Why You Should Choose to Study at the Best 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.
A High Ranking Private University will Enhance Your Education, Character, Skills & Mindset to Prepare you for a Successful Career
Darren, Finance & Investment Graduate from UCSI University
Choosing a top private university in Malaysia to study after secondary school or Pre-University takes time, it is a process in finding out which one best fits you. A knowledgeable counselor or education consultant in Malaysia would be able to provide detailed information about the university and its courses, facts & evidence to support the job prospects for the course and in-depth information about which university would be suit you. While an experienced counselor or education consultant would be able to analyse your results, understand your personality & skills to figure out which course and career suits you.
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. To find out which courses are high in demand in Malaysia, you can look at the Top 10 Courses in Demand in Malaysia.
Remember that no university is good at everything and no university is good at one area of study in Malaysia. Many students in Malaysia are confused by advertisements, popularity and rumours. They simply believe the advertisements or the claims made by their friends and relatives without checking if they are true or not. We have to make decisions based on facts and evidence.
Additionally, 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. Students should look at the awards won by the university in the particular field. Rankings from QS World University Rankings, SETARA, and other reliable rankings can serve as a guide.
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.
Top Foreign Branch Campuses
- Monash University Malaysia
- Southampton University Malaysia
- University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC)
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Curtin University Sarawak
Top Private Universities
- Taylor’s University
- Sunway University
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- UOW Malaysia , Utropolis Glenmarie
- HELP University
- UOWM KDU Penang
- UTAR
- First City University College
- Saito University College
Top Private Colleges
- Taylor’s College
- YTL International College of Hotel Management
- Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
- HELP Academy
The Best Reasons to Study at a Top Private University in Malaysia
Lucas, A-Levels at HELP Academy & Law Degree from Queens University Belfast
The future job market is extremely competitive and skilled employees are high in demand. Graduates from top private universities will have gained the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges and needs of Industry (INR) 4.0.
Choosing the right university is important as it will help to shape your mind, character and help you to develop the necessary skills for a successful career. This is one of the most important decisions that may change your life forever hence it should not be taken lightly.
Remember, you are choosing a university that will help to prepare you to work for the next 60 years of your life. If the university doesn’t equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills, you would get a low salary for the next 60 years of your life.
High academic standards
At Malaysia’s top private universities, you will receive an education that is higher in quality compared to others. Lecturers there are usually in the forefront of their field of study, and they will have years of experience teaching students. These lecturers will have access to a vast network of resources within the industry and could open doors for you. Experienced lecturers would be able to guide students to achieve academic success.
Technologically Advanced Facilities
Having access to a variety of resources and state-of-the-art facilities brings a significant benefit to students as well. As they are in the forefront of technology, these universities will provide the best laboratories and research facilities that you might not find anywhere else.
If you do not have opportunities to work with the tools or equipment, you won’t get the training needed.
Resources
Top private universities usually have well-stocked libraries, access to online libraries as well as access to a wide range of research papers for students to take advantage of.
Influential network
Attending a top university can help you build a strong network that can provide a wealth of opportunities in the future. You not only get to connect with faculty members, and get to listen to top industry leaders at on campus seminars, you build a network with students from around the world. Furthermore, your alumni network can also help you find jobs, which leads to the next benefit.
Employment Opportunities
Top private universities get to introduce their students into working with top companies in Malaysia and abroad. Their years of experience in the industry as well as yearly on campus job fairs gives you an edge. You are more likely to get an internship with well-known companies and possibly gain a job offer.
Furthermore, if you are from a top private university, your chances of getting hired after graduation is higher because they recognise the reputation these private universities have. Since getting a job in Malaysia is highly competitive, this is an assurance that you will be a great candidate.
International & High Achiever Student Community
When developing your list of top universities, consider the university’ 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.
The overall culture of your university will play as big a role in your future success as your degree. By studying in top universities, you will be surrounded by other highly motivated people who are sure to provide you with a challenge. You not only get to work with amazing lecturers, but also brilliant peers from all around the world.
In addition, 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.
A top private university that has a diverse student body with many international students would help students to improve their English-language and cross-cultural communication skills. With globalisation, many top companies in the world are looking for professionals who are dynamic with strong management skills to lead a globalised work force.
These people will play a vital role in shaping you and enriching your life with different perspectives and insights.
Student support services
Top private universities provide qualified and trained psychologists to help students with their problems and counsel them. Studying at a top private university can be stressful when you want to achieve the top grades therefore having access to counseling services to deal with your problems is an advantage.
An active Student Affairs Department would have a lot of extra-curricular activities providing for a vibrant university life. Strong student clubs and societies would help build important skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and creativity.
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
How to Choose the Best Private University or College to Study in Malaysia
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
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
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
Vincent Yeoh, Accounting & Finance at Asia Pacific University
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.
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
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
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.
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(Updated January 2, 2024)
