Best Private Universities & Top Colleges in Malaysia

Graduates

A List of Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia

Choosing a university to study at is not easy. There are over 500 institutions in Malaysia to pick from and all of them offer different experiences, different subjects and different courses. 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 which we will discuss in detail in the article.

Studying at the top ranking university or college in Malaysia gives you a lot of opportunities in your future professional life. Top universities provide a high standard of education that equips you well for your future career. Furthermore, a degree earned at a reputable university in Malaysia makes seeking employment much easier whether locally or globally. Therefore, EduSpiral Consultant Services have come up with a list of The Best Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia and the courses that they are best at in order to help you to make the right choice.

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.

Top Universities & Colleges in Malaysia

Top Foreign Branch Campuses

  1. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
  2. University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC)
  3. Monash University Malaysia
  4. Southampton University Malaysia
  5. Curtin University Sarawak

Top Private Universities

  1. Taylor’s University
  2. Sunway University
  3. Asia Pacific University (APU) 
  4. Multimedia University (MMU)
  5. UOWM KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie
  6. HELP University
  7. UOWM KDU Penang University College
  8. UTAR
  9. First City University College
  10. Saito University College

Top Private Colleges

  1. Taylor’s College
  2. YTL International College of Hotel Management
  3. HELP Academy

How to Choose the Best Private University or College to Study in Malaysia

I was confused about what to study & at which university. Talking to EduSpiral helped clear my doubts.
Zen Yi, Graduated from Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)

Studying at the top ranking university or college in Malaysia gives you a lot of opportunities in your future professional life. Top universities provide a high standard of education that equips you well for your future career. Furthermore, a degree earned at a reputable university in Malaysia makes seeking employment much easier whether locally or globally.

Every university and course in Malaysia is different and each student wants different things to fit their education and career goals. Additionally, there are hundreds of private universities and colleges in Malaysia offering a wide range of Foundation, Diploma & Degree courses. Students after SPM, O-Levels, STPM, UEC, A-Levels or other Pre-University programme will almost certainly need to decide what is most important to you. The best university is one that fits your career goals, your personality and can push you to a higher level of success.

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. Recognition and accreditation by the various professional bodies such as the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), Pharmacy Board, Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM), Nursing Board, Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), etc.  Students should check with the external bodies and counsellors to ensure that the courses are accredited and recognised.

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.

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 such as an Alienware Computer Lab for Game Design students, for instance), field-specific academic opportunities (such as student exchange programmes overseas) and employment opportunities with prestigious organisations in your industry (internships with industry partners, for example). Below is a list of top universities in Malaysia in their particular field of expertise.

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. 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.

Common Factors in Choosing the Best Private College or University in Malaysia

First, EduSpiral took me around to a few universities and advised me on which course that would suit me. Finally, after deciding, EduSpiral met up with me and my Dad to help me to register.
Jia Jin, Foundation in Design at Taylor’s University

Here’s a list of common criteria in choosing a top private university in Malaysia:

  • 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.

Take Time and Effort to Choose the Right Private University in Malaysia to Study at

EduSpiral helped me to transfer my Diploma & everything went smoothly. I also asked him to help my younger brother to find the the right university after his UEC". Haw Chieh (Right), Graduated in Accounting from UCSI University
EduSpiral helped me to transfer my Diploma & everything went smoothly. I also asked him to help my younger brother to find the the right university after his UEC”.
Haw Chieh (Right), Graduated in Accounting from UCSI University

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.

Many students in Malaysia also make the common mistake in choosing a university because their friends are going there. I even had one student tell me that his choice of university depends on where his girlfriend is going!

This is one of the most important decisions that may change your life forever hence it should not be taken lightly.

A Top University that Emphasises on Soft Skills will Enhance your Employability & Future Career Success in Malaysia

EduSpiral emphasised the importance of having good English for our future career. I am glad to join a globalised university which has helped me to improve my communication skills.
Vincent Yeoh, Accounting & Finance at Asia Pacific University

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem: between 2010 and 2013, the number of unemployed graduates grew from 42,954 to 52,282. And the Department of Statistics, Malaysia has more bad news: From their 2014 survey, 399,500 people were unemployed in Malaysia. 60% of them were youth.

Lack of self-initiative and soft skills are among the main factors leading to unemployability among fresh graduates in the country. Soft skills basically are the personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people.

TalentCorp Malaysia chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican said some of the fresh graduates tended to take the job application process lightly, without taking the initiative to market themselves to the future employer.

Additionally, employers say many fresh graduates who have grown up in the tech era are less prepared for the human element of a new career. As a result, students who can hold a professional conversation, offer a strong handshake, and make eye contact gain an edge in hiring and promotions. For that reason, make it a priority to polish these much sought after skills.

Hard skills are the tangible and technical skills easily demonstrated by a candidate’s qualifications and specific professional experiences, soft skills is a term used by employers to refer to the more intangible and non-technical abilities that are sought from candidates.

Soft skills are sometimes referred to as transferable skills or professional skills. As this term implies, these are skills that are less specialised, less rooted in specific vocations, and more aligned with the general disposition and personality of a candidate. Examples of important soft skills are communication, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, time management, flexibility, responsibility and a strong command of the English language.

As an undergraduate student, you will learn these skills at a university that has a vibrant student environment with a high number of international students and extra-curricular activities for you to participate in. A solid internship programme at the university will also help to develop your soft skills.

Soft skills relate to your attitudes and your intuitions. As soft skills are tangible compared to your qualifications and more personality-driven, it is important to consider what your soft skills are and how you might show evidence of them before you apply for a job. This is particularly true of the recruitment process for graduate programmes, where transferable skills and potential often have equal importance to professional experience.

If everyone applying for a particular job, all the applicants possess the same degree qualification, what would make you stand out from them? Being able to demonstrate your soft skills equates to demonstrating great potential to succeed and progress in the career of your choice.

In order to succeed, students must choose the best universities in Malaysia to study. Students must start as early as possible to develop their soft skills in order to be successful in their accounting career. Students should choose the right university that fits them which has a good reputation for business programs, excellent facilities, internships, top lecturers, extra-curricular activities, international environment and an English-speaking student environment.

Talk to a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant to Help you to Choose the Best Private University or College in Malaysia

EduSpiral counselled me online and met me at KDU Penang University College to take me around the campus. It helped me a lot in making the right decision. Archie Wong (Right), Business degree Graduate from KDU Penang University College
EduSpiral counselled me online and met me at KDU Penang University College to take me around the campus. It helped me a lot in making the right decision.
Archie Wong (Right), Business degree Graduate from KDU Penang University College

Choosing a the right university to study after SPM or O-Levels in Malaysia takes time, it is a process in finding out which university in best for you. You need to talk to the right counsellors who are knowledgeable and experienced.

A knowledgeable counsellor would be able to provide detailed information about the course, facts & evidence to support the job prospects for the course and in-depth information about which university would be suit you. While an experienced counsellor would be able to analyse your results, understand your personality & skills to figure out which course and career suits you.

A knowledgeable education consultant means that he or she would know the entry requirements, course details, in-depth knowledge of the hundreds of courses out there, career prospects, job demand, professional recognition requirements, accreditation, best universities for the course, and other information that would help a confused student to make the right choice.

While an experienced education consultant would have had counseled hundreds of students analysing their personalities and skilfully guiding them to the right course and university.

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. After knowing which course, we can then determine which private university in best for that course.

Ask a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant to Help you Make the Right Choice

EduSpiral helped me to find a college that’s affordable and with a job guarantee too!
Dora, Diploma in Hotel Management at YTL International College of Hotel Management

Choosing a course to study after SPM, UEC, STPM, O-Levels or A-Levels is not a science, it is a process in finding out who you are and what you are good at. An experienced Education Advisor would be invaluable in assisting you to choose the right course. Students need to talk to the right education counsellors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.

Ask the right Education Counsellors. 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 counsellors from universities, colleges or agents’ offices.  Talking to an experienced education advisor would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Experienced education counsellors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help you make a list of possible courses for consideration. EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 15 years experience in counselling students. Having worked in the private education industry, we have in-depth knowledge of each private university and college in what they are good at.

Disclaimer

All the information on this website is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. http://www.eduspiral.com does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (http://www.eduspiral.com), is strictly at your own risk. http://www.eduspiral.com will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website.

This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own.

In addition, my thoughts and opinions change from time to time. I consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind. This weblog is intended to provide a semi-permanent point in time snapshot and manifestation of the various memes running around my brain, and as such any thoughts and opinions expressed within out-of-date posts may not the same, nor even similar, to those I may hold today.

While every caution has been taken to provide my readers with most accurate information and honest analysis, please use your discretion before taking any decisions based on the information in this blog. The Author nor EduSpiral Consultant Services will not compensate you in any way whatsoever if you ever happen to suffer a loss/inconvenience/damage because of/while making use of information in this blog.

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(Updated January 2, 2022)

42 thoughts on “Best Private Universities & Top Colleges in Malaysia

  1. I’m interested in taking aircraft engineering course. Which uni is the best for this course? Is it still nilai uni?

  2. I would like to study abroad for engineering.
    What is the difference between UCSI’s IDP and Sunway’s ADTP?
    Which is better? Any scolarship available?

  3. I would like to study abroad for engineering.
    What is the difference between UCSI’s IDP and Sunway’s ADTP?
    Which is better, more affordable and offering better scolarship?
    Any recommendations?

    1. It is not a matter of which is better or affordable. If you plan to go to the USA to study then go for ADTP, if you want to go to Australia or UK, then go to UCSI. Going overseas will cost you about RM150,000 a year. You have to do the maths yourself and calculate how much it will cost for you to study overseas and then decide. Scholarships depends on your results.

  4. Hello, SEGi university has accepted me for medicine. What is your opinion on the course in this university? Your advice is greatly appreciated.

  5. Hi im interested in doing diploma in IT. Which is the most suitable University in terms of English command, facilities? Im thinking of maybe UCSI, HELP or INTI. I live in taiping btw.

  6. im goin to complete my foundation in business in 2 months..
    but im confused where to pursue my bachelors in business administration.. i have INTI & KDU college penang in mind.. but not sure which to choose..

  7. Hi,i have just finish matriculation and interested in medical course.can you recommend me any universities that offered this course and had been recognize by the mqa.

  8. Do you recommend going to the Uni of Nottingham Malaysia cmpus for the foundation in engineering programme? If not, which uni is better?

  9. I’m Indonesian student but currently study my high school in Taipei. I really concern about my future and some Malaysian universities are in my list. So Which is better for mass communication? UCSI, APU or INTI International University ( Putra Nilai ) ? Thank you.

  10. Which University has high quality, experienced lecturer and internship opportunities, APU or Utar?I am choosing between one of this University.

    1. Which University has high quality, experienced lecturer and internship opportunities in business, APU or Utar?I am choosing between one of this University And I want to study foundation in business.

    2. Both universities have experienced lecturers, internship and high ranking. One has a Mandarin-speaking student environment while the other is English. UTAR is a Malaysian degree while APU you get a UK degree. It depends on your career goals. For more details, you can email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number.

  11. hi.. just wanted to ask if i take double major does that mean double the workload? for example business management and marketing. does that mean i’ll learn both of it the modules exactly same as someone who takes only business management or marketing? btw is kdu business degree as good as the keele 3+0 degree they offer?

  12. hi , my son just finish his SPM with 5A’s and he is interested in doing chemical engineering.
    He checked a few University’s and finally decided to register with Segi University kota-damansara.

    Now as a parent , my wife and I , we are not sure if Segi is the best choice ?
    Budget for foundation and with the help of PTPTN loan for him to continue his degree sounds good….. but don’t know if his paper would carry much weight compared to UTAR or other university’s.

    Can I also know when Harriot-Watt can get their accreditation.. so that PTPTN would be eligible ?

    May you could give us a few suggestion / alternative choice or advise on how we could help my son ….. to make the right choice .

    Thanks.

  13. I’m interested in doing my foundation in engineering. Which college is most suitable if money is not a problem

  14. Sir, im a malaysian citizen student..after finished my spm, I came to india n doing diploma in mechanical engineering…..
    If I want to do degree in malaysia means im considered as local student or international student ?? What r the requirements for me to do degree there ?? Which college is good for mechanical ??? Pls reply me

  15. Hello. I am a student with a diploma in pharmacy backgrounds. I have an interest in the psychology with marketing and communication studies.If I wanted to further my studies in HELP university is there any loans or scholarships provided?

  16. Hello. I am a student with a diploma in pharmacy background, May I know, what is the admission requirement for bachelor in psychology? And If I wanted to further my studies In HELP university is there any loan or scholarship provided?

    1. Scholarships are only provided for students after SPM, UEC or Pre-U. Your Diploma is not even related to Psychology so you will have to start from Year 1. Entry after diploma is based on exemptions. You can try to apply for their scholarships and also PTPN.

    1. As far as I know, IMU is famous for health sciences like Pharmacy and Medicine. AIMST was reported in the Star newspaper this year being audited by the Ministry of Education due to a high number of complaints. UCSI University is one of the first to offer the Biotech programme in Malaysia. If you are interested, please email me at info@eduspiral.com.my with your full name and mobile number. Thanks.

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EduSpiral Consultant Services  has more than 20 years experience in the private education industry and is an officially appointed representative for over 20 private colleges & universities in Malaysia.