
Choose to Study a Top Diploma in Business Administration Course at the Best Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia
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If you don’t plan to go overseas immediately after your Pre-University Programme, then you should go for the Diploma in Business Administration programme in Malaysia. The Diploma in Business Administration is more affordable than the External Pre-University Programmes and less rigourous. Furthermore, it would be easier to score high grades in order to obtain scholarships for the degree studies.
In addition, a Diploma in Business Administration provides a broad-based business education with exposure to global perspective of business. The diploma prepares students for future, building in them lifelong fundamental values and skills. A Diploma in Business from a top private university in Malaysia can equip you with important knowledge and skills to succeed in the competitive business world.
In this article, I will give you 10 top reasons to study the Diploma in Business Administration course.
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Top Ranked Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia for Business Diploma Programmes

Zhi Kang, Business Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
If you are interested in studying business after your SPM or O-Levels, choosing Diploma in Business could be your first smart business decision. A Diploma in Business provides a broad-based business education with exposure to global perspective of business. The diploma prepares students for future, building in them lifelong fundamental values and skills.
With the general knowledge gained in the business administration course, graduates are able to have a birds-eye-view of the entire operations. Graduates can find work in human resource, marketing, sales, management, or just as administrators at companies in Malaysia.
Top Ten Reasons to Study the Diploma in Business Administration at the Best Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia

Archie Wong (Right), Business degree Graduate from KDU Penang University College
- Cheaper than the External Pre-University Programmes. Total cost for the 2-year Diploma in Business would be cheaper than the Pre-University courses like A-Levels, AUSMAT, CIMP, etc which can cost the same or more in their 1-year programme.
- Easier than the External Pre-University Programmes. Courses like STPM, A-Levels, AUSMAT, CIMP, etc are tougher and marked overseas who may not be familiar with your communication style. Since the Diploma in Business is easier, you can score higher and get scholarship for your degree studies. If you do not plan to go overseas, there is no reason to take an external Pre-University programme which is tougher and more expensive.
- Faster than most Pre-University courses. In STPM and A-Levels, it would take almost 2 years from the time you start studying to entering into a university to start your degree in Year 1. By this time, if you had taken the Diploma in Business after SPM, you would have completed the course and entered into Year 2 of the related business degree.
- Some are recognised for entry into overseas universities. Upon completion of the 2-year Diploma in Business, you can enter into a university overseas and complete a related business degree in 2 years thus saving money and time.
- Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The Diploma in Business courses are accredited by MQA to ensure their quality and relevance to industry needs.
- You study subjects that you like, which is business related. The Diploma in Business subjects would be what you want to study and have interest in unlike STPM, A-Levels, CIMP, MUFY, AUSMAT, etc which may contain subjects that you are not interested in or good at.
- Your coursework and exams are marked by Malaysians who understand what you write or express. The external Pre-University courses are marked overseas who may not understand what you have written in your answers.
- You will be exposed to different types of business subjects which would help you to decide which major to choose in the degree.
- When you score well in the Diploma in Business, you can apply for scholarships for the degree programme at the same university.
- Should you want to stop studying and go to work after completing your Diploma in Business, you can. You cannot do that with pre-university programmes like STPM, A-Levels, CIMP, MUFY, AUSMAT, etc.
What is the Education Pathway for the Diploma in Business?

Jasmine, Business Information Systems Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
With any 3 credits in SPM or IGCSE O-Levels including a Pass in BM & Sejarah, you can go for the Diploma in Business Administration course at a top private university in Malaysia. Duration for the Diploma is 2 years (6 semesters).
After the 2-year diploma, you can continue on to Year 2 of the Degree at the same university or college if the degree course is offered. There is no need to perform exemptions if you continue on to degree at the same university.
Alternatively, you can transfer your diploma credits into another university to enter into Year 2 of the degree for another 2 years depending on the exemptions.
After the Diploma course, students can enter a wider variety of business courses such as Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Logistics, and more.
What are the Entry Requirements for the Diploma in Business?

Chun Tim, Foundation in Business into Finance at Taylor’s University
Entry requirements would vary from university to university. Some universities may require a pass in Mathematics as well. Below is the general entry requirements for most private universities.
- SPM: Minimum 3 credits and at least a pass in BM, History and English
- UEC: Minimum 3 Bs and at least a pass in English
- GCE 0 Level: Minimum 3 credits and at least a pass in English
- Pass Certificate in the related field from a recognised institution
Can I Transfer Credits to the Degree at Another University after Completing the Business Diploma?

Haw Chieh (Right), Graduated in Accounting from UCSI University
After completing the Diploma in Business, you can either continue on to the degree course at the same university or transfer to another university. In order to transfer to another university you would need to provide the documents for them to evaluate for exemptions.
Generally, you can transfer your diploma credits into another university to enter into Year 2 of the related degree course for another 2 years depending on the exemptions. It will take about one to three weeks for the university to perform the exemption evaluation.
Students can choose from a wide variety of business degree courses to study. You can read this article, Top 10 Business Courses to Study in Malaysia to find out more.
To perform exemptions, you will need to submit the following documents to the university of interest for exemption evaluation:
- Transcripts for the subjects taken
- Course outline for all subjects taken
- Letter of Completion or Diploma Certificate
- Copy of SPM certificate
Is PTPTN Loan Available for the Diploma in Business?

Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Please note that generally, you have to pay the First Semester Fees first and then apply for the loan, which would take 2-3 months to process. The loan should be given out in time for the second semester but if it doesn’t happen in time, you have to prepare the fees for the Second Semester.
Courses that are accredited by the MQA can only be eligible for the PTPTN Loan. Certain exceptions are made for courses that are under Provisional Accreditation.
As of 1 November 2014, PTPTN will reduce the total loan amount for their new applicants. For private higher education institution, a total of 15 % from the previous total loan amount will be deducted. PTPTN will also use the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) data to determine the amount eligible to the applicants. However, total loan amount for the program of Doctor of Medicine will remain the same. There are three levels of loan amount designed by PTPTN to determine the amount eligible to the applicants. The details of the loan level are as below:
No | Level | Description of Eligibility |
1 | Maximum | Student’s or parents’ names are listed as recepient of BR1M |
2 | 75% from maximum loan amount | Family income lower than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M) |
3 | 50% from maximum loan amount | Family income higher than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M) |
Mode of Payment Payment from PTPN will be made TWICE a year directly into the university’s account. Students must make payment of first semester’s tuition fees to the university and then apply for the PTPN Loan for it to come into effect for the second semester. Eligibility for the 2nd Payment and onwards Student must obtain GPA 2.0 and above in order to continue enjoying the loan.
PTPTN Loan Amount
PERINGKAT PENGAJIAN UNTUK IPTS | JUMLAH PEMBIAYAAN SETAHUNMENGIKUT PERINGKAT* | ||
MAKSIMUM(RM) | 75%(RM) | 50%(RM) | |
Diploma in Business | 6,800 | 5,100 | 3,400 |
Why Study the Diploma in Business instead of Foundation?

Archie Wong (Right), Business degree Graduate from KDU Penang University College
- SPM (5 relevant credits) – Foundation (1 year) – Degree (2 years)
- SPM (3 relevant credits) – Diploma (2 or 2.5 years) – enter degree Year 2 (3 years)
How are the Assessments for the Diploma in Business Management at Private Universities?

Jun Sern, Business Graduate from KDU University College
The Diploma in Business is in a continuous assessment mode which is a mix of Assignments and Examinations.
- Written assessment
- Practical assessment
- Oral assessment
- Industrial attachment/internship
- Final examination
Methods of Delivery
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Field visits (e.g. business organisations, universities, non-governmental organisations, government-related corporations, etc.)
- Scenario-based learning
- Guest lecture series (prominent speakers from the industry and academic institutions)
- Interactive learning
What are the Subjects that you will take in the Diploma in Business Course?

Eric Lu, Business at KDU University College
Business Administration students will study a wide range of business-related subjects such as accounting, business principles and procedures, human resource management, finance, economics, marketing and law, etc. Generally, students will take about 5-7 subjects including MPU subjects a semester.
Students are required by the government to take about 3-4 MPU subjects during their diploma studies. You will need a Minimum of 90 Credits or 30 subjects to Graduate.
- Introduction to Business
- IT Application for Business
- Microeconomics
- Principles of Accounting
- English
- Business Mathematics
- Introduction to Finance
- Principles of Marketing
- Business Statistics
- Financial Accounting
- Human Resources Management
- Organisational Behaviour
- Principles of Management
- Business Communication
- Macroeconomics
- Business Ethics
- Business Law
- International Business
- Management Accounting
- Consumer Behaviour
- E-Commerce
- Entrepreneurship
- Fundamentals of Marketing Research
- International Marketing
- Introduction to Investment
- Management Information Systems
- Public Relations
- Academic Research Skills
- Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
- Quantitative Methods
- People Management
- Financial Accounting
- Marketing
- Business Economics
Aims of the Diploma in Business Programme according to the Malaysian Qualifications Framework (MQF)
The programme aims to provide students with broad-based knowledge, technical, operational and entrepreneurial skills to perform effectively and ethically within their specific areas of Business Studies, hence inculcating the desire for lifelong learning and career development.
What are the Learning Outcomes for the Diploma in Business Administration?

Eddy Soo, Business graduate from HELP University
Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
- outline the relevant concepts and theories;
- apply practical and theoretical understanding to solve business problems;
- show entrepreneurial skills in addressing business issues;
- demonstrate teamwork, interpersonal, effective communication and social skills;
- display professional and ethical business conduct; and
- use the skills and principles of lifelong learning in their academic and career development.
The Business Studies programme mainly prepares and provides students the necessary knowledge, skills and practices of the different forms of organisations (for example, cooperatives, sole proprietorships, partnerships, private and public companies) to achieve a goal or a set of goals of these organisations, which could include profit maximisation and expansion of business. Legislation and trade agreements take into account their impacts on different stakeholders of the organisations in the market and non-market environments.
It is also helpful to look at Business Studies from the outcomes of completing a Business Studies programme. Accordingly, a Business Studies programme is designed to:
i. provide a comprehensive introduction to the key elements of business organisations, the competing theories and models of the firm and its environment, and to provide a critical perspective on the main functional areas of business and management;
ii. develop analytical skills to identify the links between the functional areas in management, organisations, management practices and the business environment;
iii. provide students with the ability to understand and critically evaluate evidence relating
to management practice; and
iv. provide students with the knowledge and skills to succeed as the managers of tomorrow
in business, government and social enterprises around the world.
Based on this premise, the Business Studies programmes covered by the Programme Standards should provide a broad, analytical and highly integrated study of business and management which will cover at least the following areas:
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Accounting and Finance
- Business Economics
- Management
- Decision Science
Top Criteria to Consider When Choosing the Best Private University in Malaysia for the Diploma in Business Administration or Business Management that Fits You

Gary, Accounting Graduate from University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU
- Is the Business Administration or Business Management course popular at that university? Quality/reputation/ranking of the private university in Malaysia
- Are the courses recognised and approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia?
- Are the courses accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Audit (MQA)?
- Subjects offered in the diploma or degree (Are they relevant, up-to-date, and help you to achieve your career goals)
- Does the university have a strong internship or Co-Op programme?
- Do they have enough students to start a class?
- How many students do they have studying that course at that university?
- What is the duration of the course?
- Quality of lecturers. What are their qualifications? How many years of experience in teaching?
- Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified & experienced faculty
- Ask your friends who have studied there for their opinion. Ask your friends who are currently studying there as well.
- Entry requirements (Foreign branch campuses in Malaysia have higher entry requirements)
- How much money do I have to pay for the course and cost of living? Ask your parents. Note that you will need to have enough to pay the tuition fees as well as your cost of living. (tuition, hostel, food, transportation, etc.)
- What are the Financial assistance available at the university? (Scholarships, PTPN Loan, EPF withdrawal, MARA Loan, etc)
- Is the PTPTN loan available for the course at the university?
- How much are the tuition fees? Does it include the exam and other fees?
- How much is on-campus accommodation?
- How much is off-campus accommodation? Note that it might be cheaper to find off campus accommodation on your own with friends. Is the accommodations near eateries, banks, entertainment, public transportation, etc.?
- What is the student culture at the university? (English-speaking environment, ambitious, serious about studies, lifestyle or party university, etc) The language spoken mostly at the college by the students may also matter if you don’t know Mandarin or BM or English. If most of the students speak Mandarin at that university then it will not help you to improve your English. Having a good command of the English language helps you to get good jobs and promotions.
- What is the make up of the student body (diversity, international students, gender, etc.)
- What are the Extra-curricular activities available? (Student organisations, clubs, sports, etc.)
- Public vs. Private (STPM is tougher and choice of course & university is determined by the government)
How to Choose the Best Private University in Malaysia for Diploma in Business Administration or Business Management

Kar Jun (Left), Accounting graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
Here’s a list of common criteria in choosing a top private university in Malaysia for Business Administration or Business Management:
- What type of university do I like? (Large, medium, small, city, suburbs, or outer city) Some people like small universities where you get a community feel while others like large university campuses where they get to meet lots of people.
- The size of the university also matters to some people as some prefer a small and friendly university environment where you know everyone’s names. Some may prefer a medium sized university where there are more students to interact with and more facilities to use like a bigger library, student centre, computer labs etc.
- In large universities you might feel lost but there will be more facilities like a football field, gym, swimming pool, basketball courts, etc. You just need to understand your personality and then choose the type of university that fits you.
- If you are a sports person, you might want to find one with a football field, basketball courts, gym or swimming pool.
- Safety at the university campus and community.
- Know yourself, if you like city life, don’t choose a university far away from the city even though the facilities are great. However, if you have a discipline problem in having too much fun, studying away from the city may be a good choice
- What are the facilities and resources offered at the university? – engineering labs, computer labs, computers, science labs, sports facilities, student centre, job placement centre, etc. Note – You should expect to get what you pay for.
- If you like sports, you may not want to choose a university without a basketball court or gym.
- Is it near public transportation? This is important if you do not have transportation.
- Note that you get what you pay for, if you pay for a Kancil don’t expect a Mercedes service. Nothing wrong with a Kancil, it’s just being realistic with your “purchase” however that does not mean that you should get lousy service from that college.
can I know which course do business analysts’ come under ?
Business management or administration or actuarial science