The history of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) dates back to 1969, when it was known as Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman (KTAR). It was named after Malaysia's first prime minister and was located in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. UTAR was established in 2002 and operates under the UTAR Education Foundation as a not-for-profit private university with the goal of providing affordable tertiary education of high quality. UTAR was founded at a time when the Malaysian Government recognised the necessity for intellectual capital to meet the multiple needs of an innovation-driven economy.
The university has achieved remarkable growth in multiple aspects of its development in the past 20 years, driven by its vision to be a global university of educational excellence with a progressive societal impact.
UTAR started with a humble number of 411 students in its Petaling Jaya campus in 2002 but has now expanded to approximately 20,000 students across its two current campuses in Kampar, Perak and Bandar Sungai Long, Selangor. UTAR has seen over 82,000 students graduate and has gained a solid reputation for being a versatile university dedicated to achieving excellence in teaching and research.
UTAR also offers a wide range of over 130 academic programmes, catering to a diverse student population, from pre-university courses to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
The university is committed to equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a globalised world. As of March 2022, UTAR has achieved a remarkable 95 to 97 per cent graduate employment rate within nine months of graduation, reflecting the university's emphasis on producing highly employable graduates. The university's alumni are currently employed in leading multinational and SME companies both locally and internationally.
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman rankings and achievements
UTAR has earned an exceptional reputation as an esteemed institution of higher learning thanks to its impressive track record of receiving multiple awards, noteworthy research contributions and global rankings.
QS World University Rankings
- In the QS World University Rankings 2024, UTAR is ranked #801-850.
- The university placed #38 in the QS World University Rankings: South-Eastern Asia 2024 and #160 in Asia overall in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2024.
- In terms of sustainability, UTAR comes in at #479 for the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024.
- In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, UTAR ranked #501-550 for Business and Management Studies.
Times Higher Education (THE)
- In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, UTAR placed at #1001-1200.
- In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 by subject, the university ranked #601-800 for business and economics.
- UTAR also ranked #301-350 in the Asia University Rankings 2023 and #301-400 in the Impact Rankings 2023.
With a strong research culture among its esteemed faculty members and students, the university has successfully launched 35 research centres. In 2023, 14 researchers from UTAR were recognised among the world’s top two per cent most-cited scientists by Stanford University. Aside from that, members of UTAR's Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF), including both academics and students, received recognition for their research efforts. Specifically, they were awarded two Gold Awards for Best Paper and an Emerald-ASIP 2023 Most Provocative Research Award. Additionally, one of the students was honoured with the Best Student Paper award for their exceptional research in the field of logistics.
Another FBF student from the university was awarded the Best Innovation Award (individual category) at the Satu Smart 2023 Sustainable and Life Science 5th International Innovation Competition. In 2022, FBF academics won the “Most Cited Articles” award by the Journal of Computer Information Systems (Taylor and Francis) for their research titled “Towards a Cashless Society: The Imminent Role of Wearable Technology”. The award was based on the number of citations received in the last three years.
Business programmes and faculties at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
UTAR has two faculties offering business programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels – the Faculty of Accountancy and Management at the Sungai Long campus and the Faculty of Business and Finance at the Kampar campus.
Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM)
The Faculty of Accountancy and Management was established in 2002 at UTAR Sungai Long campus. FAM is widely regarded as a leading provider of accounting and business graduates in the business community. The faculty's dedicated team of experienced academics is its main outstanding factor.
The programmes offered by FAM have a demanding curriculum that is highly valued by the industry, as proven by the high employability rates of graduates. FAM collaborates with leading banks like Public Bank and Citibank, professional bodies like ACCA and CIMA and local agencies like MIA and MAICSA to provide students with job opportunities and programme accreditations.
The faculty has hundreds of academic staff across four departments. FAM offers five undergraduate programmes and five postgraduate programmes, as listed below.
Bachelor degrees:
- Bachelor of Accounting (Hons)
- Bachelor of Building and Property Management (Hons)
- Bachelor of Economics (Hons) Global Economics
- Bachelor of International Business (Hons)
- Bachelor of Finance (Financial Technology) Hons
Master’s degrees:
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration (Corporate Governance)
- Master of Real Estate Development
- Master of Philosophy
PhD programme:
- Doctor of Philosophy
Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF)
The Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) was founded in June 2008 at the Kampar campus in Perak, acquiring similar programmes from the Faculty of Accountancy and Management.
The faculty aims to develop the critical thinking skills and work ethics of their students and become a centre of academic excellence for diverse communities in Malaysia. The faculty is dedicated to creating a leading learning community in various fields, including business, economics, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, management, banking, accounting and more. It is also committed to providing an environment for academic excellence to ensure the quality of its research and teaching for the business community while building strong connections with its alumni and industry.
FBF began with three departments, 22 staff and 512 undergraduate students enrolled in six undergraduate programmes. Now, it has seven departments and 170 staff, offering 13 undergraduate programmes with over 3,000 students as well as four postgraduate programmes.
Listed below are all of the programmes under FBF.
Bachelor’s degrees:
- Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Accounting
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Banking and Finance
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Economics (Hons) Financial Economics
- Bachelor of Finance (Hons)
- Bachelor of Marketing (Hons)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Retail Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Risk Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Healthcare Management
- Bachelor of Public Administration (Hons)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Tourism Destination Marketing
Master’s degrees:
- Master of Business Administration (Corporate Management)
- Master of Philosophy
PhD programmes:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy (Economics)
UTAR admission requirements and application procedure
Admission requirements for undergraduate programmes
Bachelor of Accounting (Hons)
Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) Accounting
Applicants must have one of the following academic qualifications:
- A minimum of a grade C+ (CGPA 2.33) in two subjects at STPM level; OR
- A minimum grade of Jayyid in STAM; OR
- A minimum of a grade D in two subjects at A-Level; OR
- A minimum of a grade B (B5) in five subjects in UEC; OR
- Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 70 and a grade B in two subjects in SAM; OR
- An average of 70 per cent in six subjects in CPU; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.50 in foundation from UTAR; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.50 in foundation or matriculation from other higher learning institutes; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.50 in a diploma in accountancy or a diploma in a related field or equivalent; OR
- Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government
Bachelor of International Business (Hons)
Applicants must have one of the following academic qualifications:
- A minimum of a grade C (CGPA 2.00) in two subjects at STPM level; OR
- A minimum grade of Jayyid in STAM; OR
- A minimum of a grade D in two subjects at A-Level; OR
- A minimum of a grade B in five subjects in UEC; OR
- Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 70 and a grade B in two subjects in SAM; OR
- An average of 70 per cent in six subjects in CPU; OR
- An MQA-accredited TVET diploma such as a Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM), a Diploma Vokasional Malaysia (DVM) or a Diploma Lanjutan Kemahiran Malaysia (DLKM) and
- A minimum CGPA of 2.50 or CGPA of 2.00 with at least two years of working experience in a relevant field, subject to the Senate or Academic Board’s approval
- Applicants will be required to pass the admission screening process conducted by the faculty and undergo the bridging programme, if necessary, during the period of their study in addition to the existing curriculum structure
- Credit transfer can be considered on a case-to-case basis and is subject to existing credit transfer policies which are in effect; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in foundation from UTAR; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in foundation or matriculation from other higher learning institutes; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in a diploma or an advanced diploma; OR
- Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government
Bachelor of Finance (Hons)
Bachelor of Finance (Financial Technology) Hons
Applicants must have one of the following academic qualifications:
- A minimum of a grade C+ (CGPA 2.33) in two subjects at STPM level; OR
- A minimum grade of Jayyid in STAM; OR
- A minimum of a grade D in two subjects at A-Level; OR
- A minimum of a grade B (B5) in five subjects in UEC; OR
- Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 70 and a grade B in two subjects in SAM; OR
- An average of 80 per cent aggregate in six subjects in CPU; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.50 in foundation from UTAR; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.50 in foundation or matriculation from other higher learning institutes; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.50 in a diploma in finance, banking, insurance or an equivalent qualification in a related field; OR
- Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons)
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Entrepreneurship
Bachelor of Marketing (Hons)
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Retail Management
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Healthcare Management
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Tourism Destination Marketing
Applicants must have one of the following academic qualifications:
- A minimum of a grade C (CGPA 2.00) in two subjects at STPM level; OR
- A minimum grade of Jayyid in STAM; OR
- A minimum of a grade D in two subjects at A-Level; OR
- A minimum of a grade B in five subjects in UEC; OR
- Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 70 and a grade B in two subjects in SAM; OR
- An average of 70 per cent in six subjects in CPU; OR
- An MQA-accredited TVET diploma such as a Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM), a Diploma Vokasional Malaysia (DVM) or a Diploma Lanjutan Kemahiran Malaysia (DLKM) and
- A minimum CGPA of 2.50 or CGPA 2.00 with at least two years of working experience in a relevant field, subject to the Senate or Academic Board’s approval
- Applicants will be required to pass the admission screening process conducted by the faculty and undergo the bridging programme, if necessary, during the period of their study in addition to the existing curriculum structure
- Credit transfer can be considered on a case-to-case basis and is subject to existing credit transfer policies which are in effect; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in foundation from UTAR; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in foundation or matriculation from other higher learning institutes; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in a diploma or an advanced diploma; OR
- Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Banking and Finance
Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) Risk Management
Applicants must have one of the following academic qualifications:
- A minimum of a grade C (CGPA 2.00) in two subjects at STPM level; OR
- A minimum grade of Jayyid in STAM; OR
- A minimum of a grade D in two subjects at A-Level; OR
- A minimum of a grade B in five subjects in UEC; OR
- Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 70 and a grade B in two subjects in SAM; OR
- An average of 70 per cent in six subjects in CPU; OR
- An MQA-accredited TVET diploma such as a Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM), a Diploma Vokasional Malaysia (DVM) or a Diploma Lanjutan Kemahiran Malaysia (DLKM) and
- A minimum CGPA of 2.50 or CGPA 2.00 with at least two years of working experience in a relevant field, subject to the Senate or Academic Board’s approval
- Applicants will be required to pass the admission screening process conducted by the faculty and undergo the bridging programme, if necessary, during the period of their study in addition to the existing curriculum structure
- Credit transfer can be considered on a case-to-case basis and is subject to existing credit transfer policies which are in effect; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in foundation from UTAR; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in foundation or matriculation from other higher learning institutes; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in a diploma or an advanced diploma; OR
- Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government
Bachelor of Building and Property Management (Hons)
Bachelor of Economics (Hons) Global Economics
Bachelor of Economics (Hons) Financial Economics
Applicants must have one of the following academic qualifications:
- A minimum of a grade C (CGPA 2.00) in any two subjects at STPM level; OR
- A minimum grade of Jayyid in STAM; OR
- A minimum of a grade D in two relevant subjects at A-Level; OR
- A minimum of a grade B in five subjects in UEC; OR
- Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 70 and a grade B in two relevant subjects in SAM; OR
- An average of 70 per cent in two relevant subjects and four other subjects in CPU; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in foundation from UTAR; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in foundation or matriculation from other higher learning institutes; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in a diploma; OR
- Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government
Bachelor of Public Administration (Hons)
Applicants must have one of the following academic qualifications:
- A minimum of a grade C (CGPA 2.00) in two subjects at STPM level; OR
- A minimum grade of Jayyid in STAM; OR
- A minimum of a grade D in two relevant subjects at A-Level; OR
- A minimum of a grade B in five subjects in UEC; OR
- Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 70 and a grade B in two relevant subjects in SAM; OR
- An average of 70 per cent in two relevant subjects and four other subjects in CPU; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in foundation from UTAR; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in foundation or matriculation from other higher learning institutes; OR
- A minimum CGPA of 2.00 in a diploma; OR
- Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government
Admission requirements for postgraduate programmes
Master of Business Administration
Master of Business Administration (Corporate Governance)
Master of Real Estate Development
Master of Business Administration (Corporate Management)
Applicants must have one of the following academic qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with a CGPA of 2.75 and above or equivalent as approved by the Senate; OR
- A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with a CGPA of 2.00 and above but less than a CGPA of 2.75 or equivalent as approved by the Senate subject to rigorous internal assessment; OR
- Applicants without a bachelor’s degree in related fields or relevant working experience must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by UTAR and meet the minimum CGPA as the above requirements
English language requirement:
- IELTS Academic 6.0, TOEFL 600 or its equivalent; OR
- TOEFL iBT score of 60-78; OR
- MUET Band 4
Master of Philosophy
Applicants must have one of the following academic qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with a CGPA of 2.75 and above or equivalent as approved by the Senate; OR
- A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields with a CGPA of 2.50 and above but less than a CGPA of 2.75, or equivalent as approved by the Senate subject to rigorous internal assessment; OR
- A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields or equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 but less than a CGPA of 2.50 and show evidence of at least five years of relevant working or research experience can be accepted subject to rigorous internal assessment; OR
- Applicants without a bachelor’s degree in related fields or relevant working experience must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by UTAR and meet the minimum CGPA as the above requirements
English language requirement:
- IELTS 6.0 (CEFR Level B1); OR
- TOEFL 600 or TOEFL iBT score of 78; OR
- MUET Band 4
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy (Economics)
Applicants must have one of the following academic qualifications:
- A master’s degree from UTAR and shows evidence of adequate related research or work experience to the satisfaction of the Senate; OR
- A master’s degree from another university or equivalent qualification from an institution that is approved by the Senate and shows evidence of adequate related research or work experience to the satisfaction of the Senate; OR
- Applicants without a related master’s degree in the field or working experience in the relevant fields must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by UTAR; OR
- A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields from UTAR with a First Class Honours or with a minimum CGPA of 3.67 and show evidence of related research aptitude to the satisfaction of the Senate; OR
- A bachelor’s degree in the field or related fields of another university or equivalent qualification from an institution with First Class Honours or with a minimum CGPA of 3.67 as approved by the Senate and shows evidence of related research aptitude to the satisfaction of the Senate; OR
- Any other qualifications equivalent to the ones mentioned above and as approved by the Senate
English language requirement:
- IELTS Academic 6.0; OR
- TOEFL 600 or TOEFL iBT score of 78; OR
- MUET Band 4
The application procedure for future students
Step 1: Choose your course
- Take a look at the programmes available at UTAR’s Sungai Long or Kampar campus.
- Once you’ve selected the programme that you are interested in, check the entry requirements and intake dates of the programme to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Step 2: Online application
- Head to the “Apply Now” tab on the university’s website to sign up for an application account.
- Click on the category relevant to you and your chosen programme.
Step 3: References and research proposal
- This step is only for candidates applying to postgraduate programmes. If you are applying for foundation or undergraduate programmes, you can move on to step four.
- You will need to gather the contact details of two referees and inform them in advance to prepare an official referee letter with an institution or company letterhead. Your referee can be your previous lecturer or supervisor, current or previous employer, superior or colleague.
- You are required to have at least one referee from an academic background who has taught you. Your potential supervisor cannot be the referee.
- After you submit the application, the system will email the referees requesting them to provide feedback and upload the referee letter.
- Before submitting an online application for postgraduate research programmes, you must discuss your research proposal with potential supervisors and upload the agreed-upon proposal using the prescribed Endorsement of Research Proposal form available on the university website.
- To find potential supervisors, please visit UTAR's website for information on academic staff and their research areas.
Step 4: Application guide
- After selecting the category, you will enter a login page. Click the sign-up button if you are a first-time user. Fill out the necessary details and enter your email address, which you will later use to log in.
- After logging in, you can select your preferred intake session and create a new application. You are only allowed to submit one application per intake.
- Move to the information page, where you will have to fill in your details. International students are required to declare any history of physical or mental health conditions. After that, hit the save and next button.
- On the next page, you can choose your preferred campus and programmes. Students in Malaysia can choose up to three undergraduate programmes, while international students can choose up to five undergraduate programmes. When you’re done, click on the save and next button.
- Then, you will have to input your prior education qualifications and other compulsory details. International students would be required to complete the immigration visa, financial resources and accommodation details. Make sure to provide all mandatory information. After that, you can click the save and next button.
- For candidates applying for postgraduate programmes, you will need to fill in your referee details and upload a passport-sized photo with a white background.
- You will be required to verify your information with your email address and tick on the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and declaration box. You can continue to the next stage.
- You will be required to upload your supporting documents, which will include your Identification Card (IC) for Malaysians and passport for international students, academic results and English proficiency results. Keep in mind that the maximum file size is 5 MB. You have to make sure that your documents are labelled accurately, as you will not be able to make changes after you’ve uploaded all your files. Double-check that everything is complete and accurate.
- If you want to submit physical documents, you can download the application form and submit your application to the Division of Admissions and Credit Evaluation (DACE).
- Applicants who have been shortlisted will be invited to an interview.
Step 5: Status of application
- Once UTAR has received your completed application and supporting documents, you will be notified with updates through email or SMS.
- Additionally, you can check the status of your application on UTAR’s website through the admission status inquiry webpage.
- You will receive a notification regarding your admission status within one week of submitting your online application.
- Applicants with a diploma or other higher qualifications or special circumstances that may be required to go through a credit evaluation, internal assessment or interview may have to wait longer than a week for their admission status.
- If you are accepted, you can find information on how to accept the admission offer and secure your place as a student at UTAR by going to the university's website, specifically on the Acceptance and Registration webpage.
Application fees
There is no application fee if you apply online.
UTAR intake dates
- Undergraduate: January, June and October
- Postgraduate: January, May and September
- Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy programmes that are available at both campuses, intakes will be open throughout the year.
Scholarships and financial aid
UTAR offers diverse financial support options, including scholarships, loans and financial aid programmes to ensure that students can access quality education without being hindered by financial constraints.
Scholarships
UTAR provides several types of internal scholarships – merit-based, needs-based, skills-based and scholarships tied to specific programmes and career opportunities. Since 2023, more than RM193.7 million worth of internal scholarships have been awarded to 19,480 individuals.
The UTAR Scholarship for Top Achievers is one of the main merit-based internal scholarships given to students who have exceptional academic performance when they are admitted to study at the university’s foundation and undergraduate programmes. There is no need to submit a separate application for this scholarship, except for the MBBS programmes. Those who qualify will receive the scholarship offer together with the admission offer. The scholarship is based on the actual exam results in one sitting. Several other merit-based scholarships include UTAR’s The Star Education Fund and Sin Chew Daily Education Fund.
The UTAR Care Scholarships are needs-based scholarships aimed to lighten the financial difficulties faced by students from low-income families. The university is committed to ensuring a smooth educational journey for its students and takes action to help them succeed.
There is also a skill-based scholarship called UTAR Sports and Talent Scholarship directed at students who exhibit exceptional skills in sports, music, theatre, art, writing or other areas of talent at the state or national level.
The university actively seeks contributions to establish more scholarships for deserving and financially challenged students. External collaborations with sponsors have enabled UTAR to offer more scholarships to students who meet the criteria and requirements. Some of these external scholarships are the Alumni Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies, the Penang Future
Foundation Scholarship (Penang Scholar), the Top Glove Foundation Scholarship Award, and the MAKNA Scholarship Programme. There are over 20 more external scholarships available.
Loans
UTAR also offers interest-free loans, which provide up to RM15,000 per year for each year of study. As of November 2023, 1,860 recipients have received a total of RM15.6 million. The financial assistance available includes both short-term and long-term student loans, as well as living allowances.
There are also various external loan options available to students who meet the necessary requirements and conditions set by the respective donors and organisations. One of the most prominent student loans is Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Nasional (PTPTN). UTAR has a 100 per cent approval rate for PTPTN applications. Other more notable loans would be Koperasi Jayadiri (M) Berhad (KOJADI), Kuok Foundation Loan Grant Awards, Kuok Foundation Loan Grant Awards and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA).
UTAR Relief Financial Aid
The UTAR Relief Financial Aid is a fund created by generous donors and sponsors to assist UTAR students facing unforeseen emergencies or personal crises. The university acknowledges that students may encounter unexpected crises or emergencies that require some form of financial support. Therefore, UTAR is committed to providing assistance and support to help these students continue their studies and overcome their misfortunate situations.