Best Diploma Courses in Malaysia at Top Colleges & Universities

Best Diploma Courses in Malaysia at Top Colleges & Universities
Find Out About the Top Diploma Programmes at Malaysia’s Best Private Universities and Colleges
After SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels, students have 2 choices which are to go for a Diploma course or a Pre-University Programme. To enter a Pre-University Programme in Malaysia, you will need at least 5 credits in the relevant subjects. Therefore, students with less than 5 credits cannot go for a Pre-University course. Fortunately, if you have at least 3 credits in SPM or O-Levels, you can go for a Diploma course.
Although the entry requirements may be lower than a Pre-University course, it doesn’t mean that the standard or quality is lower, it is just another different pathway to the degree programme. The Diploma is higher than a Pre-University course as you can use it to find a job but lower than a Degree programme.
After completing your diploma, you can go find a job or continue on to Year 2 of the degree if your college or university offers the degree or you can transfer credits into another university. If you transfer to another university, you may not be able to get the full exemptions to enter into Year 2 of the degree.
To find out more about what a Diploma programme is about at private universities in Malaysia, read on below. Students needing advise in choosing the right diploma course may contact us by filling up the enquiry form.
You might also be interested to read:
- Best Course to Study in Malaysia with 3 credits in SPM, IGCSE/O-Levels or UEC
- Top 20 Diploma Courses to Study in Malaysia
- Choosing the Right Course After SPM or O-Levels Increases Your Chances of Getting a Good Job & Salary in Malaysia
- Study Options After SPM
- Entry Requirements for Foundation, Diploma & Degree Courses in Malaysia
- How to Choose the Best Private University or College in Malaysia that Fits Me?
- Study Courses that has High Job Demand in Malaysia
- Top 20 Courses to Study in Malaysia that has High Job Demand & Stable Salary
- Top 10 Best Courses to Study in Malaysia
- Malaysia’s 28 Top Jobs in Demand in Future with High Salaries
Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.
Studying the Diploma Course at Top Private Colleges & Universities in Malaysia

Students who are sure of what they want to study can go for a Diploma course. If you are still not sure, then you should go for a Foundation in Arts, Foundation in Science or an external Pre-University Programme like the A-Levels, Canadian Pre-University (CPU), South Australian Matriculation, etc.
If you have taken a Diploma in IT and decide later you want to study Business, you will have to start all over again from the beginning. Talk to an experienced and knowledgeable education counselor to find out the best pathway for you.
What is the Duration of a Diploma Course in Malaysia?
Generally, 2 years in duration with some at 2 years 4 months or 2 years 6 months. Upon completion of the Diploma programme, you can either continue on to Year 2 of the related degree programme or go out to work.
What’s the Difference between a Diploma and a Pre-University Course?

- Students who are not sure which course to study should go for a Pre-University course like Foundation , A-Level, SACEi, etc. But if you are sure which course to pursue can go for the diploma course. This is the main difference between a Foundation course and a diploma programme.
- Taking a Pre-University programme, you must continue on to the degree as a Pre-University is not recognised for work purposes. Some courses such as culinary and design, a diploma is sufficient to join the workforce in Malaysia. Otherwise, it is advisable to continue your studies to degree level.
- You can use the diploma to apply for a job while after completing the Foundation course, you have to continue on to the degree before going to work. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic.
- Starting salaries for diploma holders range from RM1500 to RM2000 while degree holders range from RM2500 to RM3500.
- A diploma course is more practical while a Foundation, external Pre-University programme and degree courses are more academic.
- You can apply for the PTPTN Loan . You cannot apply for the PTPTN Loan for Foundation, Pre-University or A-Level programmes. The amount of the loan varies depending on your family income.
Assessments for Diploma Programmes in Malaysia

Hou Tung, Diploma in IT at First City University College
A diploma course is more practical while a Foundation, external Pre-University programme and degree courses are more academic.
The assessments for a diploma programme at private universities and colleges in Malaysia is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. The diploma programme provides students with relevant, interesting, stimulating and practical experience via a variety of teaching and practical techniques.
Students will experience different dynamic learning processes are employed in the delivery of a diploma programme, such as lectures, tutorials, computer lab work, team-based project, real life system development, presentations, independent projects supervised by supervisors from university lecturers or industry experts. The learning is very much practical oriented.
Entry Requirements for Diploma Programmes in Malaysia
Entry requirements for Diploma programmes are lower than for Pre-University. You need at least 5 credits to enter a Pre-University or Foundation programme while diploma programmes require only 3 credits. The requirements vary from course to course so you should check with the university or an experienced education counselor for advise.
For example, entry requirements for Diploma in Engineering courses need at least 3Cs including Maths & Science, Diploma in IT require 3Cs including Maths, Diploma in Business need 3Cs in any subjects, etc.
Transfer credits from Diploma into Degree Year 2 into Top Private Universities in Malaysia

Most diplomas can be transferred to another college or university into the Year 2 of the relevant programme. If you have taken the Diploma in Accounting, it is highly likely that you can enter into Year 2 of the degree in Accounting or Accounting & Finance. For the Diploma in Business Administration, you can enter into Year 2 of the degree in Business Administration depending on the exemptions.
However, if you go from the Diploma in Business Administration into the Degree in Accounting, then you may not get the optimum amount of exemptions because the subjects in your diploma are not similar with the degree course of the university that you want to transfer to.
To transfer your credits into another university, you will need to submit the following documents for exemptions:
- Transcripts from your current college or university
- Course outline for all the subjects taken
- Letter of completion or Diploma Certificate
- Copy of SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels Certificate
Top Diploma courses offered by the Best Universities in Malaysia
Students should choose top private universities in Malaysia for their diploma education so that you can gain the best knowledge and skills for a successful career.
Diploma Programs Offered at Award-Winning Asia Pacific University (APU)

- Diploma in Information & Communications Technology
- Diploma in Information & Communications Technology with specialism in Software Engineering
- Diploma in Information & Communication Technology with a specialism in Data Informatics
- Diploma in Information & Communication Technology with a specialism in Interactive Technology
- Diploma in Business with Information Technology
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Diploma Programmes offered at APIIT
Outstanding Diploma Programs Offered at Taylor’s University
- Diploma in Business
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Hotel Management
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Interior Design
- Diploma in Communication
Diploma Programmes at Multimedia University (MMU)
- Diploma in 3D Modelling & Animation
- Diploma in Digital Motion Graphic
- Diploma in Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Business Administration
First Rate Diploma Programs Offered at UCSI University

- Diploma in Aquaculture with Entrepreneurship
- Diploma in Logistics Management
- Diploma in Management
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Diploma Engineering (Materials Science)
- Diploma in Architectural Studies
- Diploma in Interior Architecture
- Diploma in Fashion Design
- Diploma in Graphic Design
- Diploma in 3D Animation Design
- Diploma Hotel Management
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
Excellent Diploma Programs Offered at Saito University College
- Diploma in Logistics Management
- Diploma in Human Resource Management
- Diploma in Business Management
- Diploma in Graphic Design
- Diploma in Fashion Design
- Diploma in Interior Design
- Diploma in Multimedia Design
- Diploma in Security Management
- Diploma In Law Enforcement Administration
Affordable Top Diploma Programmes at MAHSA University
- Diploma in Physiotherapy
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology
- Diploma in Dental Technology
- Diploma in Pharmacy
- Diploma in Medical Imaging (Radiography)
- Diploma in Environmental Health
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Human Resource Management
- Diploma in Nursing
- Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (Post Basic)
- Advanced Diploma in Paediatric Nursing (Post Basic)
- Diploma in Civil Engineering
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Top Rated Diploma Programs Offered at University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie

- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Accountancy
- Diploma in Computer Studies
- Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Mass Communication
- Diploma in Entertainment Arts
- Diploma in Entrepreneurial Design
- IMI Diploma in International Hotel Management
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Professional Chef Training
The Best Diploma Programs Offered at HELP University
Affordable Diploma Programs Offered at First City University College
- Diploma in Interactive Design
- Diploma in Interior Design
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Mechatronics
- Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Diploma in Mass Communication
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Courses at Nilai University
Diploma programs from the best colleges in Malaysia
Best Diploma Programs Offered at YTL International College of Hotel Management (YTL-ICHM), Malaysia

- Diploma of International Hotel Management
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Baking
- Diploma in Events Management
Affordable Diploma Programmes Offered at UCSI College
- A-Levels
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma In English Language Teaching
- Diploma In Information Technology
- Diploma In Marketing
- Diploma in Mass Communication
Common Factors in Choosing the Best Private University or College in Malaysia to Study Diploma

Jun Chung, Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University
Here’s a list of common criteria in choosing a top private university in Malaysia:
- Diploma and degrees offered
- Subjects offered in the diploma or degree (Are they relevant, up-to-date, and help you to achieve your career goals)
- Accreditation by MQA and other relevant professional bodies in Malaysia
- Type of programme (local degree, 3+0 UK or Australian degree, 4+0 American degree, degree transfer programme, etc)
- Entry requirements (Branch campuses in Malaysia have higher entry requirements)
- Location of the university
- Size of the student population
- Student culture (English-speaking environment, ambitious, serious about studies, lifestyle or party university, etc)
- Public vs. Private (STPM is tougher and choice of course & university is determined by the government)
- Costs (tuition, hostel, food, transportation, etc.)
- Financial assistance (Scholarships, PTPN Loan, EPF withdrawal, MARA Loan, etc)
- Campus resources (labs, libraries, wifi, computer access, sports facilities, etc.)
- Internship and co-op programs
- Class size (Small class size for personal attention)
- Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified & experienced faculty
- Quality/reputation/ranking of the private university in Malaysia
- Safety (campus, community)
- Make up of the student body (diversity, international students, gender, etc.)
- Extra-curricular activities (Student organisations, clubs, sports, etc.)
- Housing options (on-campus, off-campus apartments)
- Student support services
- Intake dates
Talk to the Best Education Consultant in Malaysia to Help you Make the Right Choice in Choosing a Diploma Course

Choosing a course to study after SPM is not a science, it is a process
Students in Malaysia need to talk to the right education counselors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.
Ask the right Education Counselors in Malaysia to help you. Would you ask a Doctor on how to repair your car? Or would you ask a mechanic for medical advise? Although this sounds ridiculous, but many students do listen to advise from young and inexperienced counselors from universities, colleges or agents’ offices. Talking to an experienced education advisor in Malaysia would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.
Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam resultsto help you make a list of possible courses for consideration. EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 15 years experience in counseling students. Having worked in the private education industry, we have in-depth knowledge of each private university and college in what t hey are good at.
EduSpiral Consultant Services has worked with our partner universities and colleges for many years while the counselors at the private universities or agents’ offices change every few years therefore they would not have the in-depth knowledge of the courses and the university that they are working at.
At EduSpiral Consultant Services, I have worked in the private higher education industry in Malaysia for more than 15 years advising students with facts and evidence on how to choose the right course after SPM. You should carefully think about what are the options available to you. To choose the best course that fits you, students may fill up our EduSpiral Career Assessment form for evaluation.
The EduSpiral Career Assessment form is a simple form designed by us that gathers information from students after SPM, O-Levels, UEC, STPM or A-Levels in order to assess their aptitude helping us to determine the most suitable course and career progression.
How to Choose the Best Private University or College to Study Diploma in Malaysia

The best private universities and colleges in Malaysia have excellent facilities, years of experience running the programme, strong student support services, internships and experienced lecturers.
They are also accredited by MQA and approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education. Accreditation by the various professional bodies such as the Board of Engineers Malaysia, Pharmacy Board, Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia, Nursing Board, Malaysian Medical Council, etc also indicates the standard achieved.
The best private university in Malaysia will focus on quality, have award winners for the particular courses, years of experience offering the particular course, highly experienced lecturers, a good study environment (not a party university), internships, good mix of international & local students, extra-curricular activities and good facilities. The SETARA ranking is a guide for students to assess the quality of a private university in Malaysia.
When choosing a university and college in Malaysia, it is important for students to visit the campus and see the facilities and feel the culture of the students to see if it fits you.
Talk to the lecturers and find out from the counselors there about the courses and check if the courses have been accredited by MQA and other external bodies like the Pharmacy Board, Nursing Board, Malaysian Medical Council, Board of Engineers Malaysia , Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia or Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia.
The environment should be one where students speak mostly in English so that you can improve your English and communication skills. If you are weak in English and choose a cheap university where the students speak mainly in Mandarin, it will be difficult for you to improve your English.
Star newspaper has reported that graduates with good English earn 25% higher salary and get faster promotion. The Ministry of Education reported that there were more than 70,000 public university jobless graduates and one of the main reasons was poor command of the English language.
Would you rather suffer for 4 years and get a high salary for 60 years of your work life or an easy 4 years and low salary for 60 years? The decisions that you make now, can change your life forever. Remember the best university doesn’t mean it is the best university for you. The best university is one that fits your career goals, your personality and can push you to a higher level of success.