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Offshore / Franchise

  • Overview

    Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) extends its academic reach through *Offshore* and *Franchise* programmes, designed to provide global accessibility while maintaining the rigorous standards of its APEX university status. These initiatives allow students to earn USM-accredited degrees at partner institutions, both locally and internationally.

  • Offshore Programmes

    Offshore programmes are USM courses delivered at international or local partner locations. While the teaching may occur off-campus, USM retains full control over the curriculum, examinations, and quality assurance.

    Key Partners & Locations:

    • China: Extensive collaborations with institutions like..
      • Shanghai Jiao Tong University,
      • Minjiang University, and
      • Northeastern University (Qinhuangdao), focusing largely on PhD and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) tracks.

    • India: The long-standing
      • USM-KLE International Medical Programme (IMP) in Belgaum offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD).

    • Turkey & Lebanon:
      • The USM-Istanbul Graduate Study Centre and centers in Beirut facilitate postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) studies for the MENA region.

    • Local (Batu Kawan): A recent partnership with
      • UOW Malaysia KDU offers the Bachelor of English for Professionals (EfP).

    Focus Areas:

    Primarily postgraduate research (PhD) and specialized professional degrees (MD, DBA, Master of Social Science).

  • Franchise Programmes

    Franchise programmes involve local private colleges or industrial partners delivering USM’s accredited curriculum. These are often "industry-infused," allowing students to learn within professional environments.

    • Core Model: USM provides the academic framework and awards the degree, while the partner institution provides the physical infrastructure and delivery.

    • Notable 2026 Collaborations

    • ViTrox College: A strategic partnership where ViTrox delivers the Bachelor of Electronic Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Computer Science (Intelligent Computing). This takes place within an actual industrial setting to enhance "work-ready" skills.

    • Meritus University: Collaborations often focused on maritime and business-related niche sectors.

  • Comparison at a Glance

    Feature  Offshore Programmes Franchise Programmes
    Primary Location International or secondary local hubs. Local private colleges or industrial sites
    Target Audience International students or regional professionals. Local students seeking industry-specific exposure.
    Curriculum Standard USM syllabus. USM syllabus, often with industry-led delivery.
    Master of Business Administration (Online) 120.00 210.00
    Degree Awarded Directly by USM. Directly by USM.
    Key Advantage Global mobility and regional accessibility. High employability and industrial integration.

  • Quality Assurance

    Regardless of the location, all offshore and franchise programmes must strictly adhere to the *USM Quality Management System*.

    • Senate Oversight: 
      All results and graduations must be approved by the USM Senate.
    • Faculty Appointments: 
      Teaching staff at partner locations must meet USM’s academic criteria and are often vetted by the respective USM Schools.

    Note: Admissions for these programmes are typically handled through the Academic Management Division (BAA) or the Institute of Postgraduate Studies (IPS), depending on the level of study.

    Would you like me to find the specific entry requirements or tuition fees for one of these offshore locations?

  • STPM 

    • Passed Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) / Equivalent with a credit in Bahasa Melayu or credit in Bahasa Melayu July Paper, and a pass in History;

    AND

    • Passed Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with at least:

    i. Grade C (CGPA 2.00) in General Studies; and
    ii. A good CGPA and grades according to the specific requirements of the study program;

    AND

    • Obtained at least Band 2 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) or its equivalent.

    Note:
    A pass in History at the SPM level has been a requirement since 2013.

    Matriculation (KPM) / Foundation (UM, UKM, UiTM)

    • Passed Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) / Equivalent with a credit in Bahasa Melayu or credit in Bahasa Melayu July Paper, and a pass in History;

    AND

    • Passed Matriculation (KPM) / Foundation (UM, UKM, UiTM) with a good CGPA and grades according to the specific requirements of the study program;

    AND

    • Obtained at least Band 2 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) or its equivalent.

    Note:
    A pass in History at the SPM level has been a requirement since 2013.

    Diploma / Equivalent – A-Level, IB, AUSMAT, SAM, and Others

    • Passed Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) / Equivalent with a credit in Bahasa Melayu or credit in Bahasa Melayu July Paper, and a pass in History;

    AND

    • Possess a Diploma, A-Level, International Baccalaureate (IB), Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) / South Australian Matriculation (SAM), or other qualifications recognized as equivalent by the Government of Malaysia and approved by the University Senate;

    AND

    • Obtained at least Band 2 in the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) or its equivalent.

     

    Note:
    • Exemptions from certain relevant subjects may be granted for Diploma holders, subject to examination results and the approval of the School/Faculty.

    • A pass in History at the SPM level has been a requirement since 2013.

    • Other Recognized Qualifications:

    STPM (Non-Current Year); Matriculation (KPM) / Foundation (UM, UiTM) (Non-Current Year); Private University Foundation (Recognized by MQA); Monash University Foundation Pre-University Program (MUFY); University of New South Wales (UNSW) Foundation; Western Australia Curriculum Council; HSC Sydney, Australia; Trinity College Foundation Studies; Australian Universities Foundation Programmes; South Australian Matriculation (SAM); Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Australia Year 12; Canadian Pre-University (CPU) / Canadian International Matriculation Program (CIMP) / Canadian Grade 12/13 / Ontario Secondary School Diploma Grade 12; Indian Pre-University; National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 / New Zealand Bursary; Other equivalent qualifications.
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Postgraduate

Institute of Postgraduate Studies
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
11800 Penang, Malaysia.

Tel: +604-653 6309 / 6027 / 2606 / 2946 / 2958
Fax: +604-653 2931

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This website uses the GTranslate component to provide translation into Bahasa Melayu & Chinese Simplify. In the event of any inaccuracies in the translation, the English version shall be referred to as the official reference of this website.

Last Update: Thursday 23 April 2026.

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