TopUniversitiesMalaysia

5 Best Social Sciences & Psychology PhD Universities in Malaysia

Ranked by our transparent composite score, with QS rankings, tuition fees and entry requirements.

5 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
1
UM Universiti Malaya logo

Universiti Malaya

Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur · Public University

★ 80 QS World #60 SETARA 6 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
RM 22,000 – RM 55,000/yr
Founded
1949
2
UK Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia logo

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Bangi, Selangor · Public University

★ 77 QS World #138 SETARA 6 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
RM 18,000 – RM 45,000/yr
Founded
1970
4
UM Universiti Malaysia Sabah logo

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah · Public University

★ 54 QS World #800 SETARA 5 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
RM 14,000 – RM 32,000/yr
Founded
1994
5
UP Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris logo

Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

Tanjong Malim, Perak · Public University

★ 47 QS Asia #260 SETARA 5 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
RM 13,000 – RM 28,000/yr
Founded
1922

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best universities in Malaysia for PhD Social Sciences & Psychology?

Based on our composite ranking, the top choices include Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, International Islamic University Malaysia. See the full ranked list above with QS positions, tuition fees and entry requirements.

How much does a PhD in Social Sciences & Psychology cost in Malaysia?

Tuition varies by university and is indicative on each profile — public universities are generally the most affordable, while private and international branch campuses charge more. Scholarships can reduce costs significantly.

Can international students study Social Sciences & Psychology in Malaysia?

Yes. Most programmes are taught in English and open to international students, who apply for a Student Pass through EMGS after accepting an offer.

How are these universities ranked?

We use a transparent composite score combining QS World/Asia positions, Malaysia’s SETARA rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — never paid placement. See our ranking methodology for the exact weights.

Studying Social Sciences & Psychology at PhD level in Malaysia

Malaysia is a popular, affordable destination for Social Sciences & Psychology at PhD level, with MQA-accredited programmes taught in English at both public and private universities, plus international branch campuses. The universities above are ordered by our composite ranking score, which combines QS World and QS Asia positions, Malaysia’s SETARA rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — with no paid placement.

Get Malaysia university & scholarship updates

New scholarships, application deadlines and admission guides — a couple of emails a month, no spam.