Malaysia, a country that succeeded to become one of the famous study destinations for international students. In 2019, Kuala Lumpur ranks 29 for the world’s best student city. The rapidly evolving reputation of Malaysia’s higher education has quickly established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s leading study destinations.
Read also: Why International Students Prefer to Study in Malaysia
With hundreds of private universities and colleges in the country, it is quite a challenge to find the best place for you to study and learn. There are surely several things to look up to when you’re searching for the university that suits you, such as the quality, the courses, the location, the fees, and many more. Here, we provide the full updated list of 10 best private universities in Malaysia that you should take a look at and consider!
Top 10 private universities in Malaysia
1. Monash University
Monash University is a private university named after Sir John Monash, an outstanding Australian military commander of the first world war. It is among Australia’s top-ranked institutions and part of Group of Eight, a coalition of world-leading universities. In 2020, it ranks 58 in the world for the world’s best university. Monash has a total of 5 branches, 4 in Australia and 1 in Malaysia. The Malaysian campus was opened in 1998 and is located in the center of Sunway City. It was Malaysia’s very first overseas university.
Monash Malaysia now has more than 8,000 students from 78 nations, ensuring that international students have plenty of chances to explore the new multicultural campus.
Why choose Monash?
- Upon your completion of the program, you will receive a prestigious Australian degree and is recognized worldwide.
- While studying in Malaysia, you will have the opportunity to study in Australia for either an exchange or transfer.
- The tuition fee is significantly less than the majority of universities across Australia, the UK, and the USA.
General Informations:
Programs | -Foundation – Diploma – Undergraduate – Postgraduate |
Intakes | February, July, October |
Area of Study (* = recommended course) | – Pharmacy* (ranks 3 in the world) – Business* (ranks 33 in the world) – Arts and social science – Engineering – Information Technology – Medicine and Health Science -Science |
2. University of Nottingham Malaysia
The University of Nottingham is the first-ever British based education university that was established in Malaysia in 2000. In 2020, the University of Nottingham ranks 16 in the UK and 98 in the world according to QS World Ranking. It is part of Russell Group, an association of twenty-four leading public research universities in the United Kingdom. Outside the UK, the university has campuses in Semenyih, Malaysia and Ningbo, China.
The campus provides an atmosphere of distinctly international and cultural diversity which includes more than 5,000 students from 85 nations.
Why choose Nottingham?
- It’s a perfect option for those who wish to obtain a UK degree without having to travel to the UK with a much cheaper fee
- Their programs are highly ranked and accredited so it is easier to get employer recognition afterward
- It’s a multicultural university where you can meet different people from different parts of the world
General informations:
Programs | -Foundation – Undergraduate – Postgraduate |
Intakes | February, April, June, September, November (depending on the program and course) |
Area of Study (* = recommended course) | – Science* (Pharmacy ranks 8 in the world) – Business – Arts and social science – Engineering* |
3. Heriot-Watt University
Established in 1821, Heriot-Watt is a public research university that was first named as the School of Arts of Edinburgh. The university was named after 2 great Scottish philanthropist and inventor, George Herriot and James Watt. Heriot-Watt ranks in the top 350 for the world’s best university in 2020. The university has a total of 5 branches across the globe, Edinburgh (main campus), Scottish Borders, Dubai, Malaysia, and Orkney.
The Malaysian campus has been open since September 2014 and is located in Putrajaya. Until now, the Malaysian campus is home to more than 1,500 students.
Why choose Heriot-Watt?
- It provides high-quality British education that’s easy to reach to students in and beyond the South East Asian Area.
- The institution is actively dedicated to developing new talent development and science leadership services for both its academic staff and graduate students.
- Students are given the opportunity to transfer their study to their other campuses in the UK and Dubai through the intercampus exchange program
General informations:
Programs | -Foundation – Undergraduate – Postgraduate |
Intakes | January, April, July, September (depending on the program and course) |
Area of Study (* = recommended course) | – Business – Arts and social science – Science* – Engineering* |
4. Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus is Swinburne University of Technology’s overseas branch campus, originated from Melbourne, Australia. The Sarawak Campus began in 2000 in Kuching, the capital city of the Sarawak province in Malaysia.
Swinburne Sarawak has been growing rapidly ever since it was first set up. There are over 4,000 students studying in Swinburne from 60 different countries.
Why choose Swinburne?
- The teaching staff and academics who assist in the student preparation and counseling all follow the international standards of Swinburne’s main campus in Australia.
- Students enrolled in this program will be given the same degree from the University of Technology in Swinburne as students studying on campus in Australia.
- Swinburne is known for producing graduates who are ready for employment. They offer a range of programs that extend beyond what students learn in the classroom
General informations:
Programs | -Foundation – Undergraduate – Postgraduate |
Intakes | January, April, July, September (depending on the program and course) |
Area of Study (* = recommended course) | – Design* (ranks 42 in the world) – Business – Science – Engineering – Computing* |
5. Taylor's University
Established in 1969, Taylor’s University has continuously provided its students with excellent services in terms of various study options, relevant curriculum, and methods of teaching. In 2020, they are part of the best 90 universities under 50 years old according to QS World Ranking. It’s overall excellence also put them in the position of top 520 universities in the world.
The multicultural environment can surely be felt here since there are more than 5,000 students from countries all over the globe studying in Taylor’s University.
Why choose Taylor’s?
- Taylor’s University was the first one in Asia to introduce Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which benefited people from every part of the world.
- Taylor’s Univesity offers various scholarships every year for both local and international students.
- Taylor’s University’s teaching style incorporates an improved curriculum, expanded industry collaboration, and experiential learning programs
General informations:
Programs | – Foundation – A-Level – SACE – American degree transfer program – Diploma – Undergraduate – Postgraduate |
Intakes | January, April, July, September (depending on the program and course) |
Area of Study (* = recommended course) | – Hospitality, Tourism & Events* (ranks 14 in the world) – Business* – Architecture, building & design – Media and communication – Science – Medicine – Engineering – Computing – Law – Education |
6. Sunway University
Sunway University is a leading private university based on Bandar Sunway, Malaysia. Established in 2004 and originally as Sunway College, Sunway University has always proved it’s high-quality education with its outstanding achievements. In 2020, It is ranked among the top 2% of universities in Asia and among the top 150 young universities worldwide in the QS Top 50 Under 50.
Until this date, the University has produced more than 26,000 students from more than 90 countries.
Why choose Sunway?
- After completion of their course, students will earn double certifications; one from Sunway University and one from Lancaster University.
- The Student Professional Development System can nurture and grow graduates to be trained for future employment and internships.
- Sunway university offers various paths to enter the university such as AUSMAT and Foundation so students can choose the one they preferred the most.
General informations:
Programs | – Diploma – Canadian International Matriculation Programme – American degree transfer program – AUSMAT – Undergraduate – Postgraduate |
Intakes | January, March, August (depending on the program and course) |
Area of Study (* = recommended course) | – Arts* – Business* – Healthcare and Medical Science – Hospitality – Mathematical Science – Science – Education – Computing |
7. Asia Pacific University (APU)
Asia Pacific University, also known as APU is one of Malaysia’s leading and technological universities based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. APU earned international recognition from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) with the recognition of a 5-star throughout four sections of the QS Stars Rating, Employability, Facilities, and Inclusiveness. The university has opened several overseas branches in Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan.
With more than 12,000 students from more than 130 countries studying at its Malaysian campus, APU provides a genuinely cosmopolitan learning environment
Why choose APU?
- APU has an amazing track record for graduate employabilities with over 95% employed by graduation
- It is one of the only 7 universities in Asia to receive full accreditation by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), UK
- Amongst Highest Rated Emerging Universities in Malaysia – Rated 5-Stars under SETARA 2011, 2013 and 2017
General informations:
Programs | – Foundation – Diploma – Undergraduate – Postgraduate |
Intakes | February, April, September, May (depending on the program and course) |
Area of Study (* = recommended course) | – Computing* – Engineering* – Business – Design – Accounting, Banking, Finance |
8. INTI International University
Founded in 1986, Inti International University provides high-quality and excellence for over 3 decades. INTI International University & Colleges have six campuses across Malaysia, INTI International University, College Subang, College Kuala Lumpur, College Penang, College Sabah, and College Nilai.
In their search for better higher education and enhanced career prospects, more than 55,000 students have become part of the Inti University family.
Why choose Inti?
- INTI provides cost-effective routes for you to obtain quality education by twinning degrees, overseas transfer, and international degrees.
- High employability percentage with 99% of students get jobs within 6 months of graduation
- INTI offers over 100 programs which all are approved by Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and its qualification Agency (MQA)
General informations:
Programs | – Foundation – Diploma – Undergraduate – Postgraduate – American Degree Program – A-Levels |
Intakes | January, April, May, August (depending on the program and course) |
Area of Study (* = recommended course) | – Arts & Design – Biotechnology & Life science – Business – Computing & IT* – Engineering – Health science – Hospitality & culinary arts – Law – Mass communication* – Social science |
9. SEGi University
SEGi University & Colleges, who first located in Kota Damansara, Malaysia has accepted thousands of students from all backgrounds since its establishment more than 4 decades ago, and today they have over 25,000 young learners in five major campuses located in the Klang Valley, Penang, and Sarawak.
Why choose SEGi?
- SEGi has experienced significant growth in providing quality education to willing minds and talents since 1977
- The world-class faculty members are passionate about teaching and inspiring students to their full potential and excel in the area they want.
- With 5 different campuses location, SEGi aims to reach out to students from different parts of Malaysia.
General informations:
Programs | – Foundation – Diploma – Undergraduate – Postgraduate – American Degree Program – A-Levels |
Intakes | January, March, April, May, June, August, September, October (depending on the program and course) |
Area of Study (* = recommended course) | – Biomedical science – Medicine – Pharmacy – Engineering – Architecture – Business – Hospitality & Tourism – Information Technology – Education – Communication & Creative design |
10. HELP University
HELP University was founded in Malaysia in 1986, has a well-established international reputation among Malaysian universities. HELP stands for Higher Education Learning Philosophy. The university was recognized by Forbes Asia as one of the top 200 Top Performing companies in the Asia Pacific with capitalization below USD 1 billion.
Why choose HELP?
- HELP University partnered with over 100 universities across the globe and allowing students to continue and experience studying overseas.
- The HELP Career Placement Program helps you on your challenging job-seeking path by seminars and collaborations with leading companies
- It is a mix cultured environment, allowing students to feel a sense of international exposure
General informations:
Programs | – Foundation – Diploma – Undergraduate – Postgraduate – American Degree Program – A-Levels |
Intakes | January, April, May, August (depending on the program and course) |
Area of Study (* = recommended course) | – Business – Engineering – English and Language studies – Hospitality and Tourism – IT & Computer Science – Communication – Law |
If you need more information regarding universities mentioned above or other university, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Read also: Scholarships for SPM, UEC, and IGCSE Students in Malaysia 2020
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Amanda Kaffah
I am a part-time content writer, a part-time Computer Science student, and a full-time dreamer. Likes to munch some food while doing some work or watching netflix.