University of Kelantan Malaysia (UMK) is one of Malaysia’s most innovative public universities, founded to promote entrepreneurship-based education and industry-driven learning. Known for its practical teaching style, modern facilities, peaceful environment, and multicultural campus life, UMK attracts students from across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
What makes UMK unique is its strong focus on entrepreneurship, applied sciences, agriculture, and creative technology, giving international students a high-value education combined with practical real-world training.

Quick Facts

• Type: Public University
• Location: Kelantan, Malaysia
• Campus Style: Fully residential with modern learning facilities
• Academic Focus: Entrepreneurship, business, agriculture, creative technology, science

The University of Kelantan Malaysia (UMK), or Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, was established in 2006 during the Ninth Malaysia Plan for the purpose of developing human capital in the area of higher education. It was officially gazetted, on September 1st, 2006, and entrepreneurship and enterprise education was positioned as the core of its academic vision.

Branches of UMK were established with a focus on three main fields: Entrepreneurship and Business, Creative Technology and Heritage, and Agro-Industry and Natural Resource Sciences. It operates on three campuses in the Kelantan area today, in Bachok, Kota and Jeli.

Mission & Vision

Vision: To promote entrepreneurship as a catalyst for balanced and holistic human development for the world.

Mission: UMK is concerned to be an educational institution, research and services with quality, with a humanistic entrepreneurial approach to create holistic graduates and shape a sustainable society.

Its tagline, ‘Entrepreneurship is Our Thrust’ captures the university’s unique thrust of making entrepreneurship a focal point of all its educational programmes.

Core Values

UMK speaks of three main organisational values:

• Innovative and creative
• Readiness for making and embracing changes
• Professional demeanor in all activities

Values such as these underpin UMK’s focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, research, internationalisation and community.

Growth & Development

UMK has grown its academic programs and research capabilities, with increasing ties to industry, the community, and the international realm. Its current strategic priorities include academic excellence, global networks, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, student development and a supportive university environment.

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) has three campuses in the state of Kelantan, in Bachok, Kota and Jeli. Kota Campus is situated at Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu and Jeli Campus is in Jeli, while the main Bachok address of the university is in Bachok.
These campuses also support UMK’s academia and its emphasis on entrepreneurship and business as well as creative technology, heritage, agro-industry and sciences of natural resources. They expose entrepreneurship and enterprise education throughout its university curriculum.

Campus Locations

• Bachok Campus: The main campus of the university is located in Bachok, Kelantan.
• Kota Campus : Pengkalan Chepa, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
• Jeli Campus: Located at Jeli, Kelantan and is one of three campuses under UMK.

Academic Environment

UMK’s focus is on entrepreneurship and enterprise education. Its original fields of study were Entrepreneurship and Business, Creative Technology and Heritage, and Agro-industrial and Natural Resource Sciences. The university also values language development, soft skills and ICT as an enabler across university studies.

Academic Facilities & Learning Support

UMK offers academic programs at the foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Also available through its official website are academic regulation, external education, open and distance learning and lifelong-learning pathways.

UMK offers a wide range of programmes through its specialized faculties.

Main Faculties

1. Faculty of Entrepreneurship and Business

2. Faculty of Creative Technology and Heritage

3. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

4. Faculty of Agro Based Industry

5. Faculty of Earth Science

6. Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness

7. Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics

8. Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology

9. Faculty of Language Studies and Human Development

10. Faculty of Data Science and Computing

Academic Programmes

Foundation Programmes

The Foundation Programme at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan provides students with a pathway to undergraduate study. Current foundation options include:

• Social Science Foundation
• Science Foundation
• Huffaz Information Technology Foundation

UMK also offers a Pre-Degree Science Programme for students preparing for further studies in science and technology.

Undergraduate Programmes

UMK has 10 faculties with undergraduate programmes in entrepreneurship and business, creative technology and heritage, veterinary medicine, agro-based industry, earth science, hospitality and tourism, architecture, bioengineering and technology, language and human development, and data science and computing. Professional knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking necessary for future professions is how the university describes the aims of its undergraduate programmes.

Postgraduate Study

In addition, UMK offers academic and postgraduate programs for graduate studies. Research and coursework based masters and doctoral studies are offered at the postgraduate level.

• Master's programmes: Students can pursue advanced study through coursework-based or research-based pathways, depending on the programme.
• Doctoral programmes: UMK provides doctoral-level study for graduates seeking to develop deeper expertise through advanced research.
• Research and expertise: Postgraduate study forms part of UMK's wider focus on high-impact research, innovation and academic expertise.
• Entrepreneurial focus: Postgraduate education is offered within a university whose wider academic identity is built around ‘Entrepreneurship is Our Thrust.’
• Academic and research environment: UMK highlights its research expertise, research achievements and international networking as important parts of its academic ecosystem.

Teaching Approach

One area in which UMK is developing its schools, is an emphasis on preparing students professionally, but also practically, and critically for future employment. Its Foundation Programme also stresses critical thinking, problem-solving skills and effective communication and the Pre-Degree Science Programme builds science fundamentals and critical thinking for further training in technology and science.

UMK Foundation Programmes and Fees

UMK Undergraduate Programmes, Duration and Fees

UMK MGSEB Postgraduate Programmes

• PTPTN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation): Provides education financing to eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education.
• JPA (Public Service Department): Provides scholarships and sponsorship opportunities for eligible students under Malaysia's public-sector education schemes.
• MARA (Majlis Amanah Rakyat): Provides education financing and support for eligible students under MARA programmes.
• Employees Provident Fund (EPF): Allows eligible contributors to use approved EPF savings for education-related expenses.
• Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman: Provides educational financial assistance to eligible Malaysian students pursuing higher education.
• Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB): Offers education-related financial support through its scholarship programmes for eligible students.
• Kuok Foundation Berhad: Provides scholarships and financial assistance to eligible students pursuing higher education.
• JAKOA (Department of Orang Asli Development): Provides educational assistance for eligible Orang Asli students.
• State Foundations: Various state foundations provide scholarships or financial assistance to eligible students based on their respective criteria.
• JPA Sabah: Provides education sponsorship and financial assistance for eligible students from Sabah under its applicable schemes.

The environment provided at UMK is one that aims to permit holistic development of students, outside of an academic context. Along with entrepreneurship, innovation and student development, the university gives the following description to student life, “a place that fosters wellbeing, friendships and personal growth.”

Student Development

• Wellbeing: A campus environment conducive to the students' wellbeing overall.
• Friendships: Opportunities to connect/make relationships within the university community.
• Personal Growth: The campus experience of helping students grow as human beings.
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation: UMK is dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation and student development and this overall university experience.

Campus Experience

The Study at UMK portal promotes UMK not simply as a place for education, but also as a place of opportunity and growth for students in research and innovation, academia and student life.

• Entrepreneurship education: UMK is an entrepreneurial university and is integrated into its education in the form of entrepreneurship as a core part of its academic identity.
• Industry relevant learning: The official Study at UMK portal discuss industry relevant learning experiences, talent development and innovation in the university study environment.
• Multiple campus environments: UMK has campuses in Bachok, Jeli and Kota Bharu, with different academic and research strengths in each campus.
• International exposure: UMK international students, international programmes at UMK are cultural exchanges and programmes to experience Malaysian culture and community based learning.
• Focus on innovation and future skills: UMK’s Study at UMK program highlights subjects including entrepreneurship, AI, robotics, sustainability and interdisciplinary innovation.
• Student development: The broader student environment at the university fosters wellbeing, friendships and personal development in addition to academic development.
• Diversity of fields of study: Students can enroll in programmes in business, entrepreneurship, computing, agriculture, veterinary science, architecture, creative technology, hospitality, environmental sciences and others.

UMK QS Ranking

According to the latest QS World University Rankings:

1. Choose Your Study Pathway

UMK offers study pathways from Foundation and Pre-Degree Science to Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes. International students can explore programmes based on their academic qualifications, interests and career goals.

2. Explore Available Programmes

Use the Study@UMK programme directory to search programmes by course name, category and study level. The platform covers foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate pathways.

3. Check the Entry Requirements

Before applying, students should use UMK's Programme Eligibility Check to review the admission requirements for their chosen programme. Requirements vary according to the programme and qualification pathway.

4. Apply Online

Study@UMK provides an online application link for prospective students. For international undergraduate applicants, the conditional-offer form asks for details including:

• Full name as stated in the passport
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Contact details
• School/institution details
• Highest academic qualification
• English-language certificate and result
• Selected undergraduate programme

5. Receive the Conditional Offer

Study@UMK currently provides an International Undergraduate Admission Conditional Offer route for the intake. Applicants can submit their information and generate an undergraduate conditional offer letter through the designated portal.

6. Complete the Next Admission Steps

After receiving an offer, students should follow the instructions provided by UMK and the relevant university office for completing their admission and enrolment requirements.

Eligibility

Study@UMK does not provide one single general eligibility requirement for all international students. Instead, it directs applicants to check the specific entry requirements for their chosen programme, with requirements varying according to the programme and academic qualification. 

For example, applicants to UMK's Bachelor of Accounting with Honours through the Diploma pathway need a minimum CGPA of 2.50, Grade C in English and Mathematics at SPM level, and MUET Band 2.0. Applicants entering through STPM, Matriculation/Asasi, STAM or other pathways have separate requirements. 

Documents / Information Required

For the current International Undergraduate Conditional Offer application, Study@UMK specifically requests:

• Passport details
• Academic qualification used for the application
• English-language certificate and result
• Selected undergraduate programme
• Personal and contact information

UMK graduates are well-prepared for global careers, especially in fields like entrepreneurship, agriculture, business, and technology.

Career Areas

Based on UMK's academic fields and university-wide areas of expertise, graduates can pursue careers related to:

• Entrepreneurship and Business
• Creative Technology and Heritage
• Agro-Industry and Natural Resource Sciences
• Veterinary Medicine
• Earth Science
• Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness
• Architecture and Ekistics
• Bioengineering and Technology
• Language and Human Development
• Data Science and Computing

Alumni Network

UMK recognises Students and Alumni as one of the seven pillars of its UMK30 strategic plan. The university's focus is on producing holistic students and strengthening alumni networks, highlighting the importance of maintaining connections between graduates and the university community.

This also aligns with UMK's wider mission to provide quality education, research and services through a humanistic entrepreneurial approach and to produce holistic graduates.

Alumni & Global Connections

UMK's Academic and Internationals pillar focuses on empowering excellent academic programmes and strengthening global networks, while the Students and Alumni pillar focuses specifically on strengthening alumni networks. Together, these priorities reflect UMK's emphasis on developing graduates and maintaining wider academic and alumni connections.

Kelantan is located on Malaysia's east coast and is known for its distinctive Malay cultural heritage, traditional arts, local cuisine and natural landscapes. Kota Bharu, the state capital, provides access to markets, cultural attractions and everyday amenities, while the wider state includes beaches, forests, mountains and waterfalls.

Climate & Weather

• Tropical climate: Kelantan has a warm, humid climate throughout the year, with generally uniform temperatures and substantial rainfall.
• Northeast Monsoon: November to March is the main Northeast Monsoon period and can bring heavy rainfall to Kelantan and other east-coast states.
• Drier season: The Southwest Monsoon from late May to September generally brings relatively drier conditions.
• Rainfall: Students should expect tropical showers and thunderstorms, particularly during the wetter periods.
• No cold winter: Kelantan does not experience four distinct seasons; the climate remains warm and humid throughout the year.

Culture & Heritage

Kelantan is widely recognised for its distinctive Malay cultural heritage. Students can experience traditional arts, crafts, architecture and cultural practices as part of everyday life.

Some well-known aspects of Kelantanese culture include:

• Wayang Kulit – traditional shadow puppetry
• Wau Bulan – traditional giant kite-making and flying
• Dikir Barat – a traditional musical performance
• Batik and Songket – traditional textiles and crafts
• Traditional wood carving and silverware
• Malay traditional architecture and royal heritage

Food & Local Cuisine

Food is an important part of the Kelantan experience. Kelantanese cuisine is known for its distinctive flavours and commonly uses coconut milk, herbs and spices, with many dishes having a somewhat sweeter profile than food in other parts of Malaysia.

Students can explore local dishes such as:

• Nasi Kerabu – blue-coloured rice served with herbs and accompanying dishes
• Ayam Percik – grilled chicken with a spiced coconut-based sauce
• Sate – grilled skewers served with peanut sauce
• Local kuih and traditional snacks
• Keropok and other seafood-based snacks

Pasar Siti Khadijah in Kota Bharu is particularly useful for students who want to experience local food, fresh produce, snacks, spices and traditional products in one place.

Lifestyle & Daily Environment

• Cultural experience: Students have opportunities to experience traditional Malaysian and Kelantanese culture through food, crafts, markets and cultural attractions.
• Markets: Kota Bharu has traditional markets such as Pasar Siti Khadijah, which combines food, produce and local handicrafts.
• Nature: Kelantan offers access to beaches, tropical forests, mountains, caves and waterfalls.
• Arts & recreation: Traditional activities include kite flying, shadow puppetry and other forms of folk art.
• City and campus life: Students studying at UMK can experience both the university environment and the wider cultural setting of Kelantan.

Cost of Living

For your existing cost table, I would not label RM700–RM1,400 as an official average unless you have a specific source for those figures. Accommodation, food and transport costs can vary considerably by location and lifestyle.

UMK Ranking

• QS World University Rankings 2027: UMK is ranked #1401+ globally
• QS World University Rankings 2026: UMK was ranked #1201–1400 globally, marking its first appearance in the QS World University Rankings.
• THE Asia University Rankings 2025: UMK was placed in the 601+ category.
• UMK's official website currently highlights its participation in several rankings, including QS World University Rankings, QS Asia University Rankings, QS Sustainability Rankings and Times Higher Education rankings.

Affiliations & Academic Networks

• UMK is a public university in Malaysia and operates under Malaysia's higher-education system.
• Its administration includes dedicated offices for Academic & International, Research & Innovation, and Student Affairs and Alumni.
• UMK has a Centre for University Strategic Networking (CNet) focused on university strategic networking.
• The university also highlights national and international strategic collaborations as part of its development priorities.
• Its academic and research ecosystem includes centres such as the Research Management and Innovation Centre, Agro Techno Park, Innovation Park, Institute of Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, and Global Entrepreneurship Research and Innovation Centre.

Language of Instruction

I would not state “English for most programmes” unless you have a specific UMK source confirming this.

UMK's official introduction says that, alongside its main fields of study, the university places significant emphasis on language acquisition and soft-skill development, while ICT is used as an enabler across areas of study.

University of Kelantan Malaysia (UMK) is the perfect choice for international students seeking affordable, high-quality, and industry-focused education in Malaysia. With modern facilities, multicultural environments, strong scholarship opportunities, and career-oriented programs, UMK prepares students for global success.
If you’re planning to study in Malaysia, explore UMK programs, review scholarship options, and apply today to secure your admission.

1. What is the main educational philosophy of UMK?

 UMK follows an entrepreneurial education philosophy, with “Entrepreneurship is Our Thrust” as its motto. Entrepreneurship and enterprise education form an important part of its academic approach across study programmes.

2. What makes UMK different from other public universities in Malaysia?

 UMK has a distinctive focus on entrepreneurship, combining academic education with entrepreneurial attributes, innovation and practical skills. Its vision is to develop balanced and holistic graduates with entrepreneurial attributes.

3. Does UMK offer programmes beyond traditional full-time degrees?

Yes. The university's current academic offerings include Foundation, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, MBA & DBA, External Education, Open Learning and APEL pathways.

4. Can working professionals study through UMK?

 Yes. UMK offers flexible study routes such as Open Learning, External Education and APEL, providing alternatives to conventional full-time study.

5. What is APEL at UMK?

 APEL (Recognition of Prior Learning) allows individuals to pursue further studies by recognising relevant prior work experience and existing skills.

6. Does UMK offer online or distance-learning options?

 Yes. UMK provides Open Learning and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) options. Its ODL programmes are designed so students can study without needing to travel to the UMK campus.

7. What role does research and innovation play at UMK?

 Research and innovation are one of the seven UMK30 strategic pillars. UMK focuses on strengthening its research ecosystem, developing innovation, commercialisation and strategic networks to create sustainable economic impact.

8. Does UMK have dedicated research and innovation centres?

 Yes. UMK's organisational structure includes the Research Management and Innovation Centre (RMIC), Agro Techno Park, Innovation Park, Institute of Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, Institute for Poverty Research and Management, and Global Entrepreneurship Research and Innovation Centre.

9. How does UMK support entrepreneurship outside the classroom?

 Entrepreneurship is embedded in UMK's wider university ecosystem. The university has a dedicated UMK Entrepreneurship Institute (UMKEI) and identifies entrepreneurship as a central strategic pillar under UMK30.

10. What is the meaning of “University of Kelantan Malaysia” in relation to UMK?

 Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) is the university's official name. “University of Kelantan Malaysia” can be used as a search variation, but prospective students should use the official name Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) when referring to the institution.