Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin is the 18th public institution of higher learning, located in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. The university is a creature of the Act of Parliament known as the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, with its constitution laid down under the Universities and University Colleges Order 2010. It is the first full-fledged university in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the first university to be based on the “cluster” concept. It is also the first university in Malaysia to be modelled after University of London, United Kingdom.The university has four campuses namely Gong Badak Campus, Medical Campus, Tembila Campus and the latest is UniSZA International Campus in Kuala Lumpur City. The university has 10 faculties located in different campuses which offer programs in diploma, bachelor’s and master’s level as well as doctor of philosophy.The university is considered the biggest "comprehensive university" in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and to be one of the most respected Islamic-based institution of higher learning in Malaysia. It has produced thousands of graduates in any fields, since its establishment in 1980.HistoryThe university was first established as an Islamic educational college known as Kolej Ugama Sultan Zainal Abidin (abbreviation KUSZA; Jawi: كوليج أڬام سلطان زين العابدين; Sultan Zainal Abidin Islamic College) on 27 January 1980, under the administration of the Terengganu Religious Affairs Department. KUSZA was made a statutory body with the passing of the Enactment 31/1981 by the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly. A permanent campus was built on a 350acre site in Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu and KUSZA began operating in the campus from January 1983. The first program to be offered was a Diploma in Islamic Studies (Syariah). This has expanded to 23 Diploma programs and three Advanced Diploma programs.