Kuala Nerus, 6 July – The campus of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is lively once again with the arrival of new students registering for the 2025/2026 academic session for the STEM Foundation and the Diploma in Fisheries Programmes.

A total of 580 new students, comprising 450 from the STEM Foundation Programme and 130 from the Diploma in Fisheries Programme, began their higher education journey at the institution renowned for its focus on marine science and environmental studies.

The students come from diverse and unique backgrounds, including Indigenous (Orang Asli) students, two sets of twins, and national athletes.

Nur Razlin Mohamed Radzy, an Orang Asli student from Pahang, enrolled in the Diploma in Fisheries. Twins Sachinsri and Shanjaysri from Penang, as well as identical twins Wan Nur Qistina Adyana Wan Ahmad Shafiee and Wan Nur Qistina Adyani Wan Ahmad Shafiee, registered for the STEM Foundation Programme.

Two young national athletes, Muhammad Airel Hazim Mohd Yazid (a badminton player from Terengganu) and Ammar bin Azali (a sailing athlete from Perlis), chose UMT as a place to pursue their studies while further developing their athletic talents.

UMT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, warmly welcomed students and their parents in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

He expressed his pride in the trust shown by the students and their families in choosing UMT as a platform for acquiring knowledge and building their future.

“UMT is not just a place to study, but a place to build character, leadership, and identity. We strongly emphasize a holistic approach in educating students, in line with current demands and future challenges,” he said during the registration.

To ensure the registration process run smoothly, the team from the Student Affairs and Alumni Division (HEPA) also provided special assistance to students, including logistical and welfare support.

The arrival of these new students stands as a testament to UMT’s appeal as a centre of academic excellence that not only focuses on expertise in marine and aquatic resources but also acknowledges the diversity and exceptional potential of the nation’s youth.

UMT welcomes them as new members of its campus community and remains committed to producing competitive graduates who will contribute to national development, particularly in the fields of science and food security.

UMT is now in the 801–850 band of the world’s best universities, a notable rise from the 1001–1200 band the previous year, and the significant improvement has been driven by the strategic implementation of the UMT Strategic Plan 2023–2027 (PSUMT5).

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, UMT achieved outstanding results in several key indicators. Citations per faculty rose to 596th in the world, an improvement of 89 places from the previous ranking.

UMT also recorded a significant leap in sustainability indicators, ranking 543rd globally, thanks to its continuous green initiatives on campus.

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Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu