Since its establishment in 1969, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) has built a legacy of providing accessible higher education to Malaysians from all walks of life.

Originally known as Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC), the college started with a campus in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. In 2013, the institution became Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) when it achieved university college status.

In 2022, the Ministry of Higher Education granted TAR UMT full-fledged university status. The university has stayed true to its mission of delivering learning experiences that extend beyond academic knowledge. In addition to pursuing successful careers, students are empowered to lead fulfilling lives.

TAR UMT has gone on to establish five more university campuses in Penang, Perak, Johor, Pahang and Sabah. Today, the university continues to offer students a pathway to earn their degrees via full-time and part-time courses.

TAR UMT rankings and achievements

TAR UMT is ranked #139 in the QS Asian University Rankings - South Eastern Asia 2024 and #801 in the QS Asian University Rankings.

Professional accreditations

TAR UMT has attained course accreditations from distinguished bodies such as the:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England And Wales (Icaew)
• Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia
• Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
• Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB)
• Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM)
• CFA Institute
• Finance Accreditation Agency (FAA)
• Chartered Institute of Logistics And Transport (CILTM)
• Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries And Administrators  (MAICSA)
• Malaysian Association of Company Secretaries (MACS)
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Awards and recognition

TAR UMT scholars are actively engaged in globally recognised research projects. 

In October 2023, TAR UMT faculty members participated in an international conference discussing China-ASEAN cooperation and the quality of development involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. 

The university received an invitation from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS), the event organiser. TAR UMT’s collaboration with prestigious institutions such as the SASS signifies the university’s growing reputation in the region.       

TAR UMT is also committed to business-related research work. The university’s Faculty of Accountancy, Finance and Business features three research centres:

• Centre for Business and Policy Research (CBPR)
• Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability (CEIS)
• Centre for Digital Business (CDB)

The Centre for Business and Policy Research’s chairperson, Associate Professor Dr Foo Lee Peng, has been featured on Malaysian news channel Astro Awani to discuss national economic frameworks.

TAR UMT’s Faculty of Accountancy, Finance and Business students have won their share of accolades. At the Deloitte Tax Challenge (DTC) 2023, the university team became competition champions and attained merit and best presenter awards. In the individual category, TAR UMT students achieved first- and second-place finishes as well as a merit award. 

These achievements show that TAR UMT’s tradition of cultivating academic excellence and practical skills continues to flourish. 

Academic and industry partnerships

Through a partnership with Coventry University in the United Kingdom, TAR UMT students can graduate with double degrees: one from Coventry University, including a mandatory semester studying abroad and another from TAR UMT.

Students who enrol in the following TAR UMT business-related bachelor’s degrees have the opportunity to attain a Coventry University Dual Award degree upon graduation:  

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) Applied Economics
• Bachelor of Accounting (Honours)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours)
• Bachelor of Corporate Administration (Honours)
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Human Resource Management
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Marketing
• Bachelor of Banking and Finance (Honours)
• Bachelor of Finance and Investment (Honours)
• Bachelor of Finance (Honours)
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business Management
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Accounting and Finance 

The university’s collaborations with its academic partners extend beyond double degree programmes. TAR UMT students can further their studies at partner universities such as China’s Zhengzhou Business University and Nanjing Institute of Technology, Switzerland’s IMI International Management Institute, Australia’s University of South Australia, Ireland’s Technological University of the Shannon and the UK’s Coventry University and Birmingham City University.

TAR UMT has partnerships with leading companies and organisations in the tech, finance and real estate industries. These include:

• Microsoft Imagine
• Cisco Networking Academy
• MIMOS Berhad
• Novell Academic Training Partner (NATP) programme
• FIABCI Malaysia
• IBM Academic Initiative
• Google Web Academy

TAR UMT incorporates the latest technical knowledge and software gained from these collaborations into its programmes. Students are equipped to excel in professional certification courses by reputable bodies like Microsoft, IBM and Google.

Academic programmes and faculties at TAR UMT

All TAR UMT courses are approved and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Diploma courses

• Diploma in Accounting
• Diploma in Banking and Finance
• Diploma in Business Administration
• Diploma in Business Economics
• Diploma in Entrepreneurship
• Diploma in Finance and Investment
• Diploma in Human Resource Management
• Diploma in International Business
• Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Bachelor’s degrees

• Bachelor of Accounting (Honours)
• Bachelor of Banking and Finance (Honours) 
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Accounting and Finance
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business Analytics
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Human Resource Management
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business Management
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Marketing
• Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
• Bachelor of Corporate Administration (Honours)
• Bachelor of Economics (Honours)
• Bachelor of Finance (Honours)
• Bachelor of Finance and Investment (Honours)

Master’s degrees by coursework

• Master of Accounting and Finance
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Investment Management

Master’s degree by research

• Master of Management

PhDs by research

• Doctor of Philosophy in Business
• Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
• Doctor of Philosophy in Finance

TAR UMT admission requirements and process

To apply for TAR UMT courses, applicants are required to meet one of the following in the criteria list below:

You need to earn a certain CGPA, grade or score in your qualifications and English proficiency test to be admitted into your chosen course. For more specific admission requirements, view the programmes at the top of this page.

Diploma courses

• SPM; OR
• O-Level; OR
• UEC; OR
• A relevant certificate that is accredited by the MQA and recognised by the Malaysian Government

Bachelor’s degrees

• STPM; OR
• A-Level; OR
• UEC; OR
• Foundation/diploma in a relevant field from another institution of higher learning; OR
• TAR UMT Foundation in Business or relevant diploma

Master’s degrees by coursework

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; OR
• A qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree that is recognised by the Malaysian Government and accepted by the university’s Senate

Master’s degrees by research

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; OR
• A qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree that is recognised by the Malaysian Government and accepted by the university’s Senate

PhDs by research

• Master’s degree; OR
• A qualification equivalent to a master’s degree that is recognised by the Malaysian Government and accepted by the university’s Senate

2024 intake date

• Diploma courses: 19 February*, 24 June and 14 November*
• Bachelor’s degrees: 19 February*, 24 June and 14 November*
• Master’s degrees by coursework: February, July and October
• Master’s degrees by research: You are welcome to apply for your chosen programme at any time. The university assesses and approves student applications all year round.
• PhDs by research: These programmes have a “rolling intake” where the university accepts and evaluates applications throughout the year.

*These intake dates only apply to selected diploma courses and bachelor’s degrees.

TAR UMT enrolment process

You can apply for courses online by following these steps:

Local students

1. Once you have decided on your course, proceed to the course page on the TAR UMT website. 
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the APPLY NOW button. 
3. Use your email to register on the TAR UMT online application page.
4. An online application form will appear. Fill in your details.
5. Select your intake date, campus and programme. You will be required to specify your highest academic qualification.
6. Submit a scanned copy of the front and back of your identity card/MyKad.
7. Fill in details about your secondary schooling, academic qualifications and English proficiency level.
8. Submit soft copies of your academic certificates and academic transcripts. 
9. After submitting your application, you can return to the webpage to check your application status. 
10. You will also receive notifications regarding your application status via email and SMS.
11. The university will contact you to discuss payment arrangements for your registration and tuition fees.

International students

1. On the TAR UMT homepage, hover your mouse over the APPLY and STUDY tab on the navigation bar. 
2. In the dropdown menu, click International Students. This will lead you to the Department of International Student Office (DISO) page.
3. On the DISO page, hover your mouse over the ADMISSION tab.
4. In the dropdown menu, click Online Application.
5. Select either the undergraduate application section or the postgraduate application section.
6. Use your email to register on the international students’ online application page.
7. An online application form will appear. Fill in your details.
8. Select your intake date, campus and programme. You will be required to specify your highest academic qualification.
9. Submit a scanned copy of your passport's information page and the pages with visa details.
10. Complete details about your academic qualifications and English proficiency level.
11. Submit soft copies of your academic certificates and academic transcripts. 
12. After submitting your application, you can return to the webpage to check your application status. 
13. You will also receive notifications regarding your application status via email and SMS.
14. The university will reach out with payment information for your registration and tuition costs.

TAR UMT registration fees

When applying for a TAR UMT programme, you will need to pay a one-time fee for registration. There are a few admission-related costs as well. Find out more below.

Local students

International students

TAR UMT scholarships and financial aid

TAR UMT scholarships and loans are available for students who need financial support. Your other financing options include:

• Getting a low-interest loan from the Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN)
• Withdrawing funds from your Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Account 2

TAR UMT Merit Scholarship

Malaysian students possessing excellent academic results and enrolled in TAR UMT’s full-time foundation courses, diploma courses and bachelor's degrees are eligible for this scholarship.

Foundation/diploma courses

Criteria for 100 per cent tuition fee waiver

• SPM: At least 8 A+/As
• O-Level: At least 8 As

50 per cent tuition fee waiver

• SPM: 8 A+/A/A-s
• O-Level: 7 As

25 per cent tuition fee waiver

• SPM: 7 As
• O-Level: 6 As

20 per cent tuition fee waiver

• SPM: 6 As

15 per cent tuition fee waiver

• SPM: 5 As

Bachelor’s degrees

100 per cent tuition fee waiver

• STPM/A-Level: 3 As 
• UEC: 8 As
• Canadian pre-university: A minimum score of 95 per cent (for all subjects taken; candidates are required to take at least six subjects)
• South Australian Matriculation/Western Australian Certificate of Education/Higher School Certificate (HSC): Minimum ATAR of 95
• TAR UMT diploma and TAR UMT foundation/matriculation: Minimum CGPA of 3.8500

50 per cent tuition fee waiver

• STPM/A-Level: 2 As 
• UEC: 7 As
• Canadian pre-university: A minimum score of 90 per cent (for all subjects taken; candidates are required to take at least six subjects)
• South Australian Matriculation/Western Australian Certificate of Education/Higher School Certificate (HSC): A minimum ATAR of 90
• TAR UMT diploma and TAR UMT foundation/matriculation: Minimum CGPA of 3.7500

25 per cent tuition fee waiver

• STPM/A-Level: 1 A
• UEC: 6 As

20 per cent tuition fee waiver

• UEC: 5 As

TAR UMT Sports Scholarship

State and national athletes who plan to enrol in TAR UMT’s diploma courses or bachelor’s degrees are eligible for this scholarship.

100 per cent tuition fee waiver

• National athletes who have represented Malaysia in sanctioned international sporting events, including the Southeast Asian Games, Universiade Games, ASEAN University Games or ASEAN School Games

50 per cent tuition fee waiver

• State athletes who have won at least a bronze medal and represented their state in sanctioned national sporting events, including the Southeast Asian Games, Universiade Games, ASEAN University Games, MSSM, SUKMA, SUKIPT or SIPMA

25 per cent tuition fee waiver

• State athletes who have represented their state in sanctioned national sporting events such as the Asian University Games, MSSM or SUKMA

Applicants must fulfil the following criteria:

• Be a Malaysian citizen
• Have a proven record of competing at national-level competitions and international-level competitions over the past two years
• Have not received any scholarship/sponsorship/financial assistance/bursary from TAR UMT or other organisations

The STAR Education Fund

This scholarship, which is a collaboration between the STAR Education Fund and TAR UMT, provides a full tuition fee waiver for TAR UMT diploma and bachelor’s degree students throughout their studies.

Sin Chew Daily Education Fund

The scholarship is a joint initiative between the Sin Chew Daily newspaper and TAR UMT. It offers a full tuition fee waiver for TAR UMT diploma and bachelor’s degree students throughout their studies.

TAR UMT Jinbodhi Bursary

TAR UMT students in need of financial support are eligible for this bursary.

Applicants are required to fulfil the following criteria:

• Be a Malaysian citizen
• Obtain admission to a TAR UMT full-time diploma course or bachelor’s degree
• Have at least one more year of study before completing their TAR UMT programme
• Belong to a household that earns a combined income of not more than RM5,000 per month

Successful applicants will receive a tuition fee waiver of up to RM10,000 per year. Each recipient is eligible to receive a maximum of RM30,000 in tuition fee waivers for their entire course. 

Recipients are required to maintain at least a GPA of 2.75 every semester. They are also expected to participate in at least one Bodhi Meditation Charity Foundation event each year.

Upon graduation, recipients may be offered employment by the Bodhi Meditation Charity Foundation or any of its related organisations.

TAR UMT Student Loan Fund (undergraduate programmes)

TAR UMT students enrolled in full-time undergraduate courses are eligible for interest-free loans. Applicants must fulfil the following criteria:

• Be a Malaysia citizen
• Enrol in a TAR UMT full-time foundation course, diploma course or bachelor’s degree 
• Have not received any scholarship/sponsorship/financial assistance/bursary from TAR UMT 

PTPTN borrowers are also eligible to apply for financial assistance.

Successful applicants could be granted a maximum yearly loan amount of:

• Foundation courses: RM12,000
• Diploma courses: RM8,000
• Bachelor’s degrees: RM10,000

Loan recipients will be subjected to an annual review of their academic performances and conduct.

TAR UMT Student Loan Fund (postgraduate studies)

TAR UMT students enrolled in full-time postgraduate research courses are eligible for interest-free loans. Applicants must fulfil the following criteria:

• Be a Malaysian citizen
• Have not received any scholarship/sponsorship/financial assistance/bursary from TAR UMT 

Successful applicants could receive a study loan that will cover their tuition and research fees for the duration of their programmes. Loan recipients will have to undergo an academic performance and conduct review each semester.