Skip to main content

Master of Social Science (Economics) -
Centre for Policy Research


OVERVIEW

The Master of Social Science in Economics constitutes a solid basis in economic theory, statistics, econometrics and proficiency in analysing empirical data and evaluating public policy. Our Centre is, by international standards, strong in public economics, labour economics and applied micro-econometrics. The programme prepares students well for a career in public administration or in the private sector. This programme is designed for research students who wish to advance their studies in how the economy works in a globalised environment.

Research Thrust Areas:

  • Poverty Studies and Micro Credit
  • Human Resources Development
  • Political Economy
  • Development Economics
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The minimum requirement for entry to the postgraduate programme is:

  • A Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 3.00/4 or equivalent in a related field; or
  • Any Bachelor's degree with working experience related to the field of study.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

  • A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
  • A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
  • A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
  • A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or
  • A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
  • A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or
  • A minimum of Band 3.5 for MUET

Exemption is given to candidate if:

  • English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
  • Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

**Candidates will be interviewed by the Selection Panels.

DURATION
  • Full-time: Min 2 semesters / Max 6 semesters
  • Part-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 12 semesters
FEES
Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,900.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,385.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,088.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 963.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,900.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00
  • Registration Fee : 310.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,385.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 750.00
  • Convocation Fee : 200.00
  • Research Methodology : 320.00

 

International (USD)
Full Time Part Time
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,400.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00
  • Registration Fee : 222.50
  • Personal Bond : 1000.00
  • Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,190.00
  • Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00
  • Convocation Fee : 50.00
  • Research Methodology : 80.00

** Fees are subject to change

Postgraduate

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

Tel : +604 653 2606
Fax : +604 653 2940

Disclaimer

USM will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by the use of any information obtained from this website.

Last Update: Friday 14 March 2025.

All Rights Reserved
Universiti Sains Malaysia © 2025