
10 of the Best Private Universities in Malaysia 2023-2024 that You Should Consider to Study At
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 private 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. When choosing a private university, the top one doesn’t necessarily mean that it is best for you. The best university is the one that has the experience and expertise in running the course that you want, provides the environment to cultivate your skills to be relevant in a technologically advanced future workplace, provide ample facilities, possess the relevant accreditations and one that’s aligned with your career goals. To help you develop a good list of criteria, we have made a list of some of the best private universities in Malaysia for you to consider.
You might also be interested to read these:
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 Reveals Malaysia’s Top Universities
- Top 20 Universities in Malaysia According to QS World University Rankings 2023
- Malaysia’s Top Private Universities 2023
- 30 Jobs with Future High Demand & Salaries in Malaysia – Find Out so you can choose the Best Course to Study Now!
- 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
- What is the Best Course to study after SPM or O-Levels in Malaysia?
- Malaysia’s 28 Top Jobs in Demand in Future with High Salaries
- Top 10 Degree Courses in Malaysia with Highest Starting Salaries
- Ratings of Top Malaysian Universities According to SETARA 2019
Do you have any questions for us on this article? Or need advise on choosing the right course and private university? If so, then please fill up the Enquiry Form below. Our team of experts will help you solve your queries at the earliest via WhatsApp.
List of 10 Top Private Universities in Malaysia that will Help you Achieve a Successful Career in the Technologically Advanced Future Workplace

Choosing a private 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 Foundation, Diploma & Degree courses. Students 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 private 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 you 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.
Another factor that most students do not consider is the future job demand of the course as well as employability after graduation. Is the university that you are considering future focused and provide support for you to develop your skills to face the challenges of a technologically advanced future.
In the new era of Industry 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence (Ai), how will your knowledge and skills fare in the workplace? In addition, would the course that you are studying transition you into a career that would be in demand with a stable or high salary?
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.
Finally, looking at the number of awards that the private university and its students have won in competitions related to the course can be a guide in helping you to make the right choice. To win an award means that the university has achieved a level of quality and the lecturers who guide the students to win are competent. Furthermore, when the university participate in the competitions, it means that you have the opportunity to participate and grow your skills. 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
- Monash University Malaysia
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- HELP University
- Sunway University
- University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU
- First City University College
- MAHSA University
Are Rankings Important When Choosing a Private University to Study at in Malaysia?

Jasmine, Business Information Systems Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
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.

Gary, Accounting Graduate from University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU
The Times Higher Education (THE) 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. These rankings are useful guides when considering the UK Foreign Branch Campuses.
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

It is important for students planning to study a diploma or degree course in Malaysia to check to see if the course is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the university or college is recognised by the Ministry of Education.
If you do not study a course that is accredited by MQA, you will not be able to get a job nor continue on to degree studies. Read on to find out more about MQA and the accreditation and recognition of courses in Malaysia.
In addition, the courses should possess the relevant recognition and accreditation by the various professional bodies such as the:
- Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
- Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM)
- Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM)
- 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)
- ACCA/CIMA/ICAEW/MICPA
- Pharmacy Board
- Nursing Board
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 May 22, 2023)
hi , for diploma & degree in creative media & animation , which one is better between UOW KDU or MMU . thanks
Both have their strong points, so you have to weigh them and choose which one that would best fit your career goals
hi, thanks for the reply. i decide to go UOW since UOW offer diploma in sequential art then i can do degree in digital media .
You can WhatsApp me at 01111408838 and I will send you the details
Which college/university is best recommended for degree in logistics and supply chain management ?
Saito University College
Hi, what university is best for digital marketing?
Asia Pacific University, Taylor’s University and Saito University College
Hi, may I know which uni university is best for actuarial science?
You can consider Asia Pacific University and Heriot Watt University Malaysia
May I know UTAR is famous on which course
UTAR is famous for business and engineering courses.
Does UTAR have an environment of English-speaking students as pointed out on your blog? Thanks
UTAR was established by MCA to support the Chinese community. I think most of the students who attend UTAR are of Chinese descent hence they would communicate in the language that they are familiar with.
May i know which uni is best for tesl with special needs language as an elective?
Sorry I don’t know
which university is best for business link with IT and finance?
IT and Finance would be Financial Technology or Fintech. You can consider APU
May I know which university is best for professional accounting? Thank you.
Taylor’s, KDU, Sunway, and Taruc
Hi,may I know which university is best for professional accounting.? Thank you in advance.
You may consider Taylor’s, KDU, Sunway, and Taruc
Hi, which is the best university for for the Information technology course in cyber security?
Asia Pacific University (APU), Multimedia University (MMU), Taylor’s University and UOWM KDU
Which will be the top 3 uni to do Computer Science or Software Engineering. and which degree is recognized internationally?
As long as the degree is accredited by MQA, overseas employers would generally accept for the degree certificate. Top private universities in Malaysia for computer science or software engineering are Asia Pacific University, Multimedia University (MMU) and Taylor’s University.
hi , which university provide the best branding and advertising course?
There aren’t many universities offering this course specifically
can I ask about which uni offer the best branding and advertising course?
Not, many universities offer this course specifically. However, although the title of the degree may be different, it is important to look at the subjects offered as that shows more clearly what you will be learning
Hi , may I ask what is the best Uni that offer branding and advertising course? So far I only c UCSI offer this course , the course good?
As you know UCSI offers this course. lease take a picture of your results and WhatsApp to 01111408838 for evaluation for entry and further advise
How about IUMW review?
Hi, can I ask info about the the pre intake bumiputera YTN scholarship programme.
Please contact them directly and ask them
Hi, Which university is best for Business marketing?
You can consider Heriot-Watt University, Taylor’s University, Asia Pacific University, UCSI University and KDU University College. For more details, you can WhatsApp me at 01111408838
Hello sir,
I would like to study in ‘International Relations and Affairs’ with scholarship opportunity. I Have good academic profile i mean i got GPA- 5 out of 5 in both SSC & HSC. Also i have scored overall band score 6 in IELTS. My question is which malaysian university would give me the full funding scholarship or is there any chance to get scholarship like full funding?
Thanks in advance
I won’t know. You have to contact the universities and ask them.
Greeting,I want to do twining program for mechanical engineering , Can I know which local and oversea university can fulfill my requirements? Thanks.
You can email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number for more details
i would like to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering, which do you think is better? KDU, UCSI or SEGI?
UCSI University is one of the first private universities to offer the Electrical & Electronic engineering course. And now their E&E degree is also accredited by MQA and the Board of Engineers Malaysia. You can email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number for more details.
Hi, could you please advise me on which university is the best for studying Actuarial science? Do not include Heriott Watt..I was thinking out of these : Sunway, UNTAR, UCSI, APU or other Uni you can recommend.
Thanks
You have to look at the subjects to see how much they pertain to finance. Secondly, look at the lecturers, awards won, facilities, accreditation, and student culture to see which one best fits you.
I want to study diploma in accounting but I don’t know which college to go inti or help ?
HELP University is better. You can email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number for more details
I would like to ask which uni is the best for bachelor in biomedical in malaysia. Thank you.
Not sure as biomedical science is not in demand in Malaysia and hardly any private university offers this course.
i would like to know about good univ. in malaysia for bachelor in business administration and with decent placement rate. thank you.
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Curtin University Sarawak, UCSI University, Asia Pacific University, HELP University and KDU University College
Hi – Pl guide me which uni is better for chemical engineering undergrad program , Monash sunway campus or curtin sarawak
Both universities are famous for chemical engineering in Malaysia. So, to decide which one is better for you, you will need to look at the subjects offered to see which one fits your career goals. Also, consider the cost, entry requirements, and campus environment.
Which Among Those Universities Is Prefferable To Offer Business In Information Technology
Asia Pacific University
I am a foreign student and i want to study mechanical engineering in Malaysia, but i don’t know which university should i choose, can you help me in this ?
Top universities in Malaysia for mechanical engineering are Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Curtin University Sarawak and UCSI University
I want to study in Malaysia for fashion and merchandising …
which university is the best in Malaysia for the programme .?
please inform me …..
I have completed a 4 years Textile diploma from Bangladesh.
Will I get any facility or waiver from Malaysian University ,,,?
My cont. —
E-mail : raihantex10@gmail.com
Mobile : 8801737777959
You can consider UCSI University. No tuition waivers are given for international students.
What could be the best university in malaysia to transfr credit after one year completion….from UCSi???My course is Financial economics…thanks you.
It depends on the exemptions given
is UCSI recognized in Germany?I graduated from UCSI and i want to apply for Stuttgart in Germany
Every university in the world will have its own process in evaluating the degree from another university. In order to know whether the degree is accepted you have to apply.
good morning..may i knw which university is best and also good for chemical engineering course?
price shld be reasonable too..
vind1996@yahoo.com..tis is my email..anyting means u cn reply to my email
Heriot-Watt University, Curtin University and UCSI University
Which is the best universities for study in bachelor of science majoring in mathematics?
IPTA or Public University
The best university with a foundation year for science leading to medicine for international student?
You can consider UCSI University.
I would like to study for bachelor in hotel management. Which uni will be the best for it??
It also depends on your budget. You can consider KDU University College.
Is UCSI provide a good program in Optometry? Do they have good lecturers? Besides UCSI, are they any private Universities offer this course?
Although the programme is new at UCSI, it has the necessary recognition and the university has a good reputation for health science courses. Yes, there is one or two other optometry universities in Malaysia. Please email me at info@eduspiral.com stating the course of interest, your full name as per IC and mobile number. I will send you all the details.
I cirrently taking diploma in civil at Inti nilai . I would like to take my degree in ucsi … I I not sure which universivty is better … can u give some suggestion ?
UCSI was one of the first private universities to offer engineering courses hence they have the necessary experience. Their degree is accredited by BEM and the university has been ranked Excellent by SETARA 2013 as well. For more details, you may email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number. Cheers!
study civil engineer in Inti nilai better ? Or ucsi better? Pls tell me Thank you …..
UCSI
May i know which college is best for business marketing?
There isn’t one that is the best. You have to compare the lecturers’ experience, facilities, student environment, course subjects and budget to see which one best fits you and your career goals. You can email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number for more details.
Which University is best for psychology?
HELP University
Top 10 private universities that pay the most advertisement fees to eduspiral.com
EduSpiral has not received any advertising fees from any of these universities, so please make your accusations with fact and evidence.
I’m looking for good uni for banking and finance,so any suggestions?
UCSI University, Asia Pacific University or Curtin University Sarawak. You can email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number for more details.
I am thinking want to study foundation in engineering , but I don’t no which uni is good , ,there have few uni in my list , heroit watt uni , taylor , monash and curtein , please advise tq
Heriot Watt, Monash and Curtin are top ranked universities in the world for engineering. Not sure how the other university ended up in your list. Monash does not offer any Foundation course. You have to look at your budget as well and the university environment that would suit your personality. You can email me at info@eduspiral.com.my with your full name and mobile number for more details.
Looking for admission to study accounting
I want to know more about study in malaysia
hi~ what result in diploma do I acquire to enter degree in TESL? how long would be degree duration if i have completed diploma in TESL earlier?
It will depend on the exemptions given by the university that you are interested to join. The duration will depend on the exemptions given.