Pursuing a bachelor’s degree is a typical educational pathway for students who have completed their pre-university programme. Working professionals may also pursue this undergraduate qualification to obtain specialised knowledge and skill sets to elevate their careers.

It’s important to understand what the academic credential entails before deciding which course suits your long-term personal and professional plans. This article provides valuable information about how you can get a bachelor’s degree in Malaysia.

What is a bachelor’s degree?

A bachelor’s degree is an academic qualification that requires a minimum of 120 credits to fulfil. It is considered a Level 6 learning achievement, according to the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA).

Bachelor’s degree courses are designed to equip students with the proper skills and competence to take on specific professional roles in their desired fields. They also offer a solid base of knowledge for students who want to continue with postgraduate education after obtaining their bachelor’s degree.

Students are usually assessed with a combination of coursework and examinations. Some courses require them to do an internship to graduate from their course.

There are also different types of bachelor’s degrees you can pursue. Many universities offer twinning programmes for students who want to study abroad as a part of their undergraduate experience. Twinning programmes are a collaboration between Malaysian universities and overseas universities to allow students to study locally first before transferring to their partner institutions abroad to complete their education.

Upon graduation, students will receive a double degree from the local and international university. It’s also possible for you to receive this dual award by completing your course without ever leaving Malaysia, which is a more cost-effective option. Some universities that offer double degrees are Asia Pacific University (APU), Sunway University and INTI International University.

Some bachelor’s degrees have “(Hons)” in their titles. These are known as honours degrees, which are considered more advanced than regular bachelor’s degrees. The subjects taught in their curriculum provide more in-depth knowledge and are more complex than non-honours degrees.

What are the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree?

Academic requirement

Universities in Malaysia may have different entry requirements for their bachelor’s degrees. These are the general requirements shared by many institutions:

• Diploma/advanced diploma: CGPA of 2.00; OR
• Foundation/matriculation: CGPA of 2.00; OR
• A-levels: Grade D in at least two subjects; OR
• Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM): CGPA of 2.00 or a grade C in at least two subjects; OR
• Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM): Pass with Jayyid; OR
• Unified Examination Certificate (UEC): five credits or a grade B in five subjects; OR
• International Baccalaureate (IB): 24 points; OR
• Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government

Some universities accept foreign qualifications, such as Australian matriculation (AUSMAT) and Canadian pre-university (CPU). The minimum pass marks differ according to the subject and institution.

You may also find institutions that allow you to begin the second year of your bachelor’s degree upon enrolment if you completed a related diploma programme.

Language requirement

You may also need to have at least a pass in English at SPM level or equivalent. Students who cannot fulfil this language requirement can explore various English proficiency tests that are accepted by their preferred universities. Some of the examinations include:

• Malaysian University English Test (MUET)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International Benchmark Test (IBT)
• Cambridge English or Pearson Test of English (PTE)

APEL.A

If you are unable to fulfil any of the academic requirements but possess working experience, you can apply to universities that accept Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Access (APEL.A) admissions.

Local and international students aged 21 years old and above are eligible to use this pathway established by MQA. APEL.A’s assessment includes a portfolio evaluation to check if you have relevant professional experience. You will also take an aptitude test to measure your general knowledge and literacy in numeracy and language. MQA will provide you with the APEL.A certification once you pass the assessment stage.

However, the certification does not guarantee your entry to a bachelor’s programme. You must adhere to an institution’s admission processes and you may need to fulfil other entry requirements.

How long does it take to complete a bachelor’s degree?

A bachelor’s degree usually takes three to five years of full-time study, but it may vary according to the course’s field of study, university and mode of learning.

Part-time bachelor’s degrees are also available in Malaysia. Open University Malaysia offers all courses in part-time mode. An undergraduate course from the university can take you four and a half to five years to complete.

Universities may offer part-time counterparts to some of their programmes. University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)’s Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Analytical Economics and the Bachelor of Business (Hons) Business Administration Online from INTI International University are available for part-time study for six years.

Can I study a bachelor’s degree online?

Yes, you can study a bachelor’s degree online. Online courses are increasingly gaining popularity in Malaysia’s education space. They typically take three to five years of full-time study.

There are many advantages to studying an online bachelor’s degree compared to the traditional face-to-face learning method. Since classes are conducted virtually, students can take part in them no matter where they are located. Not only do they save time from travelling to physical campuses, but they also save money on accommodation fees if they live far away.

Online learning also allows flexibility to working professionals who cannot afford to put their careers on hold to further their studies. Once they complete their studies, they can use the degree to advance their careers.

Online bachelor’s degrees are treated as equally valuable as on-campus degrees in Malaysia, as long as they are accredited by MQA.

Discover online bachelor’s degrees of varying disciplines offered by Malaysian universities here.

Why should I study a bachelor’s degree?

You can gain many benefits when you acquire a bachelor’s degree in Malaysia, such as:

• Develop your specialised expertise: The subjects in bachelor’s degree programmes aim to deepen your understanding and skills in your field of interest. If your course requires you to complete an internship, you can put your knowledge into practice and gain hands-on experience.
• Access to more career opportunities: A bachelor’s degree helps to improve your marketability as it demonstrates your capabilities to prospective employers. The credential can also boost your earning potential as many graduates are often paid more than those without degrees.
• Pathway to postgraduate education: You are usually required to have a bachelor’s degree to pursue a master’s programme. The knowledge you gained during your undergraduate studies can also facilitate a smooth transition when you do your master’s in a related field.
• Create valuable connections: Your undergraduate experience extends beyond the classroom. You can build and maintain connections with students, lecturers, alumni and industry experts for your personal and professional growth.

Top universities offering bachelor’s degrees

You can find various bachelor’s degrees offered by higher education institutions in Malaysia. The universities below are ranked according to the QS World University Rankings 2025 for Malaysian universities in the Asia region.

Bachelor’s degree in business

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Bachelor’s degree in finance

Bachelor’s degree in marketing

Bachelor’s degree in management

Bachelor’s degree in other fields

FAQs about bachelor’s degrees in Malaysia

Find the right bachelor’s degree for you

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree grants you many professional opportunities. You can choose to enter the workforce and start building your career or you can pursue your postgraduate education. Start your undergraduate journey by exploring a wide range of bachelor’s degrees offered by universities in Malaysia at the top of this page.