The physical development of the permanent campus on a 999 acres piece of land began in earnest in August 1995. The University's occupation of the permanent campus started in 1999 and completed by the year 2000. The government also granted approval to UMS to set up a branch campus in the Federal Territory of Labuan. This campus houses two schools, viz. The School of International Business and Finance and The School of Information Sciences.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah campus, set amid rolling hills along a seafront a little away from the hustle and bustle of a city, provides breath-taking scenery. The landscape of the campus, especially the selection of shade trees and ornamental plants in an undulating terrain with slope and curves a recreational lake and waterfall make exploring the campus exciting. The unique features are not just aesthetic elements but depict the environmental-friendly setting of the University and natural resources bounties of Sabah.
Currently, there are 11 schools, 3 institutes and 2 units in the academic structure of the University (Ethnography and Development Research University; and Psychology and Social Health Research Unit).
The University has also provides facilities such as Library, IT services, laboratory, hostels and other amenities.