Top 10 Malaysian Private Universities for UEC Graduates

"I met up with EduSpiral about 4 times in Ipoh & at Asia Pacific University to discuss about my future. He provided me with in-depth information and even arranged for me to meet up with the Head of School at APU to talk to me." Kar Jun (Left), Accounting graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
10 of the Best Private Universities in Malaysia 2023 for UEC Graduates
The United Examination Certificate (UEC) is one of the most popular pre-university programmes in Malaysia that is accepted by a number of prestigious international institutions throughout the world as well as private local universities. However, because of the lack of Malaysian history (Sejarah) and geography studies in their programme, Malaysia’s public institutions continue to reject the admissions to UEC graduates.
Students with a UEC qualification can apply straight to a private college or university in Malaysia to pursue their tertiary education; however, UEC is not recognised for admission to a Malaysian public institution. Besides the over 300 private higher education institutions in Malaysia that accept the UEC certification, more than 1000 universities worldwide also recognise the UEC certification for getting admission into their tertiary programmes, including those in Singapore, China, Australia, New Zealand the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and others. Among the countries mentioned above, Australia is one of the most popular destinations for UEC graduates and also international students in general.
For those who are considering taking UEC or who already are UEC graduates, you may want to check out the list of Australian institutions below that accept UEC qualifications.
There are more than 500 private universities & colleges in Malaysia for students to choose from for their tertiary studies. Without a ranking system in Malaysia, so how do students make the right choice? Students will need to be strategic to narrow down this confusing array into a shortlist and ultimately decide which is the best university for you. With so many factors to consider, it can be confusing, therefore students should choose the best private university in Malaysia with insider tips from knowledgeable & experienced counsellors at EduSpiral Consultant Services.
In addition, choosing a top private university in Malaysia to study takes time, it is a process in finding out which university best fits you. To help you develop a good list of criteria, we have made a list of some of the best universities in Malaysia for you to consider.
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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.
List of 10 Top Private Universities for UEC Students

Choosing a university is important as it will help to shape your mind, character and help you to develop the necessary skills for a successful career. Therefore, not all private universities are the same. You should not choose a university because it is the cheapest, easiest and nearest. It should be based on which university that best fits your needs.
Every university and course in Malaysia is different and each student wants different things to fit their education and career goals.
There are hundreds of private universities and colleges in Malaysia offering a wide range of Degree courses. Students UEC will almost certainly need to decide what is most important to you.
Each university in Malaysia excels in particular areas, so you should ensure that your field of study is a strong-point of the university you choose.
Choosing a university that is best in your field of study may provide you with access to more specialised opportunities, including custom-built facilities, field-specific academic opportunities and employment opportunities with prestigious organisations in your industry.
Ten Top Private Universities in Malaysia that UEC Graduates should Consider Studying at

When developing your list of top universities, consider the schools’ values such as commitment to diversity, vibrant campus life, and dedication to academic excellence. Also consider the range of student organizations, athletic and recreational activities.
It is important to choose a private university in Malaysia that has an English-speaking environment, students who are ambitious and serious about studies, and a globalised student body. Mixing around with international students will help to improve your English language skills and understanding of different cultures.
Looking at the number of awards that the university and its students have won in competitions related to the course can be a guide in helping you to make the right choice. Many students make the mistake of just listening to advertisements or friends without checking the information.
Below is a list of top private universities in Malaysia in their field as a guide for you to consider in making the right choice for a better future:
- Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- University of Nottingham Malaysia
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie & UOWM KDU Penang
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- First City University College
- MAHSA University
- HELP University
- Saito University College
English-Speaking Student Environment is Important for UEC Graduates

Vincent Yeoh, Accounting & Finance at Asia Pacific University (APU)
UEC Graduates may have scored high grades or obtained a very good education however their main weakness is the command of the English language especially being able to communicate well.
Not being fluent in English is the reason why many degree graduates fail in job interviews in Malaysia and this setback affects their self-confidence. The inability to communicate well in English reduces the graduates’ chances in securing a job, promotion opportunities and higher salaries, since many industries or companies place great emphasis on communicative ability. Furthermore, graduates with poor command of English have lower chances of being employed than those who are fluent in the language despite having the expertise required in their field.
According to a report in Star newspaper on August 5, 2012, a survey carried out over a two-year period shows there is a link between English proficiency and a country’s national income.
A STUDY has found a correlation between English proficiency and a country’s gross national income. Countries with higher income per capita tend to be more proficient in the English language, based on the findings of international education company Education First (EF), using a standardised measurement for adult English proficiency.
The EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) is based on the results of a 2007 to 2009 survey covering more than two million people in over 40 countries. English skills and income levels correlate in a “virtuous” cycle where greater proficiency in the language leads to higher income. The gross national income per capita for countries which scored over 60 in the EF EPI was more than US$40,000 (RM120,000) in 2008.
In another research, as reported in Star on June 13, 2012, a study by research organisation Euromonitor International for the British Council states that the learning of the English language could increase the earning power of individuals in developing countries by approximately 25%.
Good English Improves Confidence and Communication Skills Therefore Increasing Chance of Promotion

Zhi Kang, Business Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
Professional recruitment consultancy Robert Walters Malaysia country manager Sally Raj said English language proficiency could increase personal earning power. “This is particularly true for professionals within a client-facing role where communication skills are vital, good English skills will help them articulate and sell their ideas better. It will also aid them in working in a multinational corporation, where they need to communicate with various nationalities,” she said. She also agreed that higher English language proficiency would help attract and increase foreign direct investment (FDI) into Malaysia.
“Most foreign multinationals look for professionals who they are able to train for the role, meaning that higher English language
proficiency would be one of the key factors that would draw them to Malaysia,” she said. Manpower Staffing Services (M) Sdn Bhd country manager Sam Haggag said it was widely recognised that fluency in the English language was a prerequisite to getting a job.
“Employees with good English communication skills tend to be more confident and thus representing the organisation better, putting the organisation in a positive light. Therefore, these employees are able to gain higher positions in the organisation,” he said.
It does not matter if you are top of your class or have a string of degrees, that dream job will not be yours unless you can speak and write well in English. Feedback from local and international employers shows that verbal and written communication skills in English remain the most sought-after attribute in prospective employees.
Malaysian Employers Look for Graduates with Good Communication SKills

Gary, Accounting Graduate from University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU
According to a recent Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) survey, it is the most important trait employers look for when recruiting graduates. The MEF Salary Survey for Executives 2010 revealed that 68% of the companies surveyed named communication skills as the top quality required in job applicants, followed by working experience (67%), interpersonal skills (56.2%) and passion and commitment (55.7%).
MEF executive director Shamsuddin Bardan said globalisation had changed the nature of jobs, making communication skills, specifically in English, a valuable asset for today’s worker. He added that this was an essential criterion even for professions traditionally seen as “backroom” staff such as engineers, technical personnel and scientists. “It is especially so for those working in multinationals and bigger firms,” he said.
“Today, our clients are worldwide. In factories, for instance, engineers are a different breed from the past,” said Shamsuddin.
Are Rankings Important When Choosing a Private University to Study at in Malaysia?

Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor’s University
Many students do not understand how rankings come about and how to use them as an aid in choosing their university of study. Each ranking is based on different criteria and different sets of measurements. Therefore, just because a university is ranked number 1, doesn’t mean that it would be the best one that suits you and your academic and career goals.
Rankings are based on criteria such as teaching quality, research quality, career prospects, student satisfaction, and other factors. In Malaysia, there is no ranking system but there is a rating system called SETARA. Developed under the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015-2025 for Higher Education, SETARA employs a rigorous assessment methodology to rate an education institution’s three core functions, namely teaching, research and services.
Increasingly popular in Malaysia is the QS World University Rankings, where many of the public and private universities have participated. The QS ranking is largely determined by reputation, with 50 per cent of an institution’s score derived from reputation survey results gathered from over 40,000 academics across the world.
The Times Higher Education ranking focuses on the teaching quality of an institution, while the research-focused Shanghai ranking takes into account factors such as the number of Nobel Prize-winners a university has produced, and research articles published in prominent Nature and Science journals.
Other rankings for UK universities like the Complete University Guide and The Guardian look at the entry requirements of the university as an indication of student quality and the career prospects for graduates.
Exploring the methodologies of different university ranking systems can help you break down your own priorities, and identify what you think is important when choosing a university.
When choosing a private university in Malaysia to study, choose based on the experience of the university on the particular major or subject that you are interested in. Look at the awards won in that subject field and the reputation it has. In the end, employability is what matters most from completing a degree, therefore, you choose a university that can equip you with the necessary academic knowledge and technical skills as well as important soft skills so that you will be relevant to the work force. How famous or popular the name of the particular university is not important but how experienced and the expertise that it has in that particular field is more important to securing you a top job.
EduSpiral Consultant Services has more than a decade experience in placing students at top private universities that fit their academic and career goals. In addition, I have more than 20 years experience in counseling students to choose the right course and university. Do contact me should you need our free services.
What are the Reasons for Choosing a Top Private University in Malaysia?

There are many reasons and motivations for attending university in Malaysia, so ask yourself some serious questions to identify what you want from your university experience.
It goes without saying that one of the most important considerations when it comes to choosing the right university to study in Malaysia is your course of interest and whether that particular university is popular for it. Additionally, many universities in Malaysia may offer the same course but many students fail to consider looking at the subjects, the experience of the university in running the course, awards won as evidence of the university’s capability and the facilities to support the course.
Many students have taken the easy way out and choosing the university that is cheapest, nearest and where most of their friends attend. They fail to understand that what they decide now can affect their future career forever
How to Choose the Best Private University to Study in Malaysia

Choosing a university to study in Malaysia is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Your decision will be influenced by many criteria.
Starting your university search with the basics will help you identify the universities that will best suit you academically and personally. Each of us has unique needs and values, and what is important to you may not matter to someone else.
The best 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) and good facilities.
Being a sports enthusiast, you may want a university that has the facilities to support your lifestyle. The same goes for school size, cost, and other basic college criteria. By identifying your needs, you can narrow down which universities and focus on the things that will make your university a perfect fit.
In addition, knowing which course you want to study will help in determining which university. Just like signature dishes for restaurants, certain private universities are famous for particular courses. Choosing the best university for that course would ensure that you benefit from their experience.
Furthermore many of the top private universities in Malaysia offer similar courses therefore making your decision a challenging one! To help you develop a good list of criteria, you need to talk to the right counsellors or education consultant who are knowledgeable and experienced.
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.
Accreditation & Recognition of the Top Private Universities in Malaysia

They are also accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Audit (MQA) and approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education. Recognition and accreditation by the various professional bodies such as the
- Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
- Pharmacy Board
- Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)
- Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM)
- Nursing Board
- Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)
- Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
- Legal Profession Qualifying Board, Malaysia
- Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM)
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Society of Actuaries (SOA)
- Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (iFoA)
What should a Top Private University in Malaysia Provide for You?

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.
Choosing the right university takes time to decide. You should visit the campus and talk to the staff and lecturers there. Check their facts to see what they say is true. See if the environment and facilities are good and that the students communicate in English there. EduSpiral Consultant Services takes students to visit the universities’ campuses to take them around for a tour and to give them in-depth counseling.
With over 500 private colleges and universities in Malaysia, how do you choose the best university that fits you? With our first-hand knowledge of colleges and access to staff at the colleges we represent, we can provide in-depth, personalized advise that no brochure or website can.
Through in-depth counseling and analysis, get to know you so that we identify several universities that will allow you to thrive throughout your university years and gain the important communication skills, knowledge and expertise.
Finally, the best university is one that fits your career goals, your personality and can push you to a higher level of success.
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(Updated November 2, 2022)