practice

The Kulliyyah forms part of UniSHAMS's established academic structure in Islamic legal education.

Kulliyyah of Medicine and Health Sciences

UniSHAMS also has a Kulliyyah of Medicine and Health Sciences, reflecting the university's academic offerings beyond Islamic studies. Its undergraduate programmes include the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

Kulliyyah of Islamic Finance, Management Sciences and Hospitality

This Kulliyyah brings together programmes in Islamic finance, business, management, information technology, and hospitality. Current official programme information includes:

• Bachelor of Accounting with Honours
• Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Islamic Banking and Finance) with Honours
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Islamic Financial Planning) with Honours
• Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking) with Honours
• Bachelor of Information Technology (Multimedia Technology) with Honours

The Kulliyyah reflects UniSHAMS's academic provision in business, finance, management, and related professional fields.

Kulliyyah of Counselling, Education and Social Sciences

UniSHAMS lists the Kulliyyah of Counselling, Education and Social Sciences among its academic centres. One of its undergraduate offerings is the Bachelor of Counselling with Honours.

Foundation, Diploma and Postgraduate Studies

Alongside its Kulliyyah-based programmes, UniSHAMS offers several levels of study, including:

• Foundation Studies
• Diploma programmes
• Bachelor's degree programmes
• Postgraduate Diploma
• Master's degree programmes
• PhD programmes
• Professional Executive Programmes

The university's official academic regulations also state that postgraduate programmes cover fields including Syariah, Usuluddin, Al-Quran, Arabic Language, Muamalat, and Psychology and Counselling. Postgraduate study may be offered through research, mixed-mode, or coursework routes depending on the programme.

UniSHAMS provides information on scholarships, education financing, fee assistance, and student welfare support through its official student and financial-aid channels. The university's prospective-student portal includes a dedicated section for scholarships and financial assistance, while its financial-aid resources provide information on options such as PTPTN financing and sponsorship opportunities.

PTPTN Education Financing

Eligible UniSHAMS students can apply for education financing through the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN). UniSHAMS publishes application procedures, required documents, application periods, and financing rates through its official financial-aid resources.

For the 2025 intake information published by UniSHAMS, PTPTN financing for eligible students may be provided at 100%, 75%, or 50% of the applicable full financing rate, depending on the student's eligibility and household financial circumstances. Separate financing information is also provided for the MBBS programme.

Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah Sponsorship

UniSHAMS also publishes information on education sponsorship from Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK). The university's official 2025 financial-aid information states that eligible students can apply through the LZNK scholarship portal when applications are open.

The published sponsorship amounts vary according to the level and programme of study. The information includes annual sponsorship of RM14,000 for bachelor's degree students, RM12,000 for diploma students, and RM53,600 for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Foundation sponsorship information includes tuition fees, hostel fees, and living expenses, subject to the sponsor's requirements and policies.

Tuition Fee Rebate

UniSHAMS also lists a 30% tuition fee rebate among its student-related financial support information. Students should check the university's current terms and eligibility requirements before applying or making financial decisions.

Student Welfare & Emergency Assistance

Financial support at UniSHAMS also includes student welfare assistance. The university's official eCampus resources provide a Student Welfare Assistance Fund application form and information on emergency assistance for students.

These resources are intended to provide a channel for students seeking assistance with eligible welfare or emergency needs.

Student life at UniSHAMS extends beyond academic study, with facilities and activities that support recreation, student services, campus interaction, and international engagement. The university's campus includes sports and recreational facilities, student residential facilities, and dedicated services for international students.

Sports & Recreational Activities

UniSHAMS provides a range of facilities for students to participate in sports and recreational activities. Its official facility booking platform lists:

• Football field
• Futsal court
• Badminton and sepak takraw courts
• Netball court
• Volleyball court
• Petanque courts
• Archery range
• Chess sets
• Recreational lake

These facilities provide opportunities for students to participate in physical activities and spend time outside the classroom.

Student Facilities & Campus Life

UniSHAMS provides facilities that support students' day-to-day campus experience, including student accommodation, laundry facilities, UniMart, student service facilities, and recreational spaces.
The university also provides student portals for undergraduate and postgraduate students, giving students access to university-related digital services.

International Student Support

The Centre for International Relations & Collaboration (CIRC) is responsible for international student affairs at UniSHAMS. Formerly known as the International Student Centre (ISC), the centre assists international students with matters including new and follow-up student passes, short-term passes, escort passes, sticker transfers, Personal Bond applications, and refund applications.

International Collaboration & Student Mobility

UniSHAMS's CIRC also facilitates national and international collaborations with higher education institutions through academic and research partnerships. The centre coordinates student and faculty mobility programmes, providing opportunities for members of the university community to gain international experience and engage with different academic and cultural environments.

A Diverse University Community

UniSHAMS describes itself as a global Islamic university and states that it accepts students from different parts of the world and from various groups and backgrounds. Its official university information also highlights a combination of local and international teaching staff.
Together, its residential, recreational, student-support, and international services provide students with opportunities to participate in campus life while pursuing their academic programmes at UniSHAMS.

UniSHAMS offers an academic environment centred on Islamic knowledge while providing programmes across a range of disciplines, including medicine, health sciences, business, finance, information technology, education, counselling, Shariah, law, and Islamic studies. Its Kuala Ketil campus also provides academic, residential, student-support, sports, and recreational facilities.

Islamic Academic Foundation

UniSHAMS has its roots in Islamic higher education and continues to integrate Islamic knowledge and values into its institutional identity. Its vision is to become a global Islamic university through the integration of knowledge and wisdom.

Diverse Academic Options

Students can choose from programmes at different levels, from foundation and diploma studies to bachelor's, postgraduate, and PhD programmes. The university's academic offerings extend across Islamic studies and Shariah as well as medicine, business, accounting, finance, information technology, counselling, education, and social sciences.

Dedicated Student Facilities

The Kuala Ketil campus provides facilities supporting academic learning and everyday student life, including a library, student accommodation, One-Stop Service Centre, sports facilities, recreational spaces, studios, and other campus amenities.

International Engagement

UniSHAMS has a Centre for International Relations & Collaboration that manages international student affairs and supports collaboration with higher education institutions. The centre also coordinates academic and research collaborations and student and faculty mobility programmes.

Quality Management Focus

UniSHAMS highlights its SIRIM ISO 21001:2018 certification for its Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS). The university states that the certification reflects its focus on quality education, a student-centred approach, and continuous improvement.

Student Support Services

Students have access to dedicated services covering student affairs, international student matters, accommodation, welfare, and campus activities. UniSHAMS also provides official digital services and student portals to support academic and administrative needs.

Located in Kedah

UniSHAMS is located in Kuala Ketil, Kedah Darul Aman, providing students with a campus-based university experience outside the major urban centres of Malaysia.

For students looking for an Islamic university with multidisciplinary academic options, dedicated campus facilities, international engagement, and a focus on integrating knowledge with Islamic values, UniSHAMS provides an environment built around these areas.

International students can apply to UniSHAMS through the university's online application system. The official application portal allows applicants to register using their passport number and provides a dedicated section for checking international-student entry qualifications. Applicants should first confirm that their academic qualification meets the entry level required for their chosen programme before submitting an application.

Step 1: Check the International Entry Qualification

UniSHAMS maintains an official list of international qualifications and the corresponding level of entry. The list covers qualifications from different countries and indicates whether they qualify applicants for Foundation, Certificate, Diploma, or Bachelor's degree entry.
For applicants from India, the UniSHAMS list includes qualifications such as:

• Indian School Certificate (Standard XII) – Level 6 MQF (Bachelor Degree)
• All India Senior School Certificate awarded by the Central Board of Secondary Education – Level 6 MQF (Bachelor Degree)
• Higher Secondary Course Certificate / Higher Secondary School Certificate / Higher Secondary Certificate / Higher School Certificate (Standard XII) – Level 6 MQF (Bachelor Degree)
• Pre-Medical from Punjab University – Level 6 MQF (Bachelor Degree)
• Pre-University Examination from Mahatma Gandhi University – Level 6 MQF (Bachelor Degree)
• Certificate of Second Year Pre-University Examination issued by the Education Department of the Government of Karnataka – Level 6 MQF (Bachelor Degree)
• Intermediate Public Examination conducted by the Board of Intermediate Education, Hyderabad – Level 6 MQF (Bachelor Degree)
• Higher Secondary Examination (Class XII) Certificate from the Government of Kerala, Board of Higher Secondary Examination – Level 6 MQF (Bachelor Degree)
• Intermediate Pass Certificate from the Board of Intermediate Education, Andhra Pradesh – Level 6 MQF (Bachelor Degree)

The same official list also identifies certain Indian secondary-school qualifications as suitable for Foundation, Certificate, or Diploma entry rather than direct Bachelor's degree entry.

Step 2: Register for Online Application

Applicants can access the UniSHAMS online application portal and register as a first-time user. The system requires an applicant to provide an NRIC or passport number and password for registration and application access.

The portal also provides options to check the application result and registration status after submission.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

For international postgraduate applicants, UniSHAMS's current official document-requirement information specifies the following documents:

• Copy of identity card or passport, including all pages
• Copy of birth certificate
• Copy of the original degree or study-completion letter and academic transcript, with certified English translation where required
• Passport-size photograph with a white background
• English-language certificate result, such as MUET, IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson Test of English, or Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Letter of Eligibility from the Federal Ministry of Education Abuja for Nigerian applicants
• Two copies of the Referee Form (PPS02)

For Master's applications, the academic documents include the Bachelor's qualification and transcript. For PhD applications, applicants are required to provide both Bachelor's and Master's qualifications and transcripts.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants should submit their application and supporting documents through the relevant UniSHAMS application system. For postgraduate applications, the university's official requirements specify the academic documents and supporting materials that must accompany the application. Research-mode applicants may also need to prepare a research proposal, while referee forms are required as part of the postgraduate application documentation.

Step 5: International Student Pass & Immigration Support

After admission, international students can receive assistance from UniSHAMS's Centre for International Relations & Collaboration (CIRC). The centre manages international student affairs, including applications relating to new and follow-up student passes, short-term passes, special passes, sticker transfers, Personal Bond applications, and refunds.
UniSHAMS therefore provides a dedicated institutional contact point for international-student administrative and immigration-related matters.

Important Note for Applicants

Entry requirements and document requirements can vary according to the level and programme of study. International applicants should check the specific UniSHAMS programme requirements and the latest instructions on the official application portal before submitting their application. The international qualification list currently available on the UniSHAMS portal is specifically presented as an entry-qualification reference for international students.

UniSHAMS supports students' transition from university to employment through career guidance, industrial training, employability initiatives, and alumni engagement. The university's student and alumni affairs structure specifically includes career guidance and motivation, student placement, employability and industrial training, as well as alumni and graduate-tracking activities.

Career Guidance & Employability Support

UniSHAMS provides career-related support through its student and alumni affairs functions. The university identifies career counselling, guidance and motivation, employability, and industrial training among its student-development activities.

These services are intended to help students develop professional skills and prepare for employment after graduation.

Industrial Training & Practical Exposure

Industrial training forms part of UniSHAMS's employability and student-development activities. Depending on the programme, practical training can help students connect academic knowledge with professional environments and gain experience relevant to their chosen field.

Career Opportunities Across Disciplines

UniSHAMS offers programmes across Islamic studies, Shariah and law, medicine and health sciences, Islamic finance, management, information technology, counselling, education, and other fields. Career pathways therefore vary according to the programme and professional requirements of each discipline.

For example, the university's Bachelor of Business Administration in Islamic Financial Planning identifies potential roles such as administrative officer, manager, bank executive, financial adviser, financial planner, investment adviser, trust-fund representative, property manager, lecturer or tutor, teacher, and agency manager.

Alumni Engagement

Alumni form part of UniSHAMS's continuing university community. The university's postgraduate and research materials identify maintaining relationships with alumni, the wider community, and other stakeholders as part of its institutional mission.

UniSHAMS also conducts alumni-related activities and maintains an alumni and graduate-tracking function within its student and alumni affairs structure.

Graduate & Alumni Highlights

UniSHAMS's official news archive records activities involving its graduates and alumni, including the university's convocation ceremonies and alumni programmes. The archive also records a 2022 convocation at which 1,382 graduates were celebrated.

The university also publishes graduate testimonials. For example, Aiman Nasir, a Bachelor of Usuluddin graduate from the class of 2022, highlighted UniSHAMS's MQA-recognised syllabus and its combination of local and international teaching staff.

Kuala Ketil is a town in the Baling district of Kedah, northern Malaysia, and is home to the main campus of Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (UniSHAMS). The university is located at 09300 Kuala Ketil, Kedah Darul Aman.
For students, Kuala Ketil provides access to essential services and transport connections, while UniSHAMS offers on-campus accommodation, student services, sports facilities, and other amenities.

Key Highlights

Location: UniSHAMS is located in Kuala Ketil, Kedah Darul Aman, in northern Malaysia.
Student Accommodation: UniSHAMS provides hostel accommodation for students, offering an on-campus living option.
Food & Daily Essentials: Students can access campus facilities including a cafeteria, mini market, and student-oriented commercial facilities.
Healthcare: Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Ketil is approximately 3 km from the campus, while Hospital Sungai Petani is approximately 15 km away.
Public Transport: Kuala Ketil Bus Station is approximately 3 km from the UniSHAMS campus.
Nearby Towns: Kuala Ketil town is approximately 3 km away, while Sungai Petani is around 20 km and Kulim around 25 km from the campus.
Railway Connectivity: Sungai Petani railway station is approximately 20 km from the campus.
Road Connectivity: The PLUS Highway is approximately 20 km from UniSHAMS, providing access to Malaysia’s wider road network.
Airport Access: Penang International Airport at Bayan Lepas is approximately 60 km from the campus.
Campus Recreation: Students have access to facilities such as a sports centre, exercise clinic, recreational areas, surau, and other campus amenities.
International Student Support: UniSHAMS’s Centre for International Relations & Collaboration assists international students with student-pass and other international-student matters.
Campus Environment: The Kuala Ketil campus brings academic, residential, student-support, and recreational facilities together in one location.

UniSHAMS is recognised through Malaysia’s higher education quality-assurance framework and highlights its SIRIM certification and SETARA status. Its programmes also carry relevant Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) accreditation or approval.

Latest QS Ranking

• QS Asian University Rankings 2026: #1301–1400
• UniSHAMS does not currently have an overall QS World University Rankings position listed by QS.

Accreditation & Recognition

UniSHAMS highlights SIRIM ISO 21001:2018 certification for its Educational Organizations Management System (EOMS). Several programmes are accredited or approved by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), with selected programmes also receiving professional recognition.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction varies by programme. English is used for programmes such as Medicine, Information Technology, Hospitality, Multimedia, and Muamalat, while Arabic is used for programmes in areas such as Usuluddin, Syariah, Arabic Language, and Tahfiz Quran.

UniSHAMS also conducts English Placement Tests (EPT) and Arabic Placement Tests (APT) to assess students' language proficiency where applicable.

Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah stands as a strong choice for students seeking Islamic higher education combined with modern academic disciplines. With affordable UniSHAMS Malaysia tuition fees, supportive campus life, and a commitment to ethical leadership, the university offers excellent value for international students.

Prospective students are encouraged to explore available programmes, review scholarship options, and begin the admission process. Take the next step toward a meaningful and values-driven education at UniSHAMS Malaysia.

Does UniSHAMS offer credit transfer or course exemption?

Yes. UniSHAMS provides an official application process for credit transfer and course exemption, subject to the university’s academic requirements and approval procedures.

Can students change their programme after enrolling at UniSHAMS?

UniSHAMS provides a formal application process for programme changes, including a specific form for programme transfer. Eligibility and applicable conditions depend on the university’s academic regulations.

Does UniSHAMS offer online learning facilities?

Yes. UniSHAMS uses e-learning platforms, including Google Classroom and other supporting applications, for course materials, announcements, discussions, and assignment-related activities.

Does UniSHAMS have separate portals for undergraduate and postgraduate students?

Yes. UniSHAMS provides dedicated student portal access for undergraduate students as well as postgraduate students, covering different levels of study.

Can postgraduate students change their research supervisor?

UniSHAMS provides an official procedure and application form for changing or appointing a postgraduate research supervisor. The request is handled according to the university’s postgraduate procedures.

What research milestones are required for Master’s and PhD students?

Postgraduate research procedures at UniSHAMS include stages such as research proposal defence, colloquia, thesis submission, thesis evaluation, and viva voce, depending on the programme and mode of study.

Can students defer a semester at UniSHAMS?

Yes. UniSHAMS provides an official deferment application process for students who need to postpone their studies, subject to applicable academic regulations and approval.

What happens if a student needs to withdraw from a programme?

UniSHAMS has formal withdrawal or termination-of-study procedures for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Students are required to complete the relevant application process.

Does UniSHAMS provide support for academic or technical issues?

Yes. UniSHAMS maintains student portals and digital support systems for academic and technical services. Its BTM2u platform also provides a knowledge base and ticketing system for submitting and tracking support requests.

How does UniSHAMS handle academic misconduct or examination-related issues?

UniSHAMS has formal academic procedures covering examination matters, academic misconduct reports, examination absence, and related academic processes. Students are expected to follow the university’s academic regulations and procedures.