There are many reasons people are motivated to pursue a master’s degree. Working professionals may want to enter higher-ranking roles that require additional skills and knowledge that can be obtained from master’s courses. They may also pursue a master’s degree in a different field to change careers. Students wanting to be involved in academia may see it as a conventional educational pathway to progress into a doctoral programme.

Acquiring a master’s degree may be a big commitment for some individuals, so it’s important to know what it entails before deciding to pursue one. Explore everything you may need to know about studying a master’s degree in Malaysia to help you determine if this is the right pathway for you.

What is a master’s degree?

A master’s degree is a postgraduate academic qualification above a bachelor’s degree but below a doctorate. According to the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), a master’s degree is regarded as a Level 7 learning achievement. There are three types of master’s programmes:

• Coursework: Similar to a bachelor’s degree, students will attend classes to learn a set of core and elective subjects, complete assignments and projects, and take examinations where applicable. Postgraduate coursework programmes are designed to give you more in-depth knowledge about a specific field as a continuation of your undergraduate studies. You can also enrol in a course in a different discipline and gain new skills at the postgraduate level.
• Research: Students will work independently on a research project with the support of an academic supervisor to submit a final thesis. You may also need to take some subjects to expand your research skills. A research course may be suitable for you if you are seeking a career in academia and want to continue your postgraduate studies with a doctorate.
• Mixed mode: This type of programme combines coursework and research activities. According to the MQA, the ratio of coursework to thesis or equivalent is within the range of 50:50, 40:60 or 30:70.

Master’s students are required to fulfil a minimum of 40 credits if they are enrolled in programmes that contain coursework. Some assessment methods for coursework-based courses include examinations, projects, assignments and mini-dissertations. Research students will submit their thesis to be evaluated.

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

Academic requirement

Universities in Malaysia may have their own admission requirements for master’s programmes. If you need a general idea of what you should achieve academically to enrol in one, you can refer to this list provided by the MQA:

Master’s by Coursework

• A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or equivalent; OR
• A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 and not meeting a CGPA of 2.50 can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment

Master’s by Mixed Mode/Research

• A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 or equivalent; OR
• A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 and not meeting a CGPA of 2.75 can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment; OR
• A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 and not meeting a CGPA of 2.50 with a minimum of five years of relevant work experience can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment

You need to fulfil one of these general requirements or have an equivalent qualification to a bachelor’s degree recognised by the Malaysian Government. If you do not have a qualification in the related fields or relevant work experience, you must take prerequisite courses determined by the university and meet the minimum CGPA.

Language requirement

Local and international students may also need to have sufficient English language proficiency to enrol. Different universities have varying pass marks from various English language examinations, such as:  

• 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

You may enrol in a master’s programme without a bachelor’s degree if you have relevant professional experience. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning for Access (APEL.A) is an initiative by the MQA to help local and international learners who don’t have the required academic qualifications gain entry to higher education institutions.

You need to be at least 30 years old with relevant work experience and have a Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM), diploma or equivalent qualification to apply for an APEL.A certification.

The assessment for the master’s level begins with an aptitude test that evaluates your general knowledge, critical thinking skills, language skills and numerical literacy. After the test, you will need to prepare a portfolio and present it to a panel of assessors. You will receive your certification once you pass the evaluation stage.

However, the APEL.A qualification doesn’t ensure guaranteed admission to a master’s course. You are still subject to the university’s entry requirements and processes.

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

According to the MQA, a full-time master’s degree by coursework or mixed mode takes a minimum duration of one year. Research-based master’s programmes usually take two years to complete.

Many universities, such as Open University Malaysia, offer part-time master’s courses as well. It will take you a minimum of two years to complete a coursework or mixed-mode programme. If you are enrolled in a research course, it will typically take three years to finish.

However, the specific duration of each course may vary depending on the field of study, university, mode of learning and the type of master’s degree.

Can I study a master’s degree online?

Yes, you can study a master’s degree online. It will usually take one to two and a half years to complete. This is a popular option for working professionals who cannot attend face-to-face classes due to professional obligations. Some courses offer self-paced learning modes, allowing you to study whenever it’s convenient for you.

Online courses also allow you to choose from a wide range of programmes from various universities, as you can study at any location. You would not have to worry about relocating closer to the university to study your desired master’s course. This also helps you save money and time on transportation and accommodation.

An online degree has the same value as a face-to-face degree, as long as they are recognised by the MQA.

You can check out and compare various online master’s degrees in Malaysia here.

Why should I study a master’s degree?

Obtaining a master’s degree comes with a wide range of advantages, such as:

• Master your expertise: You can gain more in-depth knowledge and skills compared to an undergraduate degree as a master’s programme focuses on your specialised field. The subjects you learn will help you to become an expert in your area of study, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. 
• Make meaningful connections: Being a master’s student provides you with various networking opportunities as you will share the same space with coursemates, faculty members with academic and professional experience, and even industry experts and leaders. These connections are important for your professional growth, especially when you’re building your career.
• Advance your career: If you are a working professional, you can use the qualification to improve your credibility and career prospects. You can unlock higher-paying senior roles that may require a master’s degree. You can also switch careers by learning new professional skills in a different field as many programmes allow students from non-related fields to enrol.
• Pursue a doctorate: Getting a master’s degree is a conventional move if you plan to continue with a doctorate. While it is possible to enrol in some doctoral programmes without this credential, the academic experience can help prepare you for what you will be doing for your doctorate.

Top universities offering master’s degrees

You can discover many universities in the country providing master’s degrees in various business disciplines. The institutions listed below are ranked according to the QS World University Rankings 2025 for Malaysian universities in the Asia region.

Master’s degrees in business

Master’s degrees in management

Master’s degrees in accounting and finance

Master’s degrees in human resources

Master’s degrees in other fields

FAQs about master’s degrees in Malaysia

Find out more about master’s courses in Malaysia

Obtaining a master’s degree can open many career paths if you are taking your first step into the job market. It can also launch you further in your existing professional career or prepare you to proceed to a more advanced degree. Embark on your postgraduate journey today and explore a wide range of master’s degrees in Malaysia at the top of this page.