Universities In Malaysia: Your ultimate guide

Public and private universities in Malaysia

Pursuing higher learning can be an essential stepping stone to many great things, such as nailing that dream job, getting ahead at work or simply enriching your knowledge in a particular field. Research is key to finding the best choice for you, especially with so many factors to consider. 

Today, your search is about to get a whole lot easier. We’re introducing you to 20 public universities, 50 private universities, 11 foreign universities and 34 university colleges (115 total universities) – all in sunny Malaysia.

This mix of categories also means you’ll be able to find the exact qualification you’re looking for, whether it’s a foundation, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD. Every institution on our list has been carefully selected for its variety of courses, affordability and rankings, so if you’ve been looking to study in Malaysia, you’ve come to the right place.

Q: Why should I study in Malaysia?

A: There are many reasons why Malaysia is a prime choice for local and foreign students. To start with, universities here are globally recognised, having both impressive rankings and branches of renowned institutions. You would also be studying in a diverse environment — one with over 170,000 students from 162 countries, to be exact.

Courses in Malaysia tend to be more affordable compared to neighbouring countries like Singapore and Australia. These Malaysian courses are also mostly taught in English and maintain a comparable standard. Plus, all programmes are certified by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, ensuring that your degree meets quality standards and criteria.

20 public universities in Malaysia

Public universities in Malaysia are government-funded or state-run establishments overseen by the Ministry of Education Malaysia. There are currently a total of 20 of these institutions. As the government fully or partially subsidises public universities, they generally have more affordable tuition fees.

They are divided into three major categories:

* University category subject to reclassification

50 private universities in Malaysia

While the government does not subsidise private universities, there are more private universities in Malaysia than in their public counterparts. For this reason, you may be more likely to find a course that suits your interests or ambitions, especially if they’re more niche.

11 foreign universities in Malaysia

Many well-established universities overseas have put down roots in Malaysia over the years, with the majority hailing from Australia and the United Kingdom.

Monash University, Southampton University and the University of Nottingham are within the top 100 of the world’s best universities, according to the latest QS World University Rankings. Their Malaysian campuses enable students to benefit from the same courses and graduate with the same degree as their peers at the original campus at a much more affordable price.

34 university colleges in Malaysia

University colleges are usually called as such as they do not have full or independent university status. However, they do provide both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a heavier emphasis on the former. Conventionally, they also have smaller campus sizes and fewer students.

How do I choose the right university?

As you can tell by now, there are plenty of tertiary learning options in Malaysia.

To ease you further in making your selection, here are five tips to keep in mind:

1. Consider your future 
    Look out for things like the employability rate of graduates from the university’s course, the industry knowledge of its lecturers and how it equips students with real-world experience.
2. Research the reputation of your desired university and course
   One good place to start is the QS World University Rankings, which ranks universities and course areas. Universities usually have particularly well-known courses due to their lecturers, curriculum, or dual-award degrees that give students certifications from two reputable universities in one bachelor’s programme. 
3. Get to know the campus culture
   Look up videos of the university campus or student interviews on an institution’s website or social media pages. You can also explore clubs and organisations offered at the university, as well as the types of on-campus activities they usually hold. If it’s accessible for you, you can even attend a university open day to explore the campus in person. 
4. Consider the location
   The university’s location makes all the difference in whether you need to live on campus, have access to basic amenities like restaurants and convenience stores, and have fun stuff to do on the weekends. For instance, a campus in a slightly more rural location may require you to live in a dormitory as off-site student living options could be scarcer, whereas the opposite is true for campuses near or within the heart of town.
5. Tuition fees/expenses
   Once you have a university shortlist, check if you can find course fees available via the university's website or by calling them. Following that, look up the financial aid options they offer as you may be eligible. Tuition fees aside, it is important to factor in the cost of living expenses, which can vary widely depending on where the campus is located.

In summary

For many, university is a time to gain independence before starting a professional career. For others, it is a chance to upskill professionally and personally while paving the way to greater career opportunities. Whether your path eventually takes you to a private, public or foreign university, the most important thing is that it supports your needs and hopes for the future.

Note: The information provided in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Please verify the latest information with the institution.