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Student Life

💰 Estimated Cost of Living (Per Year)

💡 Approximate total: USD 5,000/year (excluding tuition fees)

🍽️ Food / Meals USD 150/month
📚 Academic Expenses USD 100/month
🧍 Personal Expenses USD 100–150/month
🏥 Health Insurance Based on policy

Accommodation Options

On-Campus Accommodation

On-campus accommodation at Universiti Sains Malaysia Main Campus offers both single and twin-sharing rooms. Rental rates range from USD 30 to USD 75 per month, excluding meals.

Students registered under Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi are eligible to use the shuttle service provided between the USM Main Campus and the Bertam Campus, which is approximately 35 km apart.

Sources & Contact Information:

Off-Campus Accommodation

Off-campus accommodation refers to private housing located within a 3 km radius of Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Bertam Campus). This option is the most preferred choice among research students due to its proximity and convenience.

Most available units are single- or double-storey houses with three bedrooms, typically rented on a per-room basis. The rental cost ranges from USD 75 to USD 125 per month per room, excluding utilities.

These accommodations are strategically located near essential amenities, including:

  • 🛍️ Shopping areas
  • 🕌 Mosque
  • 🧺 Laundry services
  • 🛒 Grocery outlets

Location:

  • 📍 Bertam Campus, Kepala Batas, Penang

Accommodation Assistance:
Students may seek assistance through:

  • PKTAAB Buddies Programme
  • Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Student Association (via Facebook)

Student Association

Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Universiti Sains Malaysia Student Association 

The Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Student Association is a student-led body comprising representatives from both taught and research postgraduate programmes. Officially established in March 2016, the association operates on the principle of “by students, for students.”

The association plays a vital role in representing student voices by gathering feedback on academic and welfare-related matters, and communicating key concerns to the Faculty and Registry.

Key Activities:

  • 🎉 Social programmes throughout the year to support new postgraduate students
  • 🏕️ Annual cross-campus retreat to foster networking and collaboration
  • 🎓 Annual student conference focusing on career development and personal growth, followed by a social event

The PKTAAB Student Association provides a supportive platform to enhance student engagement, wellbeing, and community building within PKTAAB.

📲 Follow for updates: https://www.instagram.com/asa_usm/

Activity

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHdZpceSFPN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGqUombSMGd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

How to Get To & Around Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Universiti Sains Malaysia is located at the Bertam Campus, in Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang.

  • 📍 3.9 km from Bertam Uptown
  • 📍 35 km from USM Main Campus (Penang Island)

Students and visitors can conveniently access the campus via multiple modes of transportation.

✈️ By Air

Daily flights are available from Kuala Lumpur to Penang via:

  • Malaysia Airlines
  • AirAsia
  • Firefly

Upon arrival at Penang International Airport, PKTAAB is located on the mainland. Visitors can take a taxi or e-hailing service directly to Bertam Campus.

🚆 By Train

Train services are provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB):

  • Route: Kuala Lumpur Sentral → Butterworth Station
  • Distance: Approximately 27.5 km to PKTAAB

Taxis and e-hailing services are readily available at Butterworth station.

🚌 By Bus

  • Express buses operate from Kuala Lumpur and other major cities to Butterworth
  • Tickets can be booked via Easybook

From Butterworth bus terminal:

  • 🚖 Taxi / e-hailing services
  • 🚌 Local buses operated by Rapid Penang

🚍 Getting Around

  • 🚌 Shuttle services between USM Main Campus and Bertam Campus
  • 🚖 E-hailing (Grab) widely available
  • 🛵 Private transport for flexibility

⚠️ Note: Bus and train schedules may change. Please check official websites before travelling.

🌴 Places of Interest (Nearby Kepala Batas & Penang Mainland)

  • 🛍️ Bertam Uptown (food & night market)
  • 🌊 Pantai Bersih (beach)
  • 🍜 Local eateries & cultural spots
  • 🕌 Community and religious centres