Read firsthand experiences from the students. They offer insights into the benefits and successes achieved through our programmes.
P.hD. Clinical Study
I am Dr. Samer K. Tmumen from Great Arab Libyan Jamaheria. As the President of the International Student Association of UPM, I represent the students from various countries. I am attending Ph.D programme at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, focusing on Clinical Study. With my experience in UPM, I can say that the institution provides good facilities for higher education. The culture of the country is Islamic and reassuringly familiar. With stable weather all year round, the green mountains and good security throughout the nation, impressive highways and network of roads, not forgetting the famous building Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysians are truly blessed. The people are gentle and helpful. I am happy to be in this country.
P.hD. Bacteriology
My name is Narumon Sumalee, Ph.D Student, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. I come from the north-eastern part of Thailand; and upon graduating with a Master’s degree from Chiang Mai University, I worked as a lecturer at Maha Sarakham University for a short time. Then, when I planned to further my studies to the Ph.D.-level, I chose Malaysia because this country is close to Thailand and there is not much difference from my country, especially the food. At UPM, I have many good friends from many countries. I have learned and understood about their culture. At the same time we exchange our knowledge and culture. I have been discovering new knowledge and technologies that are very useful for me and can be used in the near future. It has been a golden opportunity for me to study here.
Veterinary Parasitology
I am Thomas Cherenet Asfaw from Ethiopia, East of Africa. I joined Universiti Putra Malaysia to attend the Ph.D programme in Veterinary Parasitology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine for the November 2001/2002 semester. Although I’ve been just a short time at the faculty, I am very comfortable and find that I am well taken care of as a postgraduate student in Malaysia. The Parasitology Department and library facilities provide excellent resources that I need for research. This is the first time an Ethiopian student is studying in Malaysia for a postgraduate degree. I hope the sisterly relationship between Malaysia and Ethiopia will be strengthened.
M.Sc. (Plant Biotechnology), 2 Years
I am doing my masters degree at the Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology. I really like the staff at the faculty. The people in Serdang are very friendly and are kind to foreigners like me. Besides, UPM has fresh and beautiful scenery with hills and lots of trees.
M.Sc. (Forestry), 3 Years
I am from Bogor, Indonesia, and have been in UPM since November 2003. I chose Malaysia because of its proximity to my country with similar cultures. I enjoy my stay in UPM because of the many international students registered here and I am exposed to the different cultures.
Ph.D (Engineering), 3 Years
I am a student from the Faculty of Engineering of UPM and have been here since May 2002. I chose Malaysia because of its culture like any other developed country. I feel very comfortable studying here where all the facilities for my research are available. UPM has a good reputation and the Yemen Government have started sending more students here. It is a golden opportunity for me to study in UPM and I hope more students would also get this opportunity.
PhD in Youth Studies, 2 – 5 years
Universiti Putra Malaysia is the only university in the area that offers degree and PhD programme in Youth Studies. The PhD programme in Youth Studies offers very interesting courses and it gives a fantastic opportunity for me to improve my knowledge and skills. My experience as a student and an individual at UPM has been predominantly a positive one. Most lecturers are knowledgeable, approachable, helpful and skillful in teaching. I have also acquired various other skills in terms of ICT programmes and research methods, along with enriching my theoretical knowledge in the area of youth studies.
Master in Structural & Construction Engineering, 1 – 3 years
I choose Malaysia because of the cultural similarity between Libya and Malaysia. In terms of the facilities, I’ve got everything I need to effectively complete my studies here. Definitely, I’ll recommend UPM to my friends.
Ms. Peace Studies, 1 -3 years
I was so impressed by the beautiful and conducive campus and its educational policy as well as the open-minded and enterprising spirit of the people. UPM lecturers and instructors are really helpful and knowledgeable. Without their warm support, I will not be able to carry on with my studies. The most important reason I chose UPM is because it provides a cultural diversity and this is crucial in Peace Studies. I like UPM very much.
Master of Business Administration (MBA), 1.5 Years
Universiti Putra Malaysia makes an effort to provide a favorable environment which enables students to concentrate on their studies. For instance, convenient transportation, accommodation at a reasonable rate, wireless internet service on-campus, and good facilities. Furthermore, most of the professors and staff are striving to enhance the standard of the university and teacher qualifications, and are willing to lead students in the pursuit of learning.
Land Management, 3 Years
For three years I have been scrutinising Malaysia intently. What I have observed is that the peoples of the country are gracious, friendly and welcoming. The most remarkable thing which I have observed is the “variety of foods”.
Boundless landscapes, calm beaches, tropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls and a pollution free climate are the glory of the country. I will never ever forget my visit to Langkawi “a land of 99 islands”, where I visited the Seven Wells, Kota Mahsuri, snake sanctuary, and black and white sand beaches.
I also have been to many universities of Malaysia but the most striking academia, I ever found, is Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) due to its location and well operational laboratories with sophisticated tools. UPM organises various social and academic activities such as cultural shows, sports carnivals, and various intellectual workshops under the Putra Sarjana programme.
One can simply say that UPM is the home of recreational and scholastic activities. I learned a lot and became aware of many things. I will also never forget homestays where I experienced the local culture, different customs, hospitality, and absolute affection. I am overwhelmed with affability for Malaysia and Malaysian citizens. If one wishes to study and stay here with family, he may never find such a complementary place throughout the globe.
PhD (Molecular Biotechnology), 3Years
Malaysia has sprung up staggeringly and has become a more developed country in Southeast Asia. It has multicultural and multi-religious communities with strong respect for other races and cultures. Each and every Malaysian always says “Terima Kasih” and “Boleh” - it is an example of the courteous behaviour and self confidence.
This country is not only famous for the Air-Asia service and Petronas Twin Towers, but also for the hospitality of the people. It has experienced a steady and strong economic progression and rapid infrastructural developments which are the main factors for promoting research in science and technology. Malaysia is a hi-tech, pleasant and safe country for international students to pursue higher study and research.
In addition, the finical assistance from the government such as MIS, MTCP, etc. are encouraging. Most Malaysian university campuses are located in beautiful areas like University Putra Malaysia. In the last few years, Malaysian universities have become a hub for international students due to free thinking and well structured curriculum. Moreover, study expenses are much lower compared to other education markets like Europe, the UK, USA, Singapore, etc. My study experience in doing a PhD in UPM improved my skills, experience and awareness of modern technology.
Thank you Malaysia and UPM!
Need more information about courses, intakes, or scholarships from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)? Fill out this form, and we'll get back to you!