The basic criteria for Master Science (MSc) Malaysian candidates are:

1. Bachelor's degree with Honours from any institution of higher learning that is recognised by the Senate of Universiti Malaysia Sabah; Or: Any other qualifications and relevant experience that are recognised by the Senate of Universiti Malaysia Sabah as equivalent to the above.
2. Bachelor's degree with Honours with CGPA 2.75 and above from any institution of higher learning that is recognised by the Senate of Universiti Malaysia Sabah; Or: Any other qualifications and relevant experience that are recognised by the Senate of Universiti Malaysia Sabah as equivalent to the above or
3. A bachelor's degree in the field or related fields or equivalent with minimum CGPA of 2.00 and not meeting CGPA of 2.50, can be accepted subject to a minimum of 5 years working experience in the relevant field and rigorous internal assessment.
4. Candidates without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by the faculty and meet the minimum CGPA based on (i) to (iii).

Criteria for non-Malaysian (MSc) candidates are:

Basic criteria as mentioned above.

1. Candidates from "non-English speaking countries" required to show proof of competency in the English Language with the English Test Certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS. Minimum score of Band 6 in the IELTS English Test (International English Language Testing System) or a score of 550 (Written)/42 (online) in the TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign Language); or
2. Register to the Certificate in Progressive English Program (PEP) for six (6) months with a time limit of two (2) years maximum and Pass MUET Band 3; or
3. Obtained Band 3 of the MUET exam.
4. However, this requirement is waived for applicants from countries using English as a medium of instruction.
5. You must also prove that you are able to support yourself financially for the full duration of your studies in UMS.

The basic criteria for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates are:

1. Master's degree from any institution of higher learning recognised by the Senate of Universiti Malaysia Sabah; or;
2. Any other qualifications and relevant experiences that are recognised by the Senate of Universiti Malaysia Sabah as equivalent to the above.

Criteria for non-Malaysian (PhD) candidates are:

Basic criteria as mentioned above.

1. Candidates from "non-English speaking countries" required to show proof of competency in the English Language with the English Test Certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS. Minimum score of Band 5 in the IELTS English Test (International English Language Testing System) or a score of 500 (Written)/42 (online) in the TOEFL test (Test of English as a Foreign Language); or
2. Register to the Certificate in Progressive English Program (PEP) for six (6) months with a time limit of two (2) years maximum and Pass MUET Band 3; or
3. Obtained Band 3 of the MUET exam
4. However this requirement is waived for applicants from countries using English as a medium of instruction.
5. You must also prove that you are able to support yourself financially for the full duration of your studies in UMS.