In This Article
- The top private Universities in Malaysia
- Taylor’s University
- UCSI University
- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
- INTI International University
- Sunway University
- Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation
- Management & Science University
- Universiti Tenaga Nasional
- Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
- Multimedia University
The top private universities in Malaysia
Malaysia has numerous globally recognised private universities, creating a vibrant landscape for tertiary education. While it is beneficial to have so many choices, it can also make picking the right university a difficult decision. Some of the factors to consider include reputation, cost and location.
In such cases, reputable global rankings like the QS World University Rankings can provide valuable insights. Focused on factors such as academic reputation, faculty-student ratios and international diversity, these rankings can greatly ease the decision-making process for you. In this article, we’ll highlight Malaysia's top 10 private universities based on the 2024 QS rankings to help you make a decision about your future education.
1. Taylor’s University
Established in 1969, Taylor’s University is a globally recognised institution situated in Subang Jaya, Selangor, with a lakeside campus. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, it holds the #284 spot and secured #41 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024.
Taylor’s excels in the Hospitality and Leisure Management category, leading Southeast Asia according to the 2023 QS World University Rankings. It's also in the World's Top 100 for Business and Management Studies and Art and Design.
With its vision of balanced excellence, Taylor's aspires to be a leading private university globally, providing in-demand graduates through world-class education and impactful research.
Why study at Taylor’s University?
Taylor’s offers you variety in the form of courses across various tertiary education levels, going from undergraduate courses to PhD courses. It also has a state-of-the-art campus with cutting-edge learning equipment for every school to facilitate learning and research.
Find out more about Taylor’s University here.
2. UCSI University
Since its inception in 1986, UCSI University has made great strides to become one of Malaysia’s top private universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, it is placed at an impressive #300 and notably ranked #61 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024.
There is no slouch in the employability department either, having all its courses achieve a remarkable 100 per cent employability score in the Malaysian Higher Education Ministry’s Graduate Employability 2021 survey.
There are four pillars that form UCSI’s guiding principles: audacity, perseverance, integrity and excellence.
Why study at UCSI University?
With over 10,000 students from over 110 nations, UCSI University fosters a diverse campus culture, enriching the educational experience for all. Its students have also been selected by some of the world’s top universities, such as Harvard and Imperial College London, to partake in high-impact research.
Find out more about UCSI University here.
3. Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Founded in 1997 in Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) achieved a respectable ranking of #307 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and a #69 position in the QS Asia University Rankings 2023.
It is also the top school in Malaysia for Petroleum and Mineral Engineering, and it is no coincidence that it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PETRONAS, Malaysia’s national oil and gas company.
UTP envisions becoming a leader in technology education and a hub for creativity and innovation. Its mission is to provide knowledge and expertise to enhance the nation’s competitiveness through advances in engineering, science and technology.
Why choose Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS?
UTP offers industry-relevant engineering, science and technology courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It also benefits from an extensive collaboration with PETRONAS, which applies to six research focuses and niche areas like self-sustainable building and transport infrastructure.
Find out more about Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS here.
4. INTI International University
Founded in 1986, INTI International University is currently ranked at #556 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. In the QS Asia University Rankings 2024, it stands at #222.
INTI has a remarkable employability rate, with 99 per cent of students finding employment within six months and 60 per cent securing job offers even before they graduate, as per the INTI Graduate Employability Survey 2017.
Its main campus lies in Nilai, Seremban, with three college campuses situated in Subang, Penang and Sabah. Its vision is to champion change and redefine education for the dynamic leaders of the future while pursuing the mission to provide the most international, innovative and individualised education.
Why choose INTI International University?
INTI is a member of the Laureate International University network, the largest global network of higher education institutions with a presence in over 70 institutions across 25 countries. This has translated into partnerships with top universities from the UK, USA, France and Australia.
Find out more about INTI International University here.
5. Sunway University
Sunway University came to be in 2004. Today it is ranked #586 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #103 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024. With campuses across Malaysia, it champions values like integrity, humility and excellence, fostering a learning environment that focuses on academic and holistic development
As part of the Sunway Education Group, it reinvests surpluses into scholarships, research and educational enhancements, ensuring lasting quality education.
Why choose Sunway University?
Sunway University has collaborations with institutions like Lancaster University, Le Cordon Bleu and Harvard Medical School to enrich the educational experience and give your degree a competitive edge via dual awards by two institutions. It has also been recognised as a Premier Digital Technology University since 2017, honouring its commitment to developing digital-ready graduates.
On top of that, it offers 100 per cent online master’s programmes under Sunway University Online, making furthering studies more attainable for working professionals.
Find out more about Sunway University here.
6. Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation
APU for short, this Kuala Lumpur-based university’s status as one of Malaysia’s premier universities is solidified by its ranking of #621-630 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #213 placement in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024. It is also the only Malaysian university with the QS "5 Stars Plus" Rating.
The university's vision is to be a leading institution in technology and innovation, equipping students to be highly employable and future-proof professionals. APU's mission is to provide high-quality, affordable, and internationally benchmarked education.
Why choose the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation?
APU is recognised as a Premier Digital Tech University, which is backed by its wide offering of cutting-edge digital technology courses. If you seek an internationally benchmarked, tech-focused education with a global perspective, this institution is worthy of consideration.
Find out more about Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation here.
7. Management & Science University
Since 2001, Management & Science University (MSU) has gradually risen through the ranks to become one of Malaysia’s leading universities in hospitality and medicine.
The Shah Alam-based institution is currently ranked #621-630 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #155 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024. Additionally, it has an exceptional job placement rate of 97.5 per cent within six months of graduation.
MSU's vision is to be a leading global university that fosters entrepreneurship, research, innovation, industry engagement and holistic education for a better future. Its multi-faceted mission focuses on transformative learning experiences and socio-economic advancements with ethical values.
Why choose Management & Science University?
MSU is accredited by the United Kingdom’s Accreditation Services for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC). Its focus on developing quality human capital in critical-need areas such as hospitality, medicine and health sciences also makes it a good choice for those seeking a career in these sectors.
Find out more about Management & Science University here.
8. Universiti Tenaga Nasional
Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), established in 1997 with campuses in Putrajaya and Pahang, holds a ranking of #761-770 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #144 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), one of Southeast Asia's largest utility companies, UNITEN focuses on energy and technology. The Putrajaya campus offers engineering and technology courses, while the Pahang campus specialises in business-related disciplines.
UNITEN aspires to be a leading global energy university that shapes a sustainable future. It aims to advance knowledge and learning through research and innovation, shaping a sustainable future.
Why choose Universiti Tenaga Nasional?
Between its impressive 96.8 per cent employability rate within six months of graduation and Tenaga Nasional Berhad backing, it's a prime pick if you are looking for a university specialising in engineering, computer science and information technology.
9. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
Established in 2002, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) currently ranks #801-850 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #160 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024.
UTAR offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with disciplines spanning business, engineering, mathematics, creative industries, social sciences, education, medicine and Chinese studies.
Its vision is to be a global university of educational and research excellence with transformative societal impact.
Why choose Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman?
Many of UTAR’s courses are recognised by professional associations and institutes across Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Australia and the United States. Plus, its engineering degrees are recognised by the Board of Engineers Malaysia, enabling graduates to practise in 23 countries under the Washington Accord.
Find out more about Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman here.
10. Multimedia University
Multimedia University (MMU) was founded in 1997 and is government-linked through its ownership by telecommunications company Telekom Malaysia. It ranks #1001-1200 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #233 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024.
With campuses in Cyberjaya and Malacca, MMU offers cutting-edge programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels in information technology, management, law, applied communication, cinematic arts and creative multimedia.
It has a vision to transform society through innovation and is on a mission to inquire, inspire and innovate.
Why choose Multimedia University?
Multimedia University is recognised as a Premier Digital Tech University by the Malaysian government, which lends great credibility to its computer and technology-related courses. The campuses are also outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities such as a 200-capacity industry-grade cinema, specialised labs, a motion capture studio, and many more.
Find out more about Multimedia University here.
- Sources
- QS Top Universities - QS Top University Rankings 2024 Malaysia