What You Need to Know About Studying Finance at Outstanding Private Universities in Malaysia
A bachelor’s degree in finance or a related area of study will prepare you for working in this high-powered field. You’ll be rewarded with skills that can translate directly into entry-level positions in career tracks like banking, accounting and tax preparation. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in finance will qualify for a wide range of career opportunities in the high paying banking and finance industries in Malaysia .
A 3-year undergraduate degree with a focus on finance will pave the way for a rewarding career in areas such as commercial banking, financial planning, investment banking, money managing, insurance and real estate. Specialized coursework for a finance degree typically includes investments, financial institutions, international finance and managerial finance. Financial analysis degree programs provide advanced instruction in risk management, portfolio management and financial engineering.
A top private university will provide you with a deep knowledge and understanding of market movements and the diverse finance and investment markets. When you choose to study Banking & Finance at a top private university in Malaysia, it will provide you access to qualified & experienced lecturers, technologically advanced facilities and allow you to mix around with top students. In addition, the world class syllabus taught by the best lecturers will enhance your learning experience to gain outstanding skills to succeed in the competitive work force. In today’s ever-changing world, banking and finance graduates are highly sought-after in a many industries in Malaysia where each offer a variety of job opportunities. Therefore, having a recognised banking and finance degree qualification can lead to a rewarding career.
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Choosing to Study at the Best Private Universities in Malaysia for Finance Courses
Darren, Finance & Investment Graduate
There is a demand for top graduates in banking and finance in Malaysia. Salaries for banking & finance graduates in Malaysia can be very high. In order to succeed in the competitive banking & finance industry, students must choose the best universities in Malaysia to study.
The career outlook for moving up in the finance world in Malaysia is good for motivated graduates. With a solid knowledge base, business savvy and excellent communication skills, you will be well positioned to move up the corporate ladder quickly.
Furthermore, students should choose the right university that fits them which has a good reputation for banking & finance programmes, excellent facilities, top lecturers, student support services and an English-speaking student environment.
Many students want cheap and easy ways to get a Finance & Banking degree in Malaysia without understanding fully that a good private university can equip them with the knowledge and skills that would prove invaluable in their future career. When you are in your 30’s, it would be too late to realise that you have inadequate knowledge and skills, and it’s too late to undo your decision of choosing the cheapest university in Malaysia for your course.
Studying at a top private university for Banking & Finance in Malaysia will enhance your abilities to face the challenges of a competitive workforce. To set yourself apart from the rest, you should choose the best university to study Banking & Finance so that you can acquire the training and first class education.
In order to succeed in the competitive banking & finance industry, students must choose the best universities in Malaysia to study. Students should choose the right university that fits them which has a good reputation for accounting, banking & finance programmes, excellent facilities, top lecturers, student support services and an English-speaking student environment.
A bachelor’s degree in finance from a top private university in Malaysia will prepare you with the knowledge and skills to be on your way to earning a high salary. Of course, it is not guaranteed you will automatically earn a high salary with a Finance degree. It is how you prepare yourself, which university you choose, and the activities that you choose to participate in, that will increase the chances of your success.
Part of finding the right college or university in Malaysia for you will be picking out the criteria that matters to most to you, and then seeing if any of the top private colleges or universities in Malaysia that you’re looking at fit those criteria. Choosing a university to study in Malaysia is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life.
Which are the 10 Top Private Universities to Study Finance?
Chun Tim, Foundation in Business into Finance at Taylor’s University
Studying at a top private university for Banking & Finance will set graduates apart and propel them to a successful career in the financial services sector. Top Universities have a proven track record and experience in producing highly employable graduates with excellent skill sets. Their fine tuned curriculum with a solid internship programme not only builds your knowledge but your experience and familiarity with the job requirements.
A vibrant international student environment enhances your worldview, multicultural and communication skills in this age of globalisation. This is important as graduates now have more ambition to work in top Multinational Companies (MNC) and overseas.
Having said that, here is a list of top private universities in Malaysia offering outstanding Banking & Finance degree courses:
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
- Monash University Malaysia
- Taylor’s University
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Sunway University
- HELP University
- UOW Malaysia
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- UCSI University
What is Finance?
Chee Kin, Actuarial & Finance degree at UCSI University
Finance deals with efficient allocation and distribution of resources by commercial entities, individuals, as well as other establishments over time taking into consideration the associated risks.
The term called finance can include any of the following areas:
- The process of managing money
- The study of money and other types of assets
- Managing and controlling those assets
- Identifying and handling project risks
If the term finance is used as a verb, it denotes provision of funds for individuals for buying cars or houses and businesses.
The function of finance is to apply a group of techniques which the corporate entities and individuals implement for managing their financial activities, specifically the margin of income and expenditure as well as investment risks.
Finance can be widely categorized into the following types:
- Personal finance
- Business finance
- Public finance
The major sources of financing include:
- Savings
- Loan or credit
- Taxes
- Donations
- Subsidies
- Grants
What is a Finance Course?
Chew Ling, Accounting & Finance at Taylor’s University
Finance studies and addresses the ways in which individuals, businesses and organizations raise, allocate and use monetary resources over time, taking into account the risks entailed in their projects.
Finance is the most encompassing of all business enterprises. To understand finance you must know about the entire business, indeed the entire economy.
“Finance” is a broad term that describes two related activities:
- the study of how money is managed
- the actual process of acquiring needed funds
Because individuals, businesses and government entities all need funding to operate, the field is often separated into three sub-categories:
- personal finance
- corporate finance
- public finance
All three categories are concerned with activities such as pursuing sound investments, obtaining low-cost credit, allocating funds for liabilities, and banking. Yet each has its own specific considerations. For example, individuals need to provision for retirement expenses, which means investing enough money during their working years and ensuring that their asset allocation fits their long-term plans. A large company, on the other hand, may have to decide whether to raise additional funds through a bond issue or stock offering. Investment banks may advise the firm on such considerations and help them market the securities.
As for public finance, in addition to managing money for its day-to-day operations, a government body also has larger social responsibilities. Its goals include attaining an equitable distribution of income for its citizens and enacting policies that lead to a stable economy.
What is the Banking & Finance Course all About?
The Banking and Finance degree course is of particular interest to those wishing to enter the financial sector. It will provide you with the opportunity to acquire specialist economic knowledge of the operation of the monetary and financial sectors. It is designed to equip you with training relevant to the practice of banking and other financial careers in Malaysia.
Banking and Finance graduates may go for the the professional certifications by FPAM – Financial Planning Association of Malaysia, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Asian Institute of Chartered Banker (AICB).
What will I Study in the Bachelor of Banking & Finance Degree Course at a Top Private University in Malaysia?
Chun Tim, Foundation in Business into Finance at Taylor’s University
If you study the banking and finance degree at a top private university in Malaysia, it will allow you to develop you mathematical, managerial and logical thinking skills, preparing you for a career working with numbers, whether in banking, accountancy or financial services in Malaysia or globally.
However, students need to check the subjects offered to ensure that they are current and fit their career goals. The subjects in the Banking & Finance degree programme will vary from university to university. They are not the same. Each university will have its own focus and emphasis.
Undergraduate banking and finance degree subjects will cover a range of business, economic and problem-solving skills. You will also study economic models, financial institutions and the global financial industry. Later modules in your degree course may allow you to focus on a specific area of financial practice, such as risk management or bankruptcy.
Those who intend to undertake undergraduate degree studies in finance should expect challenges particularly in the form of financial theories and formulas. However, these can be overcome by a good understanding of Mathematics to start off with – Additional Mathematics will be an added advantage.
Business graduates who major in finance in Malaysia will be equipped with the necessary skills in critical thinking, problem solving, leadership and interpersonal communication and computing. They will also deal with asset valuation, financial asset pricing, financial modeling using spread sheet techniques and capital budgeting decisions and risk management.
An undergraduate degree is largely about developing your skills and competency to work in the financial and banking industries, so it’s important to be aware of the kind of skills you will gain from your degree. Some of the key skills you can expect to gain if you study the banking and finance degree include:
- Analytical skills
- Knowledge of economic models
- Ability to work with figures and statistics
- Numeracy skills
- Ability to work with deadlines
- Attention to detail
Who Should Study Finance?
Students who are good in modern maths or additional maths can consider studying Finance. Having interest in economics, latest world news, stocks, shares and investments would indicate your interest in pursuing a Finance course.
Of course, students who want to get rich can go for a course that will give you the insights into how to make money grow!
Why you Should Study a Finance Course in Malaysia?
Darren, Finance & Investment Graduate from UCSI University
You will not just get rich by getting a degree in Finance. It is a combination of your attitude, planning, networking as well as your knowledge and skills. With your knowledge of finance, you are able to budget your daily finances carefully and put the rest into savings or investments to make more money.
To get out of the income trap you must plan your future carefully and that starts first with the course and university that you choose. Choosing to study the degree in finance is a great choice as the career is one of the highest paid in Malaysia.
Another great reason to study finance is because of it’s more narrow focus, but it still allows you to explore a field that has a lot of job opportunities. Being able to set yourself with a finance degree will help you when searching for jobs, especially from a large number of business administration graduates. As a finance degree is harder to attain, it is guaranteed to set you apart.
What are some of the Subjects in a Finance Degree Course?
Vincent Yeoh, Accounting & Finance at Asia Pacific University (APU)
The subjects for the Finance degree will vary from university to university and depend on the emphasis. Students should look at the subjects offered to see if they meet your academic and career goals. It is also important to note that some universities have a lot of accounting subjects in their finance degree so if you don’t like accounting, you may not want to go for that university.
- Business Finance
- Computers in Business
- Fundamentals of Financial and Management Accounting
- Introduction to Economics
- Microeconomics for Business
- Organisational Behaviour
- Financial Markets Theory
- Corporate Financial Theory
- Financial Derivatives
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- International Bond and Currency Markets
- Managing Corporate Value
- Equity Markets and Fund Management
- Risk Management and Derivatives
- Contemporary Issues in Finance
- Financial Economics
- Financial Markets: Theory and Computation
- Financial Management
- Financial Mathematics
- Financial Reporting
- Fundamentals of Investment
- Law of Banking and Finance
- Management Information System
- Business Research Methods
- The Financial System
- Financial Planning and Control
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Personal Financial Planning Techniques
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Derivatives
- Financial Modelling
- International Banking & Investment
- Portfolio Management
- Risk Management in Banking
What is the Difference between Finance & Accounting?
In practical terms, finance refers to all of the money-related decisions consumers, businesses, and governments make on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis. It’s similar to accounting, but there is a key difference:
- Accounting is focused on the collection and analysis of financial information.
- Finance is more concerned with the implications that comes from using various money management strategies.
Whereas an accountant would seek to analyze financial data to produce a report, a finance expert would be more inclined to synthesize that information to generate an actionable recommendation.
What is the Minimum Education Requirements to work in the Banking & Finance Industry in Malaysia?
The banking and finance industries include a wide variety of careers, including positions in asset management, loan processing and financial planning. The required level of education will vary, but most will possess at least a bachelor’s degree in Banking & Finance or related degree such as Finance, Accounting & Finance, Finance & Investment, Economics, Accounting, etc.
How many Years is the Banking & Finance Course in Malaysia?
Students after IGCSE/O-Levels or SPM will take Foundation in Business course for 1 year or a Pre-University course for 1 to 1.5 years.
After that, you will continue on to the degree for 3 years.
What are the Entry Requirements to Study a Degree in Banking & Finance in Malaysia?
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels with at least 5 credits including Maths may enter a Foundation in Business or Foundation in Arts at a top private university in Malaysia for 1 year before continuing on to the 3-year banking or finance degree programme.
Pre-University graduates in Malaysia from programmes such as UEC, STPM, A-Levels, SAM, CPU, AUSMAT and others with an average of 60% may enter directly into the degree. The minimum entry requirements will vary from university to university.
Students with at least 3 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels including Maths may go for the Diploma in Accounting and then enter into Year 2 of the banking & finance degree programme.
How to Choose a Banking & Finance Course that is Recognised and Accredited in Malaysia
- Is the Banking & Finance course popular at that university or college?
- What is the reputation or ranking of the private university in Malaysia? Global ranking by QS World University Rankings or locally by MQA in the SETARA
- Is the Banking & Finance course recognised and approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia?
- Is the Banking & Finance course accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)?
- Awards won by the university, staff or students for the particular course of interest. The number of awards won would be a guide on how good the university is for the course.
- Type of programme (local diploma or dual award diploma or diploma awarded by foreign university partner?)
Academic Quality of the Banking & Finance Degree Course at the University in Malaysia
- Subjects offered in the Banking & Finance course (Are they relevant, up-to-date, and help you to achieve your career goals)
- Entry requirements for the Banking & Finance Degree Course at the university or college in Malaysia
- What is the Class size for the Banking & Finance course?
- Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified & experienced faculty
- Quality of lecturers. What are their qualifications? How many years of experience in teaching?
- Ask your friends who have studied there or currently studying there for their opinion on the teaching quality, environment and facilities.
- Does the university or college 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 college?
- What is the duration of the course? When are the intake dates?
What are the Facilities at the University that a Banking & Finance Course in Malaysia Should Have?
Gary, Accounting Graduate from University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU
- When choosing a university or 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.
- Location of the university or college. Is it in the city, suburbs or country side? You should also consider the ambience of your surroundings when choosing a university. If you can’t live without nightlife, think city! If you’re into the great outdoors, you might want to go rural. Some students prefer a city life while other students prefer a quieter university environment away from the city. On the other hand, if you’re used to shopping malls and cinemas and choose a university in a rural area, you might get bored.
- Size of the university.
- Transportation. Is the university accessible to you? What are the public transportation available? If you drive, is there ample parking?
- Campus resources (labs, library or resource centre, wifi, computer access, sports facilities, etc.)
How Much will it Cost for a Banking & Finance Course in Malaysia
Kar Jun, Accounting graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
- 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. (Costs for university studies in Malaysia would include tuition, hostel, food, transportation, entertainment, etc.)
- What are the Financial assistance available at the university? (Scholarships, PTPTN Loan, EPF withdrawal, 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? (Off-campus apartments, houses, condominiums) 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, safe & secure, etc.?
Student Environment and Activities at the University & College
Hui Ying, Diploma in Accounting Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
- 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.
- Size of the university or college in Malaysia. Some students prefer a large campus with sports facilities and other resources while other students like small colleges with family-like environment. A small college may offer individualised attention, as well as a more intimate and personalised experience. for your studies You might even want to think about how far you want to walk to get from one class to another in a large university campus. Even those little details may affect your decision.
- Make up of the student body (diversity, international students, gender, etc.) Universities with a good proportion of international students will help you to improve your English language skills since you would need to communicate with them in English. In addition, you will learn about their culture, behaviour and discover new ideas. These skills will be useful to you when you work overseas or in a multi-national company.
- What are the Extra-curricular activities available? (Student organisations, clubs, sports, etc.)
- Is the university or college campus a safe area? Safety within the campus and outside.
- Public vs. Private (STPM is tougher and choice of course & university is determined by the government)
Choose a university with an English-speaking student environment
Wei En, Accounting at Taylor’s University
- A strong command of the English language is necessary for a successful future career. A campus where the students communicate well in English will help you to improve your communication skills.
- Research has shown that graduates with a good command of the English language earn higher salaries and get promoted faster than those who are weak.
- Star newspaper reported that in a research, graduates with a good command of the English language gets a 25% higher salary and achieves promotions quicker. If you want to pass a job interview at top Banks, Financial Institutions, Investment Firms or Multi-National Companies, you will need to be able to communicate well in English.
- You cannot tell your future employer during the interview that you would take English courses to improve if they offer you the job. By that time, it is too late.
What is the Education Pathway to a Banking & Finance Degree After High School in Malaysia?
Kar Jun (Left), Accounting graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
Choosing the right course to study in Malaysia after secondary school is one of the most important decisions you can make in your life. Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels with at least 5 credits including Maths subjects may enter a Foundation in Business or Foundation in Arts at a top private university in Malaysia for 1 year before continuing on to the 3-year banking or finance degree programme.
Alternatively, students with at least 3 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels including Maths may go for the Diploma in Accounting or Diploma in Finance and then enter into Year 2 of the accounting, banking or finance degree programme. You will take about 2 years to complete the degree.
Pre-University students with the relevant results in STPM, A-Levels, SAM, CPU, AUSMAT, etc. can enter directly into Year 1 of the Banking & Finance degree providing they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Graduates from the Accounting degree programmes will gain entry into the professional level of ACCA and CPA Australia. The accounting degree course will also equip graduates to pursue further professional qualifications with CFA, CFP, CIMA, ICAEW, MIA, RFP, etc.
Banking and Finance graduates may go for the the professional certifications by FPAM – Financial Planning Association of Malaysia, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Asian Institute of Chartered Banker (AICB).
Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services is a top recruitment agent for top private universities in Malaysia and private colleges in Singapore providing information and counselling on courses and helping students to choose the right university. EduSpiral Consultant Services sets ourselves apart from other agents by providing counseling based on facts and evidence so that our students are able to make the right choices after SPM, IGCSE/O-Levels, UEC, STPM, A-Levels or Pre-University. We research on articles and information to help them make the right choices about choosing their career and course in Banking & Finance.
If you are still not sure what to study, please contact us and we will send you a free EduSpiral Career Assessment Form.
What Can you Work in with a Finance Degree?
With a finance degree you can work in:
| Administrative Executive | Commodities Trader | Financial Planner |
| Appraiser | Consumer Credit/Loan Officer | Foreign Exchange Trader |
| Audit Manager | Controller | Government Official |
| Bank Manager | Cost Manager | Industrial/Institutional Buyer |
| Bank Representative | CPA | Insurance Agent/Broker |
| Bookkeeper | Credit Counselor | International Trade Specialist |
| Branch Manager | Credit Manager | Investment Banker |
| Budget Analyst | Economist | Investment Researcher |
| Business Analyst | Estimator | Investor Relations |
| Loan Administrator | External Auditor | Loan Officer |
| Business Manager | Finance Writer | Loan Processor |
| Chief Executive Officer | Financial Analyst | Management Accountant |
| Chief Financial Officer | Financial Consultant | Market Research Analyst |
| Claim Adjuster/Examiner | Financial Economist | Mergers/Acquisitions Mgr |
| Mutual Fund Manager | Property Manager | Securities Analyst |
| Mutual Fund Trader | Rate Analyst | Securities Broker |
| Payroll Administrator | Real Estate Developer | Stockbroker |
| Portfolio Analyst | Sales Analyst | |
| Treasury Management Specialist | Trust Analyst |